Here's a look at the original feature articles and columns published by New Jersey Stage from August 1 to August 31, 2022. In addition to these stories, we publish between 50-60 press releases during the week.
"She's a Legend!" Maria Muldaur LIVE! in Somers Point, NJ by Spotlight Central It’s 90 minutes before show time, and music lovers already have their chairs planted in the sand this Friday, July 22, 2022 evening in Somers Point, NJ for a free concert on the beach starring five-time Grammy nominated pop, folk, and blues singer Maria Muldaur.
Inside SOPAC's 2022-2023 Season: MUSIC (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- A legendary voice of love, a forefather of Funk, the High Priestess of R&B, and the king and queen of the banjo—these are just a few of the highly anticipated musical acts in the 2022-23 season at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).
MPAC presents Gavin DeGraw (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Multi-platinum and GRAMMY® nominated recording artist Gavin DeGraw brings his “Face The River Tour” to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, August 26 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from$109-$49.
Grunin Center presents "Ice-Cold Facts with Ice-T" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Rapper, actor, producer, author and speaker Ice-T will bring his Ice-Cold Facts to the Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30pm. Ice-T will discuss overcoming adversity and share the life lessons that helped him not just to survive, but to thrive. The Ocean County College Foundation presents this as part of the Blauvelt Lecture Series. Tickets are $15.
Air Supply LIVE! on the Beach in Seaside Heights, NJ by Spotlight Central It’s Saturday, July 23, 2022, and music lovers in Seaside Heights, NJ are excitedly awaiting a concert on the beach by the world-famous Australian pop duo, Air Supply.
Daniel Bernard Roumain, Resident Artist Catalyst at the New Jersey Symphony, on Black Classical Music, Hip-Hop, and The Newark Museum of Art’s Summer Concert Series by Christopher Benincasa, JerseyArts.com Earlier this week, composer, performer, educator, activist, and New Jersey Symphony Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain brought jazz and jazz-inspired classical music to the Newark Museum of Art’s Summer Series along with a co-host, Grammy Award-winning clarinetist and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, and the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players.
Soul Asylum: A Beautiful Problem by Bob Makin Soul Asylum were part of an amazing chunk of rock music history on the Minneapolis-based indie label TwinTone Records with The Replacements, Babes in Toyland, The Jayhawks and a bunch of other great acts. Then in Majorlabelland, they went on to accomplish even more, including a Grammy for the 1993 hit “Runaway Train.”
PHOTOS from Lotus at The Bourbon Room by Chris Paul (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Lotus performed at The Bourbon Room in Atlantic City on August 5, 2022 and photographer Chris Paul was on hand to take photos.The band, which has performed at festivals like Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Ultra, and Rothbury, has steadily built a devote fan base through steady touring. They've also crafted a unique musical style outside of simple genre limitations. Equal parts instrumental post-rock and electronic dance, the band’s distinguishing feature is the ability to maintain a decidedly unique musical voice and remain current while bucking passing trends.
"Timeless!" Smokey Robinson LIVE! at the Count Basie Center for the Arts by Spotlight Central Music lovers inside Red Bank, NJ’s Count Basie Center for the Arts auditorium this Wednesday, July 27, 2022 evening patiently await the start of a performance by the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer, songwriter, producer, and Motown executive, Smokey Robinson.
Five for Fighting LIVE! at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino by Spotlight Central Out on the Atlantic City Boardwalk this Saturday, July 30, 2022 evening it feels like another steamy night at the Jersey Shore, but inside the Soundwaves auditorium at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino music lovers ride a cool wave of excitement as they ready themselves for a live concert by Five for Fighting.
Dear Mr. Morale: A Letter to Kendrick Lamar & the Big Steppers by Jennifer Petrics This is our time. To build morale… to step up. After missing coveted coverage of Kendrick Lamar this tour, I felt impassioned to write a review in a different direction altogether. This is the first time I’m not basing it on an actual show, but rather, a think piece which ties into one song off Lamar’s latest album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The song is called “Mirror.” And, it is my hope that, by the end of the article, the reader might feel as charged or impassioned.
American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis Stars in "Broadway Meets the Beach" by Spotlight Central Despite a threatening weather forecast, fans of Broadway musicals are waiting on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ this drizzly Friday, August 5, 2022 evening for a live performance of Broadway Meets the Beach.
Dana Fuchs LIVE! on the Atlantic City Boardwalk by Spotlight Central Music lovers are gathered this August 2, 2022 evening at Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City, NJ boardwalk for a free Wednesday night Mardi Gras AC concert starring blues-rock musician Dana Fuchs. Known for her distinctively soulful voice, Fuchs made a name for herself playing Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway musical, Love, Janis, and also appeared as Sadie in the 2007 film, Across the Universe. As a recording artist, Fuchs has released a number of well-received albums including 2003’s Lonely for a Lifetime, 2011’s Love to Beg, and 2013’s Bliss Avenue. Her latest recording is 2022’s Borrowed Time.
PHOTOS from Greensky Bluegrass & The Wood Brothers in Seaside Heights by Chris Paul (SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ) -- Greensky Bluegrass brought their tour to Seaside Heights on August 13, 2022 and The Wood Brothers, who have been touring with Greensky, opened the night. Photographer Chris Paul was there to take photos.
Grammy Award Winner Randy Brecker to Perform at NBPAC (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) welcomes world renowned jazz artist Randy Brecker for an intimate acoustic performance on September 9, 2022 at 8:00pm. Joining him onstage will be his wife, saxophonist extraordinaire Ada Rovatti. Rounding out the performance are Bill O'Connell on piano, Marco Panascia on bass, and Steve Johns on drums.
MPAC presents The Robert Cray Band (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Robert Cray Band brings 40 years of the blues to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, September 16 at 8:00pm. Since 1974, The Robert Cray Band has been touring and recording their unique groove, born from a love of soul, R&B, gospel, blues and rock and roll. The five-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned the Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. Tickets are $29-$49.
Algonquin Arts Theatre Announces 2022-2023 Concert Series (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced a stellar lineup of concerts for their 2022-2023 season. “From jazz to orchestra, to folk and bluegrass, to tributes and opera, Algonquin’s new season has something for everyone,” stated Pamela Ward, Executive Director of Algonquin Arts Theatre. Highlights of the new concert schedule include a Jazz Series, an Orchestra Series, The Snakes, A Bluegrass Christmas along with tributes to Billy Joel, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra.
Meet the Decima: David Broza & Trio Havana Share the Art of Cuban Music by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com Israeli superstar David Broza together with Cuban dynamo Trio Havana finally returned to the South Orange Performing Art Center on Sept. 17.
Spotlight on Clarence Oddbody Clarence Oddbody is a band from Depford, East London. They say they’re like a 60s/70s rock band with a hint of blues, funk, Motown and a splash of Americana - something for everyone. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Paul Claxton of Clarence Oddbody.
America LIVE! on the Beach in Seaside Heights, NJ by Spotlight Central There’s a free wind blowing off the ocean this August 6, 2022 evening as an enthusiastic crowd on the beach in Seaside Heights, NJ readies itself for a nostalgic evening of music from the top ’70s folk-rock band, America.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Tusk & Eaglemania (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Tusk & EagleMania on Friday, September 16 at 8:00pm. These are two of the hottest tribute bands around on one bill. If you're a fan of Fleetwood Mac or the Eagles, this is a show you won't want to miss. Tickets range from $25-$55.
PHOTOS from an Epic Reggae Night at NJPAC by Julie Hoffman (NEWARK, NJ) -- On August 21, 2022, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) hosted a night of reggae legends. The lineup included UB40, the Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, reggae-fusion vocalist Maxi Priest, and the American band Big Mountain. Photographer Julie Hoffman was on hand to take photos.
Lit and Hoobastank Co-Headlining Tour with Alien Ant Farm comes to MPAC (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- SoCal alt/rock bands Lit and Hoobastank will be hitting the road this Fall on the co-headlining “Tried-N-True” tour alongside Alien Ant Farm and The Ataris’ vocalist Kristopher Roe. The tour will kick off in Nashville, TN on October 14th and run through mid-November hitting North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Locally, they will be at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
Makin Waves with From Good Homes: Love Our Band by Bob Makin It’s an honor for me to be featured so prominently in the new From Good Homes documentary, “Charlie Loves Our Band,” directed by Victor Guadagno, who also produced with the beloved Northwest Jersey band’s members: Todd Schaeffer, vocals/guitar; Patrick Fitzsimmons, drums/vocals; Brady Rymer, bass/vocals; Dan Myers, saxophones/melodica, and Jamie Coan, fiddle/mandolin.
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Its Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival and Return to Newark With The Soul of Lincoln Park by Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com The Lincoln Park Music Festival is one of the largest annual music festivals in the tri-state region. Nearly 60,000 people from around the globe come together over two weekends to experience multiple genres of music, including gospel, R&B, house, hip-hop, soulful alternative/mash-up, reggae, dancehall, soca and music of the Latinx/Hispanic Caribbean diaspora.
The Wood Brothers and Greensky Bluegrass LIVE! in Seaside Heights, NJ by Spotlight Central The crowd on the beach in Seaside Heights, NJ this Saturday, August 13, 2022 evening is ready to experience the vibe of two talented contemporary musical groups, The Wood Brothers and Greensky Bluegrass.
Newark’s Prudential Center to Host 2022 MTV VMA Awards by Spotlight Central2 The eyes of the music world will be on Newark, NJ this Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022 when the city’s Prudential Center hosts the MTV Video Music Awards. The event takes place live at 8pm EDT inside Prudential Center’s arena — the home of the New Jersey Devils — and will also air on multiple television channels including MTV, The CW, BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV 2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, and VH1.
"A Real Treat!" George Benson LIVE! on the Beach in Seaside Heights, NJ by Spotlight Central A large crowd brimming with anticipation is waiting beside the ocean in Seaside Heights, NJ this Sunday, August 14, 2022 evening for the start of a summer concert on the beach by R&B and jazz superstar George Benson.
Stanley Jordan Plays Jimi Hendrix LIVE! on the Atlantic City Boardwalk by Spotlight Central A purple haze paints the sky over the ocean as twilight approaches the Atlantic City Boardwalk this Wednesday, August 17, 2022 evening. It is here at Kennedy Plaza, adjacent to the city’s famed Boardwalk Hall, that music lovers are assembled for a evening of Jimi Hendrix classics performed by the virtuoso jazz guitarist, Stanley Jordan.
PHOTOS from Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival by John Posada (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation presented the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 27. The event included crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Hopewell Theater presents Karan Casey (HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Karan Casey, one of Ireland's finest singer-songwriters - and a leading advocate for gender balance in the Irish folk and traditional music scene - will make her first U.S. tour in three years from September 1-18, a slate of 13 performances that will highlight her recent work, including her album Hieroglyphs That Tell the Tale and new, as-yet-unreleased material. The tour comes to The Hopewell Theater on Friday, September 16.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 8/1/22 by Lazlo Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Jason Didner, Joe Billy, FEXX, Hooper, possum in my room, furiousBall, and yupanki.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...8/4/22 by Danny Coleman “I do, it just came out in April so even better it's out there now and it's called “Ten” and well, it was pretty simple to title; it's my tenth album so it kind of named itself," laughed the great blues guitarist Albert Cummings as he discussed his latest release, pursuit of his dream and more after a recent show at the famed Iridium in New York City. "I usually name them after some kind of phrase or words in the album but it just happened to be my tenth so, I thought, well yeah that's pretty easy.“
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Wasting Time" by The Vansaders by Bob Makin “Wasting Time,” the latest single from The Vansaders’ brand new album, “Caught in the Light,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 8/8/22 by Lazlo Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by The Planet You, Jeff DeVito, Amzot, Marco Sepe, Lupe Dragon, By Torchlight, and The Gumbo Gumbas.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...8/11/22 by Danny Coleman "First of all, I just thought, I want to make a rock 'n' roll record; my kind of rock 'n' roll. I like rock'n'roll, I mean, I like all sorts of stuff but rock 'n' roll is basically what I wanted to do. I wanted to make a rock 'n' roll record like The Rolling Stones or Little Richard so, I just started putting songs together in 2017 and just started writing songs," says guitarist Curtis Salgado ahead of his two area shows and whose new album, "Damage Control" is out courtesy of Alligator Records.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: “It’s So Easy” by Arlan Feiles by Bob Makin The charming Tex Mex-styled single, “It’s So Easy,” from the great Asbury Park singer-songwriter Arlan Feiles’ new LP, “Blame Me,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 8/15/22 by Lazlo Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by woodthrush, Vista Rhymes, Tom Barrett, NOT YER BABY, crry yrslf, and Steam Enginess.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...8/18/22 by Danny Coleman “I can't say we're coming home, I mean, I'm home but I just can't wait to play two of my favorite places with my favorite people and my family," said former Jersey Shore resident and one-third of The Dales; Jacqueline Tozzi as she and her band mates Drew Lawrence and Preston Pope discussed their upcoming August 20 show at Asbury Park's Wonder Bar and the September 23 release of their new album, "Multi Trick Pony."
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Strawberry Wine" by Anthony Krizan by Bob Makin While singer-songwriter-guitarist-producer-engineer Anthony Krizan often is busy recording other artists at his Raritan Borough-based Sonic Boom Studios, it’s been nearly six years since he released his album, “Dust and Bone.” The impressive debut LP earned the Jersey rock journeyman the 2016 Makin Waves Male Artist of the Year Award.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 8/22/22 by Lazlo Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Goalie Fight, Andrew Valentino, Slow Buildings, Arlan Feiles, and Geb Zurburg.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...8/25/22 by Danny Coleman “Souls of the Innocent,” and the official distribution took place on July 15,” stated guitarist and founding member of Jack Starr's Burning Starr; Jack Starr as he discussed the band's latest release, the recording process and more.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Ghost of the Arcade" by Sean Tobin by Bob Makin After some national touring this summer, Asbury Park singer-songwriter Sean Tobin and his band, the Boardwalk Fire, will rock the Asbury boards on Aug. 31 to end the the Asbury Park Live series to benefit Asbury Park Music Foundation.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 8/29/22 by Lazlo Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by furiousBall, Dummy, Val Emmich, Yawn Mower, the dt's, and FRND CRCL.
Vivid Stage's 2022-2023 Season (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, has announced its new season. This professional company will bring five productions to the stage in addition to improvisational comedy, cabaret, play readings, and educational programs for teens and adults. As always, the Vivid Stage Resident Acting Company and their guests will tell stories that reflect our shared experience of being human with heart and humor.
Outpost in the Burbs presents "Somebody's Daughter" by Zara Phillips (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Somebody's Daughter by Zara Phillips on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00pm in The Guild Room of First Congregational Church in Montclair. Somebody's Daughter is a one woman show based on Zara Phillips' book of the same title.
PHOTOS from "The Hummingbirds" at NJ Rep by John Posada (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) is currently presenting the U.S. premiere of The Hummingbirds: A Comedy of Menace by Garret Jon Groenveld. It is a comic-drama set in the future, which may be closer than you think. Performances run from August 4-28, Thursdays through Sundays. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Theatre Preview: August 4-7 Here are previews of plays taking place this week. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Be sure to send press releases for your plays to info@tnewjerseystage.com to be included. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre.
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "The Metromaniacs" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its Main Stage season with David Ives’ The Metromaniacs from August 17 through September 4th. Adapted from Alexis Piron’s La Métromanie from the 1700’s, this outrageous and hilarious satire gives Moliere a run for his money. Ives’ superb “translapation” of Piron’s original is a delicious treat for anyone who loves to laugh.
Howell PAL Theater Company presents "Matilda, the Musical" (LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Howell PAL Theater Company’s sensational, summer musical is all about kids of all ages and sizes becoming extraordinary superheroes who learn they can write their own story, and be empowered to change the world around them. Matilda, the Broadway Musical is a joyous, uplifting story of a courageous girl who, armed with a vivid imagination dares to take a stand to change her own destiny. Inspired by the twisted genius of author Roald Dahl, with book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
PHOTOS from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Bellarine Theatre Company by John Posada (MANAHAWKIN, NJ) -- Following a three year “pandemic pause,” Bellarine Theatre Company is presenting Disney's The Little Mermaid with four performances from August 12-14 at the Stafford Township Arts Center. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, this is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Tommy" at Algonquin Arts Theatre (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting The Who’s Tommy from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 21. A smash-hit on both sides of the Atlantic, this is a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international sensation bursts on the stage in this multi-award winning adaptation of the original chart-topping rock album. Hit songs include "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Touch Me." This show contains adult content.
PHOTOS from "A Jersey Cantata" at The Theater Project by John Posada (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Theater Project is presenting A Jersey Cantata, a comedy about four longtime ‘Jersey guys’, from August 18-28. This is the second live, in-person show in The Theater Project’s Three Plays in Three Months summer season at the Maplewood Burgdorff Cultural Center. Photographer John Posada was on hand at a dress rehearsal to take photos.
Premiere Stages presents "Scab" (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the New Jersey premiere of Scab by Gino Diiorio’s from September 8-25 in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center (Vaughn Eames Hall, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union). Selected as a finalist from the 2020-21 Premiere Play Festival, Scab will feature actors John Anthony Torres and Monica Wyche. John J. Wooten, producing artistic director of Premiere Stages, directs.
PHOTOS from "Gypsy" at Spring Lake Theatre by John Posada (SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre is presenting Gypsy over the last two weekends in August. Gypsy tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry powerhouse of a woman, to get her two daughters into show business. It is loosely based on the 1957 memoir of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Crazy Days in 18th Century Paris with People from Brittany to Britney Spears, Too by Bruce Chadwick Wacky. If someone asked me to use a single word to describe The Metromaniacs, the play that just opened at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey at Drew University, in Madison, that’s what I’d say. Wacky.
PHOTOS from "Othello" at Black Box PAC by John Posada (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Black Box PAC's Shakespeare in the Park Bergen County returns with a modern take on the classic tragedy Othello! The classic play follows one great man's rise to power through integrity and hard work, only to be taken down by the institutional racism and sexism in the cut-throat corporate world. Reset in the high powered business world of today, the play's varied and enduring themes leave audiences questioning societal attitudes and what it means to be an outsider. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Chess, the Musical" at Surflight Theatre by John Posada (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre, New Jersey’s “Broadway at the Beach,” is presenting a reimagined Chess, the Musical this August. Using the English version of the script and score, this musical set during the Cold-War involves a politically heated chess tournament between two grandmasters: an American and a Soviet. Performances run from August 23rd through September 4th. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Franklin Theatre Works To Hold Auditions For Season (QUAKERTOWN, NJ) -- Franklin Theatre Works, Ensemble Theatre of NJ is holding auditions by appointment for their upcoming season beginning in October 2022. Non union performers are invited to apply directly to infoatftwetnj.org to schedule a time slot, include photo & resume. Auditions are being held Tuesday, August 30 from 7:00pm-9:00pm in Lebanon, NJ and on Friday, September 2 from 6:00pm-9:00pm in Quakertown, NJ.
PHOTOS from "I Ought To Be In Pictures" at Nutley Little Theatre by John Posada (NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre is presenting I Ought To Be In Pictures over three weekends in September from September 9-24. The play by Neil Simon tells the story of Herb Tucker, a man who, sixteen years earlier walked out on his wife and children in New York to pursue a career as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Photographer John Posada was on hand during a rehearsal to take photos.
2022 Trenton Film Festival takes place August 26-28 (TRENTON, NJ) -- The 2022 Trenton Film Festival will take place from August 26-28 at the Mill Hill Playhouse. The festival concludes with an Awards Ceremony & Closing Reception where audience members are encouraged to vote for their favorites, and a prize will be awarded to the audience's favorite film. Additionally, the festival's panel of judges will award best film to one production in each category.
“Bendix: Sight Unseen” Documentary Inspires Director, Friendship, and Audiences at New Jersey Film Festival by Gary Wien, JerseyArts.com Filmmaker Anthony Scalia grew up not far from the Bendix Diner, but he never knew anybody who had ever gone inside. One night when he was out late and it was the only place open, he decided to venture in. What he found was an amazing story that he details in the short documentary, Bendix: Sight Unseen. The film will be available for virtual screening on October 16 as part of the New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2022.
The Sun Rises in The East opens the Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival on Friday, September 9 by Yazmin Omana The Sun Rises in The East, directed by Tayo Giwa, has positioned itself as one of Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival’s most anticipated premieres. Recruiting vintage archived photos, historians, credited authors, and schoolchildren of the 70s, The Sun Rises in The East turns out to be an impressively well-rounded, impenetrable fortress of investigation. By streaming together vignettes of accounts, this Brooklyn-born documentary successfully takes audiences through the mythology of The East. A vague name for what represents Brooklyn’s black community’s cultural touchstone of the 1970s. Just like the best mythologies, The East’s origin story is rich in historical significance and revels in transnational vibrancy. Kwasi Konadu, author of A View from The East, dates the beginning of The East with a school named “Uhuru Sasa Shule,” which is Kiswahili for “Freedom Now School.” Uhuru Sasa Shule originated from the collective need to take back control of black people’s education from white teachers’ and administration’s lack of concern towards black school children. Moreover, the opening scene triumphantly blazons The East as “a cultural community of individuals who wanted institutions and businesses run by, founded by black people,” or put more simply, “history in the making...home, and a revolution.” What this documentary highlights is how often the making of a revolution is bred through a systematic pattern of oppression.
Vivid Stage Announces Improv Classes for Adults and Teens (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is offering a new season of improv classes for adults and teens aged 18 and up. The classes, taught by a rotating team of instructors including Laura Ekstrand, Dave Maulbeck and Emaline Williams, will be held Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm starting September 14. Each of these instructors is a part of the house improv team at Vivid, The Flip Side.
A Look At Comedy Shows Coming Up At SOPAC (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has announced the lineup for their 2022-23 season, which kicks off September 9th with comedian Ryan Hamilton. In addition to Laughs in the Loft hosted by Joe Larson, which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, SOPAC has a number of comedy shows scheduled. Performances by Maria Bamford, Kevin Nealon, and Paul Reiser are coming up in September and October.
MPAC presents comedian Eric D'Alessandro (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents comedian Eric D’Alessandro on Saturday, November 5 at 7:00pm. The New York native has always found his place in the spotlight. His passion for comedy is equally credited to his creative mindset, as well as his big Italian-American family which inspires his raw comedic sketches and uncensored, relatable rhetoric. Adults Only. Mature content and language. 18+/adult content.
SOPAC presents Comedian Paul Reiser (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Comedian Paul Reiser is back on a stand-up comedy tour and will come to South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Sunday, October 9 at 7:30pm. Special guest Vance Gilbert will open the night.
The Lost Princess of Oz World Premiere Combines Ballet, Song and Bluegrass by Shen Shellenberger, JerseyArts.com The creative passion that abounds in “The Lost Princess of Oz,” the upcoming extravaganza of movement and music presented by the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theatre Company (AXCBT) in partnership with the Center for the Arts at Monmouth University, will fill you with positivity and immerse the renovated Pollak Theater at the University where it runs Aug. 20 through Aug. 28.
PHOTOS from "The Lost Princess of Oz" by John Posada (HOLMDEL, NJ) --The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) is presenting the World Premiere of Artistic Director Gabriel Chajnik’s multi-media dance musical, The Lost Princess of Oz in the Pollak Theater at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ. The production runs from Saturday, August 20 to Sunday, August 28 with at 7:30pm with nine performances in all. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
New Brunswick Heart Festival Celebrates The Arts on Saturday by Bruce Chadwick It will be a heart to heart arts festival this coming Saturday, August 13, in downtown New Brunswick when area arts councils and theaters hold the third annual “New Brunswick Heart Festival,” featuring bands, performers and live music and dance events in a three hour festival.
PHOTOS from 3rd Annual HEART Festival in New Brunswick by John Posada (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The 3rd Annual New Brunswick HEART Festival took place on Saturday, August 13, 2022. The event was presented by State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick Cultural Center, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), and AboveArtStudios and hosted by New Jersey Radio Hall of Famer Bert Baron and Founder of TSO Productions, Sharon Gordon. The family-friendly festival celebrates the arts each year and includes live music and dance performances, dance classes, craft vendors, and more. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Kean Stage Announces Select Performances From 2022-2023 Season (UNION, NJ) -- Kean Stage has announce select performances from its' 2022-2023 season. Additional shows will be announced at a later date.
This Fall at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The 28th season at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) gears up this fall as a diverse lineup of artists get set to take the stage including Tony Winner Renee Elise Goldsberry, blues favorite Robert Cray, Latin Grammy winner Nella, 90s alternative rock groups Hoobastank and Lit, and popular children’s shows Peppa Pig and more. They’ll even be inviting the afterlife with ghost hunter Amy Bruni!
bergenPAC appoints Alexander Diaz as Executive Director Engelwood(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) has announced the appointment of Alexander Diaz as the new Executive Director leading the organization to the future. Diaz was most recently Director of Education and Outreach at bergenPAC’s Performing Arts School. During his tenure, he demonstrated his leadership abilities during a critical time at the onset of the pandemic. Diaz was one of the first to pivot all students to virtual lessons, continuing their much-needed arts education programs.