(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) welcomes the United States Military Veteran All-Stars on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30pm as part of Seton Hall University's Jazz 'n the Hall Concert Series on the SOPAC Mainstage. Presented in partnership with the Seton Hall University Arts Council, this event includes a lively program of beloved standards and patriotic tunes in tribute to U.S. veterans of every generation, through every era of combat.
“Each season, we look forward to celebrating the brave contributions of our veterans through music and live performance,” says Seton Hall Director of Production & Facilities Chris Aurilio. “The program provides a glimpse into the astonishing level of talent among these service-driven artists.”
“We’re grateful to welcome these veterans — and artists — and to honor the tireless work of our military personnel,” says SOPAC Executive Director Lana Rogachevskaya. “On a personal note, I believe paying tribute to our heroes through music, particularly through live music, is the most heartfelt way we can celebrate such fearless acts of service.”
Patrons in attendance have the opportunity to meet military service members as they enjoy an evening of energizing arrangements and blistering solos, celebrate their heroes, and share in the honor, joy, and gratitude at SOPAC. SOPAC encourages patrons to reserve tickets in advance for $5 plus fees. SOPAC is located at One SOPAC Way in South Orange, New Jersey.
Each season, SOPAC and Seton Hall renew their commitment to accessibility for arts programming in the SOMA community. Tickets to all SHU performances are free and open to the public: advance tickets include a $5 processing fee per ticket; day-of-show tickets have no processing fee and depend on availability. The box office opens 2 hours before curtain.
The Seton Hall University Arts Council supports the integral role of the arts in higher education and their universally recognized status as a hallmark of an educated and humane culture. The Council contributes to the cultural vitality of the campus and to the University’s role in the greater community by fostering and promoting the visual, literary, and performing arts, enhancing communication and collaboration among its members.
Selection of this year’s programming align with the Seton Hall University Arts Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion cultural programming theme of “Voices & Visibility” and features work from and about groups that have been otherwise historically underrepresented.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community.
SOPAC is an accessible cultural destination that presents world-class artists in an intimate and welcoming environment. The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall is a 439-seat mainstage theatre with superb acoustics, sight lines and seating. Audiences remark that performances in this space are like having their favorite artists right in their own living room. Artists acknowledge that the atmosphere encourages conversations with audiences. The Loft at SOPAC is a 2,185 square-foot multi-purpose space used for performances, rehearsals, classes, and special events.
The unique architecture of SOPAC’s building, which includes a stunning 3-story glass-enclosed atrium, is also home to the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. Beyond the building, SOPAC co-produces local events such as South Orange Summer Nights and serves students and schools through its arts education residencies.
SOPAC is invested in arts education. SOPAC serves students and schools in our region through a School Performance Series, performing Arts Residencies and annual juried art exhibits entitled INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition and INSPIRING MINDS. SOPAC also collaborates with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts each year to host the Region 5 Poetry Out Loud competitions. The Seton Hall University Arts Council presents a diverse range of events at SOPAC with seasoned professionals, students, and faculty.
Nearly ten years in the making, SOPAC first opened its doors in 2006. South Orange Village Trustees, in partnership with Seton Hall University, envisioned SOPAC as the center of an ambitious redevelopment plan. Through visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment, SOPAC has become a cultural centerpiece for the region, an economic driver for the community, and a catalyst for artistic opportunity.
