ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place Columbus Day Weekend October 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Friday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal and made possible by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”
The weekend’s scheduled performances are:
Friday, October 7th:
5:00 – 6:00 pm.: Jefferson Arts Academy Dance Dynamics of Elizabeth
Saturday, October 8th:
11:30 a.m. – Noon: Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: COMPAS of Elizabeth
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and individual instrumental performances
Sunday, October 9th:
11 a.m. – Noon: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Lauren Shub & Hal Hirsch Jazz
Monday, October 11th:
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: A’daila of Elizabeth, piano performance
“Since opening its doors in October 1999, Jersey Gardens has become the center of the community; therefore, it is a natural fit for us to host the celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for Jersey Gardens. “We have been overwhelmed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”
“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements. Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent,” Ms. Stell added.
Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s largest outlet shopping mall is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.
For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
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