Tucked away in between Old Short Hills Park and the South Mountain Reservation, is a little known gem of a garden. Greenwood Gardens, a former private estate, is one of Essex County’s least known outdoor spaces. The garden will open for the season on Friday, May 3. Greenwood Gardens started out in 1906 as Pleasant Days, the then country estate of millionaire Joseph Day and once encompassed 79 acres including Old Short Hills Park and surrounding areas now occupied by homes. After Day’s death, Peter Blanchard Jr. purchased the property, now 28 acres, and renamed it The Greenwoods”  for his family home. On Blanchard’s death, and with the help of the Garden Conservancy, Blanchard’s son, Peter Blanchard, III,  formed the non-profit, Greenwood Gardens, to preserve the space. After going through an extensive renovation to stabilize, update facilities, and make most of the garden safe for the public, the garden officially opened to the public in 2013. The gardens are open from spring to late fall, with some events happening in the winter when the grounds are closed. Highlights include the tea house and surrounding gardens, the summer house, which is framed by four massive horse chestnut trees at the corners, […]

Acclaimed singer songwriter Sarah McLachlan performs her hits such as “Angel,” “I Will Remember You,” “Adia,” “Sweet Surrender” and “Possession” and more Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 27. One of the most celebrated singer songwriters in entertainment with over 40 million albums sold worldwide, McLachlan has received three Grammy Awards and twelve Juno Awards over her career and was recently inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In addition to her personal artistic efforts, McLachlan founded the Lilith Fair tour, which showcased female musicians and raised over $7 million for local and national charities. In 2002 McLachlan founded her non-profit organization, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which provides top quality music instruction at no cost, in a safe and nurturing environment, for at-risk and underserved children and youth.  From an early age, music provided McLachlan with the tools she needed to navigate the challenges she faced in her life, so she recognizes how important it is for every child to have those same opportunities. In 2014 McLachlan released her seventh studio album, Shine On, for which she received a Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the […]

Hamburg, NJ – A celebration of the world’s best wines and top chefs from around the U.S, the 10th annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort takes place May 4 – 6, 2018.  To mark this milestone, Crystal Springs has partnered with ment’or to jointly celebrate the 10th anniversaries of both organizations.  Ment’or was founded by Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse to support the next generation of chefs and to fund a team to compete in the biannual Bocuse d’Or competition, which the U.S. team won for the first time in 2017. Held at New Jersey’s premier culinary destination, Crystal Springs Resort, the weekend’s events are designed to allow food and wine connoisseurs to meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers.  Created and overseen by Crystal Springs Chief Operating Officer Robby Younes, the Festival has grown in stature over the past nine years as a showcase for culinary talent with a who’s who of attending chefs including Jose Andres, Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, Thomas Keller, David Kinch, and more.  This year’s Festival will be the largest collection of chefs and winemakers yet, featuring renowned Chefs Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, as […]

If the warm weather makes you want to get outside and raise a glass in celebration of spring, you’ve got an exciting new venue in which to do it. The new terrace atop the Hilton Short Hills, Retreat Rooftop, makes its official debut Thursday, April 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Happy hour just got a little merrier! Experience the New Rooftop at the Short Hills Hilton Thursday, April 26. Enjoy live music provided by local musician Rick Barth. Featuring Bolero Snort Brewery “Tap Takeover” $7 Beverage Specials include: all Bolero Snort beer, Red/White Canyon Road wines, our own ‘Boozy Milkshakes’ Food specials available from the Retreat Bar, Lounge and Rooftop menu. Weather permitting; rain date will be determined day of, if necessary. The rooftop will be open for social, corporate and special events. For more information, visit the Hilton Short Hills’ website.

Millburn, NJ (April 24, 2018) — Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director), recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, announced today the full cast and creative team for the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music byMatthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean.  Half Time begins performances Thursday, May 31, 2018, for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive) in Millburn, NJ. Opening Night is set for Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.  Half Time is produced in association with Dori Berinstein and Bill Damaschke. Bank of America is the Major Sponsor of Half Time. Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2017-2018 season is proudly sponsored by Investors Bank. Half Time will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell and co-choreographed by Nick Kenkel with music direction by Charlie Alterman. The cast will feature previously announced five-time Emmy nominee Georgia Engel (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White(The Life, “Sesame Street”) along with André De Shields (The Wiz, […]

  About two hours into the New York premiere of “Avengers: Infinity War,” a shocked Kevin Smith jumped forward and screamed “Nooooo!” And it wasn’t because he’d suddenly seen me three seats away and remembered my review of his last movie. It was because the Jersey guy is the ultimate comic-book geek. And this new Marvel movie is made to delight – and surprise – people just like him. That group may not necessarily include you. It certainly never defined me. I liked comics well enough when they were 12 cents apiece but it’s been a long time since I ran into the candy store every week to get the latest issue. (How long? It was back when there were still candy stores.) I’ve enjoyed a number of the recent superhero movies – I thought “Deadpool” was hilarious, and “The Dark Knight” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” both made my annual Top Tens – but the Avengers movies, and their offshoots, sometimes felt a bit like overkill. Just how many movies about those stupid “infinity stones” could there be? Well, at least two more, and they were worth waiting for. “Avengers: Infinity War” is the first installment in a two-part […]

Morristown, NJ – Morristown National Historical Park (NHP) is pleased to partner with the Harrington Park Historical Society as it welcomes back Dr. Jude Pfister for a lecture, 7:30 pm on Monday, May 7. Please note that the talk will be held at the Harrington Park Library; 10 Herring Street; Harrington Park, New Jersey 07640. The topic of the talk will be Dr. Pfister’s new book, The Creation of American Law, John Jay, Oliver Ellsworth and the 1790s Supreme Court. The book is scheduled for publication late summer 2018. According to the publisher’s web site, the “book serves as a history of America’s national law with a look at those—such as John Jay (the first Chief), James Iredell, Bushrod Washington and James Wilson—who set in motion not only the new Supreme Court, but also the new federal judiciary. These Founders displayed great dexterity in maneuvering through the fraught political landscape of the 1790s.” Dr. Pfister is the Chief of Cultural Resources at Morristown (NHP). The book was inspired by, and heavily influenced by Morristown NHP’s unique Lloyd W. Smith rare book and manuscript collection. All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Washington Association of New Jersey’s (WANJ) education fund. The WANJ is the official Friends Group of Morristown NHP. 7:30 pm, Monday, May 7, 2018 Harrington Park […]

Preview eight fabulous kitchens in private homes, located in Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, on a self-guided tour with your friends as the Diva for a Day Dream Kitchen Tour & Tasting takes place Friday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Each home will offer a delicious complimentary tasting specially prepared by local restaurants. Shopping Opportunities include: Alfonso’s Pastry Shoppe of Staten Island will be taking pie orders for Mother’s Day. http://alfonsospastryshoppe.com/ kk’s Clothing and Accessories Estate Fine Lines Diva for a Day Foundation, Inc. is a non profit organization founded in 2010 by two friends who recognize the benefits of a day to escape from the daily stresses a woman will face while dealing with cancer. Through the program, special Divas are selected to enjoy a complete day of pampering at a FABULOUS full service Salon/Spa. It is a day to rest, relax and restore.The Divas have a BEAUTIFUL day that they will always remember. Please help us to continue to spread love and joy to all who need it. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

Ready to mark Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French army in Pueblos? Or maybe you just want a chance to kick up your heels and finally celebrate spring. Either way, the Garden State features dozens of ways to enjoy Cinco de Mayo — which this year falls on a Saturday — at restaurants, resorts, wineries, food truck festivals, and more. Indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine while sipping sangria or a margarita — or bring the kids along for some fun, family-friendly activities. Here are some New Jersey Next’s favorite places to party on Cinco de Mayo. (All events are held on Saturday, May 5 unless otherwise noted). Please email us at editor@newjerseynext.com if we missed a great Cinco de Mayo event.  Northern Jersey East Hanover & Netcong locations Don Jose Mexican Restaurants’ festive and colorful decor makes everyday look like Cinco de Mayo. Their Mexican menu includes jalapeno poppers, taquitos, tamales, and more. Don Jose’s a BYOB restaurant that serves non-alcoholic margaritas and pina coladas. A few of their delicious Mexican desserts are flan, fried ice cream, and sweet chimichangas. Elizabeth Bar Code will be hosting Cinco de Mayo with DJ Camilo and Friends. Bar Code describes their restaurant as “a […]

ROXBURY, NJ – Hexagon Players continues to delight audiences of all ages this spring with their upcoming musical production of Bye Bye Birdie their first production in partnership with Roxbury Arts Alliance at Investors Bank Theater at the Horseshoe Lake Complex. Performances are May 11-19. Under the direction of Ray Gelpke, the musical direction of Nancy James, and the choreography of Olivia Davis, Bye Bye Birdie promises to be a fun, high energy production for the entire family to enjoy. With colorful costumes, dazzling lighting, and a catchy pop score, this show is sure to be a highlight of the spring season. Bye Bye Birdie is inspired by the fervor created when Elvis Presley received his draft card in 1957, and follows the story of rock ‘n roller Conrad Birdie and his fans, who are devastated when their favorite singer announces that he has been drafted. Before leaving to join the army, Conrad pledges “One Last Kiss” to one deserving fan, Kim MacAfee, a publicity stunt concocted by his managers, Albert Peterson and his longtime girlfriend, Rose Alvarez. The girls of Sweet Apple, Ohio can barely contain their excitement, while the boys are less than thrilled by the iconic rock star’s visit. […]

Grammy-winning music legend Brian Wilson performs the iconic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds in its entirety, as well as top hits and fan favorites spanning his amazing career to Mayo Performing Arts Center Thursday, July 19 at 8 p.m. He is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, the main creative force behind some of the most cherished recordings in rock history. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most influential composers of the last century. Wilson’s remarkable journey began in a modest Hawthorne, California home that was filled with music. His mom and dad both played piano, and as a young “boy soprano,” Brian’s vocal gift was immediately evident. He had also started singing harmonies…literally “in their room”…with his two younger brothers (Dennis and Carl). As a teen in the 1950s, he became obsessed with the harmonic blend of groups like the Four Freshmen, and then, in the early 1960s, inspired to combine multi-part vocal harmony with the rock rhythms of Chuck Berry, Brian found his place in the musical sun. He was barely out of his teens when he began to create some of the most beloved records ever… nine consecutive “gold” […]

New Brunswick, NJ (April 20, 2018)—State Theatre New Jersey presents The Temptations and The Four Tops on Sunday, May 12, 2018 at 7pm. These two iconic Motown groups will perform their tops hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” and many more. Tickets range from $45-$95. The Temptations For more than 50 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early 60s. It wasn’t until 1964 however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced “The Way You Do the things You Do” turned the guys into stars. The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptations Walk became a staple of American style—flair, flash, and class—and millions of fans […]

(Morristown, NJ) – Jazz clarinetist Ken Peplowski will pay tribute to jazz legend Benny Goodman at the Bickford Theatre on Thursday, May 3.  He and his Sextet, featuring Chuck Redd on vibes, Rossano Sportiello on piano, Sean Smith on bass, Matt Witek on drums, and Hilary Gardner on vocals, remember the great clarinetist in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the famous Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert of 1938.  From the Newport Jazz Festival to the Hollywood Bowl, Ken Peplowski has become one of the most popular clarinet players in jazz not only for his joyful playing but also for his great sense of humor. He performs all over the world, in concerts, for workshops, on jazz cruises and even on film soundtracks. He has recorded more than 50 CDs as a soloist and has appeared on close to 400 as a sideman, performing or recording with many greats including Benny Goodman, Mel Torme, Charlie Byrd, Peggy Lee, Madonna, Woody Allen, and even the Cincinnati Pops. A long-time consultant to The Jazz Cruise and one of their most popular artists, he was elected into the Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame in 2013. He has received the prestigious Sarasota Jazz Festival’s “Satchmo” […]

MADISON, NJ —  The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey begins its 56th season with its first Main Stage production, Tartuffe. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte will direct this masterful French comedy that hasn’t been seen on STNJ’s stage since 2001. Renowned translator Richard Wilbur brings Molière’s witty words to brilliant life for English-speaking audiences. Veteran company member Brent Harris will play the title role and will be joined by STNJ favorites Patrick Toon and Victoria Mack, as well as two-time Tony Award nominee, Vivian Reed. Performances begin May 16. Patrons can purchase tickets at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Tartuffe, the consummate con man, hypocrite, and womanizer, meets his match under Molière’s deft pen. A masterpiece of biting social commentary brilliantly enclosed in a swirl of witty verse, outrageous characters, and delightful machinations; the 17th century family featured in this serious comedy will feel very familiar to 21st century Americans. “This is a season filled with comedy and the wonderful gift of comic relief, which is sorely needed these days. Some of our comedies this season are pure delightful froth […]

Princeton, NJ: On Saturday, April 28th, McCarter Theatre Center will host its Annual Gala Benefit, which supports McCarter’s many ongoing artistic and educational missions in and around the region. The highlight of the Gala is a feature performance by Broadway legend Audra McDonald, a multi-talented star of Broadway, TV, movies, opera, and the concert stage. Winning a record-breaking sixth Tony Award® in 2015 for portraying Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, McDonald’s luminous soprano voice and an incomparable gift for dramatic truth telling has set a new standard in every genre she touches. McCarter’s Gala will be co-chaired by Courtney Lederer and Mark Thierfelder of Princeton, NJ; Liza and Sky Morehouse of Hopewell, NJ; and Sonia and Bill Sappington of Skillman, NJ. McCarter’s Gala Benefit is one of the most celebrated events of the season and is the largest fundraising event for the theatre.  The evening begins with an elegant cocktail reception followed directly by the performance by Audra McDonald in McCarter’s 1100-seat Matthews Theatre. After the concert, guests will return to the tent for dinner and live auction, followed by a spectacular after-party with live entertainment, and dancing.  Tickets are still available the concert-only portion of […]

The Summit Summer Farmers Market 2018 season will begin this Sunday, April 22! The Summer Farmers Market will be open from 8am to 1pm every Sunday, April 22 through November 18, in Park & Shop Lot #2, at the corner of DeForest Avenue and Maple Street. Many of last year’s vendors will be returning to the market. A full list of vendors can be found at www.summitdowntown.org. Summit Downtown is excited to announce the addition of three new vendors to the market: Baker’s Bounty, Kimchi Culture, and Sweet Carol’s. Also, Summit Downtown is excited to announce that Kris Ohleth will become the new On-Site Market Manager for the 2018 season. Kris has worked with three of our market vendors and is also the creator of Garden State Kitchens. Widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s best farmers markets, this will be the market’s 23rd year of providing fresh, locally-sourced food and produce to the greater Summit community. The G.I.F.T. (Give It Fresh Today) program will celebrate its 7th season at the market.  For more information or to volunteer at the G.I.F.T. booth, click here. For more information about the Summit Farmers Market “like” the Market on Facebook, follow us on […]

The sweet sounds of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell will make their way to Succasunna’s Investors Bank Theater on Saturday, May 5. The show is being presented by the Roxbury Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization devoted to offering arts of all kinds to the region. Doors for this show open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8. Joan & Joni is a tribute to these two fabulous singers performed by singer/songwriters Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin. In a musical journey from the 60s to today, Allison and Kipyn demonstrate during their performance the effect Joan and Joni have had on their own musical development as modern musicians. Kipyn Martin is an award-winning Americana singer/songwriter whose roots sink into the banks of the Shenandoah River. Allison Shapira is a recovering opera singer who recently found her authentic voice as a folksinger and songwriter. In March 2016, Allison and Kipyn were each nominated by the Washington Area Music Association Awards (WAMMIES) for best contemporary folk vocalist and Kipyn was nominated for songwriter of the year. Kipyn and Allison met during the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) conference in November 2013. Both classically trained singers and up-and-coming musicians in the DC-area folk scene, they soon realized their musical influences […]

Downtown Stirling will be transformed into a giant town block party as the annual Stirling Street Fair takes place Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held on Main Avenue between Mercer and Somerset streets. Come to shop, eat, and enjoy a full array of children’s play activities.  Once again, Millington resident Victor Davis will bring his exciting and educational sunspot demonstration to the Street Fair. Meet and get acquainted with two new businesses on Main Avenue: Nick Earl recently opened All American Pizza, a restaurant with an innovative menu which honors military veterans and Dr. Bridget A. Lang will soon open Stirling Smiles, a state-of-the-art practice providing family and cosmetic dentistry to the community. JC’s special Kids Traveling Shindig section will be brimming with all kinds of fun, family-friendly activities.  There will be mechanical kiddie rides, pony rides, petting zoo, climbing wall, clowns, face painting, sand art, temporary tattoos, live entertainment and much more. The event is hosted By Long Hill Chamber of Commerce: Come Hungry We have all kinds of delicious foods being served including burgers, fries, hot dogs, sausage & peppers, cheese steak sandwiches, crab cakes, kettle corn, cuban sandwiches, mini donuts, steak […]

UNION, N.J. – Premiere Stages at Kean University has announced the winner of the 2018 Premiere Play Festival, its annual competition for unproduced scripts written by playwrights affiliated with the greater metropolitan area. The theatre has named Linger by Glen Ridge resident Craig Garcia this year’s winner, and will present the play’s first professional production this summer as part of the theatre’s 14th season in residence at Kean University. The season, which runs June-October, will also feature full productions of Brick City by Ridgewood resident Nicole Pandolfo and Black Tom Island by Jersey City resident Martin Casella, as well as a developmental workshop of this year’s runner-up for the Premiere Play Festival, Baton by Brooklyn resident Deneen Reynolds-Knott. “We are excited to feature a season of all new works,” stated John J. Wooten, producing artistic director of Premiere Stages. “For the first time in Premiere Stages’ history, all three plays that we are producing are written by New Jersey playwrights and two are plays that we have commissioned over a two-year cycle. Craig’s topical play Lingerembodies our mission and is the ideal play to celebrate the newly christened Bauer Boucher Theatre Center.” In Mr. Garcia’s Linger (July 12-29, Bauer Boucher Theatre […]

Your aspiring performer needn’t head to Hollywood (or even NYC) for the summer: New Jersey’s performing arts camps offer training in singing, improv, dancing, acting, and more. There are dozens of performing arts camps in New Jersey where your camper can hone her skills. Here are some of New Jersey Next’s favorites. Let us know if we missed one you like by emailing editor@newjerseynext.com Northern Jersey Bloomfield New Jersey Acting-Performing Arts Theater offers improv comedy, musical theater, intensive acting, dance, and acting for film and TV. SummerStage is for grades 7-12. The Tween Specialty Camp accommodate campers in grades 6 and 8. The Teen Specialty Camps welcome grades 9-12. Cresskill Cresskill Performing Arts teaches preschoolers (3-5 years old) jazz and ballet dancing, gymnastics, rhythm instruments, creative movement and music, and art projects. Older children (6-8) also participate in jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop dancing as well as acting/theater games, improv, fencing, gymnastics, and art projects. Preteens and teens (9 to “teens”) experiment with jazz, ballet, acting/theater games, improv, modern, tap, hip-hop, gymnastics, musical theater, choreography, fencing, on-camera technique, and art projects. Englewood The Performing Art School at bergenPAC offers theater games, dance combinations, choreography, music appreciation, singing, acting the song, and more. Campers perform on the berganPAC […]

The Somerset Patriots’s season begins April 27 and you and your family can enjoy a fun, FREE day of minor league baseball this season with NJNext’s Somerset Patriots tickets. It’s easy! The first 30 people to sign up for our weekly events newsletter will each receive 4 tickets to ANY upcoming Somerset Patriots home game. Sign up here — and enjoy weekly notifications of all the fun events happening in New Jersey, plus trends (goat yoga, anyone?), food, staycation ideas, and more! The 20th Season celebration of TD Bank Ballpark follows a very successful 2017 campaign that saw the Somerset Patriots lead the Atlantic League in total and average attendance and host the league’s All-Star Game in Bridgewater. “The support from our fans and partners never ceases to amaze me,” said Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer. “To accomplish all we did in 2017, 20 seasons in, is remarkable. It shows that we continue to grow. That we continue to reinvent ourselves and make the Somerset Patriots more and more relevant each year. I could not be more proud of the season or more excited about our future.” Manager Brett Jodie’s squad will include familiar faces mixed in with several new players on the […]

The Olate Dogs, known for their fast-paced pet tricks, visit South Orange Performing Arts Center Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. The act won Season 7 of America’s Got Talent, capturing the $1,000,000 prize. Led by father Richard Olate, and his son Nicholas Olate, the Olate Dogs are a high-energy group filled with amazing pet tricks. The all-new LIVE theatrical show features the twirling, spinning, jump-roping and the fun-loving Olate Dogs. With a doggy fashion show, a classic comedy routine by Richard Olate, music by Nicholas Olate and amazing cycling and juggling by Richard’s wife Rebecca, an Olate Dogs performance is fun for kids of all ages. As a part of their America’s Got Talent prize, the Olate Dogs won a headlining stint at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. In addition to multiple touring commitments, they’re movie stars, too. Their first film, Le Sauvetage (The Rescue), was met with great acclaim, opening the 2014 Sonoma Film Festival and appearing at Court Metrage, Festival de Cannes in France of the same year. Dog’s Best Friend, releases in 2015, is the second film in their #RescueFilm series. It was created by Peter McEvilley to celebrate rescue pets and promote pet adoption nationwide. These […]

  If the romantic comedy is an endangered species, Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein are its conservationists. As screenwriters, they’ve carved out a small and very satisfying niche turning out surprisingly grown-up romps like “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “How to Be Single.” Their movies juggle multiple plotlines but also dare to do something rare – not only question some of our cultural assumptions about romance, but end with a female character alone and happy. “I Feel Pretty,” their new film and their first as directors, is a little more conventional than those earlier pictures; it has one main character, and a goofy idea sort of inspired by “Big.” (A bit of theft the team cheekily acknowledges by having its heroine first watch the Tom Hanks comedy on TV.) But what their new story lacks in ambition it makes up for with humor (and good humor, which is often different.) It stars Amy Schumer as Renee, the sort of young woman who wears a necklace spelling out her name, and spends her time pouring over Cosmopolitan articles and YouTube beauty tutorials. She’s funny and bright, but she doesn’t see that. All she sees is that she doesn’t look […]

After an endless winter, it’s a delight to see bright bursts of color as gardens bloom back to life. Whether you’re seeking a little inspiration for your green thumb or simply looking to take a leisurely stroll among the verdant landscape, there are plenty of gorgeous gardens to explore in New Jersey. Check out NJNext’s list below, which includes upcoming events you won’t want to miss: New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands– Ringwood Part of Ringwood State Park, New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Don’t miss the annual plant sale held Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, hanging baskets, and potted plants. Knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer advice, and the plants are lush and healthy. Come early for the best selection. Free admission. Reeves Reed Arboretum – Summit This 13.5 acre National Historic Landmark features award-winning gardens and woodland trails and presents horticultural and environmental education programs. Don’t miss the upcoming Daffodil Day on Sunday, April 22, which is an annual fun event […]

NJ Next is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for SOPAC’s “Artists You Should Know” series. Read our interviews with other artists in the series, including Jose James, Alexis Morrast, Red Molly, and Oleta Adams. Nine New Jersey-based choreographers will come together to present Artists Who Innovate: A Celebration of New Jersey Choreographers Dance Showcase over the course of two evenings, Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and SOPAC proudly present these spectacular performances featuring award-winning choreographers who were recently granted fellowships by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for their excellence in choreography. “The State Arts Council’s Individual Artist Fellowships program is one of the many ways the Council seeks to help New Jersey artists strengthen their careers, concentrate on their craft and take pride in their commitment,” explained Allison Tratner, Interim Executive Director for the NJ State Council on the Arts. “These Fellowships are highly competitive awards, granted to artists in 12 rotating disciplines based on an independent, anonymous assessment process focused solely on artistic quality. The artists who come through this program are exceptional.” The May 4 performance features the work of Claire Porter, Nancy Turano, Stephanie Nerbak and Kyle […]

Summit Downtown is announcing that Summit Summer Farmers Market 2018 season will begin on April 22! The Summer Farmers Market will be open from 8am to 1pm every Sunday, April 22 through November 18, in Park & Shop Lot #2, at the corner of DeForest Avenue and Maple Street. Many of last year’s vendors will be returning to the market. A full list of vendors can be found at www.summitdowntown.org. Summit Downtown is excited to announce the addition of four new vendors to the market: Baker’s Bounty, Kimchi Culture, Mama Emma’s and Sweet Carol’s. Baker’s Bounty will be selling all types of breads: challah, maple oat, raisin, olive, sour dough, roasted garlic, multi-grain, peasant, nut & raisin, pumpernickel, rye, onion, spinach, and other savory items. You can also visit them inside The Wine List located at 417 Springfield Avenue in Summit. Kimchi Culture will also be joining the market with their Korean specialties including whole cabbage kimchi, vegan cabbage kimchi, vegan kimchi, scallion pancakes, bulgogi, kalbi, braised short ribs, braised pork belly and more. Mama Emma’s is the first plantain-based baked goods manufacturer in the country. Because of her dietary restriction, Emma created her products with only five wholesome ingredients […]

Every day is a Mardi Gras party with Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards, the first and only New Orleans jazz band just for kids. Check out sensory-friendly fun April 23 at 4 p.m. at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Use your imagination as you are transported aboard the Queen Helene riverboat cruise and discover Jazzy Ash’s home of New Orleans, exploring the playful sounds of early New Orleans jazz, zydeco, be-bop and swing. Jazzy Ash shows are crafted to be approachable for young ears, featuring original songs from Jazzy’s four family albums, and traditional jazz favorites you’ll be humming for weeks to come. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to POAC Autism Services. With guidance from POAC Autism Services  and several area performing arts organizations already presenting programs for children on the spectrum, the Basie will transform itself into a safe, judgement-free and sensory-friendly environment for these performances. Patrons and their children will be permitted to bring in favorite snacks, iPads and other objects of affinity, while house lights will remain bright enough for children to know where they are, and sudden or shrill sounds will be eliminated from the performance. A quiet room with “fidgets” and coloring pages […]

Cultivate your budding artist’s talents at one of New Jersey dozens of art camps where your Picasso can spend the Summer learning art techniques and creating masterpieces. Check out these 17 wonderful camps offering lessons in drawing, painting, ceramics, glassblowing, sculpting, pottery, and other media. Have we missed a great visual art camp? Email us at editor@newjerseynext.com and let us know. Northern Jersey East Hanover Messy Artists allows children to explore different media and themes to create about 10 projects per week as they learn to draw, paint, sculpt, craft, and make functional art. They also offer a preschooler art camp that features 4 activity centers as well as craft projects and creative art projects. Hillsdale Abrakadoodle offers theme activities blended with art. A few samples: Surfboard art and sand sculptures during Beach Party, creating instruments and posters during Art Rocks, and children make treasure chests and pirate ships during Pirate Party. Hoboken 7 Fine Arts’ camp program encourages children to revel in arts and crafts by going to museums, making slime, engaging in paint pouring, creating t-shirts, and using henna. A Master Class for portfolio building is available for teens. Maplewood Geralyn’s Art Studio focuses on painting, sketching, tie dye, recycled art, sculpting, […]

Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA, a spellbinding show weaving together acrobatics, action sports, and the spirit of adventure, comes to Under the Big Top, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford April 20 through May 6. Thrilling acts include: BMX Five riders invade the stage to deliver a jaw-dropping, fast and furious performance of nonstop acrobatics on wheels. Acrobatic Ladders Artists climb on two giant articulated ladders pivoting on stage. They execute stunning acrobatic figures while spinning majestically over the audience. Set to a stirring melodic score, VOLTA is a story of transformation, about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and the power of the group to make that possible, all while celebrating freedom as a movement. Tickets start at $55.

Twice a year, the Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes over the historic seaside town of Cape May, transforming it into a music village that welcomes blockbuster jazz, soul, R&B and blues acts, NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy-winning legends and crowd favorites. This spring, enjoy three days of blockbuster acts to Cape May, Friday, April 20 through April 22. International artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Porter, Jon Batiste, Dr.John, Pat Metheny, Lizz Wright, and Fourplay lead an impressive list of past performers. 2018 Main Stage headliners include jazz and pop superstar Chris Botti, piano prodigy Joey Alexander , and the legendary soul man William Bell. Exit Zero Jazz draws musical inspiration from musicians around the globe. Many of these bands are featured on the Cape May Brewing Company Hops Pass club series, which allows festival-goers to stroll from club to club along the Cape May beachfront, soaking up the exhilarating sounds – proving that the magic of the Festival is not who you know, but the discovery of bands and musics you didn’t know. The festival is held in 9 different venues in Cape May, NJ. Club venues and Cape May Convention Hall are all within 4 blocks of one another […]

Don’t miss Tracy Morgan as he stops by Caesars Atlantic City for his “Live On Stage” 2018 tour on Saturday, April 21 at 9 p.m. The beloved comedian is best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Tracy Jordan on “30 Rock.” He was also a cast member for seven seasons on “Saturday Night Live.” Morgan made his screen debut on “Martin” as Hustle Man. Morgan had his own sitcom, “The Tracy Morgan Show” in 2003 and had appearances in several TV and movie roles. His influences include comedy legends like Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. (Speaking of Pryor, Morgan will be portraying Redd Foxx in the upcoming biopic starring comedian Mike Epps.) Morgan had a scare in 2014, in which he was involved in a near-fatal car accident. Fortunately, he bounced back and even earned an Emmy nod for his guest appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in 2016. In 2017, he had a stand-up special, “Tracy Morgan: Staying Alive.” Morgan is sure to leave you with sore cheeks from laughing this April at Caesars Atlantic City. Tickets start at $46.

Searching for a special place for your child to go this Summer? You’ll find a New Jersey camp specializing in almost every imaginable sport. From surfing, water polo, and skateboarding to baseball, basketball, and soccer (and lots more)–New Jersey camps are custom made for happy campers. Here’s NJ Next’s list of some of the best sports camps in the state. Northern Jersey Basking Ridge, Denville, Palisades Park, and Verona Yankees Camp offers weeklong sessions in Denville, Basking Ridge, Verona, and Palisades Park throughout the Summer. Campers get a Yankees camp uniform and enjoy a Yankee stadium excursion to meet a current or former Yankee. Basking Ridge, Mahwah, and West Orange Pulse Sports Camps are located throughout the state. Camps include basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The multi-sport camp explores sports from around the world. See website for sports available at each camp. Fairfield Coastal Sports has 2 Fairfield locations where campers can play baseball, soccer and futsal, lacrosse, volleyball, and xTreme activities like archery tag, GaGa Ball (similar to dodge ball), and roll around in giant hamster balls. Fort Lee Tennis-Prime uses the high tech approach of filming your camper while she’s playing in order to review, discuss, and improve her techniques. Serious […]

Mary Chapin Carpenter visits South Orange Performing Arts Center on Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m Impossible to pigeonhole in a single genre, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s music has earned her accolades from every corner, including five Grammy Awards and the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year twice over.  From thoughtful ballads like “Superman” to rollicking and irreverent rockers like “Passionate Kisses,” Mary Chapin Carpenter’s captivating voice and songwriting has kept her at the top of the charts for over 30 years. SOPAC Member pre-sale begins at 12PM on Tue, Apr 17. Tickets go on-sale to the public at 12PM on Fri, Apr 20. *New Members, allow 1 business day for processing Member benefits and pre-sale access. Click here to sign up for an email reminder about this show. Share your email address with us if you would like to receive a reminder about this show before the Member pre-sale and public on-sale begin.  Mary Chapin Carpenter was born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, the daughter of a Life magazine executive; she spent two years of her childhood in Japan, where her father was launching the Asian edition of Life. In 1974 her family moved to Washington, D.C., […]

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, Peter Cetera will bring his vocal talents to Morristown on Thursday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. when he visits Mayo Performing Arts Center. Peter Cetera, who had two distinct musical careers, has voiced some of the most popular songs of the pop era, first with Chicago (“If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Baby What a Big Surprise” and “You’re the Inspiration”) and later as an acclaimed solo artist known for such hits as “The Glory of Love,” “The Next Time I Fall” and “After All.” From 1968 thru 1986 Peter was the singer, songwriter, and bass player for the legendary rock group “Chicago”. In his time with the group, they recorded 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation, including such hits as “If You Leave Me Now”, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”, “Baby What a Big Surprise”, “You’re the Inspiration”, “Stay the Night”, “Love Me Tomorrow”, “Happy Man”, “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Along Comes a Woman.” Tickets are priced at $59 – $119.

The award-winning Raritan River Music Festival brings world-renowned performers to historic locations in picturesque settings throughout rural Western New Jersey. This year, the annual festival kicks off May 5 and runs each Saturday throughout the month. Founded in 1989 and now celebrating its 27th year of service to the community, Raritan River Music has received awards and recognition for its innovative programs from The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, Chamber Music America, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Warren County Human Relations Commission, and Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission. Check out this year’s lineup: May 5: ADASKIN STRING TRIO 400 Years of German and Austrian Masterworks for Strings Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 7:30 PM Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church Stewartsville, NJ May 12: MARINA AHMAD Ineffable: The Divine Spirit Within Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30 PM Prallsville Mills Stockton, NJ May 19: OBOE FUSION Return to Raritan River Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 7:30 PM Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, NJ May 26: DUO A CORDA North & South: Music from Norway to Argentina Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 7:30 PM Stanton Reformed Church, Stanton, NJ SUBSCRIBE NOW AND SAVE All Four Concerts […]

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and the Zoological Society of New Jersey will celebrate the park’s 55th Birthday by hosting the 6th annual Brew at the Zoo on June 30, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The festival will feature live entertainment, an abundance of brewers and vendors, and a selection of over 100 craft beers. Enjoy local craft beers from the best of New Jersey and our favorite national brands! Only guests ages 21 and over will be permitted. All guests must have a valid ID and possess a valid ticket. For more info visit our website: www.tbzoobrew.com The Brew at the Zoo event will be held rain or shine. All sales are final. In the event of inclement weather, patrons and vendors will be able to access indoor space. In the event of severe and dangerous weather, an alternate location/date, or event cancellation may be chosen. Tickets can be purchased here.

Go fly a kite – in Long Branch! Pier Village plays host to ‘Kites at the Pier,‘ a weekend of high-flying family fun, featuring kite flyers from all areas of the eastern seaboard displaying their most incredible creations on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 -15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every kind of kite imaginable will be at the festival. Kites of all shapes and sizes – from inflatable flying creatures to traditional kites – will be flying high over the beach between Avenue and McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch. A dazzling display of giant kites will be visible for miles and miles. Giant kite experts including the Dallmer family, Mike Pignolet and Don Petty, Jeff Burka, Paul & Tina Keeler, the Klopp family and others will be lofting some giant sea and land creatures. Join us for some great family fun – including both kids AND parents – in the Running of the Bols competition where bragging rights will be awarded to parents and their kids as each group vies to earn this prestigious title! A favorite way to play with the wind, each competitor latches on to an 8 foot diameter parachute-kite and runs head first into […]

Salon on Stockton: A Little Literary Festival begin Friday, April 13 and continues Saturday, April 14.For the third year, Morven Museum & Garden will join with the Center of Theological Inquiry to present the literary festival.  In the intimate setting of CTI’s Luce Hall, the two institutions bring together celebrated authors to talk about their published novels, historical non-fiction, and journalistic work. The overarching theme around the 2018 Salon is that of Migration. Tickets are $10 per session; $30 for an all-day pass. Click here to reserve. Friday, April 13, 2018, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. We welcome you to join us at Morven for a meet-the-authors reception and an informal panel titled “Covering War: Journalists in Conversation” with two of our salon authors, Neal Ascherson and Christopher Dickey, as well as the veteran journalist Stanley Cloud, the former Saigon and White House Bureau Chief at Time. Reception tickets are $50 and include an all-day pass for Saturday, April 14.  Click here to reserve. Ticket Options Friday, April 13: Meet-the-authors reception AND all-day pass (good for all four author events on Saturday) – $50 Saturday, April 14: all-day pass (good for all four author sessions on Saturday) – $30 Single author pass (good for one session) – $10 each 2018 Salon […]

Celebrate Fan Fest With Somerset Patriots April 14 from noon to 3 p.m. Fan Fest is a FREE admission event to kick off spring and the upcoming baseball season. Fan Fest includes a chance for fans to meet and get autographs from Somerset Patriots players and coaches. Scheduled to appear are manager Brett Jodie, Hitting/3B Coach Glen Barker, Pitching Coach Jon Hunton, Coach Fox Beyer, OF Endy Chavez, OF Justin Pacchioli, INF Mike Fransoso, INF Kyle Roller, INF Scott Kelly, P Nate Roe, and P Mike Antonini. Autographs will take place from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm during the event! The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a fidget spinner. Fans will be able to participate in carnival games and activities, as well as be entertained by clowns, face painters, and Sparkee, Slider and General Admission. The Somerset Patriots will have exclusive on-site ticket and merchandise specials that will only be available at Fan Fest! Ticket specials for the event include: Buy 1 Lucky 13 Mini Plan, Receive One At Half Price! Flex Books On Sale For $150 (A $30 Discount)! Buy Tickets To Any April Or May Game And Receive Complimentary Tickets To Any Other Game In 2018! An 1860’s […]

The Somerset Patriots open their 20th Season at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday, April 27th with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Road Warriors. The 20th Season celebration of TD Bank Ballpark follows a very successful 2017 campaign that saw the Somerset Patriots lead the Atlantic League in total and average attendance and host the league’s All-Star Game in Bridgewater. “The support from our fans and partners never ceases to amaze me,” said Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer. “To accomplish all we did in 2017, 20 seasons in, is remarkable. It shows that we continue to grow. That we continue to reinvent ourselves and make the Somerset Patriots more and more relevant each year. I could not be more proud of the season or more excited about our future.” Manager Brett Jodie’s squad will include familiar faces mixed in with several new players on the roster. Returning players include slugging outfielder Kyle Roller (.326, 22 home runs, 77 RBI), clutch-hitting catcher Yovan Gonzalez (.291, 31 RBI, four walk off hits), All-Star left-handed pitcher Rick Teasley (7-2, 2.85 ERA), and fan-favorite Scott Kelly (25 stolen bases, 31 RBI). Highlighting the 12 Major Leaguers on this year’s roster is former New York […]

Enjoy food vendors, live music, and of course, beer, at Harvest Moon’s Spring Cask Festival Saturday, April 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. Harvest Moon Brewery, located at 392 George St. in New Brunswick, will close the street to pay homage to great beer and whiskey. It’s an afternoon you won’t want to miss. Don’t believe us, check out what the popular brewery describes it:  “Harvest Moon & Downtown New Brunswick will be holding our Spring Cask Festival on George St. between Church & Albany St. Road will be closed as we will be serving cask beers from NJ craft brewers along with special food, entertainment and Jameson Irish Whiskey specials. Sponsored by Jameson Caskmates, NBPA & New Brunswick City Market.” The brewery is also excited to show off its new spring menu: For more information, call 732-249-6666.

After only two years in business, SMOKED—the newest food sensation in Ridgewood, NJ—took the top award of BEST BBQ at the North New Jersey BBQ Showcase/ThrowDown held in March. Over 300 consumers and professional culinary tastemakers attended the event held on the concierge level of the Garden State Plaza Westfield Mall in Paramus, NJ. SMOKED is the brainchild of an extraordinarily talented Upper Saddle River resident, Chef Robert Feuerstein, who has been perfecting his craft begun by his dad over 60 years ago. The competition included restauranteurs, chefs and pit masters from all parts of the New York metropolitan area. The winner was chosen after scrupulous evaluation by food editors, bloggers and a KCBS (Kansas City BBQ Society) judge. The SMOKED brisket and smoked baked beans, paired with house-made pickles and an orange slice made top cut! SMOKED is known for its artisanal cuisine which emphasizes natural, health-conscious, locally sourced ingredients, as well as traditional southern sides and vegetarian choices. As the new go-to BBQ destination for locals, many are now crossing the border to sample Feuerstein’s menu. The pièce de résistance: the meats have no sauce!  “Our taste is in the meat, not in the sauce” says Chef Robert, […]

Jockey Hollow will come to life on Saturday April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd as re-enactors from across the Northeast arrive for the park’s Grand Encampment. The special event focuses on the life and times of soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War.  It’s an event full of activities for the whole family. Highlights for the weekend include demonstrations in camp of cooking, sewing, and other camp chores, military maneuvers and musket firing, and a special “children’s muster,” where children can learn to drill and march like Revolutionary soldiers. On Saturday, April 21st, in partnership with the Washington Association of New Jersey, the park will premiere the film Historical Morristown, produced by Morristown High School juniors Katie Rosa and Kylee Strasser. The event opens at 11 am each morning and concludes at 4 pm each afternoon. The schedule is as follows: Saturday, April 21st *11 am:  Firing Demonstration and Drill *11:30 am:  Film Premiere:  Washington Association of New Jersey Film Project: Historical Morristown. Created by Morristown High School juniors Katie Rosa and Kylee Strasser through the guidance of Morristown High School faculty member Michael Butler. *1 pm:  Firing Demonstration and Drill *1:30 pm:  Children’s Drill *3 pm:  Firing Demonstration and […]

Legendary venue Asbury Lanes announced its initial lineup of artists who will perform at the newly-restored bowling alley-turned music venue in Asbury Park when it reopens its doors this summer. Kurt Vile and the Violators, Bishop Briggs, Lupe Fiasco, Phoebe Bridgers, Allah-Las, Tennis, and Black Lips are among the first bands confirmed to headline Asbury Lanes. The line-up also includes multiple performances by New Jersey natives Thursday and Railroad Earth, in addition to acts from Sandy Mack, Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why and Pepperwine, all who have deep roots in Asbury Park. Launching on the heels of the widely successful The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Lanes is part of iStar’s multi-billion-dollar redevelopment along the Asbury Park waterfront. David Bowd of Salt Hotels, part owner in and operator of The Asbury, has been tapped to operate the Lanes, spearheading local programming and F&B for the 24/7 diner. First opened in the 1960s as an 18-lane bowling alley, Asbury Lanes was transformed into an alternative music and arts venue by the young creatives that flocked to the seaside city in the early 2000s. Over the last decades, the Lanes has hosted musical acts including The Bouncing Souls, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and Mick […]

Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City’s beloved biergarten, is ready to rattle everyone’s boots from April 19th until May 13th with their Texas inspired menu. Chef Franco Robazetti will take guests on a road trip through the Lone Star state with dishes like the El Paso BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, the Galveston BBQ Shrimp and Grits, the Houston Chicken Fried Tomahawk Steak and more. El Paso BBQ Chicken QuesadillaThere’s even a Texas sized option for $66 that’s perfect for large groups.  Adding to the fun, the 10,000-square-foot garden will be open along with the outdoor BBQ pit. For more information please visit Zeppelin Hall‘s website. Check out the list of specials below:

Don’t miss actor-turned-author Rob Lowe on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. when he visits Mayo Performing Arts Center. From the Mayo Performing Arts Center: Following his hit debut run this year, Rob Lowe is taking his one man show, Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE! on a limited-run tour. Inspired by the success of his two NY Times Best-Selling memoirs, Stories I Only Tell My Friends and Love Life, Rob has created an all-new, peek behind the curtain at Hollywood, fame, fatherhood and marriage. From the Brat Pack to The West Wing to Parks and Rec and beyond, Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE! is packed with witty fun and one of a kind insights spanning an iconic four-decade career.  “This isn’t a regurgitation of the books, because that wouldn’t be very much fun,” Lowe says. “This is very much its own beast, but it does have some of the same feel of the books.” In addition to Rob’s storytelling, the show will include a Q&A and plenty of insider film clips and photos. Lowe released his memoir, Stories I Only Tell my Friends in 2011. The book was an instant hit, spending consecutive weeks in the top four of The New York Times best sellers and making it onto GQ’s […]

Patty Griffin visits South Orange Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 27 at 8 p.m. The artist is among the most consequential singer-songwriters of her generation, an evocative American artist whose wide-ranging canon explores the intimate moments and universal emotions that bind us together. Over the course of two decades, the two-time Grammy Award winner (and seven-time Grammy Award nominee) has crafted nine classic studio albums and two live collections, a remarkable body of work in progress that prompted The New York Times to hail her for “writing cameo-carved songs that create complete emotional portraits of specific people…her songs have independent lives that continue in your head when the music ends.” Opening Artist: Rose Cousins  SOPAC Member pre-sale began at 12PM on Tue, Apr 10.  Tickets go on-sale to the public at 12PM on Fri, Apr 13. *New Members, allow 1 business day for processing Member benefits and pre-sale access. “Every Patty Griffin song arrives fully and perfectly formed, which is perhaps her greatest gift. Her songwriting is honest and compassionate no matter the subject. Her voice is uniquely compelling and her guitar work unfailingly evocative. She’s a songwriter at the top of her already formidable game.”  -NPR Based in Austin, TX, […]

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., announced that Essex County Kip’s Castle will be opened during the evenings this spring for guided tours. The public is invited to experience the breathtaking views, beautiful grounds and amazing architecture of the 11-acre estate. The tours will be held as follows: Dates: Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Thursday, April 26, 2018 Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Thursday, May 3, 2018 Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Thursday, May 10, 2018 Time: 7 p.m. Place: Essex County Kip’s Castle Park 22 Crestmont Road Montclair, NJ “Kip’s Castle is a unique landmark that gives us a rare glimpse into Essex County’s past. It offers spectacular views of the County and of New York City,” DiVincenzo said. “We welcome everyone to visit the Castle, learn about its history and experience the grounds in a new way through these guided evening tours,” he added. Light refreshments will be available. Admission is $8. Space is limited. For information, please call 973-433-7469. Registration is required. Kip’s Castle is a magnificent 9,000 square foot mansion that replicates a medieval Norman castle. The estate spans 11 acres of land on the ridge of First Mountain, resting in both Montclair and Verona townships, and provides spectacular views of New York […]

Midtown Direct Rep (MDR), co-directors/producers Deborah Goldstein (producer/host Pants on Fire podcast), Brooke Lefferts (US Entertainment video editor/writer at Associated Press), Sandy Rustin (Actress/Playwright) are pleased to announce the local cast of the 2018 The Listen To Your Mother show, a national series of original live readings about motherhood. This 5th Annual North Jersey production, presented by Midtown Direct Rep will take place on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Woodland (60 Woodland Rd. Maplewood, NJ, 07040). Open auditions were held in early February, and 13 writers have been selected to join the movement of “giving motherhood a microphone.” Tickets are $40-$55 and are available at middirrep.com. For direct links to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE for Matinee Show and HERE for Evening Show. This year, Listen to Your Mother will be presented across the United States with the mission of taking the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates motherhood (in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor) in the form of original readings performed live on-stage by their authors. Listen To Your Mother was conceived from the creative work of online writers, and each production is directed, produced, and performed […]

It’s a great time to go to the movies – if you’re a 12-year-old. Look at the local marquees, and what titles keep springing up? “Ready Player One” and “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Pacific Rim Uprising” and “Sherlock Gnomes.” Definitely some diverting entertainment in there, but nothing you probably want to discuss over drinks afterward (or even think about while you’re watching). Look at the year’s box-office so far, and you see a lot of the same. The top-ten successes begin with “Black Panther” and end with “Tomb Raider,” with other pictures like “The Maze Runner: The Death Core” and “Insidious: The Final Key” scattered in between. Not much adult material there (and by “adult,” I don’t mean the soft-core soap opera “Fifty Shades Freed,” currently in third place.) Maybe our multiplexes should post a new sign: No one over 18 admitted. I’m not getting stuffy or snobbish here. I would have loved a lot of these movies too, when I was 12 years old. In fact, the 12-year-old in me still likes a few of them. I had a good enough time with the nostalgia and special-effects eye candy of “Ready Player One.” I genuinely thought “Black Panther” was […]

If you’re interested in treating your mom to a delicious meal this Mother’s Day, don’t dawdle when it comes to making those reservations. Mom’s special day – Sunday, May 13 – is right around the corner, and according to research from the National Restaurant Association, the holiday devoted to honoring motherhood eclipses Valentine’s Day, claiming the top spot as the most popular day for dining out. Because nothing says ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ quite like a day off from cooking (and grocery shopping and cleaning up after it all), check out NJ Next’s list of dining options that are sure to make Mom feel like a queen. Restaurant Serenade – Chatham Enjoy a three-course menu from noon to 7 p.m. Adults: $85 Children (10 and under): $35 For reservations, call 973-701-0303. Summit House – Summit Enjoy a Mother’s Day Farmer’s Market Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes a welcome cocktail or fresh-squeezed juice, house-baked monkey bread, a starter, main course and family-style sides – $55 Children’s Menu (12 & under) – $18 For reservations, call (908) 273-6000. Liberty House – Jersey City Enjoy a Grand Mother’s Day Buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $58 per person $29 per child Not inclusive of […]

Now that the weather is finally starting to improve, it’s the perfect time to consider a trip to the beach. Even if it’s too chilly to take a dip in the ocean, you can still enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at an unbeatable price as Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (JSRW) kicks off April 13. In his capacity as CEO of BestWeekends, a leader in weekend travel information, JSRW Chairman, Jim Flynn, travels the country looking for great places to stay and eat. He has noticed the growing number of towns and areas who have embraced the “Restaurant Week” concept to great success. “Restaurant Week is turning into one of the highlights of the year for many communities,” said Flynn, “and it struck me on a recent trip that with all the great restaurants at the Jersey Shore, we should have one too.” Flynn returned from his trip, did some research, talked to organizers around the country about their events, formed a committee and began organizing the first Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. “The goal for diners is to experience restaurants they may not have heard about or been to yet and to be able to do that at a great price. […]

April is Jazz Appreciation Month! Celebrate by purchasing $25 tickets to select performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Boney James: The Honestly Tour takes the stage Thursday, April 12 at 7:45 pm. Four-time Grammy nominee Boney James is one of the most successful artists in contemporary jazz. The acclaimed sax player merges contemporary jazz with elements of R&B to create a dynamic sound that’s been described as “retro music for a modern age.” Boney James’ newest song “On the Prowl” just hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart! Buy tickets here. Larry Carlton and John Pizzarelli stop by MPAC Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m. A double bill of exceptional jazz guitarists! Nineteen-time Grammy nominee, four-time Grammy winner and all-time guitar great Larry Carlton has set a standard for artistry that spans four decades. John Pizzarelli has been hailed by The Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz,” while also performing the music of Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Lennon-McCartney. Buy tickets here. Use promo code APRILJAZZ to purchase your discounted tickets at MayoArts.org or by phone at (973) 539-8008.

The Catsbury Park Cat Convention is the East Coast’s Premiere Cat Convention, bringing lovers of all things feline to the historic Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park Boardwalk on April 7 and 8. The organizers are proud to feature some of the most amazing guest cats, speakers, vendors ever assembled under one roof. Many seminars about rescue, kitten care, TNR, and more causes close to the feline loving heart will be part of the event. The general admission ticket includes entry to the Convention and activities inside the Convention Hall including a number of presentations, Cat Trivia, Cat Bingo, the Cat Art Show, and many other activities, games and all vendors. It does NOT include access to Meet and Greets or select presentations. Tickets for Meet & Greets and select presentations must be purchased separately. Ticket prices vary by event.

Eat, rock, and shop ’til you drop at the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market April 7 – 8 at 675 S. Clinton Ave, Trenton. the fun starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday. Come on down to the TPRFM and score tons of vinyl, sweet vintage gear, original art, horror memorabilia, handmade jewelry, vintage toys and a whole lot more! FREE PARKING will be located at 640 South Broad Street (signs will be posted) across from Mario’s Restaurant and right around the corner from the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market. DO NOT park in the Roebling Market lot. You will be towed… you’ve been warned. SATURDAY FOOD TRUCKS: The Tot Cart El Lechon De Negron PaperMill – Home of the Spurrito Tower Dogs Jersey Devil BBQ The Pizza Wagon Catering Company Falafull Food Truck More TBA! SUNDAY FOOD TRUCKS: The Tot Cart Buzetta’s Festival Foods Dark Side Of The Moo Empanada Guy Meat Wagon BBQ The Little Sicilian More TBA! OVER 260+ DIFFERENT VENDOR TABLES EACH DAY! $5 AT THE DOOR (GOOD FOR BOTH DAYS)! NO TICKETS REQUIRED! KIDS 10 AND UNDER ARE FREE! FREE PARKING!

The Office in Morristown, Ridgewood, and Summit is celebrating National Beer Day Saturday April 7 with a unique and delicious promotion. The popular bar and grill hosts its third annual ‘Beers Eat Free’ event in which anyone with the last name ‘beer,’ or who shares their name with a brand of beer, will receive a free burger. Anyone with a moniker that qualifies, who presents valid identification, can choose a 100% Ground Chuck burger from The Office Tavern Grill’s mouthwatering menu. National Beer Day isn’t the only timeThe Office celebrates ales and lagers. The casual eatery features 40 rotating beer taps every day. Locations: Morristown: 3 South St., 973-285-0220 Ridgewood: 32-34 Chestnut St., 201-652-1070 Summit: 61 Union Pl., 908-522-0550.

With spring break fast-approaching, if you’re not jetting off to the beach, mountains, or the “house of mouse,” there’s no reason to feel as if you’re missing out. There are plenty of interesting things to do and see in New Jersey. From outdoor marvels to indoor gaming, whatever you’re seeking, you’ll find it within a relatively easy driving distance. Check out this range of options that are sure to make your staycation just as much fun as a trip out of town. Game on! Within the past four months, Dave & Buster’s has ventured into the Garden State. With locations in Wayne and Woodbridge ,the gaming emporium and sports bar offers everything from Skee Ball and Pop-A-Shot to dozens of high-definition flat screens, making it the perfect spot to watch March Madness unfold. Don’t miss the popular Wednesday special: All Games All Day are Half-Price. Looking for some old school gaming fun? YESTERcades, located in Red Bank and Somerville – and soon to be Westfield – unites pinball machines and vintage Pac-Man with the latest, most high-tech systems available. Pay by the hour or stay and play all day. Jump for joy Bounce out all that extra energy at Sky Zone. Home to […]

“April is the cruelest month,” T.S. Eliot wrote nearly 100 years ago. Clearly he foresaw our decidedly non-springlike April of 2018. For those who cannot escape to warmer climes, don’t despair! There’s plenty to do and enjoy in New Jersey with the kids, even in April. Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms Skip the trip to Washington D.C. (Newark actually boasts the largest cherry blossom collection in the United States) and savor the stunning scenery ride in your own backyard.Throughout the month of April, visitors can enjoy the gorgeous grounds of Branch Brook Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famed landscape architect and designer of Manhattan’s Central Park, as well as an array of activities that includes concerts, a bike race (April 7), and a 10K (April 8). Keep an eye on the webcam to see when the trees are blooming! More information here.  Visit a Museum While you wait for those cherry blossoms to bloom, try something indoors. New Jersey has scads of world-class art museums — from Newark Museum to Morris Museum to Grounds for Sculpture and more — and many are free or offer special pricing for kids and families. See our list here. New Jersey also has many specialty […]

From Duke Farms:  Join us for our Farm to Table Indoor Winter Markets. Our Winter Markets will provide a great opportunity to support local businesses and farms offering a variety of unique products and treats to get you through the cold winter months. Featuring over 20 vendors, we will have a wide range of products and activities for your family to enjoy. There will also be a number of seasonal snacks, cooking demonstrations and door prizes which include gift baskets featuring items from our Farm to Table Market vendors. Sunday Winter Market Dates at Duke Farms (11am-4pm): December 17th February 11th March 11th April 8th The Indoor Winter Markets will take place rain or shine, from 11am to 4pm in the Duke Farms Orientation Center located at: 1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough, NJ 08844 For more information, please email our Market Manager, wwilson@dukefarms.org. There is no need to register for this event. See you there! More information here. 

Summertime is the perfect season to get out and hear some live music – and if it’s at the beach, even better. Few South Jersey venues are as legendary as The Stone Pony. The Asbury Park bar, best known for its guest appearances by the Garden State’s favorite son, Bruce Springsteen, has a phenomenal lineup planned for its Summer Stage, located at 913 Ocean Ave. Check out this list, which highlights a portion of the jam-packed calendar, and enjoy some “fresh air, cool breezes, beach vibes and, of course, killer bands,” as the Pony’s website suggests. June 1:   Primus on The Stone Pony Summer Stage with special guest MASTODON Gates open at 5 pm Tickets: $44.50 in advance, $55 at the door (plus applicable surcharges) June 15: X AMBASSADORS on The Stone Pony Summer Stage with special guests Gates open at 4:30 pm Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door (plus applicable surcharges) June 17: DROPKICK MURPHYS & FLOGGING MOLLY on The Stone Pony Summer Stage Tickets: $50.50 + fees (plus applicable surcharges) General Admission Only Rain or Shine Event All Age Show 21 and over only in bar area Doors 5:00 PM No Re entry July 7: SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE […]

You like him, you really like him! That much was clear from the resounding success of NewJerseyNext.com’s Kickstarter campaign to help fund renowned film critic Stephen Whitty’s contributions to our site. Sixty-six backers funded the campaign, helping us to handily exceed our goal of $3,000 to bring in a total of $3,650. Loyal fans of Whitty’s reviews and criticism — as well as readers who appreciate the thoughtful, well-written arts, culture and lifestyle coverage NJ Next has brought to the table since its recent launch — showed their support. (Some will be receiving special prizes including free movie tickets and a chance to be Whitty’s “screening partner” at an upcoming film.) Thanks to them, NJ Next will be able to bring you even more of his writing. When the Star-Ledger recently phased out his position after 20 years and more than 5,000 stories, Whitty noted the sad fact that “a state with a rich cinema history, a vibrant present and a still exciting future,” would no longer have a single, full-time film critic. His legions of fans and film buffs expressed their discontent loud and clear. So New Jersey Next co-founders and publishers Mary Mann and Carolyn Parisi asked Whitty […]

NJ Next is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for SOPAC’s “Artists You Should Know” series. Read our interviews with other artists in the series, including Jose James, Alexis Morrast, Red Molly and Leo Kottke. The incomparable Oleta Adams takes the stage at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. Renowned for her vocal versatility, which allows her to transcend a range of genres, the “Get Here” singer has earned a loyal following. From her gospel roots to her pop collaborations, the four-time Grammy nominee has garnered critical acclaim ever since her first hit, “Woman in Chains,” recorded with Tears for Fears. NJ Next had the opportunity to speak with Adams about what she has in store for fans when she visits South Orange. “We have a new CD that we released last year called ‘Third Set,’ and we’ll play some tunes from that,” she said. “I came up with the name because I used to – back in the club days, before my discovery or my big break – I played three one-hour shows six days a week for a lot of weeks, like 48 to 50 weeks out of the year. It’s hard to keep your interest up […]

From the Essex County Executive’s Office:  Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced on Wednesday, March 28th that the American Humane has granted certification to Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. AH is the third national organization to award certification or accreditation to the zoo, which exhibits Turtle Back’s commitment to providing the highest level of animal care. In addition, the County Executive announced that work was underway to build a new Flamingo Exhibit. “Receiving certification from American Humane couldn’t make me happier. We have invested a great deal to transform Turtle Back Zoo into a destination attraction and providing our animals with the highest quality of care is an integral part of our mission. Having the support of AH is further proof that we are committed to conservation, and raising the public’s awareness about animals and their important roles in our world,” DiVincenzo said. “Become a certified facility is not an easy task, and it was only made possible because of the dedication on a daily basis of our Zoo staff, volunteer Docents and Zoological Society members. I am proud that we have all come together with the singular goal of making Turtle Back the best it can be,” […]

There’s a lot more to Jason Alexander than his iconic performance as George Costanza on nine seasons of Seinfeld, the show “about nothing.” Before he became world-famous for his role as the iconic Costanza, Alexander was a Tony Award-winning Broadway song-and-dance man. In 1989, he won the Tony Award as Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. He later appeared in the Los Angeles production of The Producers. But wait; there’s more. Alexander is also New Jersey born and bred. He started life as Jay Scott Greenspan in Newark, NJ, grew up in Livingston and is a graduate of Livingston High School (Class of ’77). Alexander will be back in his home state on April 14 and 15, performing “Jason Alexander: The Broadway Boy” with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. First show is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark (buy tickets here); second show is 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick (buy tickets here). The “concert with the NJSO brings a hilarious re-telling of his journey to and on the Broadway stage and features a program of great music from the theater along with comedy […]

The Belmar Business Partnership and Borough officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 31, 2018, to celebrate the grand opening of Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co. in downtown Belmar. In addition to members of the BBP’s Board of Trustees, the event was attended by Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, who officiated the event; Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay; and Councilman Mark Walsifer. The owners of Relish, Martin Birdsall and Chris Delaney, grew up in Wall Township and Avon-by-the-Sea, respectively. The entrepreneurs also own SEMGeeks, a digital marketing, design, and web development agency located at 602 Main Street in downtown Belmar. “Relish is a culmination of the things Chris and I both loved about our past jobs at various local restaurants when we were younger,” says Birdsall. “Relish is inspired by the European street cart vendors that serve the finest food from inside a bun, and we pride ourselves on making homemade condiments in-house to complement the hot dog or sausage of your choice, or the meatless option of portobella mushroom.” Another unique feature of the fare at Relish is the uniquely shaped bun, which is toasted on specially designed warming spikes. The choose-your-own menu also has 25 different relish and condiment […]

Paper Mill Playhouse has just released first-look production photos from “The Sting,” starring Harry Connick Jr., now in performance at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Tickets are on sale now starting at $34.Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Students may order $23 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse box office on the day of the performance. Read more about the cast, crew and production here.    

From Farm & Fork Society: Farm & Fork Society and Green Nectar Juicery announced today that they are hosting the first-ever indoor market in Millburn, NJ, titled The Courtyard Market.   The Courtyard Market will take place on Saturday, April 7th from 11 AM to 3 PM inside the Courtyard building located at 343 Millburn Avenue in Millburn. Attendees will be able to purchase produce items from local vendors including some as local as Millburn-Short Hills!  Products available for purchase include organic naturally leavened breads from Apple Ridge Farm, micro-greens from Coeur et Sol Urban Farms, mushrooms from The Foraged Feast, fruit and bake goods from Breezy Hill Orchards, pasta from Knoll Krest Farm, organic, gluten-free bars from Blue Barn Kitchen, jams from Jams by Kim, granola from Krunch Kitchen, prepared foods from The Farm & The Chickpea, tea from Simply Melange, salsas from Casitas, juices, salads and soups from Green Nectar Juicery, grain-less gluten free baked goods from Squirrel & Bee and learn to compost and purchase your very own from Java’s Compost! Happy Millburn will be on hand with new t-shirts for Spring to show your support for our small town and beatify yourself with a tattoo from […]

MONTCLAIR, NJ – The 18th annual Taste of Essex promises to be better than ever with dozens of restaurants participating, special activities such as chair massage, and 50-50 drawing, and prizes for best savory and sweet dishes. The evening also includes lots of great entertainment: Any Excuse for a Party! Of Fairfield, Magician David Corsaro, The Creativity Caravan, Musician Tom Pimpinelli, Elements Massage of Nutley and Maxum Cigars. Taste of Essex showcases dozens of Essex County restaurants, as well as spirits purveyors, all in one location. It is an opportunity for restaurants to promote their offerings and grow their business. For attendees, it is a chance to sample outstanding food from a variety of restaurants across Essex County. This year’s event will take place on Monday, April 9 5:30 – 8:30 pm at The Manor, 111 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ. The cuisine at the Taste of Essex will include Mexican, Italian, Asian, Brazilian, Greek, American, Irish pub food and lots more.  Awards will be presented for the best savory and sweet cuisine. The participating restaurants include: Ah’ Pizz, ​Ani Ramen House, Asahda’s Restaurant & No. 413 Banquet Hall, Baccus Fine Wine, Benji’s Taqueria Mexican Grill, Bom Bom, Brick Lane Curry, Caldwell […]

Westfield Hops: A Craft Beer Experience is set for Saturday, April 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. and will take place at The Westfield Armory. Sample over 100 styles of craft beer and cider samples while listening to great music from Stereo junkies and enjoying access to great food, vendors, games & merchandise. Food vendors include: Bacon Me Crazy – Celebrates Everything Wonderful & Delicious About Bacon. The Guac Spot– All-natural Guac avocado-inspired eats! Angry Archie’s – Fresh Seafood, Lobster Rolls Glazed and Confused – Fresh Mini Donuts Click here to buy your tickets! General admission is $60 before April 15. Use promo code: EASTER at check and Save $16 on GA Tickets Admission includes a 5 ounce sample cup, 100 styles of beer & cider to sample, great music and access to delicious food, vendors & merchandise Since this is a beer festival, you must be 21 years of age to be allowed entrance into the festival. Designated drivers must also be at least 21. You must show photo ID to be admitted (no exceptions). Sorry, but NO children, toddlers, infants or strollers are permitted.

Basil Bandwagon Natural Market is thrilled to celebrate 25 years in business as of this April, 2018. A Hunterdon County favorite natural health food store and cafe with locations in Flemington and Clinton, the market is family-owned and operated and opened its first doors in Flemington in 1993 on April 22 (Earth Day). The company will commemorate this quarter-century milestone with a sustainability-focused EarthFest on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at The Hunterdon Land Trust’s Dvoor Farm at 111 Mine Street in Flemington, NJ 08822. The event is free and family-friendly and will include live music, a beer garden, natural product vendors, food trucks, farm animals, free education, information from local environmental organizations, and more. Store proprietors Ralph Celebre and Susan Haase remark, “We are so proud to be celebrating 25 years of business in a beautiful community of people and land that we love and call home. We are thrilled to take this opportunity celebrate how the land and the people of this community have helped support our business.” Celebre is also a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and opened the store in 1993 as a young entrepreneur and environmentalist. Basil Bandwagon […]

There are few winning combinations as delicious as beer and bacon. Put the two together at an outdoor spring festival and you’ve got a hit on your hands! The Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown, benefitting the Chester First Aid Squad, will be held Saturday, May 19 at Lewis Morris Park – Doe Meadow Field, located at 270 Mendham Rd, Morristown. This is New Jersey’s first festival, featuring only New Jersey Beer, coupled with restaurants, gourmet food trucks & Chefs, offering a delectable array of mouth watering BBQ & Bacon creations, all available for purchase. There will be a competition to showcase their culinary skills, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the best of the best, along with People’s Choice awards for Best Dish & Best Beer. Thirty New Jersey Breweries will be in attendance, each bringing four styles of Beer. One of these styles will be either a rare Beer or a Brew created specifically for this event. The event will take place outdoors and under tents, with some fantastic music provided by Street Hassle and The Brass Balls. This is destined to become a New Jersey Spring classic. General Admission, priced at $60 before May 5, includes Mason jar mug, […]

El Toro Loco calls itself a Modern Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar and has recently opened their doors earlier in March. The restaurant’s owner, Woody Patel, has been hard at work to create an establishment that is authentic and entertaining. With several other successful restaurants under his belt already, Woody has a business mindset that works and that customers love. The goal of El Toro Loco has always been to ensure that customers come in and out the door smiling. This positive energy is only amplified by the restaurant’s delicious food menu and expansive drink selection. El Toro Loco truly brings the tagline “Modern Mexican Kitchen” to life with dozens of authentic Mexican dishes available for customers to enjoy. Furthermore, the bar boasts happy hour deals as well, with discounted drinks every weekday from 4PM – 7PM. Outside of these deals, El Toro Loco features close to 100 different types of tequila, ranging from affordable options to true top-shelf quality liquor. As a special treat, El Toro Loco also holds events every weekend. For example, they bring in a live DJ to liven up the dance floor every Friday from 10PM – 2AM. Saturdays are for Latin nights. Here, customers […]

Two new exhibitions have recently opened at the Morris Museum in Morristown: Fresh Perspectives, a juried exhibition for NJ high school students and Fashion Forwards: A Survey of Post WWII Fashion Accessories. Take a look at each: Fresh Perspectives As a constant advocate for the engagement of youth in the arts, the Morris Museum is hosting the 29th annual Fresh Perspectives juried exhibition which provides 50 artistically accomplished New Jersey high school students a professionally organized museum exhibition.  On view through June 3, 2018, it also recognizes art teachers for their encouragement and effective teaching of these talented student artists. A team of esteemed jurists brought their unique perspectives to judging this exhibition: Chuck Biczak, Director of Strategy, Marketing, and Communications at Canon USA Dwight Hiscano, Photographer and Owner of Dwight Hiscano Gallery, Morristown, NJ Alexandra Willis, Curator at the Morris Museum, Morristown, NJ The criteria for submission of artwork was very limited and more technical than theme-based. Pieces were required to have been completed during the current school year (2017-2018) and meet specific size requirements due to museum space limitations. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, and video were all accepted if they met the listed requirements. Judges were advised to […]

If Earth, Wind & Fire was your soundtrack to the ’70s — Let’s Groove (Tonight), September, Shining Star, After the Love Has Gone, and on and on — you will want to order your tickets now for their shows at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on June 4 and 5. They’ve sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, redefined popular music and NOW they’re coming to NJPAC. Purchase tickets for the June 4 show here. Purchase tickets for the June 5 show here.   

Princeton’s Fenwick Hospitality Group, the masterminds behind beloved properties Cargot Brasserie, The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, Agricola, and the recently-opened Two Sevens Eatery & Cantina, are presenting a veritable five-course feast. On April 22, from 5 to 10 p.m., a multi-cultural culinary team of talented chefs from all of Fenwick’s restaurant kitchens will join Two Sevens’ Patrick Lacey for vibrant menu inspired by many of the cuisines of Central and South America. Check out the mouthwatering menu below: First: Mofongo Fritters: mashed plantains, pork, shrimp, garlic. Chef Rob Brown (Two Sevens). A delicious Puerto Rican staple. Churrasco: pebre, epazote and aji amarillo salsas. Chef Carina DeLeon (Cargot Brasserie). South American; skewered, grilled meats and peppery salsas. Second: Vegetarian Pepian: trumpet mushroom, bok choy, pickled pineapple, herbs. Chef Fito Beleton (Agricola). A Central American vegetable stew. Third: Red Snapper a la Plancha: market vegetables, clams. Chefs Tereso Del Cid and Patrick Lacey (Two Sevens). Fourth: Costillas Adovadas: Peruvian potatoes, chirmol, tortillas. Chef Erwin Lopez (Fenwick Catering & Events). Peruvian marinated pork ribs. Desserts Torta de Mil Hojas: “1,000 layers” cake, passion fruit custard; Alfajores: Dulce de leche cookies. Corporate Pastry Chef Liz Sale. This feast will be served family-style, at $39 per person. […]

The Summit Playhouse presents an exciting lineup of performances that will appeal to audience members of all ages. Each season consists of three main stage plays, several youth productions, theatrical workshops and community collaborations, with each production benefitting a local outreach. Additionally, each year a theater arts award is presented to two high school seniors. The theater’s home, built in 1891, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Take a look at the upcoming shows, links to purchase tickets to each are included, and subscriptions are available as well: Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’  Performances: May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 at 8:00 pm May 6 & 20 at 2:00 pm Adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus. A classic of American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird tells a story of race, class, justice, and growing up that still resonates today. Tickets: Students: $20; Adults: $25 ​A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD  July 6-7, 13-14 at 7:00 pm July 7-8, 14-15 at 2:00 pm ​Music by Book and […]

Editor’s note: Read our story on “Ready Player One”‘s special New Jersey connection here. Beethoven had his triumphant “Ode to Joy.” “Ready Player One” is Steven Spielberg’s delirious “Ode to Joy Stick.” After a string of serious live-action films – “The Post,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Lincoln,” “War Horse” – Spielberg is back with a movie that offers guiltless adventure, a salute to virtual reality and a pure pop package full of junk-culture references and video-game in-jokes. Is it for you? That may be a generational question. I was in high school when Pong came out, in college around the time of Space Invaders. Neither struck me as a good way to spend my time, or my quarters. By the time the games got more complicated, I’d already gone on to other things. Like getting married, and getting into debt. Obviously, you – or your kids – may feel differently. But even though I can’t tell Minecraft from Warcraft, I still had a good time at “Ready Player One,” a film that’s packed full of breakneck excitement and widescreen magic. It’s another slice of dystopian sci-fi, although this one comes with a bit of wit (it takes place, we’re told, “after […]

The Belmar Business Partnership (BBP) at the Jersey Shore celebrated the grand opening of Main Street Donuts on Saturday, February 10, 2018, with a ribbon-cutting event at the new specialty bakery. In addition to members of the BBP’s Executive Board and Board of Trustees, attendees included Matthew Doherty, Mayor of Belmar, and friends and family of the business owners. The proprietors, Paula Giunta and Joe Rizzuto, who are in-laws, were inspired to start their business after visiting a made-to-order doughnut shop during a family vacation in coastal North Carolina three years ago.   “The concept was something we thought we could do better, as these shops prepared basic doughnuts. We wanted to take it to the next level and create memorable sweet treats,” said Giunta, who has a background in catering and event planning. “We wanted to do this in a town that had the Main Street feel and appeal, and Belmar has all of that. We waited months for a space to become available, and when it did, we grabbed it.”  Main Street Donuts also serves signature, locally roasted coffees in addition to doughnuts made with more than 30 glazes, icings, cream and jelly fillings, and a wide array […]

Musical soulmates Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo present: A Very Intimate Acoustic Evening on Wednesday, June 27 at 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have formed one of the most successful partnerships in music history. During their nearly four-decade career, they have won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards, as well as three American Music awards. Their undeniable chemistry, Benatar’s mezzo-soprano vocal range and Giraldo’s trail blazing work as a producer, guitarist and songwriter created some of rock’s most memorable hits. These include, “Promises in the Dark”, “Hell is For Children”, We Live For Love”, “Love Is A Battlefield”, “Hit me with Your Best Shot” and “We Belong.” Their rock and roll love affair has endured for 38 years and they continue to tour every year, wowing audiences everywhere. Starlight Members – March 28th Members* and Season Ticket Holders – March 29th General Public – March 30th at 9AM Tickets: $59 – $99  

At the end of the trailers for the new Steven Spielberg blockbuster “Ready Player One” there’s a quick shot of the credits. Sandwiched between Spielberg’s directing and producing credits is the credit for producer “Dan Farah.” Farah is a South Orange native who is seeing his biggest success. A Columbia High School graduate (Class of ’98), Farah went on to Hofstra University where interned for producer Scott Rudin while attending college. Later he worked at International Creative Management (ICM) but left that job in 2004. He founded Farah Films in 2005. Dan’s dad Al Farah is still active with CHS Cougars Boosters in South Orange and Maplewood. In fact, he’s being honored this year by the Columbia High School Hall of Fame Club with the Peter Cross Award for outstanding community volunteer for running the Cougar Booster Golf Outing for the past 20 years. Meanwhile, the younger Farah who grew up on a “steady diet” of Spielberg films, was able to work with his idol on “Ready Player One.” Dan said that when he first saw the finished film “it was like seeing dreams come true.” He called Spielberg directing the film “the greatest thing that could possibly happen,” and added, “the movie […]

One of New Jersey’s favorite sons — hey, he directed a hit indie film titled “Garden State”! — Zach Braff is back on television tonight, March 28, starring in the new sitcom “Alex, Inc.” on ABC. The South Orange native and Columbia High School Class of 1993 graduate shot to fame in 2001 with his starring role at John “J.D.” Dorian on “Scrubs.” Braff also had an independent film hit in 2004 with “Garden State,” which he wrote and directed and which co-starred Natalie Portman. Brach is returning to network television tonight with ABC’s “Alex, Inc.” in which he plays a podcast producer who leaves his radio show to start his own company. The show also focuses heavily on Alex’s family life. Tiya Sircar of “The Good Place” plays his wife, with newcomer Elisha Henig and Audyssie James as their children. Braff directed 4 of the 10 episodes produced so far. Watch the “Alex, Inc.” trailer here: <iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/8dBJf3arrNY” width=”560″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”></iframe>

In preparation for the summer reopening of Asbury Lanes, iconic 1960s bowling alley-turned music venue, Salt School, a vigorous hospitality training program, will be re-introduced to the local Asbury Park community for its third year. The program, created by David Bowd of Salt Hotels in partnership with Master Developer, iStar, was conceived with the goal of giving anyone in the community the opportunity to receive training by the best in the business, for free. This year, Salt School is looking to accept two hundred Asbury Park applicants, expanding on past years, and will employee a quarter of graduates at Asbury Lanes. School will culminate in a formal graduation and job fair, which was added this year due to demand from local businesses. Industry leaders will teach students all aspects of hospitality with an added focus on food & beverage leading into the opening of Asbury Lanes this summer, which will offer a 24/7, full-service diner. Founder and chef of the internationally recognized Meatball Shop restaurants, Daniel Holzman will be one of the special guest speakers. Curriculum focuses will include: guest service, food and beverage management, accounting, culinary and bar trends, event planning, talent and human resources management, marketing and social media. By simply answering “Why do you want to […]

Spring is the perfect time for a road trip. Some of New Jersey’s top chefs are headed across the Hudson for a mouth-watering meal gourmands won’t want to miss. On, Monday, April 16 at 7 p.m. Garden State greats come together at The Beard House to present an unforgettable feast. As the James Beard Foundation’s website eloquently states: “Sample a seasonal showcase of New Jersey bounty through this collaboration of six chefs hailing from innovative farm-driven restaurants. Do yourself a favor and let your taste buds take the wheel at the Beard House!” See info on how to get tickets at the end of this article. The lineup is as follows: Anthony Bucco Felina, Ridgewood, NJ Ben Nerenhausen Mistral, Princeton, NJ Eric Plescha Charcoal BYOB, Yardley, PA Mark Plescha Charcoal BYOB, Yardley, PA Ehren M Ryan Common Lot, Millburn NJ David Viana Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge, NJ Menu Hors d’Oeuvre Fried Chicken Skins with Chicken Liver Mousse, Lemon, and Thyme Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Young Spruce, Cultured Butter, and American Sturgeon Caviar Beets with Béarnaise, Horseradish, and Dill Crispy Tête de Cochon with Pickled Vegetables Smoked and Beer-Battered Forty North Oysters with Housemade Bread-and-Butter Pickles Spring In Your Steep Specialty […]

NJ Next is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for SOPAC’s “Artists You Should Know” series, which includes the Red Molly show. Read our interviews with other artists in the series, including Jose James, Alexis Morrast and Red Molly. Master of both the six- and 12-string guitar, Leo Kottke will perform Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Born in Athens, Georgia, the singer/songwriter tried his hand at the violin and trombone before settling on the acoustic guitar as his instrument of choice. Known for keeping his live performances fresh with his banter, droll humor and improvisation, the artist keeps it close to the vest in terms of what his live show will include. But one thing’s for sure, it’ll never be dull. “Risk is essential,” explained Kottke via email. “I never really know what I’m going to do. Sometimes I’ll get in a rut — when that happens I depend on desperation to break things up.” Kottke, long-revered among the music community for his flat-picking, suffered with tendonitis that many feared could leave the legend sidelined. Not one to be easily deterred, he found a preferred work-around. “I cured the tendonitis by changing my technique,” he stated. “I […]

Earth Day, founded in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, has become an annual tradition celebrated each April 22. Communities across the Garden State are preparing to honor the planet in a variety of ways this year. From earth fairs and educational activities to scenic runs and organized clean-ups, check out the events below, organized by date. Saturday, April 21 Head over to Liberty State Park at 10 a.m. for the Earth Day 5K Run. Registration is $26 and can be completed online. T-shirts to all pre-registrants & post-registrants while supplies last. Post race refreshments at the Earth Day Fair, featuring the Earth Day Kid’s Kingdom! All activities, including parking, located in beautiful Liberty State Park. Demarest celebrates Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northern Valley Earth Fair at Demarest High School. This Earth Day celebration offers energy-saving/sustainable products, organic foods/agriculture, animal education/rescue, environmental preservation, and more. New Jersey Audubon hosts Earth Day and Marine Debris Clean-up in Cape May from 9 a.m. to noon.  Learn about wildlife gardening and other basic maintenance chores while you assist Nature Center staff and volunteers in sprucing up the gardens for spring. We’ll plant, mulch, deadhead, weed, and prune throughout the Center’s grounds […]

As spring is (finally!) on the horizon, many of us start to think about saying good-bye to comfort food and hello to lighter, fresh fare that makes us feel fantastic. But for Arielle Cassidy, owner of The Juice House, eating well is a year-round passion and one that she embraced from an early age. “Growing up, my mom was overweight and my father passed away when I was very young,” she said. “I have three older sisters and I was very into sports while my sisters were more into theater clubs. We decided that we needed to be healthier, lose a few pounds, and find a better balance and that’s how I became interested in nutrition. People have always asked me for advice and I’ve been really into it, even in high school.” Cassidy took her love of sports and eating eating to the next level when she went to college to study both, majoring in exercise physiology and minoring in nutrition. Post college, she worked at Equinox as a personal trainer but once again found herself focusing on the importance of eating well and fueling the body with natural foods. While earning a masters degree in nutrition, she continued to […]

After a winter filled with back-to-back nor’easters, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the arrival of spring. Reeves-Reed Arboretum has a special event planned that the whole family can enjoy. The Summit-based public garden and educational center is home to one of the largest daffodil collections in New Jersey, planted in the Arboretum’s glacially carved ‘kettle’ or bowl in the early 1900s by the original owners of the property, the Wisners. Currently, the collection features more than 50,000 bulbs, which are the stars of the show each year on Daffodil Day, one of the most eagerly anticipated events at the Arboretum, which attracts visitors from all over the tri-state area. This year, Daffodil Day celebrates the Earth on Sunday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the past, the day has included wonderful, family-friendly activities such as an outdoor farmer’s market with vendors and food trucks, and crafts and games for all. Cost: Free for RRA Members and children under 3; For Non-Members $10/person or $25/family. No pre-registration is required. Please consider walking or biking to Daffodil Day! Honor Earth Weekend and enjoy the beauty of Summit by leaving your car at home. Bikers can avoid busy Hobart Avenue […]

Indie rockers The Decemberists will take the stage June 12 at 8 p.m. at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Opening for the group is fellow Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter M. Ward. The Decemberists explore a new sound with a new producer on their inspired eighth studio album I’ll Be Your Girl, which was released on March 16 on Capitol Records. The acclaimed band worked with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Lana del Rey) and embraced influences such as Roxy Music and New Order to spark a new creative path, as can be heard on the synth-driven lead single “Severed,” which is available today to stream or download. “When you’ve been a band for 17 years, inevitably there are habits you fall into,” says Colin Meloy. “So our ambition this time was really just to get out of our comfort zone. That’s what prompted working with a different producer and using a different studio. We wanted to free ourselves from old patterns and give ourselves permission to try something different.” With I’ll Be Your Girl, the Decemberists—lead vocalist and guitarist Meloy, guitarist Chris Funk, keyboardist Jenny Conlee, bassist Nate Query, and drummer John Moen—explore new approaches to making music and […]

The second annual Maplewood—South Orange Book Festival will take place on Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9, at the Woodland and Words Bookstore in Maplewood, NJ. Among the highlights is an event featuring best-selling thriller writer David Baldacci, the proceeds of which will benefit the Maplewood and South Orange libraries. The book festival will also feature best-selling authors including Oprah Book Club selection writers Tayari Jones, Anna Quindlen and Claire Messud, as well as an extensive children’s area. Last year’s festival drew over 1,000 devoted book lovers, and this year’s festival will build upon that initial success. “It was great getting it off the ground in 2017,” said Festival Executive Director Robert Lasner, “and we are really excited to make it bigger and better for 2018.” Lasner noted the literary talent who will appear at the Festival this year. “I am happy we are able to bring major authors like Anna, David and Tayari to the area.” The Festival will also feature panels on today’s hot button political issues, including the rise of white supremacy, and race and education. On the less serious side, the festival will host several food panels featuring local SOMA authors. A key community event is […]

Spring has sprung — despite those white patches you’re still seeing on the ground. That means that it’s time to brunch, egg hunt, ride horses, take a train and even skydive (indoors) with the Easter Bunny. Here’s the NJNext.com roundup of the best events in NJ for hopping down the bunny trail: 1. Skyline Easter Egg Hunt in Bloomfield, March 24 Skyline Church Easter Egg Hunt is free for all and has games, face painting and bounce houses. The hunt starts at 11:30am and has over 10,000 eggs to be found. Skyline provides a separate hunt area for special needs children who attend. It is held in a separate area so they can hunt without as much noise or pressure of so many other children. You must get a free ticket for every person in your party to attend the event. TICKETS: https://skylinehunt2018.eventbrite.com/. 2. Great Egg Hunt in Hamilton Park, Jersey City, March 24 Be sure to RSVP for the annual Great Egg Hunt in Hamilton Park on March 24. If your child wants to participate in the egg hunt, be sure to check the schedule of events as there will be different time slots for different age groups. 3. Brunch with the Easter Bunny at Oakeside […]

Between egg hunts and baskets overflowing with chocolate treats, it often seems like kids have all the fun on Easter. Brunch is a deliciously grown-up way to celebrate the spring holiday, and if someone else is cooking, even better. Take a look at some of the scrumptious options available throughout the Garden State and make your reservations now. Olde Mill Inn & Grain House Easter Buffet Menu 2018 Celebrate Easter at the Olde Mill Inn or the Grain House from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm  The expansive Easter Buffet is well known throughout New Jersey and offers a wide range of tasty choices. Kids can catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny, who will drop by to say hello with a basket candy and trinkets! Please note that the Grain House Menu will change breakfast items on the menu with dinner items at 4:00 pm. $56 Adults, $24 Children Ages 4-11 (does not include 20% Service Charge & NJ Sales Tax) Reservations Required 908-696-2335 A credit card is required to hold the reservation. Ryland Inn – White House Station The Ryland Inn’s 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will kick off at 11 a.m. In addition to the hunt, there will be a petting zoo, face […]

Back Channel by Joseph Vitale will be presented Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood. It was the darkest hour of the Cold War. The U.S. and Soviet Union were eyeball to eyeball over the Cuban Missile Crisis, and with the two sides refusing to budge, the world faced Armageddon. Churches were filled, supermarket shelves picked clean, fallout shelters were prepared and school children taught to “duck and cover.” “I was 10 years old and convinced I was going to die,” said playwright Joseph Vitale, author of Murrow, which premiered at The Theater Project in 2015 and ran Off-Off Broadway in 2016. “This play focuses not on the names we know – Kennedy, Khrushchev, Castro – but on two obscure men who history may have forgotten, but who may have had more to do with saving the world than anyone knows. With today’s fears of a possible nuclear war between the U.S. and North Korea and alleged secret dealings between the U.S. and Russia, the play seems eerily timely.” Back Channel recounts the meetings between ABC-TV newsman John Scali […]

The McCarter Theatre in Princeton is pleased to announce its lineup for the 2018-2019 music series. Highlights include an all-star piano quartet and collaboration between opera sensations. Look below for the lineup and ticket information. CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER’s All-Star Piano Quartet WU HAN, piano  DANIEL HOPE. violin  PAUL NEUBAUER, viola  DAVID FINCKEL, cello  Monday, January 28, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the Matthews Theatre McCarter welcomes the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for an evening of chamber music. Four stars are aligned in this quartet, including Chamber Music Society’s co-artistic directors Wu Han and David Finckel; violist Paul Neubauer; and acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope, a soloist in his own right who doubles as music director of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. Their program includes two of the all-time classic piano quartets, those of Brahms (No.3 in c, Op.60) and Dvořák (in E-flat, Op. 87), plus a rarity: the Quartet in A by the Czech Romantic composer Josef Suk. JORDI SAVALL & HESPÈRION XXI – Tous les matins du monde  Friday, February 22, 2019 at 8 p.m. in the Matthews Theatre Gambist Jordi Savall has brought humanity, unique artistry, and virtuosity to his exploration of early music that has spanned half a century. A conductor of three ensembles—including Hespèrion XXI with which he performs for this engagement—his 250 recordings […]

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 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 with Eastern European and American food. In addition to […]

Princeton-based McCarter Theatre has announced its 2018-2019 Dance Series and there’s something for everyone. The pride of Philadelphia, BalletX, and the grandson of legendary flamenco founder “El Farruco,” Farruquito, will take the stage in not-to-be-missed performances. Check out the lineup and ticket information below. BALLETX – The Pride of Philadelphia Wednesday, October 17 & Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Berlind Theatre  BalletX, the sellout hit of the 2017 Princeton Festival, has been at the center of Philadelphia’s contemporary dance scene since its founding in 2005. The company has a repertoire of over 50 world premieres by today’s most celebrated choreographers, and makes regular visits to the most prestigious venues and festivals, such as the Joyce Theatre and Vail. In keeping with the company’s commitment to new work, the Berlind performances will feature several premieres, including one by founding choreographer Matthew Neenan. JESSICA LANG DANCE – Tesseracts of Time (and other works)    Friday, November 16, 2018 at 8 p.m. in the Matthews TheatreA master of visual composition and former Twyla Tharp dancer, Jessica Lang’s works extend the boundaries of the dancing body through architectural decor, and a prime example is Tesseracts of Time, her collaboration with Stephen Holl, the architect of Princeton University’s Lewis Center Complex. Lang’s McCarter program will also include Thousand Yard Stare, which celebrates the pride, honor, and searing loss experienced by military veterans.  FARRUQUITO – Return of a Flamenco Legend Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 8 […]

From The Montclair Art Museum (MAM)  The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is thrilled to announce that it has been named Favorite Visual Arts Camp in the 2018 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Presented by Discover Jersey Arts, a program of ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the annual awards highlight the work of New Jersey’s vital and diverse arts community. “We’re so grateful for this designation and to be named once again among the top arts organizations in the state,” said Lora Urbanelli, MAM director. “It is a great honor to be recognized in these awards, and to receive such overwhelming support from our peers and audiences, year after year.” This year, more than 18,000 art lovers cast their ballots for their favorite local arts groups and destinations. MAM’s SummerART camp garnered 1,541 votes and was amongst those honored this morning at ArtPride New Jersey’s headquarters at Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts in Burlington, NJ. In this competitive year, the Museum not only received recognition for its camps, but was also named among the top adult art classes and museums in the state. Montclair organizations had a strong showing, with Montclair Film […]

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have added a second date to their OTR2 Tour at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ: August 3, 2018. The first round of tickets for the tour — including an August 2 show at MetLife — sold out quickly, with presale demand crashing the Ticketmaster server. Tickets are $25-$380 and go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Monday, March 26 through Ticketmaster. Presale for the Aug. 3 show began at 10 a.m. March 21 for Tidal subscribers and members of the Beyhive — Beyoncé’s fan club. Citi cardholders were able to purchase presale tickets starting at noon on March 21 through the Citi Private Pass program. Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster here.

McCarter Theatre Center Artistic Director/Resident Playwright Emily Mann and Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood are pleased to announce the lineup for the 2018-2019 Theater Series. Highlights include Douglas McGrath’s world premiere adaptation of The Age of Innocence, David Hare’s Skylight, and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Look below for the full lineup and ticket information. The Theater Series begins with Douglas McGrath’s world premiere adaptation of The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton’s classic gilded age love story directed by Doug Hughes. To follow is Dominique Morisseau’s incendiary Detroit ’67, directed by Jade King Carroll; the world premiere of Eleanor Burgess’ The Niceties, a riveting look at race and history directed by Kimberly Senior; the world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy, directed by Kathleen Marshall; and David Hare’s Tony Award®-winning Skylight, directed by Emily Mann. About the Theater Series, Ms. Mann remarked “I’m so proud to present a season of six extraordinary evenings which will provoke, inspire, and entertain all who visit with us. A healthy theater, like a healthy democracy, is a place where new ideas are exchanged and challenged. McCarter continues to grow as a home for artists and adventurous audiences alike. Set in various times and places from […]

NJ Next is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for SOPAC’s “Artists You Should Know” series, which includes the Red Molly show. Read our interviews with other artists in the series, including Jose James and Alexis Morrast. Good news for Redheads, the wait is over! Americana powerhouse trio Red Molly is touring again this April, and one of the band’s first stops just happens to be the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Though the talented ladies who comprise Red Molly – Laurie MacAllister (bass), Abbie Gardner (Dobro), and Molly Venter (guitar) – decided to take a hiatus to pursue solo projects, they’ve reunited and will grace the SOPAC stage Friday, April 6 at 8 p.m. While performing together for more than a decade, the band earned a well-deserved reputation for its stunning harmonies and impressive range, which spans a cappella to bluegrass and nearly every genre in between. As much as the members of Red Molly have enjoyed making music together, Gardner noted that she and her bandmates had little time to pursue solo endeavors. Ultimately, this lead them to take a short break to explore their creative passions. Gardner shared that despite their desire to work on their own records, […]