New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Peabo Bryson, Delfeayo Marsalis & Bettye LaVette among artists Coming to SOPAC

originally published: 08/16/2022


(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 RussellThe 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.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



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 CallawayBroadway 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.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



Lucky ChopsNew 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.  


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Count

Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Graham Nash

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Graham Nash, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, will perform at Count Basie Center for the Arts on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Nash will be joined on stage by Todd Caldwell (keyboards and vocals), Adam Minkoff (bass, drums, guitars and vocals) and Zach Djanikian (guitars, mandolin, drums and vocals), performing favorites from across his sixty-year career. Showtime is 7:30pm.



bergenPAC

bergenPAC presents Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90's Part 2

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- After a totally fly 2024 summer tour packed full of 90s boy band, pop, and R&B hits, RIAA-certified Gold a cappella group Straight No Chaser is back by popular demand with "Straight No Chaser Summer: 90s Part 2." The tour comes to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Thursday, July 8, 2025 at 7:00pm.



An

An Interview with Dan Kurtz of The New Deal

Formed in 1999, Toronto, Canada based trio The New Deal, is a pioneer in jam-based electronic music. The group was founded by remaining members Dan Kurtz (bass) and Jamie Shields (keys), along with Darren Shearer (drums) who left tND in 2011. Since its inception, tND has remained committed to its improvisational roots and has served as a model for other jamtronica bands bridging the gap between multiple music genres as well as the border between Canada and the United States.



Rick

Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young to bring the "I Want My 80s Tour" to NJPAC

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to revive the spirit of the 1980s! Iconic rock star and eternal heartthrob Rick Springfield, a true emblem of the '80s music scene, is set to take the stage on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Showtime is 7:00pm.



Young

Young the Giant to Play Tropicana Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young the Giant announces the In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour. An intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country, the band will be supported by Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff out June 6 via Warner) throughout. Locally, the tour comes to Tropicana Atlantic City on Saturday, July 12, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Straight

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

Frisson

Frisson Winds

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Three

Three American Troubadours: A Tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
category: music


 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Motor

Motor City Revue

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bell Theater
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
category: music