Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. It's been a bit light this holiday week, but here are articles from the past three days. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!

If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.

Playhouse 22 presents "American Son" - a Play that Raises Questions about Race, Parenting, and Justice

(EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Start off the new year with American Son, a drama by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Mimi B. Francis at Playhouse 22 that runs weekends from January 3-12, 2025. A play about an estranged bi-racial couple that must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop incident. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what happened to their son.

North Star Theater Company presents "Little Women" at Dover Little Theatre in January

(DOVER, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company invites audiences to experience the enduring charm of Little Women by Kate Hamill, adapted from Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel. This heartfelt and dynamic production will run for two weekends, January 17-19, 2025 and January 24–26, 2025, at Dover Little Theatre.

A Tribute to Southside Johnny 

On December 20, 2024, Southside Johnny announced he was retiring from touring effective immediately.  His annual show for New Year's Eve was cancelled and fans around the world starting paying tribute to him and wondering what the future would hold for him and the Asbury Jukes.  New Jersey Stage wanted to pay tribute to him as well, so we reached out to fans in the "Jukebox: Southside Johnny fanzine" Facebook group, some musicians, and industry professionals for their thoughts.

The Newton Theatre presents Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening with Emerson Lake & Palmer

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Carl Palmer brings Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening with Emerson Lake & Palmer to The Newton Theatre on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 7:00pm. This is not a tribute act – this is the real thing.

Grammy Nominee Donald Vega 'Honored' That His All-Original, As I Travel, Is Up for Best Latin Jazz Album

Donald Vega is one of the most gifted pianists and composers on the jazz scene today, with a personality as effervescent as his playing. From his early roots in Nicaragua to mentorship by some of jazz's greatest stars, Vega continues to uphold the jazz tradition through his performances, recordings, and teaching. I caught up with him during a recent Zoom conversation. He was introspective, attentive, and entertaining. Vega is currently promoting two new recordings: All Is Merry and Bright (Imagery Records), a Christmas album, and the Grammy-nominated As I Travel (Imagery Records) , which features his original compositions.

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

Avenel PAC presents Willie Nile with opener James Mastro

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Woodbridge Township presents Willie Nile at The Avenel Performing Arts Center with support from Woodbridge Arts on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 7:30pm. James Mastro will open the night.

Albert Music Hall presents Winter Hootenanny in the Pines

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Albert Music Hall will kick off the new year with its Winter Hootenanny in the Pines. This event will mark the Hall's return from its winter break, offering an afternoon of live music and community spirit. Doors are at 1:00pm, showtime is 2:00pm.

bergenPAC presents Brett Goldstein: Second Best Night of Your Life – Live Special Taping

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Attention Ted Lasso fans! Brett Goldstein - the actor who played Roy Kent - will be performing two shows at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  Brett Goldstein: Second Best Night of Your Life – Live Special Taping will have sets at 7:00pm & 9:30pm.

Ocean County Library to Celebrate Centennial in 2025

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Get ready for fun and memorable moments throughout 2025 as the Ocean County Library marks its 100th birthday. Celebrations will unfold at all 21 branches and reading centers as they proceed toward September 19, 2025, the Library's centennial date.

Events This Week in New Jersey from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from December 31 to January 7, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

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"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.

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Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14

(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.

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Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum Partner for "The Peace Flag Project"

(CLINTON, NJ) -- The Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum, in collaboration with Handwork 2026, invite the public to celebrate the opening of "The Peace Flag Project," a fiber chain of hundreds of community-made flags displayed along the banks of the Raritan River and pedestrian bridge.

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UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th

(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.

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Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.

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Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.

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Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.

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Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.

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Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.