Culture and Arts

Museums and Galleries

  • The Commissioners Gallery offers several visual art exhibits annually, presented by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The Gallery is on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ • 908-558-2550 • culturalinfo@ucnj.org
  • Kean University Art Galleries – CAS Building, James Howe Gallery, Student Gallery and Nancy Dryfoos Gallery in the Library, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 •  908-737-4452 • kean.edu/kean-galleries
  • Les Malamut Art Gallery – 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 •  908-851-5480 • esmalamutartgallery.wordpress.com
  • The Gallery Space – 1670 Irving St., Rahway NJ 07065 •  732-827-2210 galleryspacerahway.com
  • Visual Arts Center of NJ – 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901 • 908-273-9121 • njcva.org

Multi-Disciplinary

  • Inspiration Audio prepares young people to take on meaningful, long-term skilled labor in the music industry without the need for an exorbitant and potentially prohibitive education — offering career-connected learning in the forms of one-on-one mentoring and training sessions and through recording programs, where artists can record their music for free in an unencumbered environment and engineers expand their workforce development. •  908-900-0229  •  327 Hamilton Street, Apt 2, Rahway, NJ 07065  •  www.inspirationaudio.org •  Info@inspirationaudio.org
  • New Jersey Workshop for the Arts offers instruction in music both instrumental/vocal, arts and crafts, preschool music classes, youth choir, summer camps, rock groups, music production, symphony & chamber orchestras, alphorn ensemble, introductory intermediate and advanced jazz bands. • 215 Elmer Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 • 908 789-9696 • njworkshopforthearts.com
  • Shubanjali School of Performing Arts aims to promote Indian classical performing art forms to bring people in contact with the creativity of Indian classical (Bharatnatyam) and folk dances of India along with traditional carnatic music and theatre (drama), thereby making the Indian art forms an important cultural force within the U.S. performing arts scene. • 732-423-6516 • shubanjali.org
  • Teatro Si premier Hispanic theatre arts company of New Jersey. • 908-301-9496 • teatrosi.com
  • Union County Performing Arts Center provides exciting live performances that are educational, affordable and responsive to the diverse interests of our communities. Enjoying a prime location in Union County, UCPAC is dedicated to making this landmark theatre the logical choice for the performing arts – for education, experimentation and entertainment. With 1,300 seats, the UCPAC is one of the largest theatres in Union County. • 732-499-0441 • ucpac.org

Dance

  • Buggé Ballet’s mission is to be a modern-day storyteller exploring human behavior through contemporary ballet. The company seeks to create universally appreciated works that inspire, delight, and engage our audiences through compelling movement. Artistic Director Nicole Buggé is the creator Liberty Hall Dance Festival, an annual site specific performance in Union, NJ • 394 Drake Ave. Roselle, NJ 07203 • 609-651-2810 • buggeballet.com
  • Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic works by Carolyn Dorfman and nationally renowned choreographers. The company’s ten multi-ethnic and stunning dancers tap their unique talents to present high-energy and technically demanding dance that unleashes the powerful storytelling and imagery of its visionary creator. For over 30 years, CDD has appeared at major theaters, dance festivals, universities, schools, museums and galleries regionally, nationally and internationally. • 2780 Morris Avenue, Suite 1-A, Union • 908-687-8855 • carolyndorfmandanceco.org
  • iDance Ministry presents works that challenge norms and unite the community through dance, serving culturally and economically diverse participants who seek meaningful dance experiences — using the arts to bring awareness to those impacted by mental health, addiction and disabilities. iDance also promotes equitable access to dance experiences for historically excluded and underserved populations, and advances hip-hop dance education in elementary schools. • 434-409-7764 • idanceministry@gmail.comwww.idancexperience.com

Instrumental Music

  • Afternoon Music Inc. offers four chamber music concerts featuring professional jazz and classical musicians. • 908-273-3245
  • The Discovery Orchestra believes that listening to classical music and perceiving its many expressive aspects arouses compelling emotional responses deep within us. Since 1996, Artistic Director and Conductor George Marriner Maull has helped people to be transformed by the power of classical music through our interactive Discovery Concerts©, public television and public radio programs, and online educational videos and podcasts. • 973-379-2200 • www.discoveryorchestra.org
  • Institute of Music for Children, Inc.- After-school arts workshops and private music lessons. One month Summer Institute – Arts programming in two and four week sessions for ages 6-14 years. • 908-352-5847 • instituteofmusic.org
  • Mostly Music offers five chamber music concerts a season by guest artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic, as well as leading soloists and ensembles from around the world. Concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ. • Mostlymusicnj@gmail.com
  • Music for All Seasons fosters human interaction and healing, through the art of live musical performance, for people who, for health economic or social reasons are unable to attend concerts. • 908-322-6300 or toll-free: 1-866-524-MFAS (6327) • musicforallseasons.org
  • The Musical Club of Westfield every year presents six classical music concerts featuring its members and guests.  Its Junior Musical Club offers two concerts by teen-aged artists. All have receptions and are free to the public. A biennial benefit concert helps support scholarships to college music majors from Union County; over $30,000 is awarded annually. • 908-654-1036 ∙ musicalclubofwestfield.org
  • New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra brings together musicians of different ages and abilities to promote mutual growth and understanding through the experience of musical performance. Members have ranged in age from 6 to 93 and have come from over 44 communities throughout New Jersey. • 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974 • njio.org
  • New Jersey Youth Symphony primary purpose is to provide talented young musicians with orchestral and related music education experiences that enable them to reach their highest potential as performers and listeners. • 908-771-5544 • njys.org
  • Plainfield Symphony Orchestra has the distinction of being the oldest community orchestra in the state of New Jersey, and the third oldest in the country! Numerous citations dot the walls of their main office at the Crescent Avenue Church, in Plainfield, including proclamations from President Ronald Reagan and the City of Plainfield. • 908-561-5140 • plainfieldsymphony.org
  • Judith G. Wharton Music Center (formerly the Suburban Community Music Center). One of the largest independent non-profit music-schools in New Jersey offers music instruction for virtually everyone – from three-month-olds to seniors – taught by a faculty of some of the finest artist-educators working in and around New York City today. • 908-790-0700 • whartonmusiccenter.org
  • New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a dynamic world class musical experience for discerning people that rivals any in the New York Metropolitan area. Music lovers are invited to discover critically acclaimed conductor David Wroe’s passionate and innovative approach to orchestral music and be transported by an exhilarating evening of music in a setting close to home. 224 East Broad Street, Suite 5, Westfield, NJ 07090. • 908-232-9400 • njfestivalorchestra.org
  • New Jersey Jazz Society provides live jazz concerts to its members and the general public – such as the PeeWee Russell Stomp and Jazzfest. NJJS also sponsors educational outreach programs. • 908-342-0558 • njjs.org
  • Summit Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1938 by the Summit Board of Recreation with the dual purpose of (1) providing an arena for qualified non-professional musicians to read and perform orchestral music, and (2) presenting orchestral concerts, free of charge, to residents of Summit and the surrounding areas. It has been performing in Summit every year since. • 908-464-7215 • summitsymphonynj.org
  • Westfield Community Band • 908-789-4080 • westfieldcommunityband.com

Visual Arts

  • Elizabeth Arts Council offer local and regional artists the opportunity to show, demonstrate and sell their art. The Elizabeth Arts Council maintains lists of artists to foster connections between proponents of select media. • 908-355-0322
  • duCret School of Art provides a full time certificate program and workshops for children and adults during the week and on Saturdays. 1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060 • 908-757-7171 • ducret.edu
  • Jersey Central Art Studios offers eight-week day and evening courses and summer painting classes for adults and teens. All Classes meet at the Cranford Community Center located at 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016 • 908-709-7283 • cas.org
  • Life Drawing Studio Group is a volunteer operated organization dedicated to bringing arts education, cultural and creative opportunities to the public. Studio programs are based out of the Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Arts Center in Fanwood. • 201-970-1423 • lifedrawingstudiogroup.org
  • Visual Arts Center of New Jersey was founded as the Summit Art Association in 1933 by seven local artists who hoped to foster the appreciation, enjoyment, and practice of art. Today, after a $6 million renovation and expansion completed in the summer of 2005, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is recognized statewide for its high quality arts education and exhibition programs. • 908-273-9121 • njcva.org
  • Westfield Art Association was founded in 1922. Members are artists and patrons of the arts. They meet on scheduled Sundays in October, November, January, February, April and May at the Community room of the Westfield Municipal Building. • westfieldartassociation.org/

Vocal Music

  • Chinese American Music Ensemble (CAME) is a program of the Chinese American Cultural Association, which seeks to promote the exchange between the Chinese and Western cultures. The objectives of CAME are to enrich and broaden the cultural horizons of both youth and adults through music training and to provide community service through concert performances. 1723 Nevada Street, Westfield, NJ 07090. • 908-928-9704 • www.came-nj.org
  • Celebration Singers have been entertaining audiences within the tri-state area for 70 years. Their goal is to provide high quality musical programs that have a wide range of musical styles, to provide musical education for audiences and members alike, and most of all, to have fun in doing it! Members of the Children’s Chorus eventually become members of the adult choir. • Celebration Singers, P.O. Box 14, Cranford, NJ 07016. 908-241-8200 • www.celebration-singers.org
  • Choral Art Society of New Jersey Inc. is a nonprofit, community chorus of about 50 singers, dedicated to the study and performance of great choral works ranging in style from ancient to modern. Since 1962 they have entertained and educated audiences in Union County and beyond. Find out more on facebook.com/CASNJ or at casofnj.org or call 908-209-5435. Join in and experience the joy of singing!
  • Concord Singers is a non-auditioning women’s chorus that strives to achieve high quality through dedication and hard work. They offer a friendly musical home to both novice and experienced singers. Members come from many age groups, professions and backgrounds. • Concord Singers, P.O. Box 242, Summit, NJ 07902 • concordsingers.org
  • Metro Rhythm Chorus Fanwood 908-322-9197
  • Oratorio Singers/First United Methodist Church – Now entering its 28th year, Oratorio Singers is a chorus of 70-100 singers which performs major choral works by various composers. Under the direction of Mr. Trent Johnson, Director of Music and Arts and organist at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield, this community organization continues the high standards and tradition. • 908-233-4211 • oratoriosingerswestfield.org
  • Rahway Valley Jerseyaires is a chorus located in Rahway, NJ. Members range in age from 18 to 85. Their goal is to explore and enjoy all forms of a cappella singing, from traditional to contemporary. • 908-709-0220 • www.jerseyaires.org
  • Summit Chorale is one of New Jersey’s oldest, continuously running, community choruses. Celebrating its 100th season, Summit Chorale welcomes experienced singers to its ranks through informal auditions. Come share in the transforming power of beautiful choral music. • 862-926-9605 • summitchorale.org

Theater

  • Alliance Repertory Theatre Co., nominated for thirteen Perry Awards for acting, directing and production value, Alliance Rep is dedicated to producing distinctive, challenging and thought provoking theater, and to providing local actors, directors and writers the opportunity to display and expand their talents. 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 • alliancerep.org
  • American Theater Group produces new and classic works primarily by American playwrights with an emphasis on the development of new works and the rediscovery of undeservedly neglected older ones. It also provides quality arts-in-education initiatives. The professional company is in residence at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. • 732-238-9982 • americantheatergroup.org
  • Catalyst Theater Company strives to build one of the region’s favorite local theaters by creating an artistic environment that celebrates our shared experience and humanity, while bringing to life theatrical experiences that ignite passion in our collective souls. • ctcproductions.org/
  • Cranford Dramatic Club (CDC), established in 1919, is the longest continuously producing community theatre in the state of New Jersey. It produces three major shows each year as well as a children’s production during the holidays. A theatre building was constructed in 1957 and updated and renovated just a few years ago. 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016. 908-276-7611 • cdctheatre.org
  • Vivid Stage professional ensemble of actors builds community with our audience by sharing contemporary, life affirming stories that challenge, energize and entertain. • Oakes Center, 120 Morris Ave. Summit, NJ 07901 • 973-994-1561 • vividstage.org
  • Kean University/Premiere Stages is proud to present a dynamic season of new works to New Jersey. We invite you to share in our eclectic mix of premiere plays, ground-breaking new films, and uniquely conceived educational programs. 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 • kean.edu/premiere-stages
  • Kean University/Wilkins Theatre offers music, dance, theatre, concerts, lectures, family programs, school time and comedy. 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 • Box Office 908-737-SHOW (7469)
  • Mystic Vision Players The resident community theatre company of Linden, NJ since 1992. Theatre experiences in drama, comedy, children’s works and large-scale Broadway style productions. • 908-925-9068 • mysticvisionplayers.com 
  • Pineda Conservatory offers musical theater classes and opera for students of all ages. Each school year ends with a performance featuring all students in the program. • 908-731-1377 • pinedaconservatory.com
  • Stony Hill Players major objectives as a theater group are: to produce a wide selection of stage productions including musicals and opera within our own resources but with a high degree of artistic ability; to promote and foster interest in all aspects of theater in our community including music and children’s theater; to offer a learning opportunity to amateur actors, singers, and production staff; and to reach as broad and diverse an audience as possible. • 908-277-1732 • stonyhillplayers.org
  • Summit Playhouse Association was founded in 1918 as a World War I relief organization. Since then, they have mounted over 290 productions, making them one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States. They present three shows a year: a Fall show in November, a Winter show in February and March, and a Spring show in May. During the summer, Kaleidoscope, theater for youth, presents a production for and with students. • 908-273-2192 • summitplayhouse.org
  • The Theater Project began in 1994 and is celebrating another season of producing new works and contemporary classics. An award-winning affiliate member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance, The Theater Project is known for its color-blind casting policy and provocative “actor’s view of theater” seating — the audience is on-stage with the actors, “where the action is.” • 908-763-4029 • thetheaterproject.org
  • Troupe of Friends, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, primarily for the public performance of the plays, sonnets, poems and other writing of William Shakespeare and other theatrical adaptations and for providing theatre arts instruction to children and the public in general. • babbitt_joseph.tripod.com/
  • Westfield Community Players, presenting plays since 1934, offers a season of mystery, comedy and harmony. 1000 North Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090. •  Box Office 908-232-1221 • Theater Office 908-232-9568 • westfieldcommunityplayers.org