the arts
The Music & Dance and Theatre categories include an incredible array of performances for all ages -- from parents and grandparents to young adults, teens, elementary students and young children. Shows specifically designed for young children are typically found under “Family” or “Children’s” series listings. Keep in mind that many shows for family audiences are full-length productions most suitable for older children and teens. Age recommendations are only guidelines. Parents must use their discretion in determining their individual child’s readiness for a theater, music or dance performance.
The Arts Council of the Morris Area (973-258-5115) publishes arts calendars each quarter. Subscriptions and other benefits are available with membership.
kidsguidenj.com links
The Music, Dance and Theatre listings included in the Kids Guide are only an introduction to the volume and variety of performing arts offered throughout New Jersey. Consult websites using the convenient links below for complete event calendars and to check for newly added performances.
The Acoustic Cafe
Our Lady of Mercy School Cafeteria, 25 Fremont Ave. (GSP exit 172), Park Ridge, 201-573-0718. Live music coffeehouse presenting local, independent and nationally touring performers Sept.-May. Discounts for WFUV members.
Feb 19
Willie Nile & Joe Durso. 2pm.
Mar 18
Pete Fornatale presents Back to the Garden: The Woodstock Festival, stories and songs.
Apr 14
TBA.
May 19
Ellis & Pat Wictor. 8pm.
AcousticLive.com
A comprehensive listing of acoustic performances in the New York metropolitan area.
Afternoon Music
At Unitarian Church, 4 Waldron Ave., Summit, 908-273-3245. Sunday concerts Oct.-April at 4pm, artists' reception follows. Subscriptions available, students free.
Apr 1
Evelyn Estava, violin; Gerall Hieser, cello; Mitchell Vines, piano.
Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre
732-255-4071. Flamenco and Spanish dance company performs during fall and spring at venues throughout the state.
American Repertory Ballet
80 Albany St., New Brunswick, 732-249-1254. Oct.-May season with annual Nutcracker performances at theaters throughout the state. Special subscription for young adults (ages 18-25).
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center
457 Shirley Rd., Elmer, 800-394-1211. Year round programs include concert series, family series, arts classes, summer camp and annual arts and music festival in June. See Theatre for family matinee series.
Jun 2
2012 Arts & Music Festival.
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-227-1030. Oct.-May season offers music, dance, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concerts, comedy, family and special events. See Theatre for family theatre events. Check website often for new shows.
Kidz Cabaret Series
Feb 5
Story Pirates, 1 & 3pm.
Mar 3
Kimmy Schwimmy, recording artist. 1 & 3pm.
May 20
Sonic Boom The Remix!, 1 & 3pm.
Family Fun Series
Feb 21
Allstar Weekend–Disney's Next Big Thing Winner. 6pm.
Apr 29
NJ Ballet's Cinderella, 1 & 4pm.
May 3
Imagination Movers, 3:30 & 6:30pm.
Bickford Theatre
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, 973-971-3706. Year round performances include special concert events, movies, Main Stage and children's theater series and Jazz Showcase, co-sponsored by the New Jersey Jazz Society. Student discounts and subscriptions available.
Bickford a la Carte
Mar 4
Baroque to Beatles, piano, Vladimir Zaltsev. 2pm.
Mar 11
Still Jewish After All These Years, Avi Hoffman. 2pm.
Mar 18
Italian Giants & American Icons, classical and popular music.
Bloomfield Youth Band
Comprised of high school and collegiate musicians, the band performs three or four public concerts each year. Performances at Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Rd., Bloomfield. Sponsored by the Bloomfield Recreation Commission.
Mar 17
Transformed Spring, 8pm. Bloomfield High School.
Jun 9
Hands Across the Sea, 7:30pm. Bloomfield High School.
Calvary Chorale
31 Woodland Ave., Summit, 908-277-1814. Sept.-May season of concerts on Sundays at 3pm.
Centenary Stage Company
Lackland Center, Centenary College, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown, 908-979-0900. Concerts and special events, jazz series, theater season by professional Centenary Stage Company, Women's Playwright series, children's series, and Festival of Shows presented by members of Young Performers Workshops at end of fall, spring and summer sessions. Student rates; student matinees; Family Night on Thurs. with 2-for-1 tickets available only at the door.
Selected Events
Mar 24-Apr 1
Dance Week, week-long festival of dance, performances, workshops and master classes
Central Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary Arts Series
70 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-0441. Friday music concerts celebrate the holiday seasons during advent and lent. Bring your own lunch or buy at church kitchen. All concerts Fri. 12:15-1pm. Free, open to the public.
Chatham Community Band
Community band presents free concerts to Chatham and surrounding communities.
Coffee with Conscience
908-412-9105. Monthly folk concerts Sept.-June feature professional and touring singer/songwriters. Performances at 1st United Methodist Church of Westfield, 1 E. Broad St., Westfield. Net proceeds from concerts are donated to charity.
Concerts at the Crossing
Unitarian Universalist Church, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville. Sept.-May season consists of 8-9 live music concerts in an intimate 125-250 seat setting. Concerts at 7:30pm. Tickets for ages 14 and under $5.
Mar 24
Ellis Paul with special guest Emily Baker.
Apr 21
The Write Stuff Vol. 1: A Celebration of the Works of Legendary Classic Country Songwriters.
May 19
Ariana Gillis & Victoria Vox.
Count Basie Theatre
99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 732-842-9000. Nov.-June season of concerts by major recording artists, comedy, dance, theater, classical music and family events in a 1,550 seat theater circa 1926. Cool School offers classes in acting, dance, music, voice and videography; youth jazz training program for middle and high school students; school shows. Half-price tickets may be available on the day of a show at the discretion of the box office. See listing under Theatre for additional events and check website for new shows.
Selected Adult & Family Events
Feb 17
Blast!
Mar 2
Rhythm of the Dance, Irish Dance Company.
Apr 4
Video Games Live.
Selected Children's Events
Apr 3
The Fresh Beat Band, from Nickelodeon.
May 10
Imagination Movers: Rock-O-Matic Tour.
Crescent Concert Series
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, 716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, 908-756-2468. Sept.-May series includes concerts by the Crescent Choral Society, the Crescent Singers and outside professional and amateur groups and solo artists. The annual Showcase for Exceptional Young Artists, features local young musicians, age 16 and under, chosen by audition.
Feb 19
Showcase for Exceptional Young Artists, ages 16 & under. 3pm.
Mar 11
Festival of Organists, 3pm.
Apr 21
Lost in Wonder, Love & Praise, Crescent Choral Society. 8pm.
May 20
A Surprise!, Crescent Singers. 3pm.
Discovery Orchestra
P.O. Box 4064, Warren, 908-226-7300. Professional symphonic orchestra presents a Sept.-June season of concerts, in-home recitals and listening courses recommended for ages 13 and up. Student, group and subscription discounts.
May 19
Discover The Four Seasons, Discovery concert, TV taping and reception. 7pm, The Concert Hall at Drew University, Madison. 10 & up.
Drew University Arts
Concert Hall, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-408-3917. Drew hosts Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performances, music and theater arts department events, annual Drew Forum lecture series and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
The Drew Forum
Annual speaker series Sept.-May features renowned world leaders, opinion shapers and scholars from a variety of fields.
Feb 9
President Pervez Musharraf, Simon Forum.
Apr 11
Dr. Robert Gates, Simon Forum. 8pm.
Aug
The Drew Forum, subscription and individual tickets on sale for next season.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Series 2011-2012
Three concert subscription. 8pm, pre-concert converation at 7:15pm.
Mar 31
Russian Dedications.
May 1
Special Benefit Concert, featuring David Finckel, Wu Han and Phillip Setzer.
Friends of the Library Concert Series
Somerset County/Bridgewater Library, N. Bridge & Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, 908-526-4016 x105. Monthly concerts Sept.-Nov. and Jan.-May on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. Free, no sign-up is needed.
Mar 24
Uganda: A Journey in Song & Dance from Past to Present, 11-12pm.
Apr 14
Sharlys Dugan, Celtic Storytelling, Song & Dance, 2-3pm.
May 18
Kende Trio, 7:30-9:15pm.
Hanover Wind Symphony
973-ANDANTE. Oct.-Aug. season includes concerts throughout Morris County and annual summer Gazebo Series.
Feb 22
All That Jazz, 7pm, Memorial Junior School.
Jun 16
Rock 'n Wind 70's Night, time & location TBA.
Hunterdon Symphony
Tickets: 908-713-1360. Nov-May season at venues throughout Hunterdon County. Saturday Strings program and orchestra camp for youth.
Feb 11
How the Orchestra Grew Up, 3pm, Clinton Middle School.
Mar 25
Mozart Requiem.
Apr 28
Hunterdon Central High School, 7:30pm.
Jun 21
Pops Concert, 7pm, Deer Path Park.
JCC of Central New Jersey Split Level Concerts
Performances at JCC of Central New Jersey, Weinberg Pavilion, 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-889-8800, or The Loft at Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway, 732-499-8226. Nationally recognized singer/songwriters perform in an intimate setting Sept.-May.
Feb 25
John Wesley Harding.
JCC MetroWest
JCC MetroWest Maurice Levin Theater, Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3410. Shows for children and families, performances by JCC Children and Teen Production Companies, Triple Threat Theater Camp and vacation programs, JCC Maccabi ArtsFest, and New Jersey Jewish Film Festival. See Theatre for additional events.
Kean Stage
Kean University Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, 908-737-7469. Sept.-May season includes world-class music and dance artists, chamber music series, student and faculty productions, Holocaust Resource Center events, lecture series, family series and on school time performances. Student rates; subscriptions. See Theatre for more events.
Selected Events
Mar 16
Romeo & Juliet, Chopiniana, Moscow Festival Ballet. 7:30pm.
Apr 13-14
Dance Ensemble, Kean University. 7:30pm.
Apr 21
GIselle, New Jersey Ballet. 8pm.
Apr 29
i Balli Di Primavera, NJ Dance Theatre Ensemble. 3pm.
Jun 1
2012-2013 Season announced.
Selected Children's Events
Apr 22
Cinderella, New Jersey Ballet for Young Families. 2pm.
Kean University Enlow Recital Hall Concert Series
Eugene and Shelley Enlow Recital Hall, Nathan Weiss Graduate School campus, 250 North Ave., Hillside, 908-737-7469. 300-seat concert hall provides an intimate atmosphere to hear renowned artists, established local musicians and Kean University music faculty members. Subscription season Oct.-May; student tickets.
2011-2012 Fall Season
Feb 3
Les Violins du Roy, 7:30pm.
Mar 4
George Winston, 3pm.
Livingston Symphony Orchestra
Four concert series takes place Nov.-May at Livingston High School auditorium, South Livingston Ave., Livingston, 7:30pm. Student winner of annual concerto competition held in Dec. (open to ages 14-21) performs as a soloist with the orchestra in the spring. Adults $20, srs./students $15, children $5. For advance ticket purchase, call 973-980-1809 or email tickets@lsonj.org. www.lsonj.org
Mar 24
Celebrating Youth & Romance, soloist is winner of Young Artists' Competition. 7:30pm.
May 5
Grand Season Finale: Salute to the Waltz Royalty, The Strauss Family, 7:30pm.
Lyrica Chamber Music
202 Fairmount Ave., Chatham, 973-309-1668. Concerts held on Sundays at Presbyterian Church of Chatham Twp., 240 Southern Blvd., Chatham, at 3pm. Subscriptions; single tickets; students free (available half hour before concert with ID). Outreach program for school groups and special needs children.
Feb 5, Apr 22
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers University, 33 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-932-7511. Student and faculty dance, music, theater and visual art events Sept.-May. Student rates.
Mayo Center
for the Performing Arts
100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008. 1,200-seat venue offers a wide array of classical music, jazz, dance, drama, comedy, children's programming and contemporary music. Create-your-own subscriptions; family subscriptions; student and group discounts. Internship/community service programs available to high school students. School-time shows open to school groups. See listing under Theatre for additional events. Check website new additions.
Selected Adult & Family Events
Feb 9
Javier Colon, winner of NBC's The Voice. 8pm.
Feb 19
Burn the Floor, champion dancers. 7pm.
Feb 2
5 New Jersey Ballet's Repertory Concert of Audience Favorites, 8pm.
Children & Family Events
Apr 15
Sleeping Beauty, New Jersey Ballet's Family Matinee. 3pm.
Kids Club
Performances at 1:30 & 4pm. Tickets $12-$15. See listings under Theatre for additional performances.
May 20
Pinocchio, New Jersey Ballet. Ages 4 & up
McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. Internationally known artists in music, jazz, cabaret, dance, theater, world and special events. Extensive education programs include student matinees, touring shows, theater classes, group backstage tours, in-school programs and professional development. Discount subscriptions for ages 35 & under. See Theatre listings for additional events.
2011-2012 Jazz & Blues Series
Feb 15
The Overtone Quartet: Dave Holland, Jason Moran, Chris Potter & Eric Harland.
Mar 26
Herbie Hancock, solo piano.
Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey
PO Box 6, Short Hills, NJ 07078. A full symphonic orchestra composed of local professional and amateur musicians performs three concerts in the fall, winter and spring at Bauer Community Center, Taylor Park, 100 Main St., Millburn.
Mar 4, Jun 2
The Minstrel
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, 973-335-9489. Friday concerts feature hand-made music from local and internationally known performers. Second Fri. of the month is an open stage/audition night.
Fridays 8pm.
Monmouth University Performing Arts
Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, 732-263-6889. Sept.-May season of contemporary concerts and special events, visiting writers, theater, dance and children's theater in an intimate 700-seat theater. In summer, Shadow Lawn Stage presents summer theater. For birthday party packages, 732-571-3473.
Apr 20
Daughtry–Break the Spell Tour.
Montclair State University
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University, One Normal Ave., Montclair, 973-655-3059. Box office: 973-655-5112. School of the Arts theater, music and dance performances and professional arts events are presented through Peak Performances. Every seat, every performance is $15.
Mostly Music
Morrow Memorial Methodist Church, 600 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood; Temple Emanu-El, 756 E. Broad St., Westfield, 973-762-0108. Five-concert chamber music series Sundays at 2:30pm in Maplewood and 7:30pm in Westfield. Subscriptions; single tickets; students ages 10-21 free.
Feb 12, Mar 25, Apr 29
Music at the Mission
West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Rd., West Milford, 800-613-1455, 973-728-4201. Non-profit, volunteer organization presents live music in a 160-seat coffeehouse atmosphere. Open mic is usually held on the first Sat. of the month. Check website for new shows.
Feb 25
Cabin Fever Cure Tour II with We're About 9 and Barnaby Bright.
Mar 17
Frank Vignola with special guest Renee Lando.
Apr 21
Sierra Hull & Highway 111.
Music at Morristown
United Methodist Church, 50 Park Place (on the Green), Morristown, 973-538-2132. 30 min. Music at Noon concerts in Dec. & Jan. Abendmusik concert series Feb.-April.
Abendmusik
Saturday evenings at 7:30pm. Adults $15, srs. $12, students free with I.D., advance ticket discounts.
Feb 11
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Diane Goldsmith, pianist; Singers Ivan Woods & Shannon Hunt.
Mar 10
Eric Mentel Jazz Quartet.
Apr 21
Chancel Chorus of Morristown UMC.
Music in the Somerset Hills
Somerset Hills Performing Arts Center at Bernards High School, 25 Olcott Ave., Bernardsville, 973-339-7719. Seasoned professionals along with amateur musicians present classical concert series Oct.-June. Opportunities for community musicians to participate include a Community Concert Band,
open to ages 14 and older, Somerset Hills Community Chorus, and summer vocal and instrumental camps for grades 3-12.
Feb 4
Antioch Chamber Ensemble, 7pm. $15.
Feb 12
Soprano & Organ Duo, 4pm. 88 Claremont Rd., Bernardsville. $15.
Mar 18
Somerset Hills Community Concert Band, inaugural concert. 4pm. $15.
Apr 22
Music for Flute & Organ, 4pm. 182 Main St., Gladstone. $15.
May 5
Somerset Hills Community Chorus, performs Semele, opera by George Frederic Handle. 7pm. $15.
Jun 3
Allegiance Jazz Septet, with Bernards High School Jazz Ensemble. 4pm. $15.
New Jersey Ballet Company
973-597-9600. Oct.-May season features performances throughout the state, Sunday matinee Kids & Families and annual Nutcracker performances. Adult, sr., student tickets. Subscriptions available through New Jersey Ballet. Call box office of venue for individual tickets.
New Jersey Conservatory of Fine Arts
PO Box 416, Mountain Lakes, 973-402-2004. Independent non-profit organization consists of Symphonic Chorus, Orchestra, Chamber Choir & Youth Choruses for grades 1-9. Performances throughout northern New Jersey. Advance tickets recommended; student discounts.
Mar 18
Boonton Youth Division Late Winter Concert, 7pm. First Presbyterian Church, Boonton.
Apr 1
Music for Choirs, Organ & Brass, 8pm. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Wharton.
May 13
Sparta Youth Division Spring Concert, 7pm. Sparta United Methodist Church, Sparta.
Jun 3
Boonton Youth Division Spring Concert, 7pm. First Presbyterian Church, Boonton.
Jun 10
25th Anniversary Concert, Beethoven's 9th Symphony. 2pm, Sparta High School.
New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra
60 Locust Ave., Berkeley Heights, 908-603-7691, email info@njio.org. Open to all ages, NJIO includes a full symphony orchestra, chamber ensemble and beginner string ensemble. The community orchestra presents free concerts in winter and spring and an outreach group plays at area libraries and senior citizens' homes. Open house rehearsals are held in Sept.
New Jersey Jazz Society
Sponsors classic jazz concerts, film series, jazz socials, annual JazzFest and co-sponsors the Bickford Jazz Showcase at the Morris Museum and Jazz for Shore. Membership, open to youth and adults, includes subscription to Jersey Jazz Journal, invitation to musical events and CD discounts. Visit website for upcoming events and college jazz performance schedules, www.njjs.org
Ongoing
Jazz Socials, 3-5:30pm monthly at Shanghai Jazz, Madison. $10, members free. See website for schedule, www.shanghaijazz.com
Jun 16
JazzFest 2012, annual jazz festival. College of St. Elizabeth, Morris Twp.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One Center St., Newark, 1-888-GO NJPAC. 2,750-seat Prudential Hall and 500-seat Victoria Theater in Newark. Classical music, international dance, world music & jazz, contemporary concerts, theater and family series. Subscriptions; individual tickets; $10 student rush tickets offered at the box office one hour before curtain time. Subject to availability, valid ID required, limit two per student. Also see Theatre listings.
Selected Events
Feb 3
Romeo & Juliet, State Ballet Theatre of Russia, ages 8 & up.
Mar 2
Peking Acrobats, all ages.
Mar 23
Herbie Hancock Quartet.
Mar 31
Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti, Classic Albums Live.
The Laurie Berkner Band, ages 2 & up. 11am.
Jun 22-24
Beatles Marathon Weekend, Classic Albums Live. Eight LP's, two albums per show, are recreated cut for cut.
FamilyTime Performance Series
Feb 18
Philadanco, ages 8 & up. 7pm.
Feb 25
All-State Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band & Women's Choir, ages 8 & up. 3pm.
Mar 4
Newark Boys Chorus with special guests, ages 8 & up.. 2pm.
Mar 24-25
Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance, two part celebration, ages 10 & up. Sat. at 7pm, Sun. at 3pm.
May 19
Rockapella, ages 11 & up. 2 & 7pm.
May 22
NJPAC's Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens Concert, ages 8 & up. 7pm.
May 30
The NJPAC Jeffrey Carollo Musical Scholarship Recital, ages 8 & up. 7pm.
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
60 Park Place, 9th floor (admin. office), Newark, 1-800-ALLEGRO. Performances at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark; State Theatre, New Brunswick; Richardson Auditorium, Princeton; War Memorial, Trenton; bergenPAC, Englewood; Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, and Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown. Subscriptions; flex passes; individual tickets; student discounts. $10 student rush tickets available at the door one hour prior to most concerts. $25 Class Pass gives students unlimited tickets all season, www.njsymphony.org/ClassPass. Program notes are available online one week before concerts.
Best of…Series
Four 75-min. concerts include speaking from the stage, theatrical elements and music. Performances are scheduled in Trenton, Red Bank and Englewood.
Mar 2-4
Best of Dvorak's American Legacy.
Apr 13-15
Best of the Gypsy Spirit.
2011-2012 Family Concert Series
Performances at 2pm, NJPAC, Newark. Great stories told through music for the young and young-at-heart include pre-concert adventures one hour before each concert with activities, games and an opportunity to meet the musicians. 3 concerts $30.
Feb 11
Driving Forces: A Musical Look at Motivation and Inspiration.
Jun 2
Lemony Snicket's "The Composer Is Dead."
New Jersey Youth Symphony
570 Central Ave., Murray Hill, 908-771-5544. Three orchestral groups, three string ensembles, flute choir and percussion ensemble of youth in grades 3-12 present orchestra and chamber music concerts from Sept-May. Auditions are held annually each June for the following year.
New Philharmonic of New Jersey
PO Box 244, Cedar Knolls, 07927-0244, 973-267-0206. Oct.-May concert series at the Dolan Performance Hall in the Annunciation Center, College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station. Performances at 3pm, lecture begins at 2pm. Sounds Like Fun! music education program available for bookings Jan.-Mar. Subscriptions; special pricing available for children's tickets and group sales.
Mar 11 Music in Motion, featuring The Dance Theater of Harlem Ensemble. 5pm.
Opera at Florham
Lenfell Hall, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, 973-443-8620. A professional company in residence at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Opera at Florham sponsors an opera, opera vocal competition and cabarets each season. Students $10.
Feb 5
Bouquet of Musical Valentine, 3pm.
Mar 11
Opera in the Springtime, 3pm.
Mar 25
Opera at Florham Fund Raiser Concert, 3pm.
Apr 29
23rd Annual Violetta DuPont Vocal Competition, 3pm.
Jun 3
Opera–Elixir D'Amore, 3pm Dreyfuss Theatre
Outpost in the Burbs
40 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair, 973-744-6560. Presents affordable, quality acoustic entertainment Sept.-June at the First Congregational Church of Montclair, the Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church St., or the Montclair High School auditorium. Advance tickets by mail or through Ticketweb, 866-468-7619. Check website for new shows.
Feb 4
Raul Midon with Bill Griese.
Feb 24
Robert Gordon.
Apr 13
Tracy Grammer, Dan Navarro.
May 4
Red Molly with Carsie Blanton.
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 5093, Plainfield, NJ 07061, 908-561-5140. New Jersey's oldest community symphony presents concerts Sept.-March at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, E. 7th St. and Watchung Ave., Plainfield. Subscriptions; student rates; children 12 and under are free.
Wanted
High school student volunteers for Junior Board of Directors. Students will get experience in marketing, operations or fundraising.
Feb 4
Free Family Concert: Music of Dance, with Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts. 3pm, Shiloh Baptist Church.
2011-2012 Season
Mar 10
Encounter Espanol, Pedro Javier Gonzalez, soloist. 7pm.
Apr 28
Mahler in Song & Symphony, 8pm.
Princeton Pro Musica
Princeton Meadow Event Center, Princeton Presbyterian Church, 545 Meadow Rd., Princeton, 609-683-5122. Performs choral masterworks and other works in three-concert series Oct.-May.
May 20
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232, J.S. Bach.
Raritan Valley Community College
Edward Nash Theatre, Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd. (Rt. 78 exit 26 or Rt. 22W), North Branch, 908-725-3420. Major Artists Series, Tuesdays with Stories Series, Club 28 cabaret series, Sampler Series for younger children, Family Series for children ages 8 and older and their families, and school-time performances. Student and series discounts. See additional listings under Theatre.
Selected Major Artist Series
Feb 24
Peking Acrobats.
Mar 17
American Repertory Ballet.
Mar 30
Step Afrika!, stepping company. Learn to Step Afrika! workshop, March 31 at 9:30am. Master Class with Step Afrika! for college step teams, March 31 at 11am.
May 12
MASS Ensemble, original music with multi-sensory theatrical experience. Free, outdoor concert. Bring chairs.
Ridge Light Opera
PO Box 344, Millington, 908-903-0702. Performances at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge. Specializes in shows featuring staged and costumed highlights of (light) opera and musical theatre as well as full scale productions. Visit website for info and to purchase tickets,
Feb 2-4
Hot 'n Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration.
Rutgers Theater Company
Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, 85 George St., New Brunswick, 732-932-7511. Sept.-May theater series. Subscriptions; student rates.
2011-2012 Season
Feb 3-18
Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare.
Feb 24-Mar 3
Topdog/Underdog, by Suzan Lori-Parks.
Mar 23-31
Homemade, by Josh Levine.
Apr 20-28
Fabulation or, the Red-Education of Undine, by Lynn Nottage.
Sanctuary Concerts
Presbyterian Church of Chatham Twp., 240 Southern Blvd., Chatham, 973-376-4946. Oct.-May acoustic music series features concerts by well-loved national, regional and local artists. 8pm. Tickets from $25, unless noted; series discount. Check website for added shows.
Feb 4
John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Beppe Gambetta. $25.
Feb 11
Poco, acoustic trio with special guest Craig Bickhardt. $25.
Feb 18
John Waite with special guest Suzie Vinnick.
Feb 25
Jimmy Webb, with special guests Mara Davi and pianist/composer Adam Waite. $25.
Mar 3
Tom Paxton plus Michael Smith. $25.
Mar 10
Ruthie Foster, Soul Salvation! Tour featuring Paul Thorn. $25.
Apr 14
Steve Forbert, $10.
Apr 28
"Most Wanted" Special Concert: Seth Glier, Julie Gold and Amy Speace. $15.
May 5
Suzy Bogguss, trio. $25.
May 12
Ramblin' Jack Elliott with special guest Lizanne Knott. $25.
May 19
David Wilcox and Susan Werner, special duo concert. $25.
Jun 2
Year-End Ice Cream Social and Concert with Treasa Levasseur Band. $1 CD sale.
Shea Center for Performing Arts–WPLive
William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd., Wayne, 973-720-2371. Arts hotline: 973-720-ARTS. Jazz series, professional touring artists, family and schooltime shows, university theater and music performances and lecture series presented Sept.-May. See Theatre for Family Series.
South Orange Performing Arts Center
ne SOPAC Way, South Orange, 973-313-2787. Intimate 415-seat theater presents performances by major artists in theater, dance, comedy, music, family events and performances by the Seton Hall University Arts Council. In the Loft series presents jazz/blues concerts in an informal, club atmosphere. Youth theater and dance classes; school time performances. See Theatre for additional events.
South Orange Symphony Orchestra
Performances at South Orange Middle School, 70 N. Ridgewood Ave., South Orange, www.southorangesymphony.org or email sosymphony@aol.com. Not-for-profit community orchestra, founded in 1949, presents three to four free classical concerts per year to the local community.
Feb 19
3pm.
May 19
3pm.
Splatter Concerts
Shows at Ukrainian American Cultural Center, 60 North Jefferson Rd., Whippany, splatterconcerts@yahoo.com. Year 'round calendar brings the best in blues and American roots music to New Jersey with occasional forays into rock, folk and country. Ages 12 & under free.
May 16
Cold Blood with Lydia Pense.
State Theatre
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. Full schedule of Broadway, music, dance, opera, symphony and variety events plus a children’s series. Student matinees (open to students & general public), artist-in residence program, Symphony Scholars program, and professional development workshops for teachers. For education programs, call 732-247-7200, ext. 534 or visit www.state
theatrenj.org/education. Also see Theatre listings. Visit website often for new shows.
Selected Family Events
Feb 5
One Man Lord of the Rings.
Feb 20
Dan Zanes & Friends.
Mar 18
New Shanghai Acrobats.
Mar 28
The Fresh Beat Band, 3 & 6pm.
Mar 29
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, 8pm.
Mar 30
Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble, 8pm.
Apr 29
Michael Moschen, juggling theater. 3pm.
Summit Symphony
Oct.-May concerts at Summit High School, 125 Kent Place Blvd., Summit. No admission; sponsored by Summit Board of Recreation, local businesses, and Friends of the Symphony. Concerts begin at 3pm, pre-concert lecture at 2:15pm.
Mar 11
Copland, Barber, Diamond, Gershwin.
May 20
Young Artists Concert.
Swingin’ Tern Contra & Square Dancing
First Presbyterian Church, Parish Hall, 14 Hanover Rd., East Hanover, 973-551-4441. Dances, held at 8pm on the first and third Saturdays, feature a caller and live band. Beginners workshop at 7:30pm. Best for teens and up, no partner necessary.
Underground Concert Series
Hotline: 973-762-0119. Eclectic world and folk music brought to different venues in Maplewood for fall and spring series.
Union County Performing Arts Center
1601 Irving St., Rahway, 732-499-8226. Concerts, jazz, comedy, theater, film, family and children events are presented in a 1,300 seat vintage 1920's auditorium. Student/sr. discounts. Summer theater program for ages 5-18 and Generation Rock music program for ages 8-18. Check website for added events.See Theatre for additional events.
Selected Events
Mar 8
SF Jazz Collective, The Music of Stevie Wonder.
Mar 23
The Charlie Daniels Band.
May 5
Ballet with a Latin Beat II, New Jersey Ballet.
May 6
Sleeping Beauty, New Jersey Ballet for Young Audiences. 3pm.
Selected Events at The Loft at the UCPAC
Feb 18
An Evening with Jim Boggia, Split Level Concert. 8pm. $20.
Apr 14
An Evening with Amy Correia, Split Level Concert. 8pm. $20.
Apr 28
An Evening with Ana Egge, Split Level Concert. 8pm. $20.
Voorhees Ballet Theatre
Lowe Dance Studio, 1207 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., Voorhees, 856-784-0062. Students interested in pursuing a professional career in the performing arts present two major performances annually and perform at special community events.
Watchung Arts Center
18 Stirling Rd., Watchung Circle, Watchung, 908-
753-0190. Non-profit, volunteer-run center offers new art exhibitions each month, performances in music, comedy and improv, and classes in drawing, photography and yoga.
Wellmont Theatre
5 Seymour St., Montclair, 877-935-5668, www.tickets.com. 2000-seat concert venue in renovated 1922 theater. Check website for new events.
Selected Events
Mar 10
Boyce Avenue, Secondhand Serenade.
Apr 21
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.
Westfield Symphony Orchestra
908-232-9400. Oct.-May season features concerts in Westfield and nearby communities. Adult/sr./student rates, subscriptions. Music education and outreach program.
Mar 11
Music in Motion, with artists from The Dance Theater of Harlem Ensemble. 5pm, College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Rd., Morristown.
May 20
Simple Gifts, featuring Pro Arte Chorale. 7pm, Presbyterian Church in Westfield.
Woodbridge Music on Main Street
United Methodist Church of Woodbridge, 69 Main St., Woodbridge, 732-602-6015. Top contemporary acoustic artists perform in an intimate 250-seat church sanctuary Sept.-May. Check website for new shows.
