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Go On a Bilingual Summertime Adventure with Musician / Author Lucky Diaz on September 24th

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 09/09/2026

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man, for a virtual discussion on Thursday, September 24, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.

What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up, his pockets are empty. What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.

Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, Paletero Man invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner.

Lucky Diaz is a Grammy-winning musician, acclaimed author, and a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature. His work bridges music and storytelling, creating a distinct body of bilingual work rooted in the cultural life of Mexican American communities in Los Angeles. His work has been featured and praised by NPR, Billboard, The New York Times, and People. Through his books, recordings, and performances with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Diaz expands the possibilities of American storytelling.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/DiazOCL, or call or visit your local OCL branch.





 

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Diaz will also do a Spanish language version of the presentation on Thursday, September 24 at 8:00pm. To register, or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/DiazOCL2.

Paletero Man is available to borrow for free to Ocean County Library cardholders. Visit tinyurl.com/PaleteroOCL, or call or visit your local OCL branch to request a copy.




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Nat

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

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

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

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.


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EVENT PREVIEWS

(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 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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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"

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.