Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. 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.
theatre
Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026-2027 Season 
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced its 88th season of world-class shows to be presented during the theater's 2026-2027 season in Millburn. The season includes productions of Mary Poppins, Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dear Evan Hansen.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man for four performances from May 8-10, 2026. There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.
Vivid Stage presents Meet the Artist New Play Readings throughout May 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center, will present its annual Meet the Artist new play reading series on Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27. This year includes works by Brad Goren-Wilson, Vince Gatton, Erin Mallon, and Elizabeth Irwin. All readings will take place at the Summit Community Center (100 Morris Ave) at 7:00pm.
music
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 04/23/2026 
April 26, 2009; 17 years to the day this Sunday that "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" took to the airwaves on WIFI 1460 AM radio. Can it be that long? The answer is yes it can be and yes it has.
Lenny Kaye Announces Debut Solo Album "Goin' Local" 
Lenny Kaye has announced his debut solo record, Goin' Local out July 17, 2026 via Yep Roc Records. At 79, the bonafide punk pioneer and "godfather of garage rock" (NPR Music) steps forward with a deeply personal collection written over the course of many years - piecing together a lifetime of experiences and expansive musical language to find his truest voice.
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th 
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's (RVCC) Student Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm. The concert will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The group is directed by RVCC faculty member Jeremy Sweet.
Union County Students Earn Top Honors at International Music Festival; Invited to Perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center 
(BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ) -- Six piano students from the Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) have earned top honors at the 2026 Golden Key Music Festival, an international competition that provides young musicians the opportunity to perform on some of the world's most prestigious stages. All six students study under faculty member Margarita Sturman.
Lost Romance Announces Intimate U.K. Solo Acoustic Tour 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt/punk outfit Lost Romance is set to cross the Atlantic this spring for a special run of stripped-down, solo acoustic performances across the United Kingdom. Taking place May 14–19, 2026, the tour offers fans a rare chance to experience the band's music in its most raw and personal form.
Makin Waves with Jackson Pines: 'Music Revisited' 
Bob Makin takes a deep dive into the world of Jackson Pines and music of the Pine Barrens with this interview of Joe Makoviecki.
comedy
Bananas Comedy Club presents Jeff Allen 
(RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- Comedian Jeff Allen may (or may not) want to admit it, but he's getting old. At 69, Jeff is staring down his 70th year and decided it might be time to think about slowing down. The result? He's on what he calls "My First Final Farewell Tour" (because Jeff's not totally sure he's done). The tour comes to Bananas Comedy Club for performances May 1-2, 2026.
poetry
The 2026 Dodge Poetry Festival to Take Place October 15-17 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (Dodge Foundation) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announced that Dodge Poetry, North America's largest poetry festival, will return to Newark October 15-17, 2026.
community
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.
