(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- From the Forefather of Funk to the High Priestess of R&B, a diverse range of artists will serenade you at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in the next few months. Upcoming shows include Peabo Bryson, George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, The James Hunter Six, John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell, Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Bettye LaVette & Raul Midón, Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins, Valerie Simpson & Friends, Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp, Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, and Lucky Chops.
Peabo Bryson - Saturday, September 10 at 7:00pm. Dubbed the King of Balladeers, Peabo Bryson is a two-time Grammy-winning vocalist known for his hit song, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack. This legendary voice of love offers a timeless mix of Pop, Soul and R&B. Tickets: $59-$79.
George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners - Thursday, September 15 at 7:30pm. A forefather of Funk, George Porter Jr. is best known as a member of The Meters, the New Orleans-based Grammy-winning R&B group he formed alongside Art "Poppa Funk" Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. Tickets: $35-$49.
The James Hunter Six - Friday, September 23 at 8:00pm. British soulman James Hunter and his gritty, longstanding backing band bring you a sublime evening of no-nonsense Blues. Given their virtuosity, they have shared the stage with acts as diverse as Allen Toussaint, Sharon Jones and Van Morrison. Tickets: $36-$56
Billie & Blue Eyes presented by John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: The Songs of Frank Sinatra & Billie Holiday - Saturday, September 24 at 8:00pm. John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell are a dynamic duo who will transport audiences to the glory days of Jazz with masterful ease, capturing Sinatra’s cool swagger and Holiday’s effortless grace. Tickets: $48-$68.
Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet - Friday, September 30 at 8:00pm. Acclaimed trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis is known for his “technical excellence, inventive mind and frequent touches of humor” (Los Angeles Times). A New Orleans native, he is the brother of renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Tickets: $35-$45.
Bettye LaVette & Raul Midón - Friday, October 7 at 8:00pm. Soul singer-songwriter Bettye LaVette has been called the High Priestess of R&B. Her "pure Blues growl" has earned this Grammy-nominated performer comparisons to Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. Blind since birth, Raul Midón lives in a world of sound. His tropical groove, silky voice and electric guitar are his signature. Tickets: $42-$59.
Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins - Thursday, November 10 at 7:30pm. Carried by her powerful, radiant voice, Grammy winner Paula Cole has a musical catalog defined by honest lyrics that covers Blues, Jazz, Folk, Pop, Gospel and Americana. Multi-instrumentalist Sophie B. Hawkins, described as a "somber Folk singer, saucy Pop gal, note-bending Jazz chanteuse," (Rolling Stone), has been tugging at heartstrings for decades with her captivating storytelling. Both singer-songwriters are known for their indelible 90s hits—Cole's "I Don't Want to Wait" and Hawkins' "As I Lay Me Down." Tickets: $38-$49.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough! Valerie Simpson & Friends Sing Ashford & Simpson - Friday, November 11 at 8:00pm. Valerie Simpson has spent a lifetime writing chart-topping anthems with her late husband Nick Ashford as the entity known as Ashford & Simpson. The duo penned timeless hits such as, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” and “I’m Every Woman" for Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and others before embarking on a performing career of their own. Tickets: $58-$88.
Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp - Thursday, December 1 at 7:30pm. With the Hot Sardines, experience a raucous, razzle dazzle celebration featuring classic Jazz and Swing holiday favorites and original tunes performed by the eight-piece band. Their brassy horn arrangements and rollicking piano melodies combined with the vocals from a chanteuse will transport listeners to a past era. Tickets $40-$50.
Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway: Broadway the Calla-way! - Saturday, December 10 at 8:00pm. The Tony-nominated Callaway sisters are raising the roof with their new show "Broadway the Calla-way!" Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway are one singular sensation. They'll sing showstoppers from West Side Story, Chicago, Funny Girl, Cats, Carousel, Wicked and more Broadway shows. Tickets $35-$55.
Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics - Friday, January 20 at 8:00pm. Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics are bringing back falsetto! After a storied more than 40-year career, this Soul group continues to perform their hit R&B ballads, including “You Are Everything” and the Grammy-nominated “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Tickets: $65-$85.
Lucky Chops: New Day, New Tour - Saturday, January 28 at 8:00pm. Big, brassy and unapologetically bold. Born in the multicultural melting pot of New York City, the six-piece band pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while incorporating eclectic Rock, Funk, Jazz, Ska, Gospel and EDM. The group's irresistible groove is led by co-founder Josh Holcomb’s soulful trombone, Daro Behroozi’s soaring sax and Joshua Gawel’s powerful trumpet. Tickets: $26-$35.
Since 2006, South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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