Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/15/2022
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- New Jersey Festival Orchestra, under the baton of maestro David Wroe, presents “An American AND Paris”, a sizzling summer celebration under the stars as Gershwin’s American in Paris meets masterworks by Debussy, Saint Saens, Vaughn Williams and more in a program of international favorites. Set in the splendor of the gardens of one of Westfield’s finest residences, this is an outdoor festivity for the entire family. The concert takes place on Saturday, July 30th at 8:00pm.
“There is something for everyone in this concert,” commented Maestro Wroe. “Set under the stars in such a gorgeous alfresco location, this is sure to be one of the most uplifting concert experiences one can ever hope to have - we hope that you will all come, bring your lawn chairs, kickback and relax, and be part of our unique summer evening celebration.”
The concert presents a series of international masterworks and musical imagery.
Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments and enjoy an unforgettable evening of festive live entertainment in this splendid rear garden setting of NJFO Board President Keith S. Hertell at 241 E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield. Free on street parking and full accessibility. The concert on July 30 begins at 8:00pm, but patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6PM to set up and enjoy the sunset. An optional free, pre-concert lecture by concert pianist Yifei Xu will take place at 6:30pm.
VIP seating is available for those who wish to take advantage of a limited access to a reserved section of NJFO chair seating provided close to the stage.
Audiences are invited to:
* Take in the symphonic sounds of Paris with George Gershwin’s An American in Paris as it musically depicts an American’s stroll through the French capital
* Enjoy Saint-Saëns’s beloved musical menagerie, The Carnival of the Animals, a whimsical and humorous trip to the zoo that is sure to delight the entire family
* Experience more of the French flair for musical imagery with a glorious orchestral reverie, Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, that paints a vivid tableau of an enchanted faun on a warm, sunny afternoon
* Be there for NJFO concertmaster and virtuoso violinist Brennan Sweet’s magical evocation of a skylark's flight as it soars above the rolling green hills and meadows of the English countryside in Vaughn William’s The Lark Ascending
* Experience the talents of Maestro Wroe and the professionalism of the NJ Festival Orchestra as they present other musical surprises
Tickets ($35 for general lawn admission, $80 for VIP reserved seating) may be purchased online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org, by phone 908 232 49400, or in person at the NJFO office, 224 East Broad St in Westfield. This concert will be repeated the following day, Sunday July 31, at Fellowship Cultural Arts Center, Basking Ridge, NJ at 2:30pm.
The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional, symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJ Festival Orchestra has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, having a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey, and appearing as far afield as Carnegie Hall on a regular basis.
The name New Jersey Festival Orchestra reflects an ongoing celebration of the diversity of music and the creation of experiences that stretch the boundaries of traditional classical performances.
NJFO programs include classics from the orchestral repertory as well as offerings that showcase the fusion of fine arts and popular culture. This unique and dynamic approach to programming further brings classical music to life and creates an ongoing 'festival' of compelling presentations worthy of our name.
In addition to an adventurous subscription season, popular concerts near and far, and a rousing New Year’s Eve celebration, the New Jersey Festival Orchestra sponsors educational and music therapy programs throughout the state of New Jersey.
PHOTOS by Elizabeth Ryan for NJ Festival Orchestra
EVENT PREVIEWS
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
FEATURED EVENTS
