ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY

THE “AND THAT'S WHY WE DRINK: ON THE ROCKS TOUR,” HOSTED BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS

Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer, comes to NJPAC on Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m. “And That’s Why We Drink” is an award-winning comedy podcast where the paranormal and true-crime meet. Launched in February 2017, each new episode is a deep dive into whatever paranormal and true-crime stories the hosts are obsessing over that week. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

GARY GULMAN, ONE OF THE GREATEST STANDUP COMEDIANS, TODAY, RETURNS TO NJPAC on Friday, May 5, for two hilarious performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m. With more than 25 years in comedy, Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer. He is one of only a handful of comedians to perform on every single late-night comedy program. He is currently on his “Born On 3rd Base Tour,” where he chronicles his impoverished childhood on food stamps, free lunch and welfare checks, while skewering our current “Tale of Two Cities”-esque wealth gap. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

NJPAC WELCOMES COMEDIAN AND PODCASTER THEO VON AS HE BRINGS HIS “RETURN OF THE RAT TOUR” to Newark on Wednesday, May 10, at 8 p.m. Von is the star of his own Netflix Original comedy special, “No Offense,” and his podcast, “This Past Weekend,” is one of the top comedy podcasts, garnering 3.5 million monthly listeners. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

BEST OF LAUGHS IN THE LOFT on Friday, May 26 at 8 p.m. Best of Laughs in the Loft will feature the most popular comedians from this season’s Laughs in the Loft monthly series. Tickets starting at $20.

TREVOR NOAH IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM THREE SHOWS at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Monday, May 22, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24, at 8 p.m. This new set showcases his signature mix of personal stories from a hilarious global perspective. Tickets to see Trevor Noah are on sale now by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

PASSAIC NATIVE COMEDIAN, ACTOR, AND AUTHOR TOM PAPA WILL PERFORM LIVE IN NEWARK at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets to see Papa went on sale April 21, reserve tickets early by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S EXTRAORDINARY DANCERS RETURN TO NJPAC WITH PREMIERES AND REPERTORY FAVORITES FOR THREE PERFORMANCES that each inspires with a finale of Ailey’s signature masterpiece, “Revelations.” Performances will be Friday, May 12, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 14, at 3 p.m. The Ailey company has earned a reputation as one of the finest international ambassadors of American culture, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

THE WALSH GALLERY AT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PRESENTS “MATTER + SPIRIT,” A TRAVELING EXHIBITION featuring 25 artists from China and North America — including Lauren Schiller, professor of fine arts at Seton Hall University. The exhibition is the result of a gathering of North American art professors with their Chinese counterparts in the summer of 2018. The participating artists considered issues of art, contemporary society, spirituality, and their role as culture makers, critics and interpreters. The result is a thought-provoking array of multimedia works that reflect the perennial tensions between the material and spiritual in human life and society. The exhibition is on view through May. The Walsh Gallery, located on the first floor of the Walsh Library, 400 South Orange Ave. in South Orange, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

THE MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM FEATURES THE WORK OF VANESSA GERMAN AND TITLED “…PLEASE IMAGINE ALL THE THINGS I CANNOT SAY….” The show will run from now to June 25 at the museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair. This show takes the form of a large-scale, immersive installation of mixed media artworks and will be the artist’s first solo museum show in the New York City area. A Los Angeles native, German currently resides in rural North Carolina. She is a self-taught sculptor, painter, poet and performance artist who refers to herself as a citizen artist and is interested in art as a form of healing, protection and activism. The mostly female power figures she creates explore themes of strength, love and justice, while engaging with the complicated history of race in the United States.

IN HONOR OF MUSEUMWEEK, THE CRANE HOUSE & HISTORIC YWCA WILL BE OPEN Tuesday, June 6 through Friday,

June 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for self-guided tours. General admission fees will be waived this week. No prior registration required. The house is located at 110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.

SOMA BACKSTAGE READING SERIES –June 3 and June 4: The SOMA backStage Reading Series emerged from SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust member Dana Spialter and her local theater company SOMA Stage. This series will present readings of new plays and musicals written by or starring South Orange and Maplewood’s (SOMA’s) theater professionals in the Loft at SOPAC. After each work’s matinee performance, audience members are invited to participate in a talkback and share their thoughts with the creative teams. This spring’s inaugural series includes readings of two new works:

New Musical: REVIVAL by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen, Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 at p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

New Play: STILL by Lia Romeo, Saturday, June 3 at 3 p.m.and Sunday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

In partnership with North Jersey Pride, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents its inaugural LGBTQIA+ SOPAC Pride Weekend on Friday, June 9 –Saturday, June 11, celebrating SOMA’s robust LGBTQIA+ community. Jessica Kirson on Friday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Stand-up comedian and South Orange native Jessica Kirson won the Nightlight Award for “Best Stand Up Comedian” in New York City. Tickets starting at $27. AKENYA on Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter AKENYA makes her SOPAC and NJ debut. Tickets starting at $31. The Night Before Pride Party at SOPAC, Saturday, June 10 at 9 p.m. Celebrate the vibrant and passionate LGBTQIA+ community with a fabulous night of great music provided by DJ Ryan The Person. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets starting at $30.

Tony Awards Viewing Party Sunday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15 and required RSVP.

On Friday, June 23, Pulitzer Prize winner MAGGIE HABERMAN returns to SOPAC to speak about national affairs journalism and share her perspective on power and politics in Washington, D.C.

SOPAC PRESENTS HEALING SOUNDS

IN THE LOFT on Sunday, May 21 at 5 and 8 p.m. Take off your shoes, get comfortable in your body, and go on a journey of connection to self through this beautifully calming Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath with sound bowl modality healer Sasha Green. Only 44 spots available per ses- sion. Tickets starting at $24.

A GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF WATCHUNG PARK AND PLAZA in Montclair is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In the early days of Montclair’s settlement, Watchung Avenue divided the Dutch farmlands of Speertown in the north end of today’s Montclair from the English farmlands of Cranetown. All that changed when the railroad came through in the late 1800s. Developers bought the farms and created business districts and housing around the new stations. This walk will take you through a turn-of-the-century business district and commuter suburb, developed between 1900 and 1930. The tour will include a special stop at the site of the new Judy Weston Garden in Watchung Park. This event is free. Reservations are required. Go to https://www.montclairhistory. org/all-events/2023/6/4/guided-walking-tourof-watchung-park-and-plaza

THE GIPSY KINGS, FEATURING TONINO BALIARDO, RETURN TO NJPAC ON THEIR “RENAISSANCE TOUR” on Sunday, April 30, at 7 p.m. In the past three decades, the Gipsy Kings have dominated the world music charts and sold more than 14 million albums worldwide. Baliardo, the founder and leader of the Gipsy Kings, is a guitar virtuoso and a composer recognized worldwide. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

JOIN JFS METROWEST AT ITS ANNUAL GALA, “�AN EVENING OF BROADWAY,” ON MONDAY, MAY 15, at 7 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 1025 South Orange Ave. in the Short Hills section of Millburn. Enjoy entertainment by Broadway stars Jackie Burns and Jill Abramovitz. This year, JFS will shine a spotlight on Rachel Coalition’s domestic violence legal services. To purchase tickets, please visit jfsmetrowest.org/gala23/.

NJPAC PRESENTS AVERY SUNSHINE, A PHENOMENAL SINGER TAKING NO DETOURS IN CREATING MELODIOUS MUSIC FOR THE MASSES, on Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Her sound is uplifting, vibrant and, exactly as her namesake suggests, full of sunshine. She brings people together through her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous stage banter, and optimistic anthems about love and life. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

ENJOY A NIGHT OF FADO WITH HÉLDER MOUTINHO AND MARIA EMÍLIA AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. The singers bring their unique stylings to the stage accompanied by expressive Portuguese guitar. Moutinho evokes love, loss and longing in his beautifully emotional vocals. The magnetic Emília, originally from Brazil, is equally adept at conveying deep melancholy and hopeful joy. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

SINGER-SONGWRITER MARISA MONTE, ONE OF BRAZIL’S MOST ADVENTUROUS AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED STARS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, will be performing at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Monte is known best for her exquisite voice as well as her international popularity, yet she’s also accomplished in other realms such as songwriting, production and collaboration. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD AND POCO

LEGACY SHOW – The History of Richie Furay on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. with very special guest John Ford Coley of England Dan and John Ford Coley, South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, tickets starting at $75.

THE MOTOR CITY REVUE, THE ULTIMATE MOTOWN TRIBUTE on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Motor City Revue takes audiences on a journey back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound. This 11piece tribute band will have you dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and others. Tickets starting at $25. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, tickets starting at $75.

THE BODEANS on Thursday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Midwest Artists exhibit, BoDeans, led by frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann continue to contribute to the American songbook. Tickets starting at $29. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange

GRAMMY-NOMINEE EMILY KING will make her SOPAC debut on the same night as her album Special Occasion releases—Friday, May 5. One of Broadway’s biggest stars Laura Benanti returns to SOPAC on Sunday, May 7, with her mother Linda Benanti in their humorous show about mother-daughter relationships, “Mothers Know Best.” Then, on Friday, May 19, ingenious, Indie-Folk Sondheim revisionist Eleri Ward will make her SOPAC debut. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council within the College of Communication and the Arts on Monday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. Seton Hall University Chorus', Chamber Choir's and Orchestra's "Celebration of Spring" concert. They will present everything from Mozart and other classical composers to well-known film scores. Tickets starting at $5. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.

THE BEST OF THE EAGLES, tribute band on Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m.

Founded in 2012 by world-class musicians from central New Jersey, the Best of the Eagles is more than just a tribute band. It’s a band that encapsulates the aura of one of America’s classic rock bands. Witness the magic of the Best of the Eagles at SOPAC. Tickets starting at $29. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.

STEPHANE WREMBEL PRESENTS

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DJANGO A GOGO MUSIC FESTIVAL from May 3 to May 6, at The Woodland in Maplewood, N.J., and The Town Hall in NYC. The three concerts at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, include: May 3, The Art of the Guitar with Stephane Wrembel Band. Thursday, May 4, The Art of the Violin, featuring violinist Jason Anick and Trio Dinicu. Friday, May 5, Django New Orleans CD/Vinyl Release Show, Wrembel will celebrate the release of a new album, “Django New Orleans,” recorded with his NYC-based super group of musicians. The shows at The Woodland are open to patrons of all ages. All shows begin at 8 p.m./doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 per show. There are a limited number of 3-day passes for $90. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.djangoagogo.com. The main event for Django A Gogo will be held at The Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., New York, NY, on Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Theater

“THE JUNGLE BOOK” WILL BE PERFORMED FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON SATURDAY, May 6, at 1 p.m. at SOPAC. Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this tale will delight the young and the young at heart. SOPAC is located at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. To purchase tickets, visit sopacnow.org.

“DINO RANCH LIVE” IS COMING TO NJPAC ON SUNDAY, May 21, At 1 p.m.

The fun-filled, family friendly and actionpacked live show is based on the hit animated series seen on Disney Junior and follows the adventures of the Cassidy family and junior ranchers Jon, Min and Miguel; their loveable dinos Blitz, Clover and Tango; and the mischievous Tin Horn Trio. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

“GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES” will be performed on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the Victoria Theater, Llizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. This reimagining of classic fairy tales follows Jay and Will Grimmz, the hip-hop, fable, dance-pop sensation brothers. Their modern-day spin on the Grimm Brothers’ 19th-century collection of popular folklore features hits such as “Snow White and the Seven Shawties,” “Rapunzel: Let Down Your Hair,” “Hansel & Gretel: Out in the Streets,” and their first featured “granny-winning” song, “Cinderella Remix,” in their “hip hop revelation for the younger generation. Tickets range from $30 to $35 and are currently on sale. Purchase tickets at NJPAC.org or by calling 888-GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center St.