Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/25/2026
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) — The Ocean County College Foundation's Blauvelt Speaker Series kicks off its 2026-27 season with "A Conversation with Laurie Hernandez" on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts on the Ocean County College campus in Toms River. The event begins at 6:00pm.
Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Laurie Hernandez captured the world’s attention at age 16 when she won gold and silver medals as a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the decade since, her career has taken her from the gymnastics floor to broadcast television, publishing, and even the Broadway stage.
Following her Olympic success, Hernandez won the Season 23 championship of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Her 2017 memoir, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond,” became a New York Times bestseller, followed in 2018 by her children’s picture book “She’s Got This.” Hernandez also brought her perspective to the broadcast booth, serving as a gymnastics analyst for NBC during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In 2026, she graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in drama.
Today, Hernandez speaks to audiences nationwide about the importance of following your dreams and embracing who you are. She is also a fierce advocate for mental health and has partnered with multiple campaigns and initiatives to encourage awareness.
Tickets for the in-person event are $20 and available for purchase online. A free livestream is also available; advance registration is required. Complimentary tickets are available for students.
The OCC Foundation’s Blauvelt Speaker Series welcomes distinguished speakers whose achievements, experiences, and ideas encourage audiences to see the world from new perspectives. The series is funded in part by the generosity of the late Bradford Thomas and Eleanor G. Blauvelt and the Wintrode Family Foundation. Additional sponsors for the 2026-27 series include Stella and Marshall Kern, Keynote Sponsor; and Student Ticket Sponsors The Citta Foundation, Arlene and Frank Dupignac, Jr., New Jersey Natural Gas, Rotem Dental Care, and Vision Financial Services.
Since 1965, the OCC Foundation has proudly served the Ocean County College community, awarding over $22.5 million in scholarships and special program funding for deserving students. The generosity of our donors continues to make a lasting impact, supporting initiatives like the Helping Hands Food Pantry, the Blauvelt Speaker Series, the Grunin Center for the Arts, the Global Travel Experience, the Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC), the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Viking Athletics, and many more college and student-led initiatives.
Ocean County College is a public two-year community college sponsored by the County of Ocean and the State of New Jersey.
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Nat Adderley, Jr.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Grunin Center - Studio Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
Nat Adderley, Jr. spent 25 years as the Music Director for rhythm and blues singer Luther Vandross, but after Vandross passed away in 2005, Adderley, Jr., the son of trumpeter Nat Adderley and nephew of alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, returned to his roots as a jazz pianist, mixing hard bop with R&B.
The American Soldier
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
RENTAL EVENT -- As part of the VA New Jersey Health Care System’s Veterans Resilience Arts Trail for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, VA New Jersey Health Care System and OCC’s Veteran and Military Resource Center are proud to present The American Soldier.
Dementia Man, An Existential Journey
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?
Ching-Yi Lin, piano
Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Bösendorfer Recital Room
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
International pianist Ching-Yi Lin presents “Heroic Journey,” a program that explores transformation, struggle, and triumph through music. From the dramatic intensity of Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue to the brilliance of Chopin’s Heroic Polonaise, the program is anchored by Beethoven’s Eroica Variations and the transcendent final sonata, Op. 111, tracing a powerful emotional arc from conflict to resolution.
ADVANCED EVENTS
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EVENT PREVIEWS
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: The Rise Tour on September 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge ("I'm the Only One," "Come to My Window," and "I Want to Come Over" to name a few) has remained one of America's favorite female singers since bursting onto the scene in 1988. Etheridge brings her Rise tour to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Cape May Stage presents "Your Name Means Dream"
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Your Name Means Dream from September 9 through October 18, 2026. Directed by Roy Steinberg, this is a lyrical and thought-provoking new play by José Rivera that follows Aislin, an aging woman whose world is transformed when she is paired with Stacy, an advanced AI caregiver designed to anticipate her every need.
Zimmerli Art Museum Highlights Rutgers' Historic Role in U.S.-Japan Exchange
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The latest exhibition at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University-New Brunswick traces the cultural exchange between Japan and the United States starting from the mid-19th century to the present. The exhibition runs from September 9 through February 14, 2027.
Watercolor Artist Theresa Troise Heidel Returns to Ridgefield Park Library for Second Art Exhibit and Fundraiser
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- Watercolors of sun-soaked New Jersey beaches, historic Asbury Park boardwalks, French countryside, and blooming florals will be on view this September at the Ridgefield Park Public Library, as the Friends of the Library once again welcome artist Theresa Troise Heidel for a solo exhibit and fundraiser open to art lovers near and far, with proceeds benefiting library programs. The exhibit will remain on view through September 30, 2026.
Nostalgia Takes The Stage at MPAC this September with shows by Dion, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, and The Rascals
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Three of the 1960s' most popular artists take the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) stage in September. From the classic doo wop sounds of Dion, to the bouncy pop of British Invasion faves Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone to classic American hitmakers The Rascals, MPAC will reverberate with the sounds, hits and memories of the 1960s.
McCarter's Season Continues with Julio Torres and Edmar Castañeda Quartet
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center's new season continues with comedian Julio Torres on Thursday, September 10 at 8:00pm, followed by the Edmar Castañeda Quartet on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30pm
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "Come From Away" to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents the Tony Award-Winning Musical Come From Away from September 11 through October 4, 2026. Discover the remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world.
Somerset Valley Players present "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"
(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players present The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood by Mary Lynn Dobson weekends from September 11-27, 2026. Get ready for a fast‑paced, side‑splitting spoof of the legendary outlaw you almost remember!
Skyline Theatre Company presents "The Guys" by Anne Nelson
(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents The Guys by Anne Nelson at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center from September 11-12, 2026. As we honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11, The Guys is a poignant, true-story-inspired drama.
Art House Productions presents "Creation from Destruction"
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents Creation from Destruction, a group exhibition celebrating Art House's 25th Anniversary at the Art House Gallery from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, October 25, 2026. This exhibition is part of JC Fridays.
