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Mike Griot Presents 3rd Annual South Orange International Blues Festival Winter Edition

FRI, FEB 6, 2026 at 7:30PM

Celebrate the enduring legacy of Blues music at SOPAC’s South Orange International Blues Festival: Winter Edition, curated by local Blues legend Mike Griot. Whether you’re a lifelong Blues fan or a curious newcomer, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening of personal storytelling and electrifying live music. With musical performances from King Solomon Hicks, Blues People, Eliza Neals, and New Moon Acoustic Blues this will be a Blues explosion!

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Remember Jones Presents Mad Dogs & Englishmen

SAT, FEB 7, 2026 at 7:30PM

Celebrate rock history with a 20-piece band revival of Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, led by Remember Jones. Expect iconic hits, eccentric theatricality, and a full choir in a concert event capturing the wild, soulful magic of the famed 1970 tour.

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NJ State Council on the Arts, The Basie and SOPAC Present Poetry Out Loud Region 5 Competition

TUE, FEB 10, 2026 at 10AM

National Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Poetry Foundation, and the state arts agencies of the United States. It is a national poetry recitation program for students in grades 9-12 or the age/grade equivalent. Traditionally designed for public, charter, parochial, and homeschool teachers, it encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

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SOMSD & SOPAC Present SOMA AileyDance Kids Residency Finale

WED, FEB 11, 2026 at 7PM

Celebrate the talent and growth of South Orange Maplewood School District students at the AileyDance Kids Residency Finale. After learning choreography inspired by Alvin Ailey’s signature style, these young dancers will showcase their progress in an exciting performance. Through a special partnership with the School District and SOPAC, students have worked with Ailey Teaching Artists to explore dance and culture, reflecting Alvin Ailey’s vision of empowering youth to take bold creative risks. Join us for an inspiring evening of dance!

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Get Hypnotized! The Erick Känd Comedy Hypnosis Show

FRI, FEB 13 at 7:30PM

Laugh, participate, and experience an altered state of reality at Get Hypnotized! – The Erick Känd Comedy Hypnosis Show. Self-selecting audience volunteers will be hypnotized and become the stars of the show! During this performance, the lucky volunteers will undergo a complete transformation. The pandemonium is all great fun and will have the audience laughing non-stop from start to finish!

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Jazz in the Loft Diego Urcola
This event is eligible for the
SOPAC Loft Multibuy Package.

SUN, FEB 15 at 7:00PM

Jazz in the Loft welcomes Grammy-nominated trumpeter and composer Diego Urcola, whose warm sound and passionate, cosmopolitan style reflect roots in Buenos Aires and decades on New York’s top jazz stages. Experience world-class, intimate jazz as Urcola and his group blend Latin rhythms, modern harmony, and soulful improvisation.

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Columbia High School & SOPAC Present CHS Jazz Ensemble Finale

WED, FEB 18, 2026 at 7PM

Join us for an evening of live jazz featuring the Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble. Students have been honing their skills alongside some of jazz’s most celebrated artists. This performance highlights the hard work of the students and their director, Peter Bauer, emphasizing the vital role of arts education in nurturing young musicians. Thanks to the generous support of the CHS Cougar Boosters and SOPA’s Arts in Education programs which provide valuable opportunities for local youth. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of exceptional music and celebration!

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South Orange Middle School Presents My Black Is Beautiful! 4th Annual Black History Celebration

SAT, FEB 21, 2026 at 4PM

South Orange Middle School presents the annual My Black is Beautiful! A Celebration of Black History through the Arts. This vibrant and multifaceted event pays homage to the rich and diverse heritage of Black culture, achievements, and contributions. Serving as a powerful platform to showcase students’ various artistic expressions. This celebration engages music, dance, visual arts, literature, and more.

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Cherish the Ladies

THU, MAR 5, 2026 at 7:30PM

Cherish The Ladies is the acclaimed Grammy-nominated Irish-American supergroup renowned for spirited performances, beautiful vocals, and brilliant step dancing. A SOPAC favorite, they’ve enchanted audiences worldwide with a timeless celebration of Irish tradition and virtuosity. Don’t miss this lively event on the SOPAC Mainstage!

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Taylor • Simon • King Three American Troubadours

FRI, MAR 6, 2026 at 7:30PM

The Three Troubadours is a vibrant tribute concert honoring James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King, performed by powerhouse vocalists and a top-tier band. Featuring iconic songs, fresh arrangements, and storytelling, this show promises a heartfelt journey through America’s cherished musical classics.

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Glen Phillips & Augustana

SAT, MAR 7, 2026 at 7:30PM

Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) and Augustana (Dan Layus) unite for a night of acclaimed songwriting and powerful performance—blending folk-pop, platinum hits, and bold new sounds, each artist forging new creative paths while honoring beloved classics.

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Ladies of Laughter

THU, MAR 12, 2026 at 7:30PM

Ladies of Laughter is the acclaimed comedy competition and tour that’s launched stars like Amy Schumer and Melissa Rauch. The show features top winners and rising stand-up talents, delivering a fresh, hilarious lineup of women who are redefining comedy across America. This performance features Liz Alterman, Dena Blizzard, Leighann Lord, and Veronica Mosey.

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Alice In Wonderland

SAT, MAR 14 at 1:00PM

When Alice chases the White Rabbit down a hole, she enters a whimsical world filled with characters like the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, and Queen of Hearts. This musical adaptation sets the whole family on an adventure that celebrates the wonder of imagination.

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Tigran Hamasyan – Manifeste

SUN, MAR 15, 2026 at 7:30PM

Tigran Hamasyan is an Armenian jazz pianist and composer known for masterfully blending Armenian folk music with jazz, rock, and classical influences. A virtuosic performer and celebrated innovator, he has won major competitions and international acclaim for his powerful, evocative sound.

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Naturally 7

FRI, MAR 20 at 7:30PM

Prepare to be amazed by Naturally 7, the groundbreaking vocal group that turns their voices into a full band, performing everything from drums to guitars and horns—live and without instruments. Their latest show and album, N7@ The Movies, reimagines beloved film soundtracks—think Titanic, The Sound of Music, James Bond, and more—with their signature

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Jazz in the Loft Marel Hidalgo Trio
This event is eligible for the
SOPAC Loft Multibuy Package.

SUN, MAR 22 at 7:00PM

Jazz in the Loft welcomes the Marel Hidalgo Trio, led by 17-year-old guitar sensation Marel Hidalgo, whose journey already includes major festivals, international clubs, and collaborations with jazz greats. Experience world-class, forward-looking jazz in SOPAC’s intimate Loft, where this remarkable young virtuoso and his trio bring swing, soul, and fearless creativity to the stage.

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The Soul of Burt Bacharach

FRI, MAR 27, 2026 at 7:30PM

Join Mike Griot and an all-star band for The Soul of Burt Bacharach, a vibrant, soulful celebration of iconic hits like “What the World Needs Now” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Sing along, savor world-class musicianship, and experience a concert honoring the legendary composer’s enduring magic

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SOMA Sings Wicked & Beyond The Songs of Stephen Schwartz

SAT, MAR 28, 2026 at 3PM

Your favorite local Broadway stars bring the magic of Wicked to SOPAC! This concert places Broadway’s beloved blockbuster at its heart—while also celebrating the extraordinary music of Stephen Schwartz beyond Oz. Featuring iconic songs from Pippin, Godspell, Children of Eden, and more. Relive the unforgettable songs and soaring spirit of Oz in a dazzling live concert full of heart, humor, and spellbinding performances.

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Healing Sounds in the Loft
This event is eligible for the new
SOPAC Loft Multibuy Package.

SUN, MAR 29 at 5PM & 7PM

Healing Sounds In The Loft is a 75-minute, guided Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath at SOPAC, offering a deeply immersive experience in sound healing, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Lie back, get comfortable, and let the therapeutic vibrations invite you into peace and balance.

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Julian Lage Quartet Feat. John Medeski, Jorge Roeder, Kenny Wolleson
Co-presented with NJPAC Productions

THU, APR 2, 2026 at 7:30PM

Julian Lage, the acclaimed guitarist first hailed as a prodigy in Jules at Eight, blends folkloric influences, deep swing, and spontaneous interplay, Lage turns each tune into an open, real-time conversation between musicians on stage.

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Colin Quinn

FRI, APR 3, 2026 at 7:30PM

Colin Quinn is back at SOPAC! He is a comedian, actor, and author known for his sharp, funny dissections of American politics and culture from SNL’s “Weekend Update” and Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd, to acclaimed one-man shows like Red State Blue State and his book Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the Fifty States.

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An Enchanted Evening with Paulo Szot

SAT, APR 4, 2026 at 7:30PM

Tony Award–winning baritone Paulo Szot (South Pacific, Hadestown) joins musicians of the American Pops Orchestra for An Enchanted Evening of beloved Broadway songs, American standards, and more delivered with the sweeping power, elegance, and emotional warmth that have made him an international star.

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Brubeck Brothers Quartet

THU, APR 9 at 7:30PM

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet-led by Chris and Dan Brubeck-delivers jazz that’s inventive, expressive, and joyful, blending straight-ahead jazz with funk, blues, and world influences. Praised for their contagious energy and musical mastery, they create performances that are both a tribute to jazz tradition and a celebration of its ever-evolving future.

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Texas Flood A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn

FRI, APR 10 at 7:30PM

Experience the raw energy of Texas Flood, a premier Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. This dynamic group recreates the magic of Vaughan's performances with precision and passion. Beyond their tribute roots, Texas Flood has evolved to infuse blues classics with their own music and style, creating a unique and captivating show. They take you on a thrilling journey that blends the legends of blues with the future of the genre.

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Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

April 11, 2026 7:30 pm

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, now led by trombonist Jeff Bush, delivers the timeless swing and rich ballads that made Dorsey a legend—highlighting iconic solos, classic hits, and the storied moments that launched Frank Sinatra’s career. Experience big band mastery that’s kept audiences happy for generations.

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Jazz in the Loft Yotam Silberstein
This event is eligible for the
SOPAC Loft Multibuy Package.

SUN, APR 12, 2026 at 7:00PM

Jazz in the Loft welcomes Yotam Silberstein, whose sound blends bebop and blues with musical influences from South America, North Africa, and the Middle East. Fresh from collaborations with jazz greats and major festivals worldwide, he brings a deeply expressive, globally rich approach to SOPAC’s intimate Loft stage. Jazz in the Loft is SOPAC’s premier jazz series, curated by Grammy-winning producer John Lee and showcasing some of today’s most exciting and innovative artists.

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The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery Presents INSPIRED MINDS Opening Reception

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5PM

RSVP Recommended

INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition is a visual arts program designed to strengthen the impact of arts and arts education through the local school districts. This annual program offers a comprehensive professional experience to Essex County High School visual art students from submission, selection, exhibition, and possible sale of their artwork. Each year, thousands of submissions are juried by a panel of distinguished artists, photographers, museum curators, and arts advocates. The result is an exciting and eclectic body of work from the perspective of young emerging artists. INSPIRED MINDS is sponsored by the Iris Family. Framing is generously donated by the South Orange Frame Shop.

RSVP Recommended

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Zepparella

FRI, MAY 15, 2026 at 7:30PM

All-female rock powerhouse Zepparella transforms the music of Led Zeppelin into an electrifying live experience. With explosive musicianship, fearless improvisation, and deep reverence for the source, Zepparella captures the soul, swagger, and spirit of rock’s most powerful legacy.

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Emeline Michel Haiti's Queen of Creole Song

THU, MAY 21, 2026 at 7:30PM

Emeline Michel is an internationally acclaimed Haitian singer celebrated for her dynamic fusion of pop, jazz, blues, and traditional rhythms. With radiant stage charisma and powerful vocals, she spreads joy and hope from Haiti to the world. Don’t miss this exhilarating performance that invites listeners to get up on their feet and participate in a live experience that will leave you tapping and clapping for more — get your tickets today!

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West Orange High School & SOPAC Present WOHS AileyDance Kids Residency Finale

WED, MAY 27, 2026 at 7PM

Celebrate the next generation of dancers at the West Orange High School AileyDance Kids Residency Finale! Through a special partnership with SOPAC, these students have trained under an Ailey Teaching Artist, exploring the expressive movement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This performance is a culmination of their journey, showcasing ensemble works and choreography inspired by Ailey’s legacy. Join us for an evening of passion, creativity, and dance!

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Low Cut Connie

THUR, MAY 28, 2026 at 7:30PM

With sweat, soul, and zero shame, Low Cut Connie delivers a wild, gritty love letter to rock & roll and all its beautiful outsiders. Led by Adam Weiner, the band’s live shows are cathartic, inclusive, and unforgettable—a joyous explosion of sound, freedom, and fearless self-expression.

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Luis Figueroa
Co-presented with NJPAC Productions

FRI, JUN 19, 2026 at 8PM

Luis Figueroa is a multi-nominated Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY Puerto Rican American singer-songwriter hailed as the “new voice of salsa,” blending modern production with classic tropical soul. With chart-topping hits, acclaimed albums, and a dynamic live show, he’s redefining salsa for a new generation.