January
Jan 25 (Snow Date Feb 1)
3 pm
CONCERT
Choral Art Society of New Jersey presents The Cohort: Exploring the Shared Musical lineage of Great English Composers
While many may know the names Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Herbert Howells, and Samuel Coleridge Taylor, it may be surprising to learn that all of these “greats” studied under the same teacher, and many of them interacted with each other personally and artistically.
This concert explores the shared musical lineage of these composers through their works, along with the works of their contemporaries George Dyson, Rebecca Clarke, and John Ireland. Come be part of something special at this choral concert.
$35 General Admission & Door
$30 advance sale & Seniors/Students (18+)
FREE for youth (under 18)
FREE for Families First card holders & WIC card holders
Please note snow date above
Advance tickets: casofnj.org/ticket
The Presbyterian Church of Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
Accessibility – Ramp on the left side of the church, along Mountain Ave. Listening devices and large-print programs are available upon request when notified at least 3 business days in advance via this form. Sign language interpretation can be accommodated when notified at least 2 weeks in advance. Service animals welcomed. If you need accommodations not listed here, please use the form and the CAS of NJ will work with you to help you enjoy the concert.
Jan. 31
3 pm
FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Plainfield Symphony presents “Swinging Valentines’ – featuring Jazz Hits
The annual Free Family Concert from Plainfield Symphony will feature notable works by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and more.
plainfieldsymphony.org
Charles and Anna Booker School
730 Central St., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Venue is wheelchair accessible. PSO offers 3 assistive listening devices with advance notice and large-print programs with advance notice to either 908-561-5140 or email to info@plainfieldsymphony.org.
February
Feb. 1
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
Rhonda Denet: Motown Goes to the Movies — presented by Summit Free Public Library
Vocalist Rhonda Denet returns with another spectacular musical performance featuring songs from Mahogany, The Wiz, Fast Break, Blue Lagoon, The Woman in Red, The Last Dragon, Boomerang, and more.
FREE
Summit Free Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
summitlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible venue
Feb. 8
2 – 4 pm
CONCERT & AFTERNOON TEA
Chamber Music Recital & Afternoon Tea – benefits Plainfield Symphony Society, Inc.
Plainfield’s circa-1788 Quaker Meeting House is the charming venue for this fundraiser for the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. Hear Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, featuring the Madison Square String Quartet: Evelyn Estava, Michael Avagliano, Gerald Heiser and Rebecca Harris Lee. The concert (approx an hour) is followed by tea and homemade treats.
Tickets: $65
Cash or check at the door, or purchase online plainfieldsymphony.org
Quaker Meeting House
225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Wheelchair-accessible venue
Feb. 13 – Mar. 1 (nine weekend performances: Feb. 13–14, 20–22, 27–28 & Mar 1)
Fri & Sat @ 8 pm | Sun @ 2pm
THEATER
It Shoulda Been You
A modern musical farce with heart, It Shoulda Been You invites you to a wedding day where nothing goes as planned. Chaos, secrets, and laughs abound as two families—one Jewish, one Catholic—collide in a whirlwind of love, identity, and unexpected twists. This fast-paced ensemble comedy celebrates acceptance, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family.
Tickets $26-28
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave,. Cranford
908-276-7611
cdctheatre.org
Wheelchair-accessible venue with, ADA-accessible bathroom. ASL-interpreted performance on Feb. 22 at 2 pm.
Feb 14
7:30 pm
CABARET CONCERT
Summit Chorale Presents A Night at the Opera with QUEEN!
The annual Valentine’s Day cabaret, a fundraiser for Summit Chorale, is an audience favorite. Celebrate the great music of QUEEN as Summit Chorale members take the stage to lead everyone through classic hits from the 70s and 80s!
Summit Knights of Columbus
61 Harvard St., Summit
Tickets: $30 In Advance | $35 At the Door | $15 with Student ID
ticketleap.events/tickets/summit-chorale/QUEEN
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Large-print programs available upon request. Please email events@summitchorale.org with your accessibility needs.
Feb. 21 (and 3rd Saturday each month)
6 – 9 pm
POETRY & OPEN-MIC
What’s the Word – Poetry Slam & Open-Mic Series
ACP Arts Ink hosts its signature monthly poetry and open-mic event. This inclusive space for artists of all ages, includes professional and up-and-coming spotlight artists. Listen to thought-provoking poetry by a featured poet and an open-mic poetry slam. Perhaps read one of your own poems at this event for both new and veteran poets, from ACP.
FREE entrance
Melao Cafe & Creamery
1425 Irving St., Rahway
acpartsink.org/events
Feb 22 (please note date change)
3 pm
Concert
Afternoon Music presents Beautiful Dreamers: Ellis Island Vignettes
Stephanie Blythe, the world-renowned opera mezzo-soprano, performs with pianist Kayo Iwama. The program includes Alan Smith’s song cycle based on first-person accounts of immigrants, as well as Stephanie Blythe singing from the American songbook and accompanying herself on ukelele!
Stephanie Blythe has “left an indelible mark on operatic roles and the art-song repertoire.” She is a multi-talented mezzo-soprano, appearing on the major opera stages of the world. Kayo Iwama is an acclaimed pianist/vocal coach, an Associate Director of the Graduate Vocal Art Program at Bard Conservatory and on the faculty of the Juilliard School of Music.
Tickets: $30-$40
eventbrite.com/e/beautiful-dreamers-ellis-island-vignettes-tickets-1880505094359
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation
4 Waldron Ave., Summit
Afternoon Music’s venue is wheelchair accessible. Large-print programs will be available upon request at the door.
Feb. 28
3–5 pm
ART EXHIBIT CLOSING RECEPTION
duCret Center of Art: Artworks by Katie Truk
Katie Truk is a NJ-based visual artist whose sculptural work is made from wires and pantyhose. Her work is displayed at duCret Center of Art thru Feb. 28. This closing reception is a great chance to see Katie’s work in person and meet her.
FREE
duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave., Plainfield
908-757-7171
ducretarts.org
Event takes place in a part of the duCret building that is unfortunately not wheelchair-accessible. There are a small number of stairs to reach the room where this event takes place.