Get ready to raise a glass in honor of a festive cause! The 4th Annual 2018 Somerville Pub Crawl in support of the 28th Annual 2019 Somerville Saint Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Details are as follows: Time – Registration opens 11:30 AM Where – Registration booth @ Mannion’s Pub. Address – 150 West Main St., Somerville, NJ Start – 1:00 pm sharp End – 6:00 pm Age – 21 – Registrants need identification at check-in Max – Registration will be closed at 100 participants Fee – $25.00 per participant All paid participants will receive a 2018 Somerville Pub Crawl Commemorative Shirt Please indicate your desired shirt size when registering. Pay by Check or PayPal on the Parade Website. Scroll down the site to register online. (PayPal takes credit cards or use your PayPal Account) https://somervillesaintpatricksparade.com/pub-crawl/

From State Theatre New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey presents Grammy Award®-winning artist Michael McDonald on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 8pm. McDonald, formerly of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers will perform songs from his newest release, Wide Open, his first album of original material in 17 years, plus hits like “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Minute By Minute,” “What A Fool Believes,” and more. Tickets range from $35-$120.   Hailing from St. Louis, Michael McDonald arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, honing his talents as a studio musician before becoming an integral part of Steely Dan. In the mid-70s McDonald was invited to join the Doobie Brothers as the band redefined their sound with McDonald as singer, keyboardist, and songwriter on such Top 40 singles as “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You  Runnin,” “Minute By Minute,” and “What A Fool Believes.”   Throughout the 80s and 90s McDonald’s solo career took off with a string of hits including “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” “Sweet Freedo,”“On My Own,” and the Grammy Award®-winning James Ingram duet “Yah Mo B There.” McDonald has performed with critically acclaimed  artists across a number of genres, including  Ray  Charles, Aretha  […]

From The Morris Museum: The Morris Museum in partnership with the National Music Museum (Vermillion, South Dakota) presents the exhibit Trumpets, Weird and Wonderful: Treasures from the National Music Museum — 44 fascinating instruments from five continents, on view at the Morris Museum from October 7, 2018 to March 17, 2019. Dating from the late 17th to the late 20th centuries, the instruments are on loan from the National Music Museum’s Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection of Brass Instruments, and most of them have never been on public exhibit.  “Trumpets, Weird, and Wonderful” celebrates the rich audible and visual variety of musical instruments in which sound is generated by buzzing the lips, sometimes called brasswinds. Broadly defined, trumpets come in many different forms and sizes and can be made of many different materials: animal horn, bone, conch, wood, and metals. Horns and trumpets have been in use as signaling instruments since prehistoric times. They play a role in ceremony and religion in many cultures. For centuries they have had a leading function in the military and the hunt. They are not only musical instruments but also objects of artistic expression, often with hidden meaning. “This is an exhibit […]

It’s apple season! Whether you like pies, cider, donuts, the simple thrill of picking the forbidden fruit, or all of the above, autumn is the perfect time of year to get out into the orchard and enjoy. From taking a hayride to strolling the gorgeous grounds, there’s plenty to see and do when you visit these Garden State farms, home to some of the tastiest apples in New Jersey. Wightman’s Farms – Morristown Since 1922, this Morristown-based farm offers hayrides, pick-your-own apples and a farm store where you can purchase fruit and potpies and plenty more. Check the website for hours and activities. Sun High Orchards – Randolph Visit friendly farm animals or sample homemade ice cream while picking your own apples. Have a fall birthday? Celebrate with a party in the orchard. Check the website for additional details. Alstede Farms – Chester  This sprawling farm is a popular spot for families as it features festivals and events throughout the season. Don’t miss the upcoming pie-tasting event Nov. 10, when visitors have a chance to sample over 30 varieties of pies. Yum! Visit the website for more information.  Alstede Farms Stony Hill Farms – Chester Visit the market where you can […]

  Michael Moore has another movie out and it’s bound to make a lot of people angry. Including some of his fans. The movie is called “Fahrenheit 11/9” – a take-off on the title of his 2004 anti-Bush picture, and the day after the 2016 election – and of course it’s an anti-Trump film. But it’s also, in its own way, an anti-liberal film. It’s not that Moore has become a conservative. Far from it. He thinks the current president is a disaster, a Hitler with a spray tan. But Moore thinks Hillary Clinton was a what-choice-do-I-have choice at best, just another politician with favors owed to Wall Street and an itchy eagerness to go to war. (He’s even less fond of her husband.) And Barack Obama? Hey, the dad in “Get Out” might have wanted to vote for him a third time, but sometimes Moore seems to regret he ever supported him at all. You see, being liberal isn’t good enough for Moore – or, he says, for the extreme times we live in. An unapologetic, go-for-the-Bernie, radical socialist, Moore’s most hated word is “compromise.” He doesn’t want consensus, he wants a confrontation, and he wants it now. Yet […]

Vegan and vegetarian alert! There’s a new option in New Jersey for vegans, vegetarians and those seeking kosher baked goods. Cedar Ridge Café & Bakery on Ridgewood Road in Maplewood has re-opened after a brief hiatus. “Our new hours are Tuesday-Saturday 8am to 4pm, Sunday 9am to 2pm! The kitchen will be open all day, no more closing at 3pm! WE ARE OFFICIALLY A VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT with a TON OF VEGAN options,” the Café posted on social media. “We will be certified kosher by the end of September!” “We are so excited to reopen with our new menu and we hope you are too!” The beloved eatery caused some howls from its carnivorous patrons when it announced the change earlier this summer. But after re-opening as non-meat on September 5, owner Paul Holtzman said that the response has been tremendous — with local customers giving full support and new customers coming in from Summit and points further. As always, the reviews are rapturous: “Absolutely LOVE this place. Not only do they have #veganoptions and #glutenfree options, their food is #DELICIOUS and the staff is super helpful and sweet,” wrote one online reviewer. “The owner is especially awesome! I can’t wait to go back! Between […]

The Seton Village Food Truck Festival in South Orange is back for another great year of food and drink! Mark your calendars and be sure to show up hungry for our Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival 5 – 10 p.m. on October 19, 2018. Back for its fifth year, the festival will spotlight more than 20 area food trucks, two live bands, and local restaurant specials as well as a craft beer garden featuring a wide-ranging collection of local craft brews. “The Food Truck Festival is one of the highlights of South Orange’s calendar, and we’re thrilled at the community’s response to the event,” said Doug Zacker, chairman of the Seton Village Committee. Zacker noted that attendance at the event has climbed steadily: “We expect an even larger crowd this year, and our truck lineup will reflect that,” Zacker said last year. “We’ll be showcasing the largest number of food trucks in our history, with offerings featuring everything from barbeque to tacos, cupcakes to waffles, and even international foods and farm to truck options that offer healthier alternatives.” The Seton Village Food Truck Fest will have live music, food trucks and a beer garden sponsored by Gaslight Brewery who will […]

You don’t need lederhosen or even a ticket to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest this year. Festivities abound across New Jersey with some beginning as early as mid-September and continuing straight through October. With outdoor and tented biergartens for adults, parades, music, and activities for children, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this spirited tradition. Check out this list and mark your calendar! Saint Peter and Paul Parish Oktoberfest – Hoboken Friday, September 21 6 PM – 10 PM – Biergarten open Great German brews, festival food, games, music and more! Saturday, September 22 12 PM – 10 PM – Biergarten open Great German brews, festival food, games, music and more! 11 AM – 5 PM – Kids Village in Stevens Park Fun, Bounce house, face painting, games and more! NACHO FATHAS OKTOBERFEST BBQ COMES TO PARAMUS ON SEPTEMBER 23RD SMOKED MEATS, BEER, MUSIC AND MORE AT GARDEN STATE PLAZA WHO: Nacho Fathas Oktoberfest BBQ WHEN: Sunday, September 23rd from 12:00pm-8:00pm WHAT: Nacho Fathas Oktoberfest BBQ will celebrate the season with beer, live music and (of course) BBQ in Northern New Jersey outdoors at Garden State Plaza. An array of BBQ vendors will be on hand selling smoked meats and […]

The Montclair Public Library in partnership with Central Presbyterian Church will host a conversation between New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones and author, historian, and artist Dr. Nell Irvin Painter on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 46 Park St. in Montclair. These two celebrated authors will discuss Jones’ latest book, An American Marriage, a 2018 Oprah’s Book Club selection. The novel was also chosen for President Barack Obama’s 2018 Summer Reading List. In a Facebook post, he wrote: “One of my favorite parts of summer is deciding what to read when things slow down just a bit, whether it’s on a vacation with family or just a quiet afternoon. This summer I’ve been absorbed by new novels, revisited an old classic, and reaffirmed my faith in our ability to move forward together when we seek the truth….An American Marriage by Tayari Jones is a moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.” Jones’ other novels include Leaving Atlanta, The Untelling, and Silver Sparrow. Her writing has appeared in Tin House, The Believer, The New York Times, and Callaloo. A member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, she has […]

From South Orange Performing Arts Center: The South Orange Performing Arts Center will celebrate the countless contributions of community leaders Samuel M. Convissor, Dan Arrighi and Sam Joseph at its 2018 Gala, October 27, 6-11 p.m. They will be honored for their long-time philanthropy and activism that have added immeasurably to the success of SOPAC and the local community. The legendary Grammy Award-winning Judy Collins, of “Send in the Clowns” fame, will provide entertainment for gala attendees. Another music legend and activist, South Orange resident Dionne Warwick will also be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to SOPAC and local New Jersey communities. Her impact on both the music industry and the many charities she has supported throughout the country are enormous. Born in Newark NJ, Samuel M. Convissor is an active and well-known humanitarian and has always been involved in the not-for-profit volunteer community. He served for forty years on the Board of Trustees and as Vice Chair of the Board of the Children’s Aid Society of New York City. Among his many volunteer activities, he has served as Chairman of the Board of the National Office of Social Responsibility and was an active member of […]

You don’t have to hop a plane to Germany to indulge in homemade brats, sausages, schnitzels, and strudels. These 10 New Jersey biergartens serve classic German cuisine, imported and local beer, and other libations. Some offer communal dining and/or outdoor seating. Not a wurst fan? Have no fear, you can even find vegetarian, gluten-free and even vegan choices at many of these spots. Check out NewJerseyNext.com’s list of top NJ biergartens below; and find a list of upcoming Oktoberfest events here. Northern Jersey Columbia Jagerstein Biergarten serves authentic and fresh German food and domestic and imported beer. Jaegerstein Biergarten has huge, warm Barvarian pretzels and also offers vegetarian dishes. Entertainment includes a DJ and live music. The food on the menu is from their own farm with free range livestock. 84 Route 46 East Delaware, NJ 07833 (908) 475-5777 Hoboken Pilsener Haus & Biergarten is an Austro-Hungarian biergarten. The building is actually a turn-of-the-century bier hall with an adjoining outdoor biergarten. Pilsener Haus offers seasonal specials, vegetarian fare, and gluten-free cuisine in addition to drafts and European and American craft beers by the bottle. 1422 Grand Street Hoboken, NJ 07030 (201) 683-5465 Jersey City Hudson Hall  is a beer hall and smoke house […]

From MPAC: The Tenors, the multi-platinum vocal trio who have been engaging audiences worldwide with their contemporary repertoire, bring their “Fan Favorites” tour to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $40-$80. With a selection of timeless hit songs, the show will include a pop music, Broadway favorites, as well as songs from The Great American Songbook that were performed by the likes of Sinatra, Neil Diamond and Roy Orbison. Since 2008 The Tenors – Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, and Fraser Walters – have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs and outstanding harmonies. Blending classical music and contemporary pop, the award-winning and multi-platinum selling band have achieved international success, showcasing their undeniable charm and diverse vocal styles performing over 700 shows on five continents. The Canadian vocal super group has performed for the last four presidents of the United States, including at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting for the Obama Family, for world leaders at the G20 Summit in Toronto, at the Music For Mercy Event at the Vatican in Rome, in Vancouver for the opening ceremonies of the XXI Olympic Winter Games, and for Her Majesty The Queen’s […]

Update: Cheech’s Own is now open for business. Posted: Feb. 19, 2018: Steven Chiocchi (aka “Cheech”) has always appreciated a strong, well-made cup of coffee. But what the multi-start-up entrepreneur once considered fuel for his busy days has now become his newest business venture. The 30-year-old is serving up a brick-and-mortar shop to showcase his beloved cold brew as well as a complete line of organic coffee, and looks forward to opening Cheech’s Own Coffee Company at 37 West Main St. in Somerville in late April. “I’ve always had a passion for coffee,” he says. “Because I spend most of the day in front of the computer, it helps me stay focused. But I was looking for something that was all-natural, and because I’m lactose intolerant, I like a coffee that tastes great and doesn’t need anything added to it.” Once Chiocchi discovered cold brew several summers ago, his curiosity was piqued. When he found himself spending a lot of money on the elixir, the innovator began exploring how he could come up with his own version of the caffeinated delight. After experimenting with farm-sourced coffee beans, 100 percent natural spring water, and a 24-hour slow-steep method, he developed a […]

From MPAC: The classic pop group Three Dog Night returns to MPAC on Saturday, October 13 at 8 pm. Tickets are $39-$79. Three Dog Night claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets. Boasting chart and sales records that are virtually unmatched in popular music, Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 #1 singles, 11 Top 10’s, 18 straight Top 20’s, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. The group’s hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio, where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures. Songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize their continuing popularity. Three Dog Night maintains an aggressive, year-round touring schedule of over 70 dates a year. The hit-filled concerts are performed for generation-spanning audiences by Danny Hutton (founder/lead vocalist) and Michael Allsup (guitar), Paul Kingery (bass/vocals), Pat Bautz (drums), Howard Laravea (keyboards) […]

Just as summer is synonymous with street fairs and carnivals, autumn is wine festival season. Get ready to raise a glass and embrace the fruits of the harvest. Throughout fall, oenophiles across the Garden State will find plenty of opportunities to sample varietals from local vineyards. Take a look and some of the upcoming events and prepare your designated drivers! Valenzano Winery: September 15 & 16 Noon-5:00pm (Rain or Shine) New Jerseys favorite wine and music festival is ramping up for its 16th year. Each year, this event gets bigger, better, more fun, more comfortable and more entertaining. Wine Tasting from 10 of NJ’s favorite wineries 4 stages of music & entertainment Don’t Call Me Francis, The Heartbeats, GoodMan Fiske, and many more of NJ’s hottest entertainers… Over 70 local crafters and vendors Endless food options from local restaurants Pony rides and kids concert Sample Valenzano Winery’s special releases Taste ripened grapes right off the vines Semper Fido Beer Garden Featuring Brotherton Brewery Two of New York City’s most mind-blowing street magicians. IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION: In order to better accommodate our guests and to control the crowds, tickets to WineFestNJ must now be purchased in advance. A limited number of […]

Bound Brook hosts the 2018 RiverFest Art & Music Fair on Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss this rain-or-shine event where music, food, and craft vendors fill Main Street & Van Horn Plaza. Inflatables and games for the kids make it a family-friendly celebration of art, music, and more. Arts Stage Schedule: 11:05 am   Second Story Band (rock & folk) 11:35 am   Asociación Cultural Pasion Peru NJ (Peruvian Dance) 12:00 pm   St. Anna Greek Orthodox Dance Troupe 12:20 pm   Hiphop-African Dance Workshop with Tatianna J 1:15 pm      Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre (Classical Flamenco) 1:30 pm      Scarlet Mambo Dance Duo (demo & workshop) 2:30 pm      Swing Dance Workshop with Let’s Swing NJ 3:30 pm      Swing-and-Salsa Social with Metrotang Band (2 sets!) For more information, visit Downtown Bound Brook.com.

From the Township of South Orange Village: The weekend of September 14-16 is Stay & Play Weekend in South Orange. There’s no need to go anywhere else for family-friendly fun! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 South Orange Community Campout– Like the woods but not enough to camp out? Grab your tent and camp gear and head over to the New Waterlands Park between 4 and 7 p.m to set-up for an evening under the moonlight. Bring your family and friends to watch a movie, dine al fresco and play games aplenty. The department will provide volleyball, kickball and Frisbee equipment. Campers are welcome to bring their own games as well. Bagels, juice and coffee will be served in the morning. The event is free but advance registration is required. Click here to print registration form. The Community Campout is brought to you by the South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Achieve Newstead 5K- The 16th annual Newstead 5K race powered by D&I will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, from the South Mountain School Annex (112 Glenview Road). The race benefits The Achieve Foundation to support our local schools. In addition to the 5K race, the event […]

Celebrating the today’s best jazz, The Central Jersey Jazz Festival is a free three-day, three-city, three-county all star jazz festival taking place September 14-16 in Flemington, New Brunswick & Somerville. With evening performances Friday and afternoon shows Saturday and Sunday at outdoor venues, the event is a gift for music fans of all ages from across the Garden State and beyond to enjoy. It’s BYO seating for this rain-or-shine festival of sound, which presents an opportunity to support each city’s businesses and eateries while listening to some of the most talented artists performing today. Friday’s Schedule The first day of the Central Jersey Jazz Fest will begin in Flemington on Main Street directly in front of the Historic County Courthouse. 6pm to 7pm – Lakecia Benjamin 7:30pm to 8:30pm – Sachal Vasandani 9pm to 10pm – Dave Stryker **Additional Performance by Jazz House Kids** Saturday’s Schedule The second day of the Central Jersey Jazz Fest will take place in New Brunswick on George Street between Liberty Street & Bayard Street (on NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line). 1pm to 2:15pm – Matthew Whitaker 2:45pm to 4pm – Eddie Allen 3hree for Louise 4:30pm to 6pm – Terri Lyne Carrington **Additional Performances by New […]

From MPAC: Mayo Performing Arts Center will play host to ‘The Price is Right Live‘ stage show on Thursday, October 11 at 8 pm. Tickets are $49-$69. The Morristown event will be hosted by Mark. L Walberg, host of Antiques Roadshow. The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show.  Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel, and the fabulous Showcase! Playing to near sold out audiences for more than ten years, ‘The Price Is Right Live’ has given away over 12 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky audience members all across North America. ‘The Price is Right’ is the longest running game show in television history and loved by generations of viewers.  This on-stage travelling version gives fans the chance to experience the same fun and winning excitement up close and in-person. ‘The Price Is Right’ is produced by FremantleMedia North America and licensed by FremantleMedia. *No Purchase Necessary to register for chance to be a contestant.  Open to legal […]

The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum is pleased to present ‘Souvenir: a Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins‘ by Stephen Temperley from September 27 – 30, 2018. April Woodall stars as Florence Foster Jenkins and Nicholas Kaminiski as Cosmé McMoon. This production is directed by David Edwards in conjunction with Surflight Theatre of Beach Haven, NJ. ‘Souvenir’ is the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy society eccentric who suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano. For more than half a century, her name has been guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter as she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Her annual recitals in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, brought her extraordinary fame. As news of her terrible singing spread, so did her celebrity. Her growing mob of fans packed her recitals, stuffing handkerchiefs in their mouths to stifle their laughter—which Mrs. Jenkins blissfully mistook for cheers. The climax of her career was a single concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944. Famously, it sold out in two hours. ‘Souvenir,’ by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story through the eyes of her accompanist, Cosmé […]

Lambertville and New Hope host their Annual Art & Antiques Weekend, October 13 and 14. Many stores will feature special sales, offers, and merchandise expressly for the weekend event. So if you’ve been looking for that perfect piece for your home or office, or a one-of-a-kind gift for the person on your holiday list who has everything, there’s never been a better time to check out the crown jewels of the River Towns! A listing of the participating venues will be provided at The Delaware River Towns Chamber office at 77 Bridge Street in Lambertville, the gateway to the event. Red (for Antiques) and Yellow (for Art) Flags will be displayed outside each of those venues. Many will also feature refreshments, from cider to wine, cookies to cheese. In addition to the shopping, there will be live art shows with artists painting street and canal scenes plein aire and live music performances. The weekend also marks the conclusion of the Outside the White Cube exhibit where paintings from 24 local artists can be viewed and bid on at the New Hope Arts Center. Of special interest, the public is invited to attend these events throughout the weekend: Sat & Sun […]

With reporting from Adrianna Donat. Since it opened its doors in August. Liv Breads in Millburn has been cranking out fresh, delicious smelling baked goods that are flying off the racks. Liv Breads focuses on breads — both seeded and plain baguettes, sourdough loaves and country style breads — made in a state of the art bread oven with cookware imported from France. But owners Elana and Yaniv Livneh pretty much can supply you with anything that’s baked — from danishes to croissants, breakfast brioche sandwiches, lunchtime quiches, foccacia and more. (They also have salad!) The shop itself is a welcoming, open and bright environment with a modern industrial flare,Counter Culture Coffee drinks make it a great spot to stop and dine as well as shop and dash. Everything they sell is fresh daily. “Unlike most other bakeries, we don’t have a night baker,” said Elana Livneh. “All our breads are made here starting at 4:30 a.m.” And they bake all day, so the loaf you buy at 4 p.m. is likely to be warm, instead of 12 hours old. At the end of each day, they donate un-purchased bread. The majority of the breads are made using traditional European techniques, but […]

  Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Maplewood Literary Award winner Dan Barry will be reading from and signing copies of this new book This Land: America, Lost and Found,  at 7:30 p..m. on September 13 at Words Bookstore in Maplewood, NJ. From the publisher: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and on the eve of a national recession, New York Times writer Dan Barry launched a column about America – not the one populated only by cable-news pundits, but the America defined and redefined by those who clean the hotel rooms, tend the beet fields, endure disasters both natural and manmade. For more than a decade, Barry crisscrossed the country, filing deeply moving stories from the tiniest dot on the American map to the city that calls itself the Capital of the World. In THIS LAND: America, Lost and Found (Black Dog & Leventhal; September 11, 2018), Barry selects nearly 100 essays from a decade of his distinctive This Land columns that explore uniquely American moments from every corner of our country: essays about a community’s send-off for an 18-year-old beginning her Army career in exchange for college tuition in Mohave Valley, Arizona, and the larger meaning of a knocked-down telephone booth in […]

From NJCU Center for the Arts: The NJCU Center for the Arts presents the annual NJCU Alumni Jazz Big Band Concert on Friday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. on the J. Owen Grundy Pier, Exchange Place, in Jersey City. Conducted by retired NJCU Professor Richard Lowenthal, this free concert will feature GRAMMY Award-winning guest artist Paquito D’Rivera in a tribute to WBGO Newark, the world’s flagship jazz radio station, and the 80th anniversary of the Benny Goodman Orchestra’s landmark performance at Carnegie Hall. Born in Cuba, jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera grew up listening to Benny Goodman recordings – in fact, it was these records that inspired his childhood dream of becoming a jazz musician in New York City. The winner of 14 GRAMMY Awards, D’Rivera has had an extraordinary career that spans jazz, Latin jazz and classical music. He is the recipient of the Living Jazz Legend Award from The Kennedy Center, the National Medal of the Arts from the United States, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall, and an NEA Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts. Each September since 2013, the NJCU Alumni Jazz Big Band has brought together the University’s professional graduates with high-profile guests for a waterfront concert at […]

Multiple Grammy Award winner Diana Krall performs material from her recent release Turn up the Quiet as well as fan favorites at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 10 at 8 pm. Tickets are $82.50-$153.50. The “Turn Up The Quiet World Tour” has been wowing audiences with material from Krall’s stunning latest album Turn Up The Quiet (Verve Records) and has now become the biggest in Ms. Krall’s career.  Earning critical praise, DOWNBEAT Magazine called the album “spellbinding. Krall knows how to put her own distinctive stamp on decades-old standards, making them sound fresh and vibrant.” Turn Up The Quiet holds significant importance as it was the last recording Krall made with her long-time mentor and collaborator, producer Tommy LiPuma, before his sudden passing last year and is dedicated to his memory. Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered five Grammy® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have also earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum albums. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) […]

Modeled after successful book festivals in other communities throughout the world, the Morristown Festival of Books brings together acclaimed authors with readers and book lovers. The festival will be held Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13. The 2018 Festival, a rain-or-shine event, will feature a full roster of authors, including Joyce Carol Oates, A.J. Finn, Kate Morton, and more. Authors will speak and answer questions in one-hour sessions at one of several convenient Morristown locations. Book sales and signings, following author presentations, will occur at a tent on the grounds of the historic Vail Mansion. Why Morristown? Morristown is an ideal location for a Festival of Books. It is accessible for both authors and attendees throughout the NJ/NY/Pennsylvania area and beyond. Several of Morristown’s iconic historic locations have embraced the Festival and opened their doors to host the author venues. Our vibrant and diverse community has a bustling town center, an active arts community, and avid readers from all walks of life. And finally, in Morristown and surrounding communities we have an abundance of dedicated book lovers to volunteer, organize and support this ground-breaking event. Where will the authors speak? The Festival venues include the Morristown and Morris Township Library, St. […]

The Township of Verona and the local business community present Verona’s first ever Restaurant Week! Enjoy 5 nights of delicious meals at Verona’s restaurants from Sept. 16 through Sept. 20! Three-course Prix Fixe Dinner menus will be available for $25 at each participating location. Other specials will be going on all week as well! Reservations are highly recommended but walk-ins will be welcome. Visit www.VeronaNJ.org/RestaurantWeek for all up-to-date info! Share your meals, use #VeronaNJEats & #VRW2018!

Before hitting the stage this fall for their Christmas Spectacular, the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes are going to visit some libraries in New Jersey for arts and crafts. According to a release from the Rockettes: “It’s never too early to light up the holidays! Before rehearsals begin for the 2018 Christmas Spectacular, the Radio City Rockettes will visit six local tri-state area libraries to engage with fans and families. Join the Rockettes from September 12-14 for holiday lights-themed crafting sessions where children and families from the local communities will be able to decorate jars filled with festive lights. The visits are free and open to the public.” The Rockettes will be at Millburn Library on Sept. 13 and at South Brunswick on September 14. September 13 Millburn Free Public Library 200 Glen Ave, Millburn, NJ 07041 3:30pm – 4:30pm September 14 South Brunswick Public Library 110 Kingston Ln, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 4:00pm – 5:00pm   “The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes will run from November 9, 2018- January 1, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall. The production continues to be enhanced with fresh and dynamic content while preserving what has made the Christmas Spectacular a beloved holiday […]

From Summit Downtown, Inc.: Arts + Cars will be held in downtown Summit, rain or shine, from 10am-4pm on Sunday, September 16. Summit Downtown will host an event that’s fun for the whole family! From 10am to 4pm there will be a juried art show with lots of art and crafts for sale, the P.A.L. Classic Car Show, live music from the B Street Band and others, and children’s activities. These activities are being organized cooperatively by the Summit Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), Summit Downtown, Inc., and the Visual Arts Center of NJ. Art Festival: The Summit Downtown Art Festival is back! This is an outdoor, juried art show with plenty of art and wares for sale including jewelry, paintings, ceramics, clothing, and more. The Art Festival will be located on Springfield Avenue between Maple Street and Summit Avenue. The Art Festival is co-organized by theVisual Arts Center of New Jersey. Live Entertainment: The day kicks off with comedic acrobats Barely Balanced doing feats that will make you gasp! Bring the family early, and then enjoy the live music of the B Street Band, the preeminent Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band, and the Matt Mattheiss Band. The stage will be located […]

From: State Theatre New Jersey:  State Theatre New Jersey presents Tony Award®-winning actor Alan Cumming in his new show Legal Immigrant on Saturday, September 29, 2018, 8pm. In addition to the show, all ticket buyers for Legal Immigrant are welcomed to come early for a pre-show Pride Night reception from 7pm-8pm in the second floor lobby of the State Theatre. Tickets for Legal Immigrant range from $39-$69. The show Legal Immigrant—a collection of musings on his 10 years as a United States citizen, growing older, and what it feels like to be an immigrant in today’s America—is what Alan describes as “a true old-fashioned cabaret, a smorgasbord of genres, styles, and tales; laughter, tears and, of course, provocation!” The show features songs such as Walter Mark’s “The Singer,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends,” “Not A Day Goes By” from Merrily We Roll Along, and “Losing My Mind” from Follies. In addition, Cumming will cover songs made famous by female musical artists such as Pink, Edith Piaf, Adele, and Marlene Dietrich. He will also include a styling of Schubert and Peggy Lee together in one song and Scottish artists Robert Burns and The Proclaimers will make an appearance. About the Artist Alan Cumming is a […]

From Essex County: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to “Essex County Remembers,” a solemn ceremony at the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial that will mark the 17th anniversary of the tragedies in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. Scheduled to join the County Executive are U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. The annual ceremony will be held as follows: Date:            Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Time:           8 a.m. Place:          Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial                               Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ “After the attacks, people spontaneously came to Eagle Rock Reservation to view the tragedy unfold at the Twin Towers and leave cards, letters, photos and flowers in an impromptu memorial in honor of their loved ones. I knew immediately that this was the natural location for a memorial because of the public attraction to this site and the unparalleled view of the World Trade Center from the lookout area,” DiVincenzo said. “Our September 11th Memorial is a special place for people to come for solace and comfort because of its unique location and its powerful message of peace and hope,” he […]

The 4th annual ‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival will return to the North Wildwood Entertainment District, along Olde New Jersey Avenue Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16. The year’s event will be bigger than ever featuring three full days of country music, vendors, crafts, food and more. Admission to the festival is FREE! with festivities taking place from noon until 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Olde New Jersey Avenue comes alive with sights and sounds of a country fair with vendors lining the street selling clothing, wares and all things country. Refreshments, food and live country music on two outdoor stages will take place all day long and into the night. The following performances are scheduled to take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Tito’s Stage: Friday’s featured country bands will be 40 North from 1-4 p.m., Sherwood Brothers from 4-7 p.m., and Payton Taylor from 7-10 p.m.; Saturday’s featured bands are Steel Creek from 1-4 p.m.,Adam Yarger from 4-7 p.m., and Triple Rail Turn from 7-10 p.m., and Sunday’sfeatured bands are the Chesapeake Drifters from […]

From the South Mountain Blues Festival: For the first time in history, two days of rain caused the cancellation of  “New Jersey’s largest free blues festival” scheduled for September 9.   Following the announcement of a one-week postponement, and after Festival organizers conferred with executives Essex County — the major sponsor and provider of the venue — until the wee hours this Monday, the painful decision was made to cancel.   Producer Mike Griot stated that “we tried to pull together the impossible and reschedule for September 15, but ultimately could not accomplish that due to scheduling and logistics issues.” With performers heavily booked and literally travelling the world, the task of wrangling enough musical acts for a “first-class endeavor of this magnitude in five days was insurmountable,” according to Griot. He noted that the (unrelated) Montclair Jazz Festival was likewise canceled due to rain in August.   Preparations for the milestone 10th annual South Mountain International Blues Festival, expected to be the largest ever, will soon begin.    The all-day, all-FREE SMIBF, formerly the South ORANGE International Blues Festival, outgrew the original location in the Village, and has been hosting thousands of music fans yearly at the spacious Oakdale picnic area in the South Mountain Reservation in West […]

The Morris Museum has new programming this fall for children of all ages to enjoy. Programs range from two new exhibitions involving music and STEM to a Chemistry Family Fun day, Halloween fun, November Vacation Days programming, and children’s theatre. Many programs are free with Museum Admission. Please check for registration information for each event. For Children’s Theatre tickets visit https://morrismuseum.org/childrens-theatre/ or call the Box Office at 973.971.3706. To become a Member of the Morris Museum and attend Family Fun Days for Free, visit morrismuseum.org/museum-membership, email membership@morrismuseum.org,or call 973.971.3721. Exhibitions Things Come Apart Saturday, September 8 – Sunday, December 2, 2018 Check out this traveling exhibit, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, which examines disassembled objects through the lens of photographer Todd McLellan. 

Younger visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to become part of the experience through the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab activities. These collaborative, hands-on challenges offer hypothetical situations that allow critical thinking and team creativity to flourish and provide fun skill building in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The Spark!Lab activity kits are provided through a grant from the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Invent-A-Vehicle (Saturday, September 15, 11:00AM and 1:00PM): Visitors sketch and then build […]

The days are getting just a little cooler. The nights are getting a tiny bit longer. You may not be ready to put away the beach passes and suntan lotion just yet but – face it — another summer’s almost gone. But there’s a bright side. The end of the hot-weather season means the end of the silly-movie season – and the beginning of entertainment for grown-ups. Serious dramas, and smart documentaries. Real-life stories and adult thrillers. Oh, there are still some popcorn pictures in the mix, calculated crowd-pleasers like the sci-fi remake “The Predator” (September 14), the comic book “Venom” (October 5), and yet another re-done “Halloween” (October 19), with Jamie Lee Curtis back for more. There are big cartoons (“Smallfoot,” September 28), lush Disney fantasies (“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” November 2) and more Harry Potter spin-offs (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindenwald,” November 16). There are even some big-budget originals (“Overlord,” about Nazi-made monsters, coming out November 9). But here’s what I’m really looking forward to… ROMANCES “Crazy Rich Asians” proved there’s a need for (and delightful rewards in) diversity in Hollywood. So expect “Bel Canto” to provide even more, as the distinguished Ken Watanabe finds himself […]

The National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW/Essex) announces its 2018 Opening Event featuring the charming and witty best-selling author, Jennifer Weiner. The event will be held Oct. 23 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. Jennifer Weiner’s books have spent over five years on The New York Times bestseller list with over 11 million copies in print in 36 countries. Among her novels is In Her Shoes, which was turned into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine. In addition to her many novels she has written The Guy Not Taken, a short story collection, The Littlest Bigfoot, the first in a trilogy of middle-grade novels, and Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing, a nonfiction collection. With a wide fan base on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Weiner uses her social media platform to encourage women’s voices, self-esteem, and body positivity. She has appeared on Time magazine’s list of “140 Best Twitter Feeds,” and Forbes magazine put her on their list of “25 Working Moms to Follow on Twitter,” writing “tune in for hilarious shards of brilliance.” Weiner also is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times Op-Ed and Sunday Review, and her essays have been reprinted in […]

Bartenders from some of New Jersey’s top restaurants shared fall cocktail recipes with NJ NEXT that are as colorful and enchanting as autumn leaves. Whether you’re hosting a get-together and want to impress your guests, or you simply want to toast the arrival of crisp weather, these elixirs will do the trick. Editor’s note: this article was originally published in November 2017. Restaurant Serenade’s Stone Fence Nancy Laird, who owns Chatham’s Restaurant Serenade with her husband, critically-acclaimed Chef James Laird, shared one of the upscale eatery’s perennial fall cocktails: the Stone Fence. Ingredients: 2 oz. Maker’s Mark bourbon 5 oz. fresh apple cider 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice 3 dashes of simple syrup, optional apple slice for garnish cherry for garnish Combine all (except garnish) in shaker with ice.  Shake to combine. Strain over ice into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an apple slice and cherry. Restaurant Serenade is located at 6 Roosevelt Ave. in Chatham. Call 973-701-0303 or visit the restaurant’s website for more information. Rails Steakhouse ‘s Perfect Rose When a restaurant boasts its own speakeasy, you know the drinks are going to be something special. Arthur Giron, general manager at Rails, offered the Towaco-based steakhouse’s recipe for The […]

Get a little fresh air, exercise and a fascinating history lesson about the nation’s oldest seaside resort while enjoying a bike ride around downtown Cape May with Curious Cape May, a bicycle tour company dedicated to sharing intriguing and unusual tales about this historic community. Curious Cape May, started by local residents Laura Shaddock, Wendy Collins, and Ryan Testa, offers the opportunity to pedal along with an expert guide and hear secrets and little-known stories about the less-traveled side streets as well as beloved destinations Cape May is known for. Bikers are provided with three-speed cycles that are comfortable and easy to pedal. One reviewer referred to them as “the Mercedes of bikes.” Hand and coast brakes, bells, and mirrors are all included. Helmets are distributed, too, to ensure the tours, which last 90 minutes to two hours, are as safe as possible. Cyclists make stops along the way and see photos from the past. Ride with friends or make new ones while cruising through this scenic setting. Priced at $35 per person, tours, both group and private, can be booked online. Located at 122 Sunset Boulevard in West Cape May, Curious Cape May can be reached by calling 833-386-7433, by emailing info@curiouscapemay.com, […]

From Kean University: Broadway and television star Bebe Neuwirth is set to open Kean Stage’s 2018/19 season with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, at Enlow Recital Hall. Although the Princeton, N.J., native may be best known for her Emmy Award-winning role as Lilith Sternin Crane on the popular television show Cheers, she has also conquered Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her role in Sweet Charity, and starring in Damn Yankees, Fosse and A Chorus Line. She received her second Tony Award for her portrayal of Velma in Chicago. A few years later, she played Roxie in the show, making her the only triple threat to have played both parts on Broadway. This multi-talented performer has played everything from Anita in West Side Story at the Cleveland Opera to Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. At Kean Stage, Neuwirth will perform her cabaret act, Stories with Piano. This intimate show consists of songs by a wide range of songwriters, including Kander and Ebb, Tom Waits, Edith Piaf and German composer Kurt Weill. “This isn’t the kind of show where I tell stories about my […]

Newark is hot — and not just because of the recent weather! New Jersey’s biggest city is booming, which is no surprise because of its great, vibrant neighborhoods. One prime area is Mt. Prospect Avenue in the North Ward, which boasts thriving shops and restaurants, high rise towers with stunning views of Manhattan, a magnificent cathedral, the stately homes of Forest Hill, and Branch Brook Park, 360 beautiful acres with its famous cherry blossoms and a trout-stocked lake right in the middle of the city. Located at the highest point on the ridge between the Passaic River and Branch Brook Park and extending from Bloomfield Avenue to the Belleville border, Mt. Prospect has much to offer both residents and visitors. On Sunday, September 9, the sixth annual Mt. Prospect Avenue Car Show takes place from 11am to 4pm, with over 200 classic automobiles that can be ogled. Don’t miss it! Get your tickets now. The Mount Prospect Partnership, which is working with the business community to revitalize the North Ward, is the engine behind upcoming events that bring neighbors and visitors to the vibrant area. According to its Senior Project Manager, Steve Hillyer, “Mount Prospect is perfectly located, a quiet distance away […]

Join four-time World Series Champion and Latin Grammy Nominated guitarist and composer Bernie Williams, and his All-Star Band for an evening of music featuring fusions of jazz, rock, and the tropical rhythms of Williams’ Latin heritage on Sept. 8 from 8  p.m., 6:30pm, for dinner, in the Grunin Center Gallery. Main Stage, Tickets $59 – $45 Pre-Show Dinner available from Prime 13 for $25 pp. Post-Show Meet & Greet available for $51 pp. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Bernie Williams discovered his love for baseball and music at roughly the same time. At the age of eight he fell in love with the sounds of a flamenco guitar his merchant-marine father brought home from Spain, and also felt the same exhilaration when he first picked up a baseball bat. In his 16-year career patrolling centerfield for the New York Yankees, his passion for music never waned, and the sound of his guitar would often be heard emanating from the clubhouse or during team flights. Whether acoustic or electric, a guitar was a constant presence in the star’s locker or equipment bag, and it was no surprise when he demonstrated how serious his musical pursuit was with the release of his first […]

From Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.: Essex County opened the Flamingo Exhibit at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo on Wednesday, August 29 and dedicated the new attraction as the “Drill Family Flamingo Exhibit” in honor of the West Orange family’s long-time relationship with the Zoo, which dates back to the original opening in 1963. “The Flamingo Exhibit is a dynamic attraction that will captivate the attention of our visitors. Not only can you see the flamingos up close but, if you stand on the second floor of our Savanna Café, you can look right into the exhibit area,” DiVincenzo said. “With their unique appearance and colorful feathers, the flamingos are sure to become a favorite of our visitors,” he added. “Turtle Back Zoo is more than just your typical zoo. Because of the leadership of County Executive DiVincenzo, it has become a learning center for children and adults that promotes conservation and environmental stewardship,” NJ State Senator and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said. The Zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens, and free for children younger than 2 years. For […]

Attention Garden State ramen fans: Ani Ramen, the wildly popular noodle restaurant with locations in Jersey City and Montclair, will be opening two new outposts. A third location of the acclaimed ramen house and bar will open in Summit (427 Springfield Avenue) this fall, according to a press release. It will feature Ani Ramen’s signature Japanese Ramen bowls, as well as bao buns, homemade crispy gyoza and other Japanese Izakaya small plates. (See menu here). Looking ahead to 2019, Maplewood residents can expect to enjoy Ani Ramen right in the Village, at 149 Maplewood Avenue. “We are very excited about adding Ani Ramen to the Maplewood food scene,” said Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca. “Our residents and visitors to our town will enjoy their ‘dining experience’ at Ani Ramen. We know the restaurant will be a great success.” What makes Ani Ramen such a hit? According to the company’s website, the Ani team partnered with the renowned Sun Noodle company and tested hundreds of combinations of noodle, broth and other ingredients to come up with their ramen variations. The restaurants are dine-in only, no take out (at least not for now), and reservations are only taken for large groups. Prepare to […]

From Cirque Entertainment: Are you ready LAWRENCEVILLE? Do you love thrilling, wicked, sexy, or even dangerous things? Be ready to escape to a new world! Paranormal Cirque, presented Sept. 13-16 in Lawrenceville, will expose you to a unique creation of combined theatre, circus, and cabaret with a new European style flare. Cirque Italia is now presenting a brand-new show for a mature audience! This innovative horror story features different shades of sexy and an incomparable storyline – the only thing you can be sure of during this unique experience is that you will not know what to expect! It might be hard to divide reality and illusion! Are you intrigued yet? Dare to let yourself get wicked for one night under our Big TOP and live on the edge with Paranormal Cirque show! You will fall into a parallel world and end up surrounded by monstrous creatures with hidden talents that will amaze you with the circus arts. Even from a distance you need be careful……….our dark “CASTLE” (also known as the Big Top) has been known to mesmerize many with its swirling Black and Red hypnotic colors. Be prepared as soon as you step through our welcoming Entrance gates to […]

From Morris Museum: A quarter-inch-thick smartphone can be used as a watch, a camera, a theater, a map and even a mobile bank. Things Come Apart, a traveling exhibition circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and featuring the works of creative photographer and tinkerer Todd McLellan, looks inside the smartphone and dozens of other everyday technologies. The traveling exhibition will open September 8, 2018 at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ, and remain on view through December 2, 2018 before continuing on a 12-city national tour. McLellan spent countless hours disassembling objects of all sizes and functions—from a watch to a laptop and a Walkman to an upright piano—with painstaking precision into hundreds or even thousands of pieces. With each object fully stripped to its bare parts, he methodically worked backwards, laying out each item in reverse order from the protective case to the smallest circuits until the true scope of each design was captured. The resulting images, grouped alongside other items built for similar purposes, provide a visual history lesson of mechanical innovation and highlight the contrast between old-world craftsmanship and sleek modern engineering. Through more than 40 captivating photographs, videos, and objects encased in acrylic, […]

From Summit Downtown Inc: Last year’s exciting event is back! Summit Downtown will host an event that’s fun for the whole family! From 10am to 4pm there will be a juried art show with lots of art and crafts for sale, the P.A.L. Classic Car Show, live music from the B Street Band and others, and children’s activities. These activities are being organized cooperatively by the Summit Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), Summit Downtown, Inc., and the Visual Arts Center of NJ. Art Festival: The Summit Downtown Art Festival is back! This is an outdoor, juried art show with plenty of art and wares for sale. The Art Festival will be located on Springfield Avenue between Maple Street and Summit Avenue. The Art Festival is co-organized by the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Live Entertainment: The day kicks off with incredible acrobats doing feats that will make you gasp! Bring the family early, and then enjoy the live music of the B Street Band, the preeminent Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band, and the Matt Mattheiss Band. The stage will be located on upper Beechwood Road. Special thanks to Regal Bank for sponsoring this great musical entertainment! Classic Car Show: Organized by […]

From SOMa Sport and Social and Pollock Properties Group: Join Hamilton Chicago’s Miguel Cervantes at the first-ever Family Fun Picnic and Home Run Derby on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at DeHart Park in Maplewood, NJ. SOMa Sport and Social, the group behind the popular SOMa Co-ed Softball League, is partnering with Vanessa Pollock’s Care Serve Give, E Quality Systems, and Blink Fitness to host the first-ever Strikeout Epilepsy, a Home Run Derby fundraiser and picnic that promises fun for the whole family this Labor Day. Miguel Cervantes, a co-founder of SOMa’s Coed Softball League, will take a break from his leading role in the Chicago production of Hamilton to help raise funds for Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, or CURE. It’s been a personal cause for Miguel and his wife Kelly since their daughter was diagnosed with a type of epilepsy known as infantile spasms. The inaugural event, at Maplewood’s family friendly DeHart Park ball field, will offer: Women’s and Men’s Home Run Derby (Pre-registration required) with a grand prize of one-year membership to Blink Fitness Food from Benji’s Taqueria of West Orange Ice Cream Truck DJ Matty Stuart of MD Music and Entertainment Inflatables for […]

The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 200 unique tastings it’s a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. The Big Brew Beer Festival Saturday,October 6, 2018 The Morristown Armory 430 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 Check out a fun-filled time of great craft beer, music, food and entertainment. EVENT SCHEDULE:   SESSION 1: 12pm – 4pm General Admission $60  ($45 with $15 LABORDAY discount) Designated Driver: $15 (no discounts apply) SESSION 2: 5:30pm-9:30pm  General Admission: $60 ($45 with $15 LABORDAY discount)  Designated Driver: $15 (no discounts apply) ENTERTAINMENT THE OUTCROPS SESSION 2 – STEREO JUNKIES

From MPAC: Veteran blues guitarist Robert Cray and his band perform at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 6 at 8 pm.  Tickets are $29-$59. Open ears and an open mind are the essence of singer, guitarist and songwriter Robert Cray’s approach to writing, recording and playing music. He has created a sound that rises from American roots and arrives today both fresh and familiar. In just over 40 years Cray and his band have recorded 20 studio releases, 15 of which have been on the Billboard charts, and played bars, concert halls, festivals and arenas around the world. There are five Grammys with Cray’s name on them, and he has a suitcase full of W.C. Handy blues awards. Four years ago, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Growing up in the Northwest, Robert Cray listened to the gospel of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Bobby Bland’s soul, Jimi Hendrix’s rock guitar and the Beatles pop sounds. He would bring all of the influences into play throughout his career, but his teenage band was captivated by Southern Soul and the blues. “In the early days of the band we were getting back into O.V. Wright […]

Madison’s recently opened Bottle Hill Tavern brings to life a concept that began in the early 19th century. The family-friendly eatery, located at 13 Waverly Place (formerly home to Poor Herbie’s), pays homage to the original Bottle Hill Tavern, which was constructed around 1812 on the site of an older inn of the very same name. After Poor Herbie’s, the Madison staple run by the Mullins family for more than 25 years, closed in 2017, four long-time Madison families (Horn, Haralampoudis, Flemming, and Horsey) purchased the establishment and renamed it the Bottle Hill Tavern, a nod to the town’s legendary meeting house. The historic tavern has seen its share of interesting guests. According to Bottle Hill Tavern’s website, the Marquis de Lafayette, was a French military officer who served under George Washington in the Continental Army, visited the tavern in 1825. Today, the restaurant, which opened its door in July, welcomes families, friends, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors to celebrate that rich history along with great food and drinks. The menu features burgers, barbecue, seafood, steaks, salads, soups, sandwiches, and plenty more. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, which boasts a “Build Your Own Bloody Mary” bar. Guests with a sweet tooth can sample $5 desserts, […]

Update, 8/30/18: Sabatino’s is in its soft opening, serving pizza and specials 12-9 p.m. daily (except Mondays for now). 973-327-9977, Email- Info@sabatinosmaplewood.com. It’s for real! Ahead of its to-be-announced grand opening, Sabatino’s at 513 Valley Street in Maplewood previewed its menu with pizza only in a soft opening this weekend. The best news? The reviews are all raves. The restaurant will specialize in pizza and Italian food. Earlier this year, owner Sabatino Perrotta, Jr. reported, “We aren’t doing anything half-way,” noting that he had ordered a high end Marsal pizza oven, and was gutting the space to create the kitchen he needs to make fine Italian food. Perrotta gradulated from Columbia High School in Maplewood in 2010. He learned his craft at the Culinary Institute of America and while living in Italy. “I love the culinary aspect of Italian food,” he said, “but I also appreciate a good, fast slice of pizza.” A Sunday brunch including menu items such as grilled avocado toast and eggs benedict is currently planned for Sundays. More information will be available as the restaurant gets closer to opening. You can follow Sabatino’s progress on Instagram at: SabatinosPizzaGram. This story will be updated with more information on […]

From Gail Schoenberg PR: A bevy of new eateries is slated to open this fall throughout New Jersey: Kai Yang  345 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair A casual, fun Thai concept from Restaurateur/Chef/Owner Sheree Sarabhaya (Spice II, Boon Thai Kitchen), who grew up in Bangkok, with its Thai market street food such as kai yang–meaning “grilled chicken.” Kai Yang’s organic chickens will be rotisserie grilled and accompanied by traditional papaya salad, sticky rice sides and dipping sauces. The space will evoke the vibrant colors and feel of a Thai street market. Opening September. The Ashford, 145 Newark Avenue, Jersey City From the owners of NYC’s Chinese Tuxedo and The Grayson, with a Jose Garces alum in the kitchen and a Macao Trading Co. vet behind the bar, this 17,000 square-foot multi-level dining destination on Jersey City’s downtown “restaurant row” will offer New American food & craft cocktails. Rooftop with open-air kitchen and raw bar. Multiple private event spaces. Opening September. Six26, 128 Christopher Columbus Dr., Jersey City Within the same building, on the opposite block, The Ashford’s team are thrilled to present a new tri-state LGBTQ destination. Cocktail-focused, with a menu of light bites, and plenty of entertainment. A lounge with a downtown vibe; a rooftop for day/night chilling. Opening late September. House of Que, 500 Port […]

From State Theatre New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey presents 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince, the first and only officially approved symphonic production by The Prince Estate on Thursday Sept. 6 8 p.m. Questlove—avid Prince fan and a member of The Roots—has helped curate the music and orchestral arrangements that will be played by the symphony. Tickets range from $45-$95. The producers, Live Nation Urban and TCG Entertainment, will present the music of Prince like never before, with a full symphony orchestra. In addition, the show will feature a live band with world class musicians and vocalists who will perform alongside the orchestra. 4U will draw from Prince’s singular and extensive music catalog, highlighting many of his hits that captivated generations of fans, alongside lesser known gems. April 21, 2016 will live in infamy as the day we lost a genius, an icon, a legend. Prince is widely regarded as one of the best musicians ever to live, and one of the greatest showmen of all time. His music makes up the soundtracks of our lives—from the parties of our youth to our weddings; and we share his music with our children who repeat the cycle. Great music lives on […]

From the South Orange Performing Arts Center: Nothing brings people together like an evening of tantalizing food and drink, in this case accompanied by music and a celebrity chef slam! On Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m., SOPAC hosts Savor the Arts –An Evening of Culinary Adventure in the Loft. Two local chefs will vie to deliver the tastiest New Jersey-sourced dish and several New Jersey food and beverage purveyors will also be on hand to share their own farm-to-table offerings. Patrons are encouraged to mix and mingle while sampling the wares; guests’ favorites will be announced at the end of the night after the chef slam. Local foodies won’t want to miss this new community event featuring culinary skill and beverage pairings as performance art. The evening begins with several food stations, each paired with a complement of wine, beer or cider to fully exploit and embrace the flavors and complexities of the dishes on offer. Emcee and wine enthusiast Hank Zona is on deck to keep the evening- and the libations- flowing and to guide Savor guests through the pairings. Who doesn’t love a celebrity cook-off? Vying for top honors for the evening will be up-and-coming chefs Leia Gaccione of South + […]

Calling all nature enthusiasts! August is Monarch & Meadow Month at Duke Farms. The Hillsborough leader in environmental stewardship pays tribute to the winged creatures in all their symmetrical and colorful splendor by offering events and workshops for all ages to enjoy. Some events repeat, so don’t worry if you miss them the first time around. Take a look at this list of offering and prepare to pay homage to these migrating marvels: Teaching and Learning with Monarch Butterflies August 2 – August 3, 2018 | 8:30am-4pm $50.00 per attendee Each fall, monarch butterflies from the U.S. and Canada begin a 2,000 mile migration to Mexico; in following spring, their great grandchildren return.  ‘Teaching and Learning With Monarch Butterflies’ is a two-day workshop combining classroom and field experiences where participants are taught by a team of experienced educators that provide participants with the knowledge, skills, materials and confidence to raise monarchs on their own. This workshop enables pre-K through 12th grade educators to teach essential skills in literacy, math, science, geography, technology, Spanish, the arts and social studies… through the captivating story of monarchs (but isn’t limited to educators). Each participant receives: Hands-on instruction by experienced teachers; Rearing cages, books, posters, […]

For six straight years, the South Orange Performing Arts Center has been taking perfectly good pianos and putting them out on the streets of South Orange. It’s a unique and creative way for SOPAC to reach out to its community. Not only are residents literally tripping over art — viewing and playing the pianos — but visual artists are engaging with the performing arts in an exciting way. The donated pianos are transformed into pieces of art before being displayed on sidewalks of South Orange for six weeks and then auctioned off to raise funds. Playin’ Around South Orange 2018 kicked off on August 25 with outdoor performances — by pianists Theo Walentiny; Campbell Charshee of Mark Murphy Music; Mark Madonna; and Patricia Brady-Danzig — in five separate South Orange locations. The five painted pianos are available 24/7 for all musicians and residents to enjoy and play at any time through October 7, 2018.   The colorful and eye-catching pianos can be found at Spiotta Park, Irvington and W. Fairview Avenues, the Village Service Center on South Orange Avenue and the Sloan Street Gazebo. Details are listed on the SOPAC website at SOPACnow.org/community/sopianos.  2018 Playin’ Around South Orange artists are: BILL BILLEC painted […]

Calling all seafood fans! The Atlantic City Seafood Festival is back at Bader Field Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Historically, this festival was one of the most anticipated seafood events in the nation, taking place in historic Gardner’s Basin, at the north end of Atlantic City. After disappearing for several years, it was revived in 2012 when Good Time Tricycle Productions created a new event that took the festival to new heights thanks to a larger floor plan, more programming, and family-friendly activities. With the majority of the restaurants attending being brick and mortar Atlantic City restaurants, The Atlantic City Seafood festival will continue to give attendees the opportunity to experience this seaside city as a culinary destination. It’s also a great chance for foodies and food seekers to meet some of Atlantic City’s most unique chefs and restaurateurs all while eating their tasty creations. From clams to calamari, oysters to ahi, and even alligator too, The Atlantic City Seafood Festival has it all! One of the highlights is the Chowder Cook Off where guests judge over 14 chowders from participating restaurants and crown the 2018 AC Seafood Festival Chowder Cook Off Champion. In addition […]

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end to the summer season. Why not enjoy the warm weather while it lasts? The following are fun events the whole family can enjoy before the back-to-school rush. Boonton Carnival & Parade Weekend Thursday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 2 Boonton High School (map) Carnival Friday, 6 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. Parade Saturday, September 1, 1:30 – 4 p.m. Carnival Saturday & Sunday, 3 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. The Boonton Fire Department is hosting its 127th Anniversary Parade Saturday, September 1 beginning at 1:30 pm sharp. Rain date, Monday, September 3rd. For 82 years the Boonton Fire Department has held an inspection and parade on Labor Day Weekend. The parade will assemble in the West Boonton area and proceed down Main St to Grant St, to Old Boonton Rd, ending at Boonton High School. The entrance to the parade assembly area will be Morris Ave at the intersection with Rockaway St. Annual Labor Day Carnival – Mendham Friday, Aug. 31 – Sunday, Sept. 2 The Club’s annual Labor Day carnival is a large-scale event, featuring rides, games and food.  The carnival runs from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. On […]

Update: Felina is slated to open in October. Ridgewood’s thriving restaurant scene is welcoming a new entrant: Felina Restaurant and Bar. The rustic yet refined Italian-American eatery and event venue plans to open in the fall at 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. in Ridgewood, and will feature locally-sourced seasonal ingredients masterfully prepared by acclaimed chef Anthony Bucco, whose work at The Ryland Inn and more recently Crystal Springs’ Restaurant Latour garnered rave reviews from critics and diners alike. Felina, which will occupy the space that formerly housed seafood restaurant Fish, represents the reuniting and partnering of Bucco and renowned restaurateurs and founders of Landmark Venues Frank and Jeanne Cretella, whose cache of beloved properties includes The Liberty House, Stone House at Stirling Ridge, The Logan Inn, and more. Together, the trio staged the re-opening of The Ryland Inn, restoring the country estate and reestablishing it as one of the premiere restaurants in New Jersey. “About six or seven years ago, we had the ability put together a plan and reimagine the Ryland,” Bucco said. “So to have the opportunity to work with people I consider family, it’s an honor to be back in the fold and collaborate.” As was Bucco’s trademark at the White House […]

  Downtown Somerville’s thriving restaurant scene got an even bigger boost with last spring’s opening of Grumpy Bobas, the first “healthy” bubble tea cafe in New Jersey. Grumpy Bobas makes these traditional and popular drinks with whole, fresh and organic ingredients. Somerville residents Yanshu Liu and her husband Michael Benjamino are thrilled to be serving a delicious alternative to typical bubble teas — without artificially flavored powder and syrups full of cheap fillers. Instead, they use housemade fruit purees, real loose leaf tea, organic milk, cream and matcha — and so far, customers are eating (or drinking) it up. In a March interview with NJ Next just before they opened, Liu explained how her venture got its intriguing name. ‘Bobas’ are the tapioca pearls found in bubble tea. “We wanted to call our cafe ‘Grumpy Bobas’ because bubble tea typically has a bad reputation for being too sweet or artificial, and anyone would be a bit grumpy if they have a bad reputation for the wrong reasons,” she noted. “After working at a famous international bubble tea chain and looking at the ingredients in all their drinks, we knew we wanted to make our drinks differently,” Liu said. “Traditional bubble tea is […]

On Monday, August 27, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced the re-opening of the Leopard Exhibit at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. The comprehensive modernization and expansion were part of the County Executive’s initiative to provide the highest standard of care and first-class conditions for animals at Turtle Back. The exhibit features snow leopards and amur leopards. The Zoo, located at 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

From Paper Mill Playhouse: Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director), recipient of the  Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2016, is proud to announce casting for The Color Purple, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle. The Color Purple is a Tony Award-winning revival based upon the novel written by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture with a book byMarsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. Cast members from the 2015 Broadway revival lead the Paper Mill Playhouse company, including Adrianna Hicks (Aladdin,Sister Act – Germany) as Celie, Carla R. Stewart (Ghost – National Tour, Rent – Regional) as Shug Avery and Carrie Compere (Holler If You Hear Me, Shrek the Musical – National Tour) as Sofia. They will be joined by Gavin Gregory (The Color Purple, The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess) as Mister, N’Jameh Camara (X: Or, Betty Shabazz v. The Nation) as Nettie, Jay Donnell (Miss Saigon) as Harpo, along withDarnell Abraham, Amar Atkins, Kyle E. Baird, Angela Birchett, Erica Durham, Bianca Horn, Jamal James, Mekhai Lee, Gabrielle Reid, C.E. Smith, Will T. Travis, Nyla Watson, J.D. Webster, Brit West and Nikisha Williams. The Color Purple will run at Paper Mill Playhouse from September 26 through October 21, 2018. Major support for The Color Purple is provided by the PSEG Foundation. Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2018-2019 season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank. The Color Purple, the Tony Award-winning […]

Rutgers University, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension proudly present the annual Great Tomato Tasting Event and Snyder Farm Open House on Aug. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 140 Locust Grove Rd., Pittstown. This event is made possible with the assistance of the Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers. You can take part in the very popular tasting of more than 80 heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties of beefsteak, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes! While features change yearly, past events have included: chef demonstrations featuring preparation of several tomato recipes tastings of apples, basil, and peaches professional advice offered by the Hunterdon County Board of Health Staff on stink bugs, mosquitoes, and black flies—pesky insects near and dear to local residents gardening demonstrations for those interested in small, productive gardens Learn about the research and projects being conducted at the farm by taking a wagon tour of the farm’s research plots. The Melda C. Snyder Teaching Garden showcases demonstration gardens of deer tolerant ornamentals. Also on display are blueberries, hazelnuts, and hollies from the Rutgers breeding programs. Rutgers NJAES faculty, staff, and Rutgers Master Gardener volunteers are available throughout the event to answer your […]

Modern food trucks have come a long way from the days of cellophane-wrapped bagels and watery cups of joe. Today, New Jersey is home to scores of roving food trucks with sophisticated culinary offerings that span the globe. You can find trucks that serve vegan cuisine, over-the-top-burgers and Australian food. One specializes in all things avocado, another offers cuisine inspired by the French Quarter of New Orleans. Cannoli, Puerto Rican food, Jamaican fare — even soft serve frozen bananas are some other tasty treats you can get truckside. The trucks show up at special events, farmers markets, pop-ups, and festivals, and schedules are often posted on their websites. Food trucks also cater parties, barbecues, weddings, and pretty much whatever you’d like to host. Here is New Jersey Next’s curated list of NJ food trucks. Happy eating! Amanda Bananas makes award-winning soft-serve frozen fruit (100% bananas). Signature soft-serve creations include S’mores, banana cream pie, Pina Colada, Fluff-a-nutter, Rocky Road, Snickers, and more. Choose from over 30 toppings ranging from fruits to candy to syrups to nuts to cereals. All items are dairy-free and gluten-free. (973) 495-7718 Angry Archie’s crab cakes are made by a chef who has cooked at James Beard events in […]

It’s never been a better time to be vegetarian or vegan — or even just “veg-curious” — in New Jersey. The last decade has seen a boom in restaurants and eateries offering creative, delicious meatless cuisine throughout the Garden State. No longer do non-meat eaters need to be relegated to ordering bland veggie burgers or boring pasta. Today, diners can choose from an array of places whose menus include tasty ethnic dishes as well as classic entrees, soups, smoothies, bowls and more. Below is a list of vegetarian restaurants and vegan-friendly restaurants in Northern New Jersey. Click through to their websites and the photos will make your belly growl and your mouth water. Bayonne House of Flavor serves vegan entrees, sandwiches, soups, juices, shakes, smoothies, desserts, and build your own grain bowls. Bernardsville Breezy Organic Snackery has an organic and vegan-friendly juice bar. They also have soups and salads to go. Cliffside Park Nefista is a vegan restaurant. Their signature dish is Kofteh Kofteh, an African meatball made with minced meat originating in South Asia, the Middle East, Balkan, and Central Asia. This restaurant makes a vegan version on a platter or in a wrap. They also make salads, smoothies, and fruit […]

Spend the weekend (August 25-26) with the PGA Tour’s best players at The Northern Trust Tournament at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ. On hand are Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and more top golfers. Woods is 5 strokes back of the lead after 36 holes. The golf great has rebounded from back surgery and is now at 26th in the rankings after contending at the Masters and PGA Championship this year. Tickets are available here or call 844-868-7465.  

Just because summer’s coming to a close that doesn’t mean the beachfront concerts are over for the season. The Sea.Hear.Now Festival, featuring notable singer/songwriters such as Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Blondie and many more, takes place September 29-30 in Asbury Park. Bands will perform at three stages each day from 12:30pm -10:30pm. Surfing contests and board-shaping demos will also take place both Saturday and Sunday. Food trucks and fare from top local vendors will be available throughout the weekend to ensure attendees never miss a meal. Adding to the fun, The Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery Pop Up is something guests won’t want to miss as it features the work of many of the multi-talented musicians on the festival’s bill. “I am really excited for this gallery,” noted Clinch on the festival’s website. “Over the years of spending time with musicians, I noticed that quite a few of them were also painters or illustrators. It occurred to me how special it would be to create a gallery at the festival that could showcase this part of their creative process and be able to give fans a chance to hear their favorite musicians talk about their art.” The artist roster includes: JACK JOHNSON BRANDON […]

As a forward-thinking hotel, conference and event facility, it’s no surprise Hilton Short Hills, a AAA Four Diamond-rated property, has opened a modern casual outdoor dining and lounge experience that’s a cut above the rest – literally. The Retreat, an all-new open-air rooftop expansion, added as part of a $9 million hotel transformation project, is the perfect space for locals and hotel guests to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, small plates, daily Happy Hours and Thirsty Thursdays with live music, lounge décor, and fire pits. ‘Retreat’ feels like the perfect name for this seasonal spot as even before your first cocktail, you’ll feel the serenity of the space start to seep in. Visit at dusk and unwind amid this woodland setting that feels so charmingly rustic, you’ll forget Routes 24 and 78 lie just beyond the bar. Strung garden lights add to the ambiance and create a tranquil vibe, as if you’ve wandered into someone’s well-appointed backyard and don’t have to lift a finger. In addition to live music events, The Retreat hosts Trivia Nights, as well as Tap Takeovers, featuring local craft breweries. During my visit, Ridgefield Park’s Bolero Snort was in the house, pouring unique brews including OVB, an orange cream pop IPA, […]

From: NewJersey VegFest: Join us on August 26 at Convention Hall for our last vegan pop up shop in Asbury Park for this year! Celebrate the end of summer with a slice of pizza and a vegan macaron and toast to good food and good friends with a cold kombucha! We have opened the upstairs vegan party loft for this event and the bar will be open and here’s what else you will find upstairs: Vegan Cookbook Swap Music with DJ Candace V Discussion on Sustainable Fashion with Teeminder (noon) Vegan Health and Fitness Discussion (TBA) More Vendors Awesome Views Lots of tables to relax at with your food and friends Tickest are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Vegan Cookbook swap: out with the old and in with the new-to-you 11am – 2:45pm Bring your cookbooks upstairs to the cookbook exchange and trade them for tickets 3pm Bring your tickets back to the cookbook exchange and trade them for an awesome cookbook full of new possibilities! Leave your name and email and be entered to win a two-day pass to the New Jersey VegFest on October 6 & 7 at the Meadowlands Expo Center! Vendors Aya’s Natural […]

From Home for Good Dog Rescue: Gladstone Tavern will “go to the dogs” on Sunday, August 26 at it welcomes patrons and their canine companions to enjoy a meal benefiting Home for Good Dog Rescue.  Returning for its twelfth year, the annual “Dine with Your Dog” Event welcomes guests and their dogs to Gladstone Tavern’s outdoor dining terrace, 273 Main Street in Gladstone, NJ, to enjoy the restaurant’s modern take on classic American comfort food — in addition to special “pet-safe” treats, including a special batch of dog-friendly stew and house-made dog biscuits. “We are so excited to partner with Gladstone Tavern as the beneficiaries of this wonderful event,” Home for Good Dog Rescue’s co-founder and treasurer, Richard Errico, said. “We hope our adopters and all local dog lovers will join us for an afternoon of delicious food benefiting our all-important mission of rescue.”  Home for Good Dog Rescue is a 100-percent foster-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) dog rescue in Berkeley Heights, NJ. It rescues homeless dogs from high-kill shelters in the South, which are overflowing with unwanted dogs on the brink of being euthanized.  It then socializes, cares for, and provides them life-saving medical care at their property in Aiken, SC, […]

From WBGO 88.3FM: After an overwhelmingly positive response to the Aretha Franklin tribute last Saturday, August 18, Rhythm Revue is hosting another Aretha Franklin special this Friday, August 24, from 8:00 pm-12:00 am on WBGO in Newark, NJ.  Four hours of Aretha Franklin’s music, including a live concert recording captured at the Fillmore West, had WBGO listeners swaying to the beat and sharing personal stories of the singer. Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security and NYC native, enjoyed the Aretha Franklin special so much he is planning to tune in Friday for the encore! This time, listeners can visit WBGO.org and click on the “Tell Us YOUR Aretha Franklin Story” link at the top of the page to share their personal experience with the singer. WBGO is the global leader in Jazz radio and reaches a weekly audience of more than 400,000 in our metro area via 88.3FM. 

Long Beach Island is preparing for Chowderfest Weekend, which has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome the fall. Always the weekend before Columbus Day Weekend, this year the event will be held on September 29, 2018, for the fabulous Merchant Mart (free admission) where local vendors offer the best deals of the season, and Sunday, September 30, 2018, for the Chowder Cook Off Classic (a ticketed event). Chowderfest Weekend is held rain or shine at the Taylor Avenue ball field, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven (across from Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village) For everyone’s comfort and safety: Blankets on the field are not permitted Lawn chairs in paved areas only. Strollers must be parked at our secured gate area. You will receive a ticket for retrieval Smoke free event No pets allowed by order of the Board of Health Chowderfest Weekend Merchants Mart (Free Admission!) Saturday, September 29, 2018 10am to 5pm Chowder Cook-Off Classic Sunday, September 30, 2018 11am to 4pm General Admission Tickets – $30.00 Children’s Tickets (Ages 4-12) – $10.00 VIP Tickets – $65.00 Includes a t-shirt and early admission at 10am Purchase your […]

Picture a lake on a hot summer day, the sun dancing and sparkling across its surface. Makes you want to hop right in. New Jersey boasts many lovely lakes. Some are located in state parks and offer hiking trails, picnic areas, boating, camping facilities, and more. Here are our favorite lakes for your swimming pleasure. Check websites for fees, hours of operation, and locations. Have we missed your favorite lake? Email editor@newjerseynext.com and let us know. Northern Jersey Mahwah (Bergen County) Darlington County Park in the foothills of the Ramapo mountains has three lakes. Two of these lakes are for swimming and the third allows fishing. You’ll also find a picnic area (bring your own grill), white sand beaches, a state-of-the-art playground, basketball, tennis, and handball courts. Landing (Morris County) Lake Hopatcong, located in Lake Hopacong State Park, is New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake and offers boating, fishing, water sports, and swimming. A concession, picnic grills, volleyball courts, and playgrounds are all near the beach. Lovely restaurants, marinas, and public beaches surround parts of the lake. Morris Township (Morris County) Sunrise Lake Beach Club in Lewis Morris Park is a child’s dream. Kids can enjoy an inflatable obstacle course (for ages 7 and older) […]

Summer’s not over yet, and as everyone knows, great weather and summer cocktails go hand-in-hand. So why not enjoy a beverage while basking in the sun, sipping in the shade, or savoring a sunset at one of New Jersey’s rooftop bars? From ocean waves to the Manhattan skyline, some Garden State views are unbeatable. Take a look at our round-up of rooftop bars that will truly elevate your summer outings. Salvation – Asbury Park Salvation, set atop The Asbury Hotel, opens each season in May. This rooftop hot spot features innovative cocktails and guest DJs all summer long. While you’re there, check out nearby Asbury Lanes, which has an all-star lineup of musical acts slated for the season. Rooftop XP at The Hyatt House JC – Jersey City Grab drinks and dinner while gazing at what some may consider the world’s most iconic skyline. The stunning space opened April 26 and boasts “lavish libations” so fancy the bar claims they’ll “inspire Instagram envy.” We’ll raise a glass to that! Hilton Short Hills, Retreat Rooftop – Short Hills With hand-crafted cocktails, specialty menu items, and seasonal craft beer on tap from Bolero Snort Brewery, you may have just found your perfect happy hour spot. […]

Gayborhood Jersey City & the Hudson Pride Center will host the 18th Annual Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival on Saturday, August 25 from 1-9 p.m., on Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue in the heart of historic downtown Jersey City. The Festival is adjacent to major mass transportation: PATH Grove street (two stops from Manhattan) and Bus. The Jersey City Pride Festival celebrates the diversity of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and allies of Hudson County and the New York City metropolitan area. Last year the official estimate of attendance at the festival was 14,000-15,000 people. The Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival is recognized not only as the premier LGBT event in Hudson County, but also one of the largest festivals in the Northern New Jersey region. The events of Pride season exemplify the strength and growth of our LGBT & allied communities. More importantly, Jersey City Pride emphasizes the importance of diversity in our community, making it stronger and more accepting of all individuals and their contributions to our society. We invite you to come celebrate Pride with us. The Jersey City Flag Raising and Award Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 22 at […]

It looks like it’ll be a happy ending after all for Fairy Tale Forest. The theme park, which opened in 1957 but closed in 2003, is undergoing a renovation and is expected to welcome visitors once again this fall. Located in West Milford, the beloved destination celebrates European fairy tales such as Mother Goose, Cinderella, The Three Pigs, Peter Pumpkin, and Hansel & Gretel as well as American folk lore, just as its name implies. As if seeing these classic stories come to life weren’t tempting enough, guests of all ages can enjoy a bit to eat at the park’s new eatery. Fables Restaurant at Fairy Tale Forest is slated to seat its first diners in fall as well–possibly even before the park’s grand re-opening. The aptly-named Fables will feature New American fare in a casual and fun environment. Chef Christine Nunn will also prepare a variety of “gourmet to go” dishes as well. And, of course, kids and grown-ups alike will have their choice of classic ice creams as well as healthy organic juices. Fables motto: “Fun, fabulous food is the moral of our story” truly says all you need to know about the restaurant. For more information and updates, visit www.fairytaleforest.com and […]

From: State Theatre New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey presents Lost 80’s Live on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8pm. The Lost 80’s line-up features some of the most iconic bands from the 1980s including A Flock of Seagulls; Wang Chung; Bow Wow Wow; Farrington and Mann, Original Vocalists of When in Rome UK; Naked Eyes; and Animotion. Tickets range from $48-$98. Lost 80’s Live is the longest running retro tour where nostalgic fans can see their favorites 80’s bands performing live on one stage for one epic night. The experience is timeless and has been described by fans nationwide as a “greatest hits show” where every song played could be on a number of greatest hits’ albums. Lost 80’s Live was created 14 years ago by Rob Juarez of The Boss Booking Agency (TBBA) and is co-produced by TBBA, Jim Hanzalik of World One Presents, and Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen of Universal Attractions Agency (UAA). About the Artists Flock of Seagulls are best known for their hit “I Ran” and the music video that accompanies it.  Other top Flock of Seagulls hits include “The More You Live, The More You Love,” “Space Age Love Song,” and “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph […]

From Paper Mill Playhouse: Mark S. Hoebee, producing artistic director, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2016, announced today that individual tickets for the theater’s 2018-2019 season will go on sale to the public on Monday, August 20 at 10:00am. This will be the first season in Paper Mill Playhouse’s newly renovated auditorium featuring new seats and a fresh design. Single tickets start at just $35. Tickets may be purchased beginning on August 20 by calling 973.376.4343, or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2018-2019 season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank. Paper Mill Playhouse will open its 2018-2019 season with the hit musical, The Color Purple (September 26-October 21), the unforgettable and moving Tony Award-winning musical based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel and Academy Award–nominated film features a soul-raising, Grammy-winning score infused with jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues. The Color Purple, with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, is a stirring family chronicle about the power of love and life. Next, a family musical just in time for the season, […]

A change of scenery is good for the soul. If you can get out of town, rest, relax, and restore without leaving the state, even better. Montclair, a thriving Essex County community located at the foot of the First Watchung Mountain, offers something intriguing for nearly every visitor. From live music and gorgeous gardens to an array of dining options and fine art, you may find that you’ll need more than just a few days to enjoy it all. Below are some highlights that make Montclair the perfect destination for a weekend getaway: Stay: Husband and wife team Steven Plofker and makeup mogul Bobbi Brown transformed a Georgian Inn into a boutique hotel, The George Inn, in the heart of Montclair. Blending historic bones with modern flair, the couple reimagined the space to create a chic aesthetic that boasts products from some of Brown’s hand-picked favorite brands. You won’t have to worry about leaving your pup behind. All pooches receive V.I.P. treatment as they’re welcomed with a dog bed and treats, for an extra $75 per dog per night fee. Each of the hotel’s 32 rooms is uniquely designed to make guests feel comfortable yet pampered. A continental breakfast buffet is available in the […]

For some high-flying fun, check out the Atlantic City Airshow Wednesday, Aug. 22. A free event, watch as an array of aircraft color the skies over the beautiful beaches and Atlantic City Boardwalk. (A limited number of premium seats on the beach at show center are available for purchase.) Entrance to the Flightline Club starts at 10 AM Atlantic City International Airshow starts at 11 AM The following is the lineup of events: 1115   US Army Golden Knights Flag Jump w/National Anthems 1123   US Army Golden Knights Mass Exit Show 1129   Multiple Military Flybys 1148   6ABC Chopper Flyby 1150   Medical Helicopter Flybys 1154   NJ State Police Flybys 1156   Jim Beasley Jr. SNJ-5 Aerobatics 1206   NJ-ArNG/NJ-ANG UH-60 SPIES/FRIES Demonstration 1214   Multiple Military Flybys 1228   Paul Dougherty Christian Eagle Aerobatics 1241   US Coast Guard MH-65 Demonstration 1253   FAA William J Hughes Tech Center Global 5000 Flyby 1255   Canadian Forces Snowbirds 1340   Lee Leet Tucano Demonstration 1354   GEICO Skytypers 1410   Miss Geico Speedboat vs. GEICO Skytypers Race 1419   Jim Beasley Jr. P-51 Mustang Demonstrations 1431   Army Golden Knights Mass Exit Show 1451   Mike Wiskus LUCAS OIL Pitts Aerobatics 1506   USAF Thunderbirds Enlistment Ceremony 1510   USAF Thunderbirds Schedule subject to change based upon aircraft availability, […]

Catch an evening of great live music for a worthy cause when the JC WAVE Fest, an annual music festival and concert to benefit Jersey City Theater Center’s upcoming 2018-2019 season, comes to White Eagle Hall, Saturday Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 This year’s musical acts include: Kelly Saint Patrick Shayfer James Sylvana Joyce Sid Whelan Tiphanie Doucet Junestar Mr. Blackman Frank Ippolito The Afterschool Orchestra VENUE INFORMATION: White Eagle Hall – JCTC 337 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ, 07302 https://www.whiteeaglehalljc.com/

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, the 15-time Emmy® Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance, returns to the road this fall with the installment of its blockbuster annual tour, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! 2018 and stops at Mayo Performing Arts Center Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! 2018 features the Top 10 contestants from Season 15 which include the following: Jensen Arnold, Hannahlei Cabanilla, Genessy Castillo, Evan DeBenedetto, Jay Jay Dixonbey, Magdalena Fialek, Darius Hickman, Chelsea Hough, Cole Mills, and Slavik Pustovoytov with more cast announcements to come. Meet the Top Ten HERE. Fans can witness the hottest show-stopping routines from Season 15 as well as original pieces choreographed specifically for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! 2018. Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment and dick clark productions will present audiences across the country with many surprises from the most respected show in the dance community and promises to be an unforgettable night of dance by some of the world’s most talented performers up-close-and-personal, boldly transporting the small screen experience, enjoyed by millions, to the stage. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE! 2018 is directed by visionary director Raj Kapoor with dance routines overseen by Emmy® award […]

From Summit Downtown, Inc.: Over thirty downtown restaurants participated in Summit Downtown’s 10th Annual Restaurant Week with prix fixe menus, specials, and more. The week began with a special edition of Summit Street Sounds featuring live music throughout the downtown on Thursday, July 19. Special thanks to Haven Savings Bank for sponsoring Restaurant Week this year For the fourth year in a row, Summit Downtown, Inc. hosted a Restaurant Week Photo Contest. You can see all the delicious photos on Summit Downtown, Inc.’s Facebook page. A delicious photo of Winberie’s Lobster Roll made with chunky lobster salad, lettuce, and avocado, on a New England roll served with coleslaw and French fries won Catherine Goncalves the Peoples’ Choice Award for 2018 (see above.) Melanie Cohn, Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, had the difficult task of choosing the Best in Show winner. Cohn remarked that it was a very difficult choice, but ultimately awarded Annie Stower’s photo of a sandwich from Batavia Café (see below) top honors. The winners can expect an email with directions on how to claim their prizes. Summit Downtown, Inc. and the Visual Arts Center will be partnering with the Summit P.A.L. for Arts […]

Chatham borough is about to welcome a new eatery to its downtown. Sorriso Kitchen (Sorriso means “smile” in Italian) will be opened by Chatham residents Jimmy and Karen Bellas. In addition to offering creative farm-fresh breakfast and lunch items, the restaurant, formerly home to Angie’s, is serving up a sweet program that its owners believe will be a recipe for success for the special needs community. Inspired by their 17-year-old son, L.J., who has Down Syndrome and is known for his ready smile (hence the eatery’s name) and infectious laughter, the Bellas will close the cafe to the public on Mondays, and use it as a classroom or learning lab to train students with disabilities from L.J.’s school, the Chatham-based ECLC (Education, Careers, and Lifelong Community), in service and hospitality. Administrators from ECLC are building a whole curriculum around the program, which the Bellas believe could serve as a model for other communities. In order to give Sorriso Kitchen and this innovative program a solid foundation, the couple, also parents to son Nico, 14, have launched a Kickstarter campaign, and are more than 80 percent of the way to their $25,000 goal. Financial backing will be used to transform the space and equip […]

Food truck festivals are a fun part of the summer season, add music and it’s a recipe for great day. The upcoming Just Jersey Food Truck and Music Festivals throughout the month of August serve up a delicious way to celebrate. Bring your appetite, chairs, blankets, pop-up tents and even the dog! The events help support local community organizations. Mark your calendar for the following events; we’ll let you know about more that are taking place in the fall: Chester Food Truck & Music Fest Saturday – August 18th 11am-7pm Municipal Field, Chester, NJ 134 Main Street Over 25 Gourmet Food Trucks! Craft Beer & Sangria Garden! Live Music! Kids Activities & Face Painting make this a great fun-filled family day. LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY: SPINN 11am -1:30pm | Kinderhook 1:30pm – 4:00pm Katastrophy 4:00pm – 7pm This event benefits the Chester First Aid Squad and the Chester/Mendham Food Pantry. PARAMUS FOOD TRUCK FEST Sunday – August 19th 11am-8pm Garden State Plaza Nordstrom Lot Paramus, NJ Route 17 or Route 4 entrance 1 Garden State Plaza Over 25 Gourmet Food Trucks! Craft Beer & Sangria Garden! All day DJ Music! Free Parking! Face Painting & Kids Activities!

From Collingswood Crafts and Fine Arts Festival: Thirteen is a lucky number for the Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival!  For 2018, the Festival’s 13th year, Collingswood will proudly present more than 150 craft and fine artists who have been selected by a jury for the quality and variety of their latest work Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19 from 10am to 5pm. The event will be held rain or shine. Artists will be on site at their booths to discuss their new pieces and share their passion for creating them. What artwork will you see? Contemporary designs in wood, glass, clay, metal and fiber. Whether you are looking for a piece of hand-woven clothing for yourself or a unique children’s design, a perfect piece of stained or blown glass or some whimsical metal sculptures for your garden – the Collingswood Craft & Fine Art Festival will provide something unique and beautiful. If you are intrigued by original watercolor, pastel, collage or oil paintings or if you appreciate fine photographs that capture the beauty in nature or cities, you will appreciate the festival’s fine artists and photographers. Those who admire the craftsmanship in turned wood and hand-carved figures or […]

There’s nothing like the power and impression of live storytelling. Don’t miss The Moth StorySLAM‘s Reunion Monday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at White Eagle Hall, located at 337 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ. Prepare a five-minute story about revisiting the past. Friends or foes, family or lovers, schoolmates, colleagues or neighbors. Circling back to take inventory on past grievances or long overdue thanks, glory days or stuff you really wish would be forgotten. Hearts broken or mended. Feelings rekindled or extinguished … rose colored glasses optional. The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition. Open to anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. Come tell a story, or just enjoy the show! $10 (Tickets on Sale 8/20 at 3pm)

Beer, barbecue, and roller coasters seem like an unlikely combination. But those looking to up the ante on summertime thrills can enjoy all three in one spot as Six Flags Great Adventure hosts an all new ‘Food, Brews & Tunes’ along the lakefront August 16 through 19 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Here’s what you can expect: FOOD Indulge in a variety of specialty culinary recipes. From Hawaiin Shrimp kabobs to Cajun Gumbo, Food & Brew Festival has plenty for everyone to enjoy. BREWS What’s a great dish without a great brew? Pair your meals with a variety of IPAs, lagers, ciders, and other specialty craft seasonal beers from breweries in New Jersey and across the nation. MUSIC Stop by the festival stage for some of the Jersey Shore’s finest music throughout the weekend! For more on the array of offerings, visit Six Flags Great Adventure’s website. Buy Park Tickets Online and Save up to $15 Save up to $15 when you buy tickets online at least one day before your trip. Not sure when you’ll visit? Select our Any Day Ticket.

Music fans should mark their calendars! The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival, one of the summer’s most popular free music festivals, takes place Saturday, Aug. 18 from noon to 10 p.m. Now in its eighth year, the festival appeals to music fans of all ages and is known for great performances on the beautiful Green located in the center of the historic town. Parking is available in the many public lots and the train station is just a couple of blocks away. Visitors come for the weekend and enjoy all that Morristown has to offer from historical sites to great shops and wide array of restaurants. The lineup is as follows: Rhythm in Blue is the dynamic big band jazz ensemble from the United States Air Force. This talented, professional big band takes great pride in preserving America’s uniquely original art form, drawing on big band charts from the Swing Era to contemporary classics. Rhythm in Blue tours throughout the Eastern half of the United States and is in constant demand. Bria Skonberg                2:00 – 4:00 The Canadian singer, trumpeter and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of […]

From Red Bank.org: Summer in Red Bank continues to surge with energy as new storefronts open their doors to the season’s visitors and the town’s locals. New restaurateurs, retailers and servicers have chosen Red Bank’s walkable streetscape as the backdrop for their new ventures and in doing so brought their talent and vision to the New Jersey destination. Red Bank’s downtown welcomes these new arrivals as valuable additions to the town’s lively business landscape. Pearl St. Consignment and Wild Eye are among new retailers, and Broad Street Barbers has opened up shop as well. Wonderful new additions – Café Loret, Semolina Restaurant, Coney Waffle, The Melting Pot and Good Karma Vegan Cafe’s Karma 2 Go – continue to diversify the available selections for food. Red Bank’s newest retailers bring even more originality and liveliness to the downtown district. Pearl St. Consignment comes to 117 Monmouth St. with a mission to help the environment and “reinvent clothing.” The shop is the brainchild of Emily Natale, a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Wild Eye (72 Bridge Ave.) is self-described as a “mindful marketplace” dedicated to uplifting the artistic community. As the stores owners strive to support independent artists, items […]

From Buck Hill Falls: With the first day of school looming right around the corner and thoughts turn to how to fill the last hazy days of summer, your child has become interested in playing golf. As luck would have it, the fall season with its cool breezes and clear skies, is the perfect time to introduce your child to a sport they can play for a lifetime. Making a child’s first experience with golf can be a memorable time for both of you to share. Whether your kids are new to the links or are veteran players, choosing the right course can be the difference between nourishing a lifelong enjoyment and creating fond memories, or ending your child’s interest in the sport in an afternoon. As you weigh your options on the perfect location, consider Buck Hill’s semi-private Golf Course. The Club is only 90 minutes from New York City and an even shorter trip from the NJ suburbs. It offers a great deal on golfing with children of all skill levels. With three courses available to play, you also have variety for return visits. When you are finished with your rounds, putting time, or driving range fun, you […]

The Montclair Jazz Festival is back for another marathon day in Nishuane Park this Saturday, August 11, 2018 from noon to 9 p.m. Directed by jazz superstar Christian McBride, presented by the Bravitas Group & Silver Family Foundation and produced by Jazz House KiDS. Artist highlights include: EDDIE PALMIERI Afro-Caribbean Jazz Sextet, CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE Inside Straight, OLIVER LAKE TRIO, THE ROYAL BOPSTERS and JAZZ HOUSE COLLECTIVE. The all-day, “NO TICKETS REQUIRED” festival includes a 2nd stage in the Family Jazz Discovery Zone, performances by more than 150 Jazz House Kids students, a beer garden, parking shuttle, bike valet and concessions. Winner of the 2018 Discover Jersey Arts People’s Choice Award for FAVORITE MUSIC FESTIVAL! Find out more here.

Committed to the beautification and maintenance of Jersey City, Commercial District Services, LLC (CDS), announced the official launch of the Commercial District Systems Mobile App. This new mobile data collection platform allows the CDS team to collect pictures and data about the projects they’re working on in the more than 20 Business Improvement Districts that CDS serves.  On their new App, CDS President & CEO, Chris Bernardo said, “The ability to demonstrate measurable results and capture critical data has always been an elusive goal of Business Improvement Districts in New Jersey. With this app we’re able to help downtowns track and prioritize the challenges their revitalization efforts are facing.” The Commercial District Systems App collects data on various projects and tasks as defined by the downtown’s needs. These data points include: number of waste bags removed, graffiti removal projects, repainted light poles, utility boxes and fire hydrants, interactions with the at-risk population, illegal signage removal, check-ins at local hotspots or problematic areas for quality of life issues and many other data points. The data collected by the team in the field is able to give downtowns a true understanding of challenges they face by tracking the issues over time and […]

“BlacKkKlansman” is fiercely felt, indulgently overlong, proudly provocative and excitingly experimental. It’s full of great performances (and a couple of scenery-chewing ones). It has a dreamy reverse-dolly of two people walking (but actually gliding) toward the camera. It brilliantly dramatizes a vital issue, and the debate over two diametrically opposed responses. In other words, it’s a Spike Lee movie. In some ways, it’s the most Spike Lee movie since “Malcolm X” (and not just because it’s got one of Denzel’s kids, John David Washington, in the title role). It’s a story that’s based on recent history, but draws direct parallels to today. It mixes fictional characters and documentary footage. And it ends with the same message Lee has been shouting for decades. Wake up. Its “fo’ real” story, as the opening titles call it, is about Ron Stallworth, a black police officer – actually, the black police officer – in early ‘70s Colorado Springs, Colo. He’s eager and ambitious, and the white chief figures he’ll take advantage of that by assigning him to undercover work — planning to use him to infiltrate and report on the burgeoning Black Power movement. But then Stallworth sees a KKK recruitment ad in the […]

The Somerset County 4-H Fair, located at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, brings fun and learning together Aug. 8 – 10. A county tradition since 1947, this year’s theme is ‘Unleash Your Passion.’ Somerset County 4-H Program Coordinator Barbara Navatto explained that there’s something for every child to enjoy and explore. “The fact is, that in 4-H, kids can investigate any topic of interest to them,” she said. An adult, usually a parent, will start a club based on a child’s interest and invite other kids with the same interest. One of our newest clubs is a Doll Club. The kids are learning American Culture and History by following the stories of the dolls during different periods of history. They are doing arts and crafts, sewing, and taking field trips.” Appealing to the interests of boys and girls of all ages, 4H offers animal science clubs, but also robotics, beekeeping, computer repair, archery and a variety of others focused on different hobbies. “But the goal of these year-round 4-H Clubs, while teaching special interests, is the broader development of youth,” Navatto noted. “We are teaching leadership, citizenship, public speaking and responsibility. 4-H members act as mentors to younger members and role models […]

Alstede Farms, located in Chester, is paying homage to the peach with a harvest festival that celebrates the sweet stone fruit. Enjoy scrumptious peach treats galore: peach muffins, peach melba loaf, assorted peach pies, peach crumb cake and bread, baked oatmeal with peaches, peach fry pies, Alstede’s peach dessert, and more at our Peach Harvest Festival celebrating the delicious peach while in season. There is no fee to attend the festival, you simply pay for what you are interested in enjoying. Dates and times are as follows: August 11 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm August 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm August 18 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm August 19 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm The farm, founded in 1982, produces a vast array of local fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown using only sustainable and USDA certified organic production methods. Visitors to the family-owned and run farm can also visit with friendly animals including chickens, rabbits, pigs, donkeys, horses, and more. Pick your own berries, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes in the field, or stroll through the sunflower maze. Pick your passes are available online.

From: State Theatre New Jersey:  State Theatre New Jersey unveiled its 2018-2019 Classical Series, featuring five fantastic world-renowned performers.   State Theatre New Jersey’s Classical Series kicks off on September 16 with acclaimed violinist, Itzhak Perlman, who has been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award® for his excellence in recording arts. The series also includes Boston Pops on Tour with the incomparable conductor Keith Lockhart on December 2. Next, one of the world’s top youth ensembles, the National Symphony Orchestra of Romania will perform on January 16. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will then star conductor John Mauceri and Grammy-Award® winning soloist Isabel Leonard performing “100 Years of Leonard Bernstein” on February 24. Multi-Award winning Renée Fleming, one of the most acclaimed singers of our time, performs on February 27 The Classical Series will conclude with a Saint Patrick’s Day performance from world-renowned Irish flute player Sir James Galway, playing alongside his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway on March 17.   Itzhak Perlman Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 3pm Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by […]

Stay cool and save cash by checking out the free flicks offered during August at Mayo Performing Arts Center. The following are the films and showtimes:   Sing!: MON AUG 13, 2018 @ 10:30 AM A koala impresario stages a gala singing competition in order to save his theater, and the contest attracts the attention of such musically inclined animals as a harried pig mom, a teenage gorilla, a shy elephant and a punk porcupine. Featuring the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson and John C. Reilly. Rated: PG Ghostbusters MON AUG 13, 2018 @ 7:30 PM Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Sigourney Weaver star in this classic comedy about unemployed parapsychologists who devise a system for neutralizing ghosts when New York City comes under attack from supernatural demons. Rated: PG (language) Coco WED AUG 22, 2018 @ 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM A boy journeys into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors and lift a curse. Rated: PG

Monmouth at the Team, the popular hunter/jumper event, is scheduled for Aug. 13–20. This year, the show includes an additional full day of equitation and children’s hunter competition Monday, Aug. 20. Schooling starts at noon on Sunday, Aug. 12. The event is an opportunity for area competitors to enjoy superb hospitality and footing at a beautiful, iconic, world-class facility. Riders, trainers, owners, families and friends give rave reviews of the boutique horse show. In fact, the show is expected to sell out for the third consecutive year since its move to historic Hamilton Farm, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Competing at Monmouth at the Team is an experience like no other. Founded in 1895 and originally known as the Monmouth County Horse Show, it is New Jersey’s oldest continuously run horse show. In 2016, it was renamed and moved to one of the country’s most beloved equestrian venues, Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ, home of the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. It was at this iconic location where the greats of the sport trained to represent the United States. The atmosphere is rich with a reverence for equestrian sport. Monmouth at the Team offers US Equestrian-rated hunter, […]