SouthNEXT 2019
Saturday, October 19 at 12pm
Join us for New Jersey's annual premier art, ideas and music festival focused on the creative collisions between technology and mindfulness, productivity and purpose.
All Events
Gerard Amsellem's La Cinémathèque Foreign Film Club
Sundays at 2PM (Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 8)
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings of award-winning foreign films as a member of La Cinémathèque. Plus, explore and discover the origins of modern film, renowned filmmakers and human interest stories. La Cinémathèque Film Club events are curated and hosted by Gerard Amsellem in the SOPAC Loft.
Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27
The classic comedy of love where opposites do attract. Benedict battles Beatrice with wit and humor until they both come together to save Hero’s reputation and her betrothal to Claudio.
Lionel Hampton Big Band
Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30PM
The sensational Lionel Hampton Big Band will be featured in concert again this season by Jazz ‘n the Hall in a return performance by popular demand. The spirit and the energy with which the band performs every selection is incredibly exciting and uplifting!
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Friday, November 1 at 8PM
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today. With its unique Jazz sound, it is considered one of the greatest bands of all time.
SOPAC Gala
Saturday, November 2 at 5:45PM
The annual SOPAC Gala brings together patrons, community leaders and artists to celebrate SOPAC’s achievements, pay tribute to our supporters and raise significant funds.
16th Annual SOMA Studio Tour
Sunday November 3 from 11AM-5PM
Experience the diversity of art and culture that flourishes in the two towns of South Orange & Maplewood in this annual studio tour.
Dana Fuchs in the Loft
Thursday, November 7 at 7:30PM
Singer-songwriter Dana Fuchs is known for her burnt-honey vocals and bruisingly honest musical mix of Southern Rock, Soul, Roots and Blues.
On A Winter’s Night – 25th Anniversary Christine Lavin, John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Patty Larkin & Cliff Eberhardt
Friday, November 8 at 8PM
The 25th Anniversary concert of On A Winter’s Night from singer-songwriters Christine Lavin, John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Patty Larkin and Cliff Eberhardt. They are among the brightest stars of the singer-songwriter movement for the past three decades.
Savion Glover & The Ideal Ensemble
Saturday, November 9 at 8PM
The Tony Award-winning, tap-dancing phenomenon Savion Glover returns to SOPAC with his unique sense of musicality, incredible stage presence and unparalleled dance ability.
The United States Army Veterans All Stars
Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30PM
The United States Army Veterans All Stars will present a lively program of popular Jazz favorites and patriotic songs in an honorable tribute to veterans of all wars. Come and join the musical celebration!
The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery Reception for JUST DANCE… Steve Vaccariello
Thursday, November 14 from 5-8PM
Join us for a reception to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition in The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery.
School Performance Rumpelstiltskin
Friday, November 15 at 10AM
A young girl is said to spin straw into gold, but a greedy king hears of her talent and desires untold riches for himself. The strange Rumpelstiltskin appears and promises to spin the straw into gold, but at what price?
Rumpelstiltskin
Saturday, November 16 at 2PM
A young girl is said to spin straw into gold, but a greedy king hears of her talent and desires untold riches for himself. The strange Rumpelstiltskin appears and promises to spin the straw into gold, but at what price?
Giants of Jazz 22 Honoring Harold Mabern
Saturday, November 16 at 8PM
Harold Mabern was one of the greatest Jazz pianists in the world. He performed and recorded with Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery, Cannonball Adderley and George Benson to name a few. As critic Gary Giddins has written, “With the wind at his back, he can sound like an ocean roar.” Join us as other Jazz greats come to perform and honor one of their own in an unforgettable evening of music.
Gerard Amsellem's La Cinémathèque Foreign Film Club
Sundays at 2PM (Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 8)
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings of award-winning foreign films as a member of La Cinémathèque. Plus, explore and discover the origins of modern film, renowned filmmakers and human interest stories. La Cinémathèque Film Club events are curated and hosted by Gerard Amsellem in the SOPAC Loft.
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy Emerson Lake & Palmer Lives On!
Sunday, November 17 at 7:30PM
Carl Palmer, founding member of both Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP) and Asia, is among the most renowned drummers in Rock history. Expect an evening of virtuoso percussive skills from the man who brought the drum set to the forefront of Rock and Roll.
Summit Medical Group Foundation presents Broadway Rocks Cancer
Monday, November 18 at 7PM
An inspiring evening of music with your favorite Broadway stars. Proceeds benefit Summit Medical Group Foundation’s programming that provides comfort, care and compassion to individuals and their families facing cancer.
Giacomo Puccini’s La bohème (concert version)
Thursday, November 21 at 6:30PM
The MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra, Soloists and Seton Hall University Chamber Choir perform together under the direction of Jason Tramm in this concert version of Puccini’s dramatic masterpiece, La bohème. This event is co-sponsored by the Seton Hall Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute and Classical Concert Series.
Gaelic Storm
Friday, November 22 at 8PM
Since appearing in the blockbuster film Titanic (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”), Gaelic Storm has become a world-class genre-bending Irish Rock band mixing Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative.
An Evening with Broadway's Tony Yazbeck
Saturday, November 23 at 8PM
With “just the right balance of masculinity and vulnerability,” Yazbeck creates a “spellbinding” one-man show, inviting audiences to join him on an honest, emotional journey along life’s ups and downs as told through the lyrics of classic show tunes, new standards and dazzling tap dancing.
Seton Hall University Seton Hall Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30PM
Ring in the holiday season with the Seton Hall University Chorus, Concert Band and Chamber Choir.
A Musical Celebration of Stevie Ray Vaughan with Alan Paul & Andy Aledort
Friday, December 6 at 8PM
Join Alan Paul and Andy Aledort in the SOPAC Loft for a conversation and book signing followed by a killer set of Stevie Ray Vaughan music in celebration of their instant New York Times bestseller, Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the definitive biography of the late guitar legend.
Dianne Reeves – Christmas Time is Here with Peter Martin, Peter Sprague, Reginald Veal & Terreon Gully
Saturday, December 7 at 8PM
Five-time Grammy Award winner Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent Jazz vocalist in the world. Her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique Jazz and R&B stylings earned her the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings - a first in any vocal category.
Gerard Amsellem's La Cinémathèque Foreign Film Club
Sundays at 2PM (Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 8)
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings of award-winning foreign films as a member of La Cinémathèque. Plus, explore and discover the origins of modern film, renowned filmmakers and human interest stories. La Cinémathèque Film Club events are curated and hosted by Gerard Amsellem in the SOPAC Loft.
Angelina Ballerina™ The Very Merry Holiday Musical!
Sunday, December 8 at 2PM (Kids in the Loft activity from1-1:45PM)
Little Angelina Ballerina just loves to dance and plans a spectacular holiday pageant with her friends. When things go wrong they must use their creativity to save the show. It’s a very merry holiday musical!
Mike Griot presents Blues People, Frank Noviello, Radam Schwartz and Dean Shot’s Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf Best of the Loft On the SOPAC Mainstage
Sunday, December 8 at 7PM
Jazz and Blues go together like cold beer and a hot, hot night. And a hot night of great music is what you’ll experience with these four acts that will have you wishing it would never end! Mike Griot presents Blues People brings the soulful Funk of classic Blues, Jazz singer Frank Noviello swings with the great classics, Radam Schwartz owns the Jazz keyboards and Dean Shot’s Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf brings to life one of the greatest Bluesmen to ever live.
School Performance Angelina Ballerina™ The Very Merry Holiday Musical!
Monday, December 9 at 10AM
Little Angelina Ballerina just loves to dance and plans a spectacular holiday pageant with her friends. When things go wrong they must use their creativity to save the show. It’s a very merry holiday musical!
Five For Fighting With String Quartet Playing Hits & Holiday Favorites
Thursday, December 12 at 7:30PM
Five For Fighting is the one-man band of John Ondrasik who is best known for top 40 hits, "Superman (It's Not Easy)," "100 Years" and "The Riddle."
Martin Sexton
Friday, December 13 at 8PM
Critically-acclaimed Martin Sexton is a musician’s musician and prolific recording artist. His songs are intricate and spirited covering the American musical landscape distilling Soul, Gospel, R&B, Country and Blues.
The Hot Sardines’ Holiday Stomp!
Saturday, December 14 at 8PM
These mischief-makers of hot Jazz have been described as “potent and assured” (The New York Times) and “simply phenomenal” (The Times, London).
EagleMania The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band
Friday, December 20 at 8PM
Since their inception, EagleMania has been thrilling audiences all over the country with their stunning five-part harmony and their uncanny ability to emulate the unmistakable sound of The Eagles. You’ll hear The Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as some of the solo work of Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh.
Cherish the Ladies – Celtic Christmas
Sunday, December 22 at 3PM & 7PM
Celebrating nearly 35 years of music making, Cherish the Ladies continues to delight audiences with its beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing. You’ll delight in the special Christmas music that embodies the beauty of the season - Celtic style!
Juilliard @ SOPAC The Ulysses Quartet
Sunday, January 5 at 3PM
The Ulysses String Quartet has been praised for their “textural versatility,” and “the kind of chemistry many quartets long for, but rarely achieve” (The Strad) as well as “avid enthusiasm ... [with] chops to back up their passion” (San Diego Story).
Afro-Cuban All Stars Pre-Show Member Reception
Friday, January 10 at 6:30PM
SOPAC Member benefits include invitations to Member Receptions and so much more! Not a Member? Donate & become a member today.
Afro-Cuban All Stars Featuring Members of the Buena Vista Social Club
Friday, January 10 at 8PM
The Afro-Cuban All Stars is a unique big band devoted to promoting the story of Cuba’s rich musical history and the spectrum of Latin dance music, including mambo, cha cha, salsa, rumba, son montuno, timba, guajira, danzón, abakuá and bolero. Led by ex-Sierra Maestra drummer Juan De Marcos Gonzalez, the multi-generational Afro-Cuban All Stars have been essential to the growing worldwide popularity of Afro-Cuban music.
School Performance MatheMagic!®
Thursday, January 16 at 10AM
Hailed as one of the pre-eminent shows for young people, Bradley Fields’ MatheMagic!® features world-class magic, comedy and theatre.
Tammy Pescatelli
Friday, January 17 at 8PM
Tammy Pescatelli brings brassy sexiness with a bold female voice of witty sarcasm to her audiences, holding her own on the topics of sports, television, dating and family life using tongue-in-cheek humor. She is relatable to every audience member, male or female. After seeing her perform, nearly everyone wishes she was their best friend or sister!
MARK NIZER 4D… the only live 4D show in the world!
Saturday, January 18 at 2PM
This fast-paced and exciting combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology delivers a spellbinding performance by the acclaimed juggler Mark Nizer in the only live 4D show in the world!
Jazz in the Loft: Carrie Jackson
Sunday, January 19 at 7PM
Carrie Jackson is considered one of the most consistently interesting singers in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and is one of the top Jazz artists around today providing for classical performances in Jazz favorites, soulful sultry Pop, Blues and poignant mellow Gospel.
Bob Mould Sunshine Rock Winter 2020 Solo Electric
Saturday, January 25 at 8PM
Bob Mould is one of indie Rock’s strongest talents who began his career as one of the angry upstarts of the hardcore punk scene, and over several decades has matured into one of the elder statesmen of alternative Rock without giving up his integrity, his intelligence, or the fierce passion of his best music.
Poetry Out Loud New Jersey Region 5 Contest
Wednesday, February 12 at 10AM
Poetry Out Loud® is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country.
Juilliard @ SOPAC Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble
Sunday, February 16 at 3PM
Experience the unique syncopated sounds of Jazz with rising young Juilliard Jazz artists, under the leadership of American virtuoso trumpeter, composer and teacher Wynton Marsalis.
Jazz in the Loft: John Lee & Dave Stryker
Sunday, February 16 at 7PM
Join world-renowned bassist and producer John Lee in what can only be defined as a super-cool Jazz party with some of his friends including Dave Stryker whom The Village Voice calls “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.”
Brooklyn Chamber Music Society
Tuesday, February 18 at 7:30PM
Back for the third time with top-flight and passionate chamber music playing, the Brooklyn Chamber Music Society comes to us with a warm-hearted program, right on the heels of Valentine’s day. Come celebrate with us and the music of Schubert, Schumann, Gershwin and Puccini.
AileyDance Kids Residency Grand Finale Performance
Wednesday, February 19 at 7PM
Join us for the exciting grand finale event of the AileyDance Kids residency with the South Orange Middle School and the Maplewood Middle School.
School Performance Super Scientific Circus
Friday, February 21 at 10AM
Combining zany characters and outrageous stunts with hilarious audience participation, Super Scientific Circus fuses the wonder of science with wholesome entertainment.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites
Sunday, February 23 at 2PM (Kids in the Loft activity from1-1:45PM)
The famous little caterpillar returns , along with an assortment of favorite puppet characters. The triple-bill includes the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar the fanciful account of Little Cloud's travels through the sky and The Mixed-Up Chameleon's discovery of his own unique nature.
We Banjo 3
Thursday, February 27 at 7:30PM
A spirited "Celt-grass" family band from Galway, Ireland, We Banjo 3 delivers a crowd-pleasing fusion of traditional Irish music, Celtic Bluegrass and Americana that continues to reach freshly dizzying heights.
Lucy Kaplansky & Richard Shindell
Saturday, March 14 at 8PM
Two celebrated singer-songwriters return together to the SOPAC stage. Lucy Kaplansky is a rare vocal talent, “a truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs” (The New York Times). Richard Shindell is a writer whose songs paint pictures, tell stories, juxtapose ideas and images, inhabit characters, vividly evoking entire worlds along the way and expanding our sense of just what it is a song may be.
Juilliard @ SOPAC Mackenzie Melemed, piano
Sunday, March 15 at 3PM
Winner of The Juilliard School's 2019 Leo B. Ruiz Carnegie Hall Recital Prize, 24-year old American Mackenzie Melemed has been hailed by the New York Times as “an excellent young pianist.”
Jazz in the Loft: Vince Ector Organatomy Trio+
Sunday, March 15 at 7PM
Vince Ector has worked with Jazz luminaries that include NEA Jazz Masters and is in high demand as a recording musician and as a performer at Jazz festivals throughout the world.
School Performance Shaun Boothe: Live Your Legacy Celebrating Great Women in the 21st Century
Monday, March 16 at 10AM
In this inspiring multimedia performance and motivational journey, Shaun Boothe discusses strength, character, media and the role of women. The inspiring life stories of cultural icons Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Malala Yousafzai and Oprah Winfrey are told through music and rhyme. Shaun repackages history in a way that connects with students and reinforces the importance of living a meaningful life. It is a celebration of greatness made not just to inform and entertain but to inspire and awaken the greatness within us all.
Jonathan Biss, piano with Ani Kavafian and Carmit Zori, violins; Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; and Edward Arron, cello
Wednesday, March 18 at 7:30PM
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth with an evening of sonatas performed by world-renowned pianist and Beethoven interpreter, Jonathan Biss. Program to feature Sonatas Op. 10, No. 1, Op. 14, Nos. 1 and 2 and the great Hammerklavier.
David Broza & Trio Havana Plus Special Guest Itai Kriss
Saturday, March 21 at 8PM
One of the most innovative and creative musicians in the world today, David Broza brings together audiences of all cultures, bridging barriers of language and genre through his music. He is joined by Cuban “Trio Havana” with Jorge Bringas, Manuel Alejandro Carro and Yuniel Jiminez as well as special guest and flute virtuoso Itai Kriss. Together they bring a unique interpretation to the full spectrum of Broza’s rich repertoire of hits.
The Amazing Max
Sunday, March 22 at 2PM
Max Darwin earned the moniker "The Amazing Max" for his extraordinary skill as a magician as well as for his ability to entertain adult audiences while keeping the little ones spellbound. This high-energy, interactive and all-around silly show will delight the young, the old and everyone in-between!
Jazz Meets Broadway
Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30PM
A celebration of the intersection of Jazz and Broadway featuring Seton Hall University alumni and students of Jazz and of musical theatre, Jazz Meets Broadway will highlight music from the Great American Songbook.
School Performance Cinderella
Friday, April 3 at 10AM
Bullied by her two mean stepsisters, Cinderella’s future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the Prince’s ball. A magical evening ends with a lost slipper and a young girl whose life is transformed.
Cinderella
Saturday, April 4 at 2PM
Bullied by her two mean stepsisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the Prince’s ball. A magical evening ends with a lost slipper and a young girl whose life is transformed.
Juilliard @ SOPAC Stella Chen, violin with pianist Jinhee Park
Sunday, April 5 at 3PM
American violinist Stella Chen has been praised by the Wall Street Journal as a “rising star to watch” and Strad Magazine for her “warm sound and long musical lines.”
Jazz in the Loft: Ty Stephens & (the) SoulJaazz
Sunday, April 19 at 7PM
A consummate multi-talented entertainer and performer, Ty Stephens has performed around the world, gaining an international audience with a cool, urban-tinged adult-contemporary sound, based on Jazz, Funk and R&B.
Seton Hall University Seton Hall Annual Spring Concert Instrumental Ensembles
Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30PM
Take in the music of the Seton Hall University Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra in this annual Spring celebration, led by accomplished director Jason Tramm.
Summer of ’42
Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 3
A sweet musical about a young man’s coming of age over a summer at the beach with his friends, set during WW II. The musical balances the innocence of youth with the tragedy of war that is both funny and touching.
Seton Hall University Seton Hall Spring Choral Celebration
Monday, May 4 at 7:30PM
Join the Seton Hall choral program to celebrate the Spring season with songs of warmth and joy, led by accomplished director Jason Tramm.
School Performance Stone Soup and Other Stories
Friday, May 15 at 10AM
Highlighting the spirit and customs of different cultures, this familiar brew of story favorites from Africa, India, Eastern Europe and our own United States is filled with music, color, fantasy and fun.
BubbleMania! Comedy With A Drip! Featuring Casey Carle, Comic Bubble Artist
Sunday, May 17 at 12PM
Comic bubble artist Casey Carl brings BubbleMania, his amazing one-man show combining spontaneous comedy, jazzy music and brilliant bubbling, to the SOPAC stage.
Richie Furay Farewell Show Presented by Nancy and David Fine Jewels
Sunday, May 17 at 8PM
Richie Furay performs his “Farewell” shows at select venues around the country. He’ll be playing songs from his catalog of classic POCO, Buffalo Springfield, Souther-Hillman-Furay and some recently recorded music . Come celebrate Richie’s retirement from touring at SOPAC.