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.
music
United Children's Music Project presents World-Class Venezuelan Artists María Brea and Kristhyan Benítez on May 28th 
(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) presents Venezuelan soprano María Brea and Latin Grammy–winning pianist Kristhyan Benítez in an unforgettable evening of Latin American artistry as part of its acclaimed Latin Night Thursdays concert series on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at UCMP (4710 Park Avenue) in Weehawken, NJ. Showtime is 7:30pm.
New Jersey Youth Chorus to Celebrate the Season with Spring Concert on May 17th 
(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC), a program of Wharton Arts, invites audiences to its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University (85 George Street) in New Brunswick. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Jason Didner's New Album Celebrates Asbury Park's Resilient Spirit of Community 
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Heart is Jason Didner's love letter to a city that refused to quit — and to the musicians, misfits, and believers who kept the beat going. Drawing on the sounds, stories, and personalities that transformed Asbury Park from a place of decay into an unlikely worldwide music destination, the album spans punk, soul, reggae, and heartland rock in the spirit of the Jersey Shore scene itself: eclectic, unguarded, and alive.
A Chat with Veronika and Madelene of Arrival From Sweden Who Perform at UCPAC on May 16 
Arrival from Sweden is coming to Rahway, NJ's Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm. Founded in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Arrival from Sweden is one of the world's most popular ABBA tribute bands and the only group that has ever been given a previously unreleased song directly from ABBA to record.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th 
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026 
(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.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Audra McDonald LIVE! at bergenPAC 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Audra McDonald at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on May 3, 2026.
comedy
Bananas Comedy Club presents Nick Smeriglio This Weekend 
(RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- Bananas Comedy Club presents Nick Smeriglio on May 15-16, 2026 with two shows each night. Nick is a New York–based actor, stand-up comedian, content creator, and podcast producer known for grounded charisma and sharp comedic instincts across stage, screen, and digital platforms.
film
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Interview with Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Director Vincent Turturro 
Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, sits down with Vincent Turturro, director and writer of Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms, for a filmmaker interview at EBTV. Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms will be screened on May 29, 2026.
dance
Roxey Ballet Trainees took on Albany 
(ALBANY, NY) -- Trainee dancers from Roxey Ballet recently traveled to Albany, New York to participate in the prestigious Regional Dance America Northeast Festival, joining more than 17 pre-professional dance companies from across the United States in a three-day celebration of dance, education, collaboration, and artistic excellence.
art
ACC Gallery presents "Echoes over the Hudson" 
(TENAFLY, NJ) -- ACC Gallery presents "Echoes over the Hudson" from May 5-23, 2026. The exhibition brings together a dynamic group of contemporary Korean artists working across the New York Tri-State region.
community
North Jersey Artists, Leaders and Businesses Invited to Shape Region's Cultural and Economic Future at Community Gathering on National Heritage Area Designation 
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites artists, community leaders, business owners, cultural organizations, and residents to participate in Community Conversation: National Heritage Area in New Jersey on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
Garden State Wine Growers Association Cancels "Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution" Amid Historic Vineyard Freeze Damage 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has announced the cancellation of Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution, originally scheduled for May 30, 2026 at the historic War Memorial in Trenton.
