Joshua Van Ness will perform on August 4th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.
Events will be held at Vail Mansion Plaza, adjacent to MPAC, and at Pioneer Plaza (see individual listing for location).
All events start at 6:00pm. Rain site is St. Peter’s Church Parish Hall for events scheduled at Vail; inside Headquarters Plaza for events scheduled at Pioneer.
The Arts in the Community Summer Concert Series is sponsored by ADP.
Tuesday, June 2 - MPAC Music Student of the Month Recital at Vail Mansion Plaza. Morris County middle and high school musicians honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month throughout the past season showcase their talents in this year-end recital.
Tuesday, June 16 - Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Arjun at Pioneer Plaza. DJ Arjun returns to spin Bollywood and Top 40 dance music mix and get everyone moving! B2Z Dance School returns to bring the rhythm of Bollywood moves and Mehndikalogie will provide intricate designs of henna art.
Tuesday, July 14 - Salsa at Sunset featuring Bri’La Flor Dance Studio at Pioneer Plaza. MPAC’s annual salsa night spices up the town with night of Latin rhythms, great dancing and much more. Instructors will be on hand to help you learn all of the steps!
Tuesday, July 28 - Country Line Dancing with Paul Stoddard at Pioneer Plaza. Back by popular demand! It’s a honky-tonk evening of country line dancing with DJ and dance instructor Paul Stoddard, who will have you swinging to the sounds of classic and contemporary country music, whether you’re an experienced line dancer or novice!
Tuesday, August 4 - Joshua Van Ness & Garrett Lash at Vail Mansion Plaza. Singer songwriter Joshua Van Ness is both the working man's musician and a true indie spirit whose music echoes the classics from decades ago merged with today’s sounds. Featuring Morristown Onstage performer Garret Lash.
Joshua Van Ness, is constantly pushing for the next creative level. His voice has a soulful, raspy quality which is often used to deliver earnest, conversational lyrics to his songs. His music echoes of the classics from decades ago, yet is driven by a desire to stay ahead of the trends. When on guitar, Van Ness employs a song first mentality, fortified by a strong sense of rhythm. Also an accomplished drummer, Joshua performs regularly with bands like The Wag, Remember Jones, The Bryan Hansen Band, Natalie Farrell and others. When he’s not in his home state of New Jersey, you may find Joshua touring anywhere in the US, UK, Canada and beyond. Some of the names that Joshua has opened for include, Woodstock legend, Richie Havens, Will Hoge, King’s X, Phillip Phillips, Gavin Degraw, The Motels, The Weeklings, Ben Folds, The Violent Fems, The Revivalists, Jefferson Starship, and many others.
Tuesday, August 18 - Wilma at Vail Mansion Plaza. A fun, female-fronted band showcasing delightful harmonies and unique instrumentation, Wilma interprets songs across many genres including modern pop, classic rock, folk, indie gems, and quirky deep cuts.
In addition, MPAC plans to show two free movies on Tuesday, August 11, with a morning show for families and an evening show for adults. Movies will be announced at a later date.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2025-2026 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
