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
PHOTOS from "SpongeBob SquarePants Jr " at Roman Productions 
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Roman Productions presented The SpongeBob Musical Jr. at Saint John Vianney High School April 25-26, 2026. Under the direction of Wendy Roman, this production showcased the strength of a youth theater program rooted in confidence, collaboration, and individuality. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
music
The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang 
(FORT LEE, NJ) -- The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12 
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
Tributes to Chicago, Taylor Swift, Van Morrison, Zac Brown, Elvis, Genesis, and Zach Bryan are coming to The Strand 
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- La Jolla Booking Agency continues its acclaimed tribute concert series at the Strand Center for the Arts with a diverse lineup of nationally touring tribute acts celebrating some of the most iconic artists in music history.
15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is Now Accepting Registrations 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced that registration is now officially open for the 15th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the premier springboard for emerging vocalists. The search is on for the next great jazz singer! Solo vocalists from around the world are encouraged to submit their entries before September 8, 2026, by visiting SarahVaughanCompetition.com. In the Fall, the Top Five Finalists will be announced followed by a final competition and performance on the iconic NJPAC stage.
Masterwork Music and Art Foundation to Honor Wayne Walters At 65th Birthday Celebration on May 17th 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation will celebrate its 65th Anniversary with a gala at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (21 Normandy Heights Road) in Morristown on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3:00pm. The event will showcase some of its grant awardees plus honor Wayne Walters, a well-known New Jersey musician who sings, composes, conducts, and has taught and influenced many over the years.
Trumpeter Brandon Lee is Drawn to the 'Lasting Community Feel' of Big Bands 
The big band format is, of course, one that is jazz's most timeless, enduring, and malleable. A big band could take a classic standard and update it for a modern audience, or transport that audience back to a Jazz Age ballroom. It's no wonder, then, that so many modern jazz practitioners view the big band format not as an anachronism to be scoffed at, but rather a sanctuary to be revered.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make It Happen" by Mike Chick 
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Make It Happen" by Asbury Park Yawn Mower legend Mike Chick from "Congarts," his third solo album and second for Mint 400 Records.
community
State Theatre New Jersey Announces 2026-27 Broadway Season 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey has announced its 2026-27 Broadway Season, featuring seven fantastic national Broadway tours. The 2026-27 Broadway Season will feature Tony® Award-winning hits, fan favorites, and multiple State Theatre debuts. Season tickets for the 2026-27 Broadway Series are on sale now and save buyers over 35% on tickets to these shows. Single tickets will go on sale in late July.
Penn Live Arts Announces 2026-27 Season: "Belonging" 
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Penn Live Arts, known for its presentation of thought-provoking and transformational performances across multiple genres, announces its 2026-27 season. Curated by Executive & Artistic Director Christopher A. Gruits, the season explores the concept of belonging, reflecting on how people experience change and find acceptance in new worlds while longing for the community and traditions of home. This season-spanning thematic thread shines a light on migration and immigrant experiences.
