Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/12/2023

Fist bumps all around for a great performance by 2023 Grammy-winning Time For Three on June 9, opening night at the Princeton Festival at Morven Museum & Garden. Photo by Carolo Pascale
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The GRAMMY Award-winning trio Time for Three kicked off the Opening Weekend of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 Princeton Festival on June 9th. This was followed by Aretha, A Tribute which featured Drama Desk Award nominee Capathia Jenkins singing many of the Queen of Soul’s signature melodies with three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Ryan Shaw. They were accompanied with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Devlin. Internationally renowned pianist Christopher Taylor closed out the weekend with selections by composers of some of the world’s most thrilling works for the piano: Sergei Rachmaninoff, Nikolai Kapustin, Sofia Gubaidulina, and Sergei Prokofiev.
The festival runs through June 25th. Here are some photos from the opening weekend.
Inside, the Princeton Festival tent (35’ high at its peak) is a large, yet intimate performance space with a full stage and professional lighting for every performance. Princeton Symphony Orchestra Staff Photo
Vocal artists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw wowed the Princeton Festival crowd Saturday night with powerful renditions of songs sung in tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Photo by Carolo Pascale
Piano virtuoso Christopher Taylor performed an exhilarating program of piano music at the Princeton Festival at Morven Museum & Garden on Sunday afternoon. Princeton Symphony Orchestra Staff Photo
Attendees at the Princeton Festival’s Yoga in the Garden event on Sunday center themselves during warrior 1 pose. They were guided by instructor Naime Jezzeny while cellist Georgia Bourderionnet played serene music. Photo by Carolo Pascale
Cellist Georga Bourderionnet provided relaxing music to exercise by during Sunday’s Yoga in the Garden event at the Princeton Festival on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Photo by Carolo Pascale
The Princeton Festival Performance Pavilion is a magnificent, 11,000 square-foot structure erected specifically for the Festival on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Princeton Symphony Orchestra Staff Photo
The Festival takes place June 9-25 at Morven Museum & Garden, with performances almost every day, among them Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, hilarious improvisation with Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, Andrew Lippa’s musical tribute to Harvey Milk, a collaboration of Attacca Quartet & American Repertory Ballet, a Juneteenth Celebration featuring Met Opera star Will Liverman, a “feel good” Mazel Tov Cocktail Party!, Peter and the Wolf Family Concert, and more.
Tickets are available now, ranging from $10 - $125, at princetonsymphony.org/festival or by phone at 609-497-0020.
The Princeton Festival is the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s flagship summer program showcasing the performing arts. Founded in 2004, the Princeton Festival quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Every year in June, thousands of people from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond come to the Festival to enjoy the quality and variety of its programs. Offerings include opera, musical theater, dance, orchestra and chamber music, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including jazz, world music, choral concerts, and country music. The Festival has long-standing partnerships with public libraries and local churches, and promotes life-long learning in the arts through free educational lectures presented to a wide and diverse community.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(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.

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
(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).
FEATURED EVENTS
