Summer concert series to begin at Princeton Shopping Center
The 22nd annual summer concert series at the Princeton Shopping Center will be presented this year by the Arts Council of Princeton. The series will showcase regional acts as well as local favorites.
The Summer Courtyard Concert Series will take place every Thursday evening from 6-8 pm beginning June 19 and ending August 28. All of the concerts are free and will take place in the newly renovated Princeton Shopping Center Courtyard. Attendants should bring lawn chairs for comfortable viewing. Audiences will be delighted each Thursday evening with music from Rock to Klezmer. The series will kick off with the Klez Dispensers and will conclude with an explosive performance by the accomplished guitarist Frank Vignola. For a performance schedule and descriptions of the musical acts please visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or pick-up a program schedule at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. See below for a complete list of the performances.
The concerts are sponsored by the Princeton Shopping Center Tenant Association, with special contributions by PNC Bank and Main Street Euro American Bistro & Bar.
The Princeton Shopping Center is located at 301 North Harrison Street in Princeton Township. The Arts Council of Princeton’s Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information please call Princeton Shopping Center at 609-921-6234 or Cwww.artscouncilofprinceton.org, or call Arts Council of Princeton’s Mike LaRiccia at 609-924-8777 ext 106 or visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Complete Concert
June 19 – Klez Dispensers
June 26 – Swingadelic
July 3 – The Blawenburg Band
July 10 – The Voodudes
July 17 – Animus
July 24 – The Alice Project
July 31 – Kaelidoscope Band
August 7 – Kj Denhert
August 14 – Monday Blues
August 21 – String Fever
August 30 – Frank Vignola
The Arts Council of Princeton and the Princeton Recreational Department Present the Return of Summer Sounds
The Arts Council of Princeton, and the Princeton Recreation Department present the return of Summer Sounds at Pettoranello Gardens. Beginning July 5th, The Arts Council, in collaboration with the Recreation Department, will produce free concerts in the beautiful and scenic Pettoranello Gardens outdoor amphitheater. The first concert will be a benefit concert for SAVE Animal Shelter showcasing 5 bands (see SAVE press release). Other performances include Rackett, Swing Sabroso, and Patty Larkin.
Pettoranello Gardens is located off Route 206 and Mountain Avenue. On site parking is available. For more information visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
Additional funding for the concert series by Princeton-Pettoranello Foundation, Inc.
Concert Schedule:
Sat, July 5, 2 – 7pm: Sounds for SAVE
Sat, July 26, 7 – 9 pm: Swing Sabroso
Sat, August 2, 7 – 9 pm: Patty Larkin
Sat, August 16, 7 – 9 pm: Rackett
Sat, August 23, 2 – 6pm: Sounds for SAVE II
Additional free concerts at Pettoranello Gardens, produced by Blue Curtain can be found at www.bluecurtain.org.
Concerts to Benefit SAVE Animal Shelter at Pettoranello Gardens
The Arts Council of Princeton and Dan and Rich Radio present two free concerts this summer at Pettoranello gardens to benefit SAVE Animal Shelter titled Sounds for SAVE. Both events are part of the Arts Council’s Summer Sounds concert series at Pettoranello Gardens. The concerts, on July 5th and August 23rd, will feature multiple bands and each concert will run from 3 – 8 pm. In case of inclement weather please check the Arts Council website. The July 5th performance will feature: Sarah Donner, Alfred James Band, Arthur Colombino Band, Ralph Colombino of the Remnants, and Like Trains and Taxis. Performers for the August 23rd are: Sarah Donner, The Remnants, Mouth of Wilson, Joy Simone, and Todd Alsup. See below for descriptions
SAVE will be accepting donations of the following items during the event: Cash donations, Dog chew bones, large rawhides, HeartGard and Frontline (dogs 40lb.+), Paper towels and sponges, Cat litter, Dog and cat food – soft only, Kuranda dog beds, Household 100% bleach, Anti-bacterial hand soap, Laundry detergent, Peanut butter, Latex Gloves, Garbage bags (13 gallon+), and Glass cleaner.
Pettoranello Gardens is located off of Route 206 and Mountain Ave. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a picnic atmosphere. For additional information please visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org
Additional funding for the concert series by Princeton-Pettoranello Foundation, Inc.
Princeton Historical Society - 100 Waiting Children
The Historical Society of Princeton, the Princeton Public Library and the Arts Council of Princeton invites the public to the opening celebration of 100 Waiting Children, a Heart Gallery of New Jersey special photographic exhibition.
Opening celebration: Sunday, July 27, 1 to 4pm, at the Historical Society of Princeton and the Albert E. Hinds Plaza, adjacent to the Princeton Public Library
Exhibition locations: Historical Society of Princeton, 158 Nassau Street, and the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street
Arts Council of Princeton Presents One Act Theatre an Evening of 8 Short Plays
On August 8th and 9th the Arts Council of Princeton will present One Act Theatre an Evening of 8 Short Plays produced by local theater troupe Chimera Productions at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts from 7:30 – 9:30pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. The two-hour event will showcase eight short plays. Tickets are available at the door for $10, $8 for members; seating is limited. The program is not suitable for children under 13. For more information, please visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777 ext 106.
The following plays will be performed: American Welcome, English Made Simple, Pillow, Breaking the Chain, Out the Window, Acorn, Slop Culture, and Babel In Arms. The Paul Robeson Center’s intimate Solley Theater is perfectly equipped for the presentation of these plays. One Act Theatre will be the first public theater performance in the Robert L. Solley Theater. With a wide range of themes in both comedy and drama, Chimera productions selected all the plays based on their quality of writing.
Chimera Productions is a local theater company whose goal is to produce plays that are interesting and uncommon but with themes that explore the entire human experience. Founding member Jeffrey Alan Davis explained that the name of the company directly refers to the creative process. “Besides being a monster from the Greek Myths, a Chimera is an illusion or fabrication of the mind, something fantastical, visionary, and improbable. What better describes the act of creating art?” The following actors will perform during the event: Jeffrey Alan Davis, Danielle Griffiths, Drew Griffiths, Shilpa Guha, Barbara Hatch, Stefan Iseldyke, Ankita Mishra, David Sullivan, Sarah Van Auken and Carly Weinreb.
Arts Council Screens “JackStock” the Story of a Superstar ofthe NJ Open-Mic Scene.
On Friday August 1st, at 7:30 pm, the Arts Council of Princeton will screen JackStock the Story of New Jersey’s Open-Mic Music Superstar!, produced and directed by Thomas Florek. The film will be shown in the Robert L. Solley Theater in the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. Admission is free and the film will be followed by live music. For more information visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or www.jackstock.org. The Robeson Center is located at 102 Witherspoon Street in Princeton New Jersey.
“JackStock” is the story of a superstar of the NJ open-mic scene. The documentary focuses on the story of one life, and the passion inside all musicians who perform. Jack Stock was a mysterious musician who appeared one night at “Café Improv”, the Arts Council of Princeton’s long-running concert series which is broadcasted on Princeton’s public access television channel. Making extensive use of historical footage from this unlikely hit TV show, “JackStock” traces the life of this talented performer, and along the way challenges one’s idea of what is “success” in music. With appearances from legendary NJ musicians such as Spook Handy, Mike Grau, Joe Hughes, James Dalton and others, we are treated to the music, the passion, and the life, of Jack Stock. We learn a little bit about the rewards of dedicating one’s life to their art in the NJ music scene, where life seems to be the polar opposite to the image presented on “American Idol”.
The film has previously been screened at the Trenton Film Festival (as work-in-progress) May 2007, ReelHeART International Film Festival, Toronto Canada, June 2008, and NJ Wave Gathering Music Festival, Asbury Park NJ, June 2008.
Thomas Florek is the long-time host of "Cafe Improv", an open mic series presented by the Arts Council of Princeton NJ. "Cafe Improv" is broadcast on Princeton’s public access cable-tv channel, and has been recognized by the National Alliance for Community Media. Tom is also a musician and filmmaker whose work has appeared internationally and on television. His hip-hop-knitting music-video "Gangsta Knitter" won an award at the 2007 ReelHeART festival in Toronto.
Thomas is a programmer for Educational Testing Service, and lives in Lambertville NJ.
This program is made possible by major funding from Bloomberg LC. Additional support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Discover Jersey Arts.
Come Sing With Us! Princeton Pro Musica Seeks Singers for 30th Season
Princeton Pro Musica, under the direction of Frances Fowler Slade, is scheduling auditions for its 30th concert season, featuring Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s St. John Passion. There are openings in all voice parts, including both volunteer and paid positions. Auditions are by appointment only, and will take place late August and early September, weeknights, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm in Princeton. Regular rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 9:45 pm in Princeton, beginning September 9.
Princeton Pro Musica exists to perform choral masterworks and other works of the choral literature with energy, passion, and uncompromising artistic excellence. We believe in the power of choral music to uplift and transform our current and future audiences, performers, and communities.
For more information and to schedule an audition appointment, call 609-683-5122 or email info@princetonpromusica.org. To learn more about Princeton Pro Musica, visit our website: www.princetonpromusica.org
Applications Available for Local Arts Program Grants
Technical-Assistance Workshops Aug. 20 & Sept. 4
The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&H) is accepting applications for the 2009 New Jersey State Council on the Arts State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant for Somerset County.
Local non-profit arts and other non-profit organizations planning arts programs (theater, dance, music, visual arts, literary or film arts) may apply directly to the SCC&HC. Click on the links below for guidelines and an application form.
Two free Technical-Assistance Grant-Writing Workshops, geared specifically to this grant program, will be held Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required two days prior to each scheduled session. Call (908) 231-7110 to register. Both workshops will be held in the second-floor Engineering Conference room in the Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville. Free parking is available in the attached parking deck off East High Street.
A letter of intent, due by Sept. 9, is a preliminary requirement of the grants process, in which the potential applicant states, in a paragraph or two, the purpose for which the organization intends to apply for funding, and approximately how much money will be requested. The application deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Eligible organizations must be designated non-profit, Somerset County-based and planning a cultural program, project or service within Somerset County that is accessible to the general public. Funding is competitive and organizations must demonstrate managerial competency, fiscal stability, artistic excellence and the capacity to execute the proposed program or project.
Applicants are required to provide a match for funding requested. They may request funding for General Operating (GOS) support if their organization’s mission is solely arts-dedicated; or for Special Project (SP) support or Arts in Non-Traditional Venues (ANTV) support, both of which are available to arts and non-arts organizations alike for the purpose of offering an arts program or event in Somerset County in partnership with other organizations or artists.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our local arts organizations to obtain state funding for their programs,” said Freeholder Patricia Walsh, Cultural & Heritage Commission liaison. “These grants do much to enhance the number of cultural opportunities available to Somerset County residents and encourage tourism to the county, as well.”
This grant opportunity is made possible through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.
For more information, contact Pat McGarry in the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at (908) 231-7110 or CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us.
Arts Council of Princeton Announces Fall Class Schedule in the Paul Robeson Center
The Arts Council of Princeton is now receiving registration for its Fall semester of classes and workshops. Students of all ages will have the opportunity to take classes in a variety of mediums, as well as enjoy the new Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. A full description of all fall courses and programs can be found on the Arts Council’s website: www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Registration can be submitted online or can be received over the phone at 609-924-8777. The Fall semester begins the week of September 22 and ends the week of December 8.
The Arts Council of Princeton offers a diverse selection of fun and engaging classes in ceramics, painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, dance, and drama. With new additions this Fall such as digital arts classes, master workshops, Hip Hop dance for teens, and textile classes, the Arts Council’s catalog of classes will surely offer something for everyone.
Arts Council students will find experienced and encouraging instructors teaching both beginner and intermediate classes consisting of small groups of students in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere..
Three master workshops will be offered this Fall featuring instructors Terry Boddie, Soyoo Parkhyunjoo Caltabiano, and Eva Mantell. All three artists are featured in the Arts Council’s inaugural exhibition Return:Home. “Constructed Identities” is a photography workshop, taught by Terry Boddie, where students will approach photography from a new vantage point to see new possibilities for image making and to challenge the distinctions between photography, printmaking, drawing, and even sculpture. Soyoo Parkhyunjoo Caltabiano’s workshop “Narrative Quilts” will give students the opportunity to study with a master quilter and learn about her process and technique. Eva Mantell’s “The Poetry of Everday Materials” challenges students to search for the poetry in objects, discards, and imagery we encounter every day without thinking twice. All three artists’ works can be viewed in the Taplin Gallery located in the Paul Robeson Center through September 13.
All classes will take place in the new Paul Robeson Center for the Arts which includes a renovated Ceramics Studio with ten throwing wheels and three kilns, new digital arts studio, new dance studio, new chemical darkroom, and renovated studio class space.
Classes are scheduled during both daytime hours and evenings as well as on Saturdays. Scholarships for qualified students are available, and based on financial need. For more information and descriptions of adult and children’s classes offered this Fall, please visit the Arts Council’s website at www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Registration can be made online as well as over the phone at (609) 924-8777. Students do not have to be Princeton residents to take classes. The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located at 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, across from the Princeton Public Library. Parking is located in the Spring Street Parking garage next to the library, the Hulfish Parking garage, or metered parking along Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place.
New photography at Gallery 14
Gallery 14
Calendar Listings
September 12-Oct. 12: The Colors of Antarctica, David H. Miller
My Twilight New York, Jim Hilgendorf.
In the Small Gallery: The Women Within, Lionel Goodman
Exhibits open on September 12 with a reception for the public from 6-9 PM and continue through October 12th.
Meet the photographers at the Gallery on Sunday, September 14th, 1-4 PM.
October 17- Nov. 16 Through the Looking Glass, John Blackford and Rhoda Kassof-Isaac
In the Small Gallery: Czech Details, Marty Schwartz
November 21-Dec. 21 Paranormal Perfumerie, Martha Weintraub
In the Small Gallery: Karen Johanesen 14 Mercer Street Jim Hilgendorf 347-301-2457
Hopewell, NJ, 609-333-8511 , www.photosgallery14.com
Princeton Symphony Orchestra Season Announces Its 2008-2009 Season
Internationally Renowned Guest ConductorsTo Lead the Classical Series
On Sunday, September 28, at 4 p.m., the Princeton Symphony Orchestra will open a remarkable new season characterized by exciting collaborations and stirring performances all taking place at Richardson Auditorium.
Along with an exceptional roster of critically acclaimed soloists and superstars, the PSO will welcome five internationally renowned guest conductors to its podium. These talented guest conductors will lead the orchestra during the second phase of its search for a new Music Director.
Well-known favorites will include major symphonic works by Brahms, Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Bartók, Smetana, and Tchaikovsky.
A centerpiece of the season will be the Edward T. Cone concert, in January, for which the PSO has commissioned a clarinet concerto from composer Paul Moravec, a resident of Princeton and last year's Artist in Residence at the Institute for Advanced Study.
The opening concert of the 2008-2009 season on September 28, 2008, Basking in the Splendor of Romance, will feature the brilliant young Canadian violinist Karen Gomyo making her PSO debut with Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, Op. 14. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the orchestra will also perform Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz and Brahms' Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 in D Major.
On Nov. 9, Tito Muñoz, Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra and Conducting Fellow of the League of American Orchestras, will lead the PSO through a dramatic program steeped in themes of revolution and triumph. In a collaboration with Morven Museum, the concert's themes parallel those of the Princeton-wide 225th anniversary celebration of 1783, the year when Princeton was the Nation's capital.
On Jan. 18, 2009, the PSO will present the annual Edward T. Cone Series with a concert exploring original sonorities of new music as well as the distinctive sounds of works featuring the string and wind sections of the orchestra alone.
Led by guest conductor Mei-Ann Chen, Assistant Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony, the concert will begin with Dvorák's delightful Wind Serenade in Op. 44 in D minor. Soloist David Krakauer will then take the clarinet center stage to perform Paul Moravec's Clarinet Concerto, a new work with string orchestra accompaniment commissioned this year by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.
On March 15, 2009, guest conductor Julian Kuerti, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, will lead the PSO through a program which evokes the folk traditions of Eastern Europe. Bartók's Hungarian Sketches create a wry and humorous account of a village folk culture that has long since disappeared. Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, in the accomplished hands of Philadelphia Orchestra's concertmaster David Kim, provides a poetic and powerful depiction of Russian nationalism..
On April 26, 2009, in its final concert of the season, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra welcomes guest conductor Scott Yoo, Music Director of the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival in California, as it presents three of the last and arguably finest works of Mozart, Bartók and Tchaikovsky. Mozart's Overture to Magic Flute will open the program, followed by Bartók's Third Piano Concerto featuring Concert Artist Guild winner Soyeon Lee, a gifted young pianist who resides in Princeton. The program will close with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique" the creation of a Russian composer at the peak of his powers.
For more information, please visit our website at www.princetonsymphony.org, or contact the PSO office at 609-497-0020.
Princeton University Museum 2008-2009
Upcoming
Strangers in a Strange Land:
Chinese Art From the Imperial Palaces
September 27, 2008 - December 14, 2008
Frank Gehry: On Line
October 4, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Jasper Johns: Light Bulb
October 4, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Felix Candela: Engineer, Builder, Structural Artist
October 10, 2008 - February 22, 2009
LOCAL WOMEN’S CHORUS SPONSORING FREE VOCAL LESSONS
The Jersey Harmony Chorus, the central Jersey chapter of Sweet Adelines International invites all women interested in improving their vocal skills to attend a three-week series of vocal lessons as an introduction four-part harmony a capella singing. The series begins on August 18th. They will be held at the Chorus’ weekly rehearsal hall in the Central N.J. Council of the Boys Scouts of America building, 4315 Route One South in Monmouth Junction,NJ. Please call 732-469-3983 to register. For information about the Jersey Harmony Chorus, visit their website at www.harmonize.com/jerseyharmony.
Sweet Adelines is a non-profit educational organization of women, singing 4-part harmony, a capella. They perform throughout the Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania area at public, private and community events. Members come from all over New Jersey and nearby Pennsylvania.
"Myself, My Camera, My World" at D&R Greenway Gallery
D&R Greenway Land Trust announces that their exhibition of photography by participants in Young Audiences' Ennis Beley Project, "Myself, My Camera, My World," is available for public viewing until Sept. 5 in The Olivia Rainbow Gallery. Under the direction of fine art and commercial photographer, William Vandever, --adjunct photography instructor at the Lawrenceville School--, the Ennis Beley Photography Project has created yet another stunning exhibition of work by youngsters in our region who are currently or formerly homeless. The Olivia Rainbow Gallery of D&R Greenway's Johnson Education Center, presents children's art linked to D&R Greenway's changing adult exhibitions. Guests are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on business days at One Preservation Place, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, Please call 609-924-4646 for directions.
The Ennis Beley Photography Project is named in memory of a talented young artist in Los Angeles, who discovered photography at the age of eleven, only to be killed in a drive-by shooting at fifteen. This four-week summer project, headquartered for eleven years at the Lawrenceville School, teaches the art of photography to otherwise underserved children. Instability in their living situations generates lack of consistency in their lives. Many have experienced more of gangs and crime than of arts and education. They are given cameras and film, as well as lessons in developing in the darkroom. By engaging these children in photography and written reflection, they learn new skills, using hitherto unexplored creative potential. Under this mentorship, a unique style emerges in each child. They come into contact with individuals and places within their own community, yet outside their everyday lives. The Young Audiences' tenet, that "Creativity can change the world," is epitomized in this powerful glimpse of the world through children's eyes. Prints of the photographs are for sale, with proceeds split between the student photographer and the program, which is supported by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and enlightened regional businesses and foundations, large and small.
These students have made recent artistic field trips to D&R Greenway's Johnson Education Center to experience their art on the walls of the Olivia Rainbow Gallery. Executive Director Linda Mead welcomed the young photographers, sharing with them the Land Trust's Preservation and Stewardship mission and history. The children were fascinated by the 1900's barn. They climbed on outdoor stone walls, posed by statues and on a natural wood bench. They explored Greenway Meadows Trails and D&R Greenway's expanded memorial sculpture gardens, capturing many images on film for future exhibitions.
One of New Jersey's leading land preservation organizations, D&R Greenway Land Trust has saved 10,704.43 acres in New Jersey, as of August, 2008. The 197 preserved properties are valued at $251,153,562. Its Johnson Education Center, (JEC, emphasis on education), is a vital venue for exhibitions, lectures, and professional workshops. An ever-expanding array of individuals and groups rents the JEC for seminars and retreats, continually increasing the reach of D&R Greenway artists, always showcasing the importance of art to nature and nature to art in the service or preservation. www.drgreenway.org
Kaleidoscope Band Opens MPAC Children's Series
The new Montgomery Performing Arts Center will be opening its Morning Children's Series of professional artists on Saturday, September 27 at 10am with the very popular Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band. The well-travelled band has been a popular attraction for young audiences and has entertained families throughout the United States.
Since the release of their debut, award-winning CD, Kaleidoscope Songs #1, this group of fun-loving musicians has been captivating kids & adults alike with their fresh approach to music for young audiences. Their recordings have received many accolades, including the Parents' Choice Foundation Recommended Award and the Children's Music Web Award. The band consists of Alex on guitar & vocals, with drums, world percussion, bass, saxophone, and special guest Natalie Merritt, who leads the audience in dances & group participation. Their lively, engaging concerts always include music from Africa and South America, fun sing-a-longs and original songs. Alex's sensitivity, humor, and ability to connect with adults and children alike make these shows unforgettable.
"We're excited to be part of this new professional venue in its first season," says Alex.
The MPAC will be offering musical programs for young audiences every other month on Saturday mornings. "I chose the Kaleidoscope Band to open our series because they are very dynamic, and just great fun," says Harry Kazman, General Manager of the MPAC. "They'll excite their audiences, and will be a great start to the rest of the shows we've scheduled."
Tickets for Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band will go on sale September 5. The cost of the tickets is $10. Subscriptions to the series of 5 shows will be available for $40, or 5 shows for the cost of 4. Call 609-466-7194 for information.
MPAC Promises Exciting New Directions
Montgomery Township’s Board of Education has taken the lead in programming at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center or MPAC that will enhance its value as an asset for the community at large, and as a source of revenue for the District. Harry Kazman was hired as MPAC’s general manager last fall to promote opportunities for cultural and artistic growth, as well as to create revenue through booking an exciting array of talent to perform at the theatre. MPAC is a professionally equipped theater that seats 1000 and can accommodate a broad range of theatrical productions, from family entertainment to music and dance.
Harry Kazman has worked in theatre for 40 years as an educator, director, producer, and theatre manager. “I’ve always worked with members of the community as audiences, and as producers using a theatre’s facilities,” he says. “But I’ve never had as great an opportunity to produce significant revenue by booking such a wide range of programs as I have for the MPAC. The Montgomery school community has always been supportive of the performing arts. I believe we will be able to present an exciting schedule of performances at MPAC that will attract the larger Montgomery community as well as fans of the arts from our neighboring communities.”
In addition to directly booking outside entertainment, Kazman works with local and other performing arts and cultural organizations to rent the theatre. In the past, MPAC has been host to performances of the Nutcracker by Princeton Dance and Theater, Sourland Hills Actors Guild’s theatrical productions and annual Indian and Chinese dance and cultural festivals. All profits from theatre rentals and professional entertainment will be used to support the arts in the school district.
Kazman’s plans for the 2008-2009 MPAC season include three exciting series to be presented from September through May, including a Children’s Saturday Morning Series, a Family Series and a Center Stage Series.
The Children’s Saturday Morning Series features five very popular children’s music groups presented every other month from 10 to 11 am. Opening the series will be the very popular Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band on September 27. They will be followed by Mr. Ray on November 1, Circle Time Live on January 24, StarFish on March 21, and Two Of A Kind on May 2. “The bands’ shows are high energy, interactive productions presenting many musical styles. They have all been well-received by US and international young audiences.”
The Family Series features two evening shows intended for enjoyment by the entire family, ages 4 to 104. Kazman is very excited about the performers. Appearing on Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm will be Avner the Eccentric, a physical comedian presenting his Broadway show called “Exceptions to Gravity”. “He’s been one of my favorite performers since I first saw him, and has entertained audiences all over the world.” Performing May 15 at 7 pm will be Circo Comedia, a pair of Canadian comic circus performers in the Cirque tradition, in a show featuring daring feats and wonderful comedy. These shows present wonderful opportunities for all family members, young and old, to enjoy the performing arts together.
The Center Stage series presents “Sophisticated Ladies” on November 22 at 8 pm. Sophisticated Ladies is a full professional production of the Broadway show based on the life and music of Duke Ellington. It should attract music and arts patrons from all over the Central New Jersey area. Kazman says, “I’m working on a fabulous entertainment event for the weekend of April 24-25, which will round out the season. But with negotiations ongoing, I can’t announce it yet.”
Tickets for individual performances, as well as series subscriptions, go on sale September 5, and will be available on-line, by phone and in person at Montgomery High School. Call 609-466-7194 for further information.
Arts Council of Princeton Presents Guitar Legend
Larry Coryell and His Trio at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
On Tuesday September 9 the Arts Council of Princeton will present the Larry Coryell Trio, featuring the legendary guitarist Larry Coryell along with Mark Egen on bass and Thierry Arpino on drums, at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. The performance will begin at 8 pm in the Robert L. Solley Theater. Seating starts at 7 pm for Arts Council Members and 7:30 for nonmembers. The audience will enjoy an intimate performance in the Arts Council's newly renovated Robert L. Solley Theater. Admission is $45.00 and tickets can be purchased by calling the Arts Council at 609-924-8777. For more information visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located at 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, across from the Princeton Public Library. Parking is available in the Spring Street Garage next to the library or at metered spaces on Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place.
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