Sep. 18
9:30 am
CONFERENCE
Black Women’s History Conference Breakfast
Seventh Reunion of Black Women’s History Conference including breakfast, discussion, and presentation.
$30
Shady Rest Country Club
820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
908-834-7172
www.BWHCNJ.com
Sept. 26 – Oct. 13
Thurs. – Sat. 7 pm
Sun. 2 pm
THEATRE
Dreamcatcher Rep Presents: The Lucky Ones by Lia Romeo
Vanessa and Janie are best friends, until a devastating diagnosis forces them to consider what their friendship means and how much it matters. With wit & humor, Romeo serves up an exploration of aging, mortality, and the value of female friendship.
Adults $39 l Seniors $34 l Students $25
Dreamcatcher Rep @ Oakes Center
120 Morris Ave Summit
800-838-3006
www.dreamcatcherrep.org
Sep. 28
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
Viva Vallenato Cumbia Band – Folk Music of Colombia
The Viva Vallenato Cumbia Band performs the electrifying folk music of Colombia, South America, reflecting a culture with roots in Africa, Native America and Europe. Learn the stories behind this unique, cheerful music, and come dance the cumbia with Viva Vallenato (as seen on Univision, Telemundo, & WPIX). All ages are welcome. Join a luncheon after this free interactive performance.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad St., Elizabeth
www.elizpl.org
Oct. 5
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
Tango Vivo – Live Music, Tango Dancers & Vocalist
Learn about the origins of the Tango, interpreted through live music, song, and dance. Tango Vivo is four artists: Maestro Raul Jaurena (on bandoneon), Marga Mitchell (singer), and dancers Carolina Jaurena and Juan Alessandrini, local artists who present an informative and interactive program. Learn to dance the Tango! All ages are welcome. Join a luncheon after this free interactive performance.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad St., Elizabeth
908-354-6060
www.elizpl.org
Oct. 5
7 pm
CONCERT
New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents: Invitation to the Waltz
The waltz — that outrageous and intoxicating dance that caused 19th-century fathers to lock up their daughters — made a superstar of Johann Strauss and captured the imagination of generations… David Wroe conducts waltzes by Johann Strauss and Richard Strauss, plus Tchaikovsky. The orchestra will perform Richard Strauss’s Waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier; Johann Strauss’s Emperor Waltz, and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, featuring Jiapeng Nie on cello.
First United Methodist Church
1 E. Broad St., Westfield, NJ
Tickets $30-$76 | Under 21 only $15
www.njfestivalorchestra.org or 908-232-9400
Oct. 6
Departures every 15 minutes, 12 to 4 pm
WALKING TOUR
Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour: Rahway in the Revolution
Take an interactive walking tour of the historic Rahway Cemetery, featuring costumed actors interpreting local American Revolutionary history. This is a fun, educational event for the whole family. Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Call to reserve desired time slot.
$15 adult $10 member/senior $5 children under 12
Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum
1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
732-381-0441
www.merchantsanddrovers.org
Oct. 8
7 pm
THEATRE
Doctor Faustus – performed by Hudson Shakespeare Co.
In this Christopher Marlowe play, German intellect Doctor Faustus is at a loss as to what he must master next. He decides on magic and calls upon Mephistopheles, a servant of the devil, for help. Faustus makes an offer the devil can’t refuse – to sign away his soul in exchange for 24 years of life with Mephistopheles at his beck and call. Faustus then embarks on a journey through time and space to discover life’s meaning. Who will he meet? What will he learn? And what happens when his time is up?
FREE
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Blvd., Kenilworth
908-276-2451
www.kenilworthlibrary.org
Oct. 18, 7 pm
Oct. 19 & 20, 3 pm
THEATRE
Robey
Premiere Stages at Kean presents Robey, the first African American to give a valedictory address at Rutgers University in 1919. See how Robey (Paul Robeson) explores his journey as he prepares his remarks, overcoming the doubts and fears through this pivotal point in New Jersey’s history.
Free
Liberty Hall Academic Center
1003 Morris Ave, Union
908-737-7469
www.premierstagesatkean.com
Oct. 19
2 pm
CONCERT
Raíces – Orishas: Forces of Nature in Song, Dance & Drum
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble shares the folkloric Cuban tradition of Ocha, honoring ancestors and the forces of nature. Ocha is brought to the audience in song, chant, drums, dance and stories. Raíces is an intergenerational mix of professional musicians and advanced students — an ensemble performing the folkloric traditions of the Caribbean, as well as fusing these traditions with modern genres. All ages are welcome. Join a luncheon after this free interactive performance.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad St., Elizabeth
908-354-6060
www.elizpl.org
Oct. 19
1 pm
THEATRE for families
History’s Alive Aesop’s Fables/ Aesop Bops
A zoo full of animals comes alive in this fast-paced performance that teaches children about sharing and friendship. Stories performed will include “The Lion and the Mouse,” “Why Turtle Has a Checkered Shell” and more. Aesop Bops includes a lot of audience engagement and participation.
Free
Linden Public Library
31 East Henry St., Linden
908-298-3830
Oct. 19–20
12 noon – 5 both days
LOCAL HISTORY
Four Centuries in a Weekend – Explore the Historic Sites of Union County
A fall tradition! Take a journey into local history, as more than 30 historic sites in Union County are open to the public for one special weekend. Many sites will offer special activities, demonstrations, exhibits and events. Some sites offer light refreshments.
Free
Visit www.ucnj.org/4c
Or call 908-558-2550
Oct. 20
2 pm
THEATRE
Doctor Faustus – performed by Hudson Shakespeare Co.
Just in time for Halloween comes this performance of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. The German intellect Doctor Faustus has risen to the height of his profession but wants more — the world of magic. He calls upon Mephistopheles, a servant of the devil, and will sign away his soul in exchange for 24 years of life and Mephistopheles at his beck and call, in order to discover life’s meaning.
Free
Summit Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
www.summitlibrary.org
Nov. 3
2 pm
CONCERT
The Odessa Klezmer Band
The Odessa Klezmer Band brings the joyous dance music of the Klezmorim (Jewish folk musicians) to mainstream America. Since 1984, the band has played Klezmer music, celebrating the variety and wealth of the musical heritage of Eastern Europe, Ladino, and Middle Eastern music, including polka and czardas. Elizabeth native Ed Goldberg leads the band on accordion and vocals. All ages are welcome. Join a luncheon after this free interactive performance.
Free concert
Elmora Branch, Elizabeth Public Library
740 West Grand St., Elizabeth
908-354-6060
www.elizpl.org
Nov. 12
2 pm
MUSIC WORKSHOP & CONCERT
Irish Music Workshop & Concert: Tunes of Old East Galway
Join an Irish music workshop & concert presented by Lesl Harker, Irish flute, and Jerry O’Sullivan, Uilleann pipes. Learn a traditional melody on your instrument or lilt it with your voice. Bring your instrument, your voice, or just listen. Open to all traditional instruments, not just flute and pipes. Workshop is followed by a concert by the instructors.
Free concert
Summit Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
www.summitlibrary.org
Nov. 13
4 pm
CONCERT
Guitar Bob’s Music
Join Guitar Bob for an educational, fun and interactive program — designed to emphasize the importance of music to children. Bob performs his own original music for children and their families.
Free concert
Linden Public Library
31 East Henry St., Linden
908-298-3830
www.lindenpl.org
Nov. 17
2 pm
CONCERT
Radiance Chamber Ensemble
Enjoy chamber music featuring Lea Karpman, Michael Schneider and Peggy Reynolds on violin; Oliver Shapiro on cello; and Joan Baldwin on keyboard.
Free concert
Summit Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
www.summitlibrary.org
Nov. 24
3 pm
CONCERT
A Feast of American Music
Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Musical Club of Westfield celebrates American music with sacred, jazz, folk, march, Broadway, and concert hall music. Hear music from the north, south, east, and west, from the 1700s to present day. This Scholarship Benefit Concert presents New Jersey artists to assist young artists with their college studies.
$10
The First Baptist Church of Westfield
170 Elm St., Westfield
908-654-1036
www.musicalclubofwestfield.org
Dec. 7
7 pm
CONCERT
Return of the Three Holiday Tenors
Encore! The New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents “Three Holiday Tenors.” The NJFO celebrates and captivates with a dazzling selection of renowned tenor fare guaranteed to make the season merry.
Presbyterian Church of Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
$30-$76 Under 21 $15
908-232-9400
www.njfestivalorchestra.org
Dec. 15
2 pm
CONCERT
Rewind: Woodstock 50th Anniversary Tribute
Revive memories and emotions with songs of Woodstock, the one-of-a-kind festival that featured Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker and other legendary musicians. The band features John Delgiodice on guitar and vocals, Ken Cohen on drums and vocals, and Rich Loughlin on bass and vocals.
Free
Summit Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
www.summitlibrary.org
Dec. 31
7 pm
PERFORMANCE
Singin’ and Dancin’ with the Stars
Ring in the New Year with New Jersey Festival Orchestra. Dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway vocalists swing to America’s Songbook.
$42 $56 $70 Under 21 $15
Westfield High School Auditorium
550 Dorian Rd., Westfield
908-232-9400
www.njfestivalorchestra.org