(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Whether you're excited about new music or want to hear your favorites from the 60s and 70s, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has you covered this Spring. Upcoming shows include tributes to the British Invasion, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Max Weinberg's Jukebox where you just might hear anything from rock and roll's history. New music by Son Volt, Edwin McCain, and Melvin Seals & JGB round out the list.
The Brit Pack - Saturday, February 26 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $25-$35. The Brit Pack take their audiences on a journey through a dynamic blend of British classics known and loved by all, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Oasis, Radiohead, The Police, Amy Winehouse and more.
The accomplished band members of The Brit Pack have performed with artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Britney Spears, Chet Faker, Tom Rush and Mark Hudson among many others. They have performed for company events at Google and YouTube and even arranged music for major television events like The Oscars. The Brit Pack delivers a show full of music from major names across the pond that’s at the same time familiar enough to make audiences feel right at home and high-energy enough to get a crowd on their feet. The Brit Pack consists of Matt Nakoa (Vocals, Guitar, Keys), Mark Johnson (Guitar, Vocals), Bryan Percivall (Bass), and Will Haywood Smith (Drums).
Son Volt with Special Guest Jesse Farrar - Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $34-$44. Son Volt is an Americana Rock band that infuses Folk, Country, Blues and Soul into their sound. Their songs often seek out the ghosts of America's discordant or forgotten past. The group marked their 25th anniversary in 2020 and released their 10th studio album, Electro Melodier in July 2021.
2020 was not quite what Jay Farrar was expecting for the 25th anniversary of Son Volt’s groundbreaking debut Trace, from the band he started in 1994 after leaving the seminal group Uncle Tupelo, whose No Depression album helped define the alt-country and Americana genre. The group had just finished an Outlaw Country Cruise when the pandemic hit and sent them into their homes on lockdown.
Instead of a triumphant tour marking the illustrious landmark, Farrar was forced indoors by the pandemic, and his “Reverie” during that time helped define Electro Melodier, Son Volt’s 10th studio album – and third for influential Nashville indie Thirty Tigers. The title, taken from the names of two vintage amplifiers from the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, also describes the disc’s unique blend of folk, country, blues, soul and rock – an electric troubadour with melodies that hit and stick. Social protest songs like “Living in the U.S.A.” and “The Globe,” the former about the promises of this nation gone wrong, the latter referencing the street protests accompanying the Black Lives Matter movement, exist side by side with odes to long-term relationships (specifically his 25-year marriage) in “Diamonds and Cigarettes” and “Lucky Ones.”
Once again accompanied by the current Son Volt line up – keyboardist/steel guitarist Mark Spencer, bassist Andrew Duplantis, guitarist Chris Frame and drummer Mark Patterson – Farrar takes a slight turn from 2019’s politically pointed Union to a series of songs that asks questions rather than demanding answers – think of “Livin’ in the U.S.A.” as Farrar’s version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” or Patti Smith’s “People Have the Power,” an anthem to unite the populace.
“I had more time to devote to and concentrate on the writing,” says Farrar about his enforced quarantine. “We were fortunate in that we had just released Union and toured the country, so we were off cycle. It was still a rough year, but as a songwriter, I was able to make the most of it.”
Edwin McCain - Friday, March 18 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $38-$48. Called the “great American romantic” by The New York Times, Edwin McCain has built an enviable career balancing his massive Pop success with the year-round touring schedule of a tireless troubadour. His hit songs, authentic spirit and surprisingly affable sense of humor keep fans coming back time and time again for nights that feel more like parties with old friends than Rock concerts. After recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of Pop music and experiencing the success that comes with a television show on Animal Planet (“Flipping Ships”), McCain now performs upwards of 100 shows annually throughout the US.
“The 15-year-old me would have crawled through a river of fire to be the Singer-Songwriter that I am today, and I remember that. I am incredibly grateful to be able to do this” McCain said.
Those enduring love songs (and wedding must-haves) “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More” aren’t just for the romantic at heart; “American Idol” and “The Voice” contestants turn to McCain’s ballads every single year to help them win over judges and fans alike (just ask last season 14 “American Idol” winner, Nick Fradiani). Even Justin Bieber has been known to belt out “I’ll Be” during his own concerts.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd - Friday & Saturday, March 25 & 26 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $35-$48. The Machine pays homage to Pink Floyd in two back-to-back nights. Hear the epic Rock opera, The Wall, in its entirety on Friday and Pink Floyd’s greatest hits plus some obscurities on Saturday.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd, America’s top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 30+ year reputation for extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, selling out theaters, premier showcase rooms and casinos across North America, Europe and Asia, performing at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend and Gathering of the Vibes and sharing the stage with full symphony orchestras, including the Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and San Diego Symphonies, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic.
With stellar musicianship and passionate delivery, The Machine explores collective improvisation rivaling that of an early 1970s Pink Floyd. Their use of expanded theatrical elements and elaborate stage displays and lighting continues in the spirit of the later Pink Floyd of the 1980s. The band is also known for recreating entire albums as a part of their show, accepting requests from fans and for taking an A to Z approach in which one song is played for every letter of the alphabet. Special shows include lasers by the same company that provides classic Pink Floyd laser effects for Roger Waters and David Gilmour tours.
Melvin Seals & JGB - Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $48-$65. Embark on a psychedelic musical journey with Melvin Seals & JGB as they perform a blend of Rock, Gospel, Soul and Rhythm and Blues.
Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become “Jam Band Music.” From Blues to Funk to Rock to Jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and Gospel thrown in to spice things up.
Melvin and JGB bring an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. John Kadlecik on lead guitar and vocal duties, John-Paul McLean’s savory bass, Jeremy Hoenig on the drums and, of course, a heapin’ helpin’ of the wizard’s magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling (and some staring in amazement) for hours. Adding his Rock/Gospel/Soul/Rhythm and Blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed Melvin “Master of the Universe.” Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!
ZOSO – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience - Friday, May 20 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $28-$38. ZOSO formed in 1995 to perform the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing. For Zoso, it’s much more than just being a tribute. It’s about touching a golden era in music. Zoso embodies Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones in their spirit, tightly-wound talent and authenticity.
Each band member has been carefully selected to portray both the appearance and playing styles of their Led Zeppelin counterparts. In eighteen years of touring, they have perfected their art. As one of the longest tenured Zeppelin tributes, Zoso’s thousands of shows around the world, including slots at major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Rib America Fest, have established them as the most traveled and successful band in the market.
Zoso’s live shows are not about simply playing the right notes, they are about aura and feeling, harkening back to the unique atmosphere Led Zeppelin created. It’s in the way they play: Each band member’s mastery of authentic vintage instruments coupled with spot-on vocals, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, their compelling stage persona and distinct Led Zeppelin sound, with astounding visual imagery recreates the music, magic and mystery of a Zeppelin concert. The impact is so powerful that band members constantly hear from young rockers that they were the catalyst behind turning them into new, die-hard Zeppelin fans.
Max Weinberg’s Jukebox - Thursday, June 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $49-$115. A Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame drummer and South Orange native, Max Weinberg invites audiences to create the set list in real-time for this interactive concert experience where anything and everything from the Beatles to the Stones to Bruce and The E Street Band’s biggest hits is on the set list of possibilities!
Performing close to 300 shows since 2017, Max Weinberg’s Jukebox continues to barnstorm the country, blasting out the hits!
As Chuck Berry instructed us in his classic “School Days,”…drop the coin right into the slot” audiences have thoroughly embraced the idea of picking and calling out the songs the band pays—in real time! From Beatles to Bruce and Stones to Steppenwolf the band infuses these classics with the respect the songs deserve. As one fan said, “It’s not a concert—it’s party!”
Covid-19: At this time, all SOPAC patrons are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test and wear a mask. All current Covid-19 Precautions & Policies can be found at SOPACnow.org/Covid-19.
Since 2006, 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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