July 23
7 pm
FREE CONCERT
Summer Symphony Concert from New Jersey Workshop for the Arts
A multi-generational orchestra performance.
Zion Lutheran Church
559 Raritan Rd, Clark
908-789-9696
Wheelchair-accessible venue
July 24-25-26
Fri & Sat @ 7:30 pm, Sun @ 2 pm
THEATRE
Kaleidoscope Kabaret, Laugh Version
The Theater Project presents their annual festival of songs and short plays from the Playwrights Workshop and Young Playwrights Competition — many have had work produced around the US and beyond. Enjoy work from local members of our arts community—you’ll be amazed at the talent that lies just outside your door. Catch this showcase of short plays from local writers, plus live music.
Tickets: Adults $35, Seniors $28, Students $20
DMK Black Box Theatre / Union Arts Center
1980 Morris Ave, Union
908-809-8865
Wheelchair-accessible venue. Large-print programs available upon request. Assistive listening devices available.
July 26
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
The August Symphony
The August Symphony Orchestra presents an unforgettable afternoon featuring renowned composers: Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances Suite 1; Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite; Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story”; and Ravel’s Bolero.
First United Methodist Church
1 East Broad Street, Westfield
www.tasonj.org
Venue is ADA-accessible.
July 27 – August 7
SUMMER ART CLASSES
City of Rahway Dept. of Recreation – Art Classes for Children & Teens
Each class meets 5 days, Monday-Friday.
Children Ages 6–11
(either or both weeks, Jul. 27–31, Aug. 3–7)
- Drawing: 9:00 – 10:30 am
- Painting: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
- Sculpture: 12:45 – 2:15 pm
- Cartooning: 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Teens Ages 12–16
(either or both weeks, Jul. 27–31, Aug. 3–7)
- Japanese Manga Cartooning: 9:00 – 11:00am.
- Acrylic Painting: 11:15 am – 1:15 pm
- Sculpture 3-D Art: 1:45 – 3:45 pm
Fee: $45 to $65 for a full week, depending on class,
Call 732-669-3600 or visit this page for more information
Register online (To register, click to Event Registration; create a community pass account or log in)
Classes held at Rahway Recreation Center
3 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Wheelchair-accessible venue
July 30-31 & Aug. 1
Thu & Fri at 8 pm | Sat. at 2 pm
THEATRE
Stages of Madness – at CDC Theatre
Stages of Madness is a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights. Blending comedy, satire, and unexpected storytelling, this year’s production features three distinct short plays that take audiences on a fast-paced journey through technology, absurdity and the human experience.
Tickets: $15
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave, Cranford
908-276-7611
Wheelchair-accessible venue.
Aug 8
6 pm – 9 pm
NJWA Jazz @ Quimby Street – Jazz & Rock Bands
NJ Workshop for the Arts presents jazz and rock bands on the corner of Quimby and Elm St. Enjoy free outdoor performances all evening.
FREE
Corner of Quimby and Elm, Quimby St., Westfield
908-789-9696
Street-level performance; wheelchair accessible
Aug 6–16
THEATRE
ALABAMA STORY by Kenneth Jones (presented by The Theater Project)
- 10 am weekday matinees: Aug. 7, 13
- 7:30 pm performances: Aug 6, 8, 14-15
- 2 pm Sunday matinees: Aug 9, 16
An Alabama librarian and two reunited childhood friends encounter the relentless forces of censorship and segregation during the American civil rights movement. In the Deep South, a librarian finds herself facing off against segregationist policy and censorship—all because of a children’s book about the marriage of a black rabbit and a white rabbit.
In parallel, two childhood friends—a white man and a Black woman—reconnect amidst the chaos, upheaval, and sparks of hope as the civil rights movement dawns. This breakout play by Kenneth Jones (published by Concord Theatricals) was a Finalist in the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference and been produced at scores of theaters around the nation.
Tickets: Adults $35, Seniors $28, Students $20
DMK Black Box Theatre / Union Arts Center
1980 Morris Ave., Union
908-809-8865
thetheaterproject.org/alabama-story
Wheelchair accessible venue. Large-print programs available upon request. Assistive listening devices available.
August 15
6 – 9 pm
POETRY / SPOKEN WORD (FREE)
“What’s The Word!”
ACP Arts Ink hosts its signature monthly event, A Night of Spoken Word/Poetry including a community Open Mic, with featured poets and the New Jeru Poetry slam. Hosted by world-champion slam poet RADI. This inclusive space for artists of all ages, includes professional and up-and-coming spotlight artists. Listen to thought-provoking work — and perhaps read one of your own poems at this event for both new and veteran poets.
FREE entry
Melao Cafe & Creamery
1425 Irving Street, Rahway
acpartsink.org/events
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
August 22
12:30 – 3:30 pm
OPEN SINGING EVENT (FREE)
In the Good ‘Ole Summertime
The Rahway Valley Jerseyaires lead an interactive afternoon of singing. Come to just listen, or present a song, or learn to sing in harmony. The Jerseyaires will sing barbershop selections, and invite any a cappella singer(s) to sing. Open to any singer or small singing group, any style. Join with others and form a pickup quartet. This is a great opportunity to try out singing harmony with others. Music will be supplied, as well as some “tag teaching” to learn basic quartet singing.
FREE
www.Jerseyaires.org
Crossroads
78 North Ave., Garwood
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
August 22
6 pm
THEATRE (FREE event)
Democracy Takes Creativity
Join the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble’s Walking the Beat program for “Democracy Takes Courage,” an original outdoor performance created and performed by local youth.
Through theater, movement, spoken word, and original storytelling, young artists explore what democracy means in their own lives—examining civic engagement, community leadership, identity, and the power of using their voices to create positive change.
Developed through a collaborative devising process, this performance reflects the experiences, hopes, and perspectives of young people as they imagine a more just and connected community.
FREE
Elizabeth City Hall
50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth
Accessible seating provided for individuals using mobility devices. For ADA accommodations, submit requests in advance by emailing info@elizabethyouththeater.org
September 12
10 am – 12 pm
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (FREE)
Printing with the Sun
Experience the magic of photo materiality in this class presented by the Cranford Library. By combining chemistry, sunlight, and paper, beautiful artworks will emerge before your eyes.
Workshop will explore two different ways to create photographic artwork using both Lumen Printing and Cyanotype, which are beautiful antique photography processes. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary. Visit the Cranford Library calendar to learn more or register to participate; see link below.
FREE
www.cranfordlibrary.org
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave, Cranford
The building is wheelchair-accessible, including an elevator and accessible restrooms.