Sep 9–26
Thursdays & Fridays @ 8pm
Saturdays @ 3pm & 8pm
Sundays @ 3pm
THEATRE
Live in-person
Year One
In this play, a populist’s rise to power exacerbates mounting political and social divisions. Anna’s brother arrives unexpectedly, harboring a dangerous secret, and family matriarch is forced to choose between embracing a radical new country or saving those she loves.
$15–$35
Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, Kean University
1000 Morris Ave, Union
908-737-7469
Sep 13-16
4 – 6 pm
EXHIBIT (live in person)
A Pictorial History of the American Revolutionary War
This pictorial exhibition is a tribute to the American, French, Hessian military and political leaders that fought the American Revolutionary War against the British — resulting in freedom and independence for Americans. Exhibit researched, prepared, and brought to life by historian Michael R. Yesenko.
FREE
Hosted by the American Legion, Connecticut Farms Post 35
3 Bond Dr., Union
Sep 17
8 pm
FREE CONCERT (live in-person)
Jazz Trumpeter, Warren Vache Jr. – presented by The PrimeTime Concert Series
Seating is limited. Reservations required. Maximum two tickets per family. To reserve, call 732 827-2210 or email lcappiello@cityofrahway.com. Leave your name, daytime tel, and whether you’d like 1 or 2 tickets. Masks will be required.
The Gallery Space
1670 Irving St Rahway
732-827-2210
Sep 18
12 noon – 1:30 pm
FREE DANCE WORKSHOP (in person or virtual)
Contemporary Simonson Technique with Laurie De Vito
Engage in spirals and contractions as you learn the Simonson Technique, which promotes anatomically efficient movement and longevity in dance. Class is advanced beginner/intermediate level, open to ages 13+. Dance shoes or socks/barefoot recommended.
Email Taina.Bey@theconnectiononline.org to register.
The Connection
79 Maple St., Summit
Sep 18
BLOCK-PARTY TABLE & FILM
3 – 9 pm (block party)
8:30 – 8:45 pm (film)
Kramer Manor History & Community
The Kramer Manor neighborhood of Scotch Plains/Fanwood was established in 1924 as a Black neighborhood. Despite obstacles, it grew and thrived, becoming the multicultural community it is today. Community members conducted interviews with long-time residents, culminating in a written history and a film. Come to the Kramer Manor Block Party, enjoy the festivities, and learn about this exploration into local history.
Trenton Ave., Fanwood
Sep 18
6:30 – 9:30 pm
FREE CONCERT – live, outdoors
NJWA Presents Rebecca Schaffer & Friends
Enjoy an evening of jazz, pop, and rock with Rebecca Schaffer & Friends, outdoors on Quimby Street in downtown Westfield, presented by NJ Workshop for the Arts.
Quimby St., Westfield
908-789-9696
Sep 18
8 pm
THEATRE
MIDDLETOWN – Reading at Vivid Stage
Middletown is a deeply moving and funny play by Will Eno exploring the universe of a small American town. As a friendship develops between longtime resident John Dodge and new arrival Mary Swanson, the lives of Middletown’s inhabitants intersect in strange and poignant ways in a journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points between. Presented by the Vivid Stage Ensemble. Directed by Betsy True.
Oakes Center
120 Morris Ave., Summit
908-514-9654
https://www.vividstage.org/middletown-will-eno
General $20 | Students $15 (age 25-)
Barrier-free facility; Companion ticket free; Reserved seating; Service animals welcomed; Virtual tour; Advance scripts (on request); Assistive listening devices; Audio description (specific dates); Audio recording of printed materials (on request); Large-print materials (on request); Sensory seminars (specific dates).
Sep 24
7:30 pm
CONCERT
Black Violin: Impossible Tour – presented by Kean Stage
Wil B. and Kev Marcus started out covering hip-hop songs on their violins and soon realized they had something that audiences had never heard before. Their unique blend of classical, hip hop, jazz, R&B and reggae is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has collaborated with artists including Kanye West, Tom Petty, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith and Wu-Tang Clan.
Tickets: $28 – $50
Wilkins Theatre
1000 Morris Ave., Union
908-737-7469
Sep 25
12 noon – 7 pm
FREE OUTDOOR ARTS FESTIVAL
Roselle Park Arts Festival (live in-person)
Join in this annual arts celebration in downtown Roselle Park. Artists, performers and activities include: music, dance and theater performances, street artists, accessible arts area, student art exhibit at the Youth Center, Montclair Art Museum Truck, and a juried Art Walk with dozens of artists and artisan-crafters exhibiting and selling their work. Plus, food trucks and hands-on activities for children and adults alike, including crafts, chalk drawing, a painting corner and more.
Chestnut Street / 335 Pershing Ave., Roselle Park
908-720-0071
Fully wheelchair-accessible. Special parking behind library is reserved for those who request it. Accessible arts area with cooling area, has fully ADA-accessible entrance and bathrooms, and adapted activities and materials, including switch-adapted art materials and sensory-friendly materials and area.
Sep 25 (rain date Sep 26)
1 – 4 pm
DANCE FESTIVAL
Liberty Hall Dance Festival –
The Museum at Liberty Hall continues their partnership with Buggé Ballet with this one-of-a-kind event, the Liberty Hall Dance Festival. Spend the afternoon outdoors on the beautiful museum grounds, while enjoying ten site-specific professional dance performances – all inspired by moments in history! Enjoy dance performances by: Ariel Rivka Dance; BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance; Buggé Ballet; Callie Hatchett Dance; Cranford High School Dancers; International Chungang Dance Culture Research Institute; Mandy Stallings and Packer Collegiate Institute; Maxine Steinman; ReFrame Dance Theatre; and Roxey Ballet. This family-friendly event is for all ages.
Adults $20 | Seniors/College Students $15 | Children (ages 3-17) $12
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave., Union
908-527-0400
Accessibility: As a Historic House; Liberty Hall itself is grandfathered into ADA compliance. Walkways are made of gravel, but anyone with a physical disability may drive up to the building where the program is taking place.
Sep 26
2 – 3 pm
FREE CONCERT (live in-person)
The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo
The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo will perform Dixieland music.
Summit Public Library, 75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
Venue is fully ADA-compliant.
Oct. 3
2 pm
CONCERT (live in-person)
Voctave
A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 150 million online views of their videos. Their latest album, The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2, debuted at # 3 on the iTunes charts. The voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. The eleven members of Voctave have performed around the world, and appear on countless recordings. The group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music Award recipients. Boasting #1 songs and albums on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, Voctave has also ranked in the Top 25 on Billboard Magazine’s charts.
Tickets $45-$65
Enlow Recital Hall
215 North Ave., Union
908-737-7469
Oct. 3
Departures 12 noon – 4 pm (every 15 minutes)
WALKING TOUR (live in-person)
Ghosts of the Past: First Responders – Cemetery Walking Tour
This lively tour of historic Rahway Cemetery features costumed actors providing first-person interpretation at the gravesites of people who served in first-responder capacity through the centuries. Learn about those who “responded to the call” in emergencies and wartime, including 19th– and early 20th-century police, firefighters, nurses, doctors, and ambulance drivers. Educational family-friendly tours start at noon, departing every 15 minutes. Tour is approximately 90 minutes. Last tour leaves at 4:00. Tours depart from Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum yard. (Park up the block at Parkside Plaza, 1600 St. Georges Ave.)
$15 adults; $10 members/students/seniors; $5 children under 12. Reservations recommended.
Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum
1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
732-381-0441
2021 CHORAL CONCERT (on video)
Watch/listen now or anytime
Oratorio Singers – Works by Mozart, Handel & Vaughan Williams
Featuring a chamber choir performing works by Mozart and Vaughan Williams, and renowned soprano Maureen Francis singing works by Mozart and Handel, the Oratorio Singers present a virtual concert — followed by a video narrated by Music Director Trent Johnson about the 40-year history of the Oratorio Singers, based in Westfield.
VIDEO LECTURES (FREE)
Watch now or any time
Plainfield Symphony presents “Chat with Charles” – Beethoven’s 5th & Mahler’s 9th
This ambitious series of on-demand video-lectures from Plainfield Symphony features Conductor and Music Director Charles Prince discussing Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 and Mahler’s Ninth, broken down by movement. Each video-lecture is an intimate talk elucidating the themes and history of the music, and includes excerpts played by orchestra members, plus footage from full-orchestra performances. Understand and enjoy these masterworks at The Plainfield Symphony Channel.
youtube.com/channel/UC1Iw32Qvmb0i5q0QMGAcH_g
VIDEOS
Enjoy now or any time
Historic Sites in Union County
Take a virtual tour of some of the “Four Centuries” historic sites in Union County. You may be surprised at the rich history in our midst.
ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/historic-sites-map/videos-of-four-century-sites/
On-demand video – enjoy any time
FREE KIDS’ CONCERT (Virtual / Interactive for children)
YOSI – Pajama Tales
Award-winning children’s recording artist and entertainer, Yosi, rocks the house with a humorous and interactive Pajama Tales Concert. Dancing, singing and stories make this the perfect family concert! Presented by Linden Public Library. Stories and songs go with reading themes for the library’s summer reading program.
Enjoy here: youtube.com/user/YosiKids/videos
For further information, call Ginger Moore at Linden Library, 908-298-3830.