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McCarter Theatre To Present Free Concerts In Palmer Square

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 04/01/2021


(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center is welcoming Spring with McCarter Concerts In Palmer Square. The series of live concerts will kick off on April 25, 2021 and take place Sundays from 4:00pm-6:00pm through June 20, 2021. The free experience will safely reconnect the community with an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

The outdoor series will feature nine musical performances from local-based talent throughout NY, NJ, and PA. These artists will vary across Latin, R&B, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Swing, Reggae, and Country music. Artists will be making their McCarter debuts. Along with entertainment, attendees can enjoy food and drink from vendors around Palmer Square.

Updates on McCarter Theatre Center reopening season will also be shared each Sunday as they become available. Audiences are encouraged to gather, socially distanced, on the Palmer Square lawn in front of The Nassau Inn to enjoy a new, fun and entertaining act each weekend.

McCarter and Palmer Square will be following CDC guidelines, state and local mandates, and industry best practices to ensure the health and safety of our audience and artists. Events are subject to change or cancellation based on weather and CDC guidelines.

Parking will be available in the downtown garages and metered parking on the street will be available for easy access to the event each Sunday. Accessible street parking is available around Palmer Square and in the surrounding parking garages. All sidewalks have ramped entry points. 




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SUNDAY, APRIL 25 - Street Beat Brass Band. Influenced by the multiculturalism of NYC, Street Beat plays a wild diversity of brass-based music, from New Orleans Jazz to Polka, Mexican Banda, Gospel, Klezmer, and Funk.

SUNDAY, MAY 2October Rose. This unique country duo performs all over the US, opening for acts like Jake Owen, Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, High Valley, Tyler Rich, and Jordan Davis.

SUNDAY, MAY 9Esteem All Stars. Get up and dance to the best pop, rock, oldies, R&B, and swing music – what’s new and what’s classic from the 50s to today!

SUNDAY, MAY 16 - Pat Guadagno. Deeply rooted in the historic Jersey Shore music scene, Guadagno has released five albums filled with musical surprises and unique interpretations of inspirational artists’ work.

SUNDAY, MAY 23 - The Suyat Band. The seven-piece Suyat Band delivers high-energy hits from yesterday and today with rock-solid musicianship and warm-hearted Aloha spirit.

SUNDAY, MAY 30 - Jeiris Cook Trio. Coming from a long generation of musicians with deep roots in the south, Jeiris Cook is an original singer/songwriter, producer, and R&B artist.




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SUNDAY, JUNE 6 - Moroccan Sheepherders. Whether they’re playing in NYC or along the beach, The Sheepherders take classic covers and originals to another dimension with their mélange of genres from tribal ambient trance to blue-eyed blues-rock.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 - Random Test Reggae. With members hailing from all over the Caribbean, Random Test Reggae takes you on a musical journey that pays tribute to pioneers in reggae and soca music, staying true to the real roots and culture.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 - Ritmo Caliente. This Latin orchestra plays a large variety of music including salsa, merengue, ballads, waltz, jazz and songs from the 50s – oldies but goodies in a Latin salsa beat with English words.



Under the leadership of award-winning Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, Managing Director Michael S. Rosenberg and Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood, McCarter's mission is to create world-class theater and present the finest artists for the community engagement, education, and entertainment. Winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2013 Tony Best Play); Tarell Alvin McCarey's The Brother/Sister Plays, Emily Mann's Having Our Say, and Danai Gurira's The Convert. Due to COVID-19, McCarter has pivoted to virtual programming including McCarter@HOME and Online Classes, reaching new audiences across the world. 


EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 

Starland Ballroom presents The Cab

(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm.  Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Eric Johanson

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
Union, NJ


Three American Troubadours: Celebrating Taylor, Simon & King

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones Tribute

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Jamaican Me Dancehall Night (21+)

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ