Grunin Center Spring 2024 Brochure by Ocean County College

SPRING 2024

Photo by Marconi Photography

A Message from Executive and Artistic Director Heidi M. Sheridan

A Message from Jay Grunin

Welcome to the Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College! Thanks to the enormous generosity of the Grunin Foundation, we are excited to bring yet another season of world-class performances and cultural events to Ocean County. From awardwinning vocalists and musicians to esteemed lecturers to family and educational programming and more, our season’s offerings present something for everyone in our shore community. We hope that you will join us! The Grunin Foundation endowment has transformed arts engagement in Ocean County, and with your continued patronage, we can look forward to a future of exciting performances. Please join us as the arts come alive in Ocean County. I look forward to welcoming you to many of our Spring 2024 shows.

For over 50 years, I have called Ocean County my home. It is where I began and grew my law career with my late wife and law partner, Linda, started my family, and co-founded the Grunin Foundation. We established the Grunin Foundation to give back to the community that afforded us so many incredible opportunities. Building authentic relationships with community is the cornerstone of who we are as a Foundation, and of our work. And now today, 10 years later, we are honored to continue listening, learning and growing with the Central Jersey Shore community and beyond. Supporting organizations and experiences that connect our community is so important to us, and The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts provides that everimportant connection through the arts, educational programming, and cultural resources. The Center’s dedication to the arts and to the people of the Central Jersey Shore is evident and we are proud to be a partner in community with them.

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

Spring 2024 at a Glance Nai Ni Chen...............................................................................................January 13 The University of Wonder & Imagination................................................January 25 Pine Street Winds.....................................................................................January 26 Rhapsody in Black.................................................................................... February 1 CelloGayageum........................................................................................ February 8 Emiko Edwards, Piano........................................................................... February 16 Rabbit Hole........................................................................................ February 16-25 Buckets N Boards................................................................................... February 24 Dr. Jeffrey Morton.................................................................................. February 26 The Princeton Singers................................................................................... March 1 123 Andrés..................................................................................................... March 3 Aspirations of a Professional Athlete........................................................... March 6 Nina Siniakova & Arturo Delmoni, Piano..................................................... March 8 The Doo Wop Project.................................................................................... March 8 Rhythm of the Dance.................................................................................. March 13 ELLA The Early Years................................................................................... March 15 Kuniko Yamamoto....................................................................................... March 21 Time for Three............................................................................................. March 24 Twinkle Time....................................................................................................April 3 Margarita Rovenskaya, Piano..........................................................................April 5 The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass .................................................April 6 Reginald Dwayne Betts..................................................................................April 10 The Importance of Being Earnest............................................................April 12-21 The Weeklings BeatlesBash...........................................................................April 13 BCCT presents Mary Poppins Jr................................................................April 19-21 The Works of Langston Hughes.....................................................................April 23 An Evening with John Leguizamo.................................................................April 24 Sentimental Journey Big Band......................................................................April 28 OCC Concert Band.............................................................................................May 4 Awadagin Pratt................................................................................................ May 17 James Austin, Jr..............................................................................................May 19 Finding North..................................................................................................May 21 The Breakers.................................................................................................... June 1 Joel Zelnik Trio................................................................................................ June 2

SERIES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Grunin Presents

Enjoy premier events on the Grunin Center Main Stage! These shows will surely delight audiences by featuring touring acts from around the world. Buy More, Save More Subscription Buy 3 Events…Save 10% Buy 5 Events…Save 15% Buy 7 Events…Save 20% Subscription eligible events to choose from: 1. CelloGayageum 2. The Princeton Singers 3. The Doo Wop Project 4. Rhythm of the Dance 5. ELLA The Early Years 6. Time for Three 7. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass 8. The Weeklings - BeatlesBash! 9. The Breakers

IMPORTANT DATES! Subscriptions on sale November 8, 2023 at noon. Individual tickets on sale November 15, 2023 at noon.

Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon

Afternoon Recital Series

Jazz melodies fill the air on select Sunday afternoons at the Grunin Center.

OCC music faculty curates the Afternoon Recital Series and provides access to classical music to OCC Students and the community alike.

Sponsored by The Wintrode Family Foundation

Jazz Club Subscription Purchase all three Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon events for a 15% discount on tickets to both ELLA The Early Years and The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. A $24 savings! Included events: 1. ELLA The Early Years 2. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass 3. Sentimental Journey Big Band 4. James Austin, Jr. 5. Joel Zelnik Trio

Sponsored by the Ocean County College Foundation

Classical Club Subscription Buy all five Afternoon Recital Series events and save 15%! Included shows: 1. Pine Street Winds 2. Emiko Edwards 3. Nina Siniakova & Arturo Delmoni 4. Margarita Rovenskaya 5. Awadagin Pratt

Family Series

Sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center

Enjoy an afternoon out with the entire family! Our Family Series shows are entertaining (and often educational) for all ages. Family Series Subscription Save 15% when you buy all four Family Series events! Included shows: 1. Nai Ni Chen 2. Buckets N Boards 3. 123 Andrés 4. Twinkle Time

OCC Repertory Theatre Company The OCC Repertory Theatre Company creates opportunities for college and community participation in a variety of rich and diverse theatrical experiences. Spring 2024 shows: 1. Rabbit Hole 2. The Importance of Being Earnest

grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

FAMILYSERIES

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE REPERTORY THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS Rabbit Hole delves into the complexity of a family navigating deep grief, and learning what it means to live a fruitful life when things fall apart.

THURS. CelloGayageum is an exceptional FEB. intercultural musical duo comprised of cellist Sol Daniel Kim and gayageum player Dayoung Yoon. Their unique fusion of instruments 7 : 0 0 P M and musical styles creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. By showcasing the beauty and richness of South Korean music to audiences around the world, they are redefining what it means to be a global musical act.

$25 Main Stage

A spectacular production of dazzling props, colorful costumes, mesmerizing music, fantastic acrobatics, and lively dance by top-notch performers telling the story of the origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year. In this legend, a group of villagers work together to defeat a terrifying monster. This heartwarming story highlights 1 : 0 0 P M the intrinsic value of coming together, courage, hard work, and ingenuity.

Adult: $15  Child: $12 Main Stage 4

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

Sponsored by

Immerse yourself in a musical journey that spans genres and eras, featuring a dynamic repertoire that promises to enchant. From Danzi’s characteristically classical Wind Quintet in B-flat Major to Mahler’s lyrical Three Songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn, the Pine Street Winds will fill your afternoon with a memorable 2 : 0 0 P M performance. Rediscover the charm of William Grant Still’s Five Miniatures and the inventiveness of Hindemith’s Kleine Kammermusik.

Main Stage

ER IE S

RI E S

Sponsored by

Join pianist Emiko Edwards as she explores the concept of homage in classical music—a celebration of composers by composers themselves. Enjoy a captivating 2 : 0 0 PM performance featuring works by Manuel de Falla (Homenaje “Pour le Tombeau de Debussy”), J.S. Bach (Concerto in D minor after Alessandro Marcello, BWV 974), and Ferruccio Busoni (Chaconne in D minor BWV 1004). Don’t miss this enchanting tribute to musical genius!

FRI. JAN.

AL T I AF TERNOON REC FRI. FEB.

SAT. JAN.

Red Firecrackers

AFTERNOON

AL T I REC

Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. “David LindsayAbaire has crafted a drama that’s not just a departure but a revelation—an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty.” Variety. This production is presented in loving memory of William Salmons.

$7 This engagement is made possible through the Performing Arts Global Exchange program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Friday, February 16 • 7:30pm Saturday, February 17 • 7:30pm Sunday, February 18 • 2:00pm Friday, February 23 • 7:30pm Saturday, February 24 • 2:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday, February 25 • 2:00pm

Adult: $15  Senior: $12 Black Box Theater

Main Stage Sponsored by

grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

BLAUVELT SPEAKER SERIES

FAMILYSERIES

presented by

MON. FEB.

Foreign Policy Association Fellow Dr. Jeffrey Morton will provide an analysis of the global great power system and consider U.S. options in confronting rising threats from its 12:30PM principal geopolitical rivals in his talk titled, “Confronting China E FO R C LI C K H E R S T E K C I and Russia with a Shattered T Foreign Policy.”

Free

SUN. Christina and Andrés are 123 Andrés, MARCH the Latin Grammy-winning duo

Main Stage

The cost of this ticket has been generously underwritten by the sponsors of the Blauvelt Speaker Series.

Love is in the Air FRI. Celebrate four MARCH incredible decades of

known for their interactive, high energy shows. They bring fresh original songs that blend Spanish and 1 : 0 0 P M English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. Their show is full of positive vibes and energetic songs for the whole family!

Adult: $17  Child: $12 Main Stage

Sponsored by

SAT. FEB.

Buckets N Boards is a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of amazing percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and an incredible variety of musical talents! Matthew Levingston and Gareth Sever have hand-crafted a Sponsored by 11:00AM fresh and unique clean comedy experience for the entire family to enjoy.

& 2:00PM

Adult: $20  Child: $15 6

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

Main Stage

musical harmony with The Princeton Singers! Led by conductor7 : 3 0 P M composer Steven Sametz, they have dazzled audiences worldwide with everything from medieval chants to Arab-Andalusian muwashahat. Join in the joys of love, with kissing, drinking, and insect songs!

$25 Main Stage grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

BLAUVELT SPEAKER SERIES presented by

FRI. From the street corner harmonies to today’s chartMARCH toppers, join us as we relive the evolution of Doo Wop

ER IE S

AF TERNOO

AL T I C N RE

music. Featuring stars from Broadway’s Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical, and A Bronx Tale, The Doo Wop 8 : 0 0 P M Project delivers unmatched authenticity and vocal excellence, breathing new life into the greatest American pop and rock classics. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical experience!

Orchestra: $49  Mezzanine: $45 Main Stage

FRI. Experience an afternoon of musical brilliance as MARCH Arturo Delmoni, a celebrated violinist, and

Aspirations of a Professional Athlete WED. Join us for a captivating evening of success stories from the MARCH Jersey Shore’s finest professional athletes! In this panel

6:00PM C LI C K H E R

E FO R

TICKET

discussion led by Kevin Williams, a 40-year veteran in local sports broadcasting, we’ll explore the highs and lows of making it in the world of sports.

Free

internationally acclaimed composer-pianist, Nina Siniakova, take the stage together! 2 : 0 0 P M Enjoy beloved classical hits, jazz classics, and enchanting original compositions by Siniakova.

Bösendorfer Room (A-203)

Main Stage

The cost of this ticket has been generously underwritten by the sponsors of the Blauvelt Speaker Series.

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

Sponsored by

WED. Experience the magic of live music, incredible MARCH vocals, and world-champion dancers in a

captivating show! Feel the pulse of lightning-fast rhythms, marvel at slick choreography by champion step dancers, and let the live band 7 : 0 0 P M sweep you off your feet!

Orchestra: $42  Mezzanine: $38 Main Stage grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

BLAUVELT SPEAKER SERIES

FAMILYSERIES

presented by

TIME FOR THREE

WED. APRIL

SUN. This Grammy-winning, dynamic trio MARCH defies conventions and merges

ER IE S

classical, Americana, and singersongwriter genres, creating a fresh and unforgettable sound. Experience the 2 : 0 0 P M magic as Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals) blend their instruments and voices, bringing Western music traditions to life in a whole new way.

Orchestra: $35  Mezzanine: $30 Main Stage

Join the bilingual sensation, Twinkle, for an electrifying pop/ rock/hip hop concert! With her distinctive vocals, high-energy hip-hop dance moves, and a 1 1 : 0 0 A M dazzling band, Twinkle delivers a & 2:00PM* show-stopping performance of her *Relaxed original songs in English and performance Spanish. Hailed as “Lady Gaga for kids,” she’s won hearts worldwide on YouTube and social media. Twinkle’s music and flamboyant Harajuku style inspire kids to embrace differences and celebrate their uniqueness!

WED. APRIL

FRI. Join us for a swinging journey MARCH through music history as acclaimed

chanteuse and music historian, Amanda King, brings to life Ella Fitzgerald’s early years with the Chick 8 : 0 0 P M Webb Orchestra. Discover Ella’s origins, inspirations, and the music of the 1930s in ELLA The Early Years, a captivating show of song and history!

rchestra: $35 O Mezzanine: $30 Main Stage 10

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

dult: $20 A Child: $15 Management: Park Avenue Artists Booking: Opus 3 Artists

Discover Reginald Dwayne Betts, a poet and lawyer, named a 2021 MacArthur Fellow. As Executive Director of Freedom Reads, he’s 11:00AM revolutionizing prison literature access through Freedom Libraries nationwide. For over two decades, E FO R C LI C K H E R S Betts has delved into the prison T TICKE world, shedding light on the impact of violence and incarceration in American society through his powerful poetry and essays.

AF TERNOO

AL T I C N RE

FRI. APRIL

Embark on a musical journey with Margarita Rovenskaya! Explore the enchanting world of Dvorak, Smetana, Janacek, and Ivana Loudova in this recital. These 2 : 0 0 PM innovative composers introduced new harmonies and melodies inspired by their homeland, enriching classical music with a touch of Czech spirit. Join us to experience the folk harmonies and traditions that define Czech music!

Come listen to the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, America’s premier large brass ensemble! With roots tracing back to the vibrant streets of New 8: 0 0 PM Orleans, this family-owned and operated group heeded the advice of Ellis Marsalis to break genre barriers and forge a unique connection between artists and audience. Join us for a musical experience like no other!

SAT. APRIL

Free

Main Stage

The cost of this ticket has been generously underwritten by the sponsors of the Blauvelt Speaker Series.

O rchestra: $48 Mezzanine: $40 Main Stage

Main Stage

Sponsored by

The cost of this program has been generously underwritten by the Ocean County College Foundation.

grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

THE OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE CONCERT BAND PRESENTS

SUN. JUNE

The Joel Zelnik Trio presents My Bill Evans – A Personal Conversation, a celebration of the legendary Bill Evans, one of history’s most significant jazz pianists. Join us for a 3:0 0 PM night of signature Evans compositions and Zelnik’s own works influenced by Evans. Joel Zelnik has graced jazz clubs in New York and New Jersey for over five decades and leads a stellar trio with bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer David Cox.

ON A

S U N D AY AFTERNOON

SUN. APRIL

Immerse yourself in melodies that once carried our nation through a pivotal moment in American history. Sentimental Journey Big Band is here to transport you back to the 1940s with 3:0 0 PM the timeless sounds of Swing and Jazz.

Adult: $24  Senior: $20 Main Stage Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon is made possible, in part, through the support of The Wintrode Family Foundation.

A Musical World Tour SAT. MAY

Get ready for a musical adventure like no other! Join the fabulous OCC Concert Band as we embark on a global journey through music. Our itinerary includes stops in England, 7:0 0 PM Spain, Italy, Russia, Cuba, and a grand finale with some good old-fashioned American tunes.

ON A

S U N D AY AFTERNOON

dult: $20 A Senior: $18 Child: $10 Main Stage

FT ER N

OON RECITAL

FRI. MAY

Experience a captivating afternoon with Awadagin Pratt, as he takes you on a musical journey through four centuries of piano masterpieces. From Baroque brilliance to Romantic enchantment, this 2:0 0PM program features works by Couperin, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary pieces by Glass, Vasks, and jazz legend Fred Hersh. The grand finale: Franz Liszt’s virtuoso masterpiece, the Sonata in B minor.

$12

Main Stage Sponsored by

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

Adult: $24  Senior: $20

ES I R SE Jazz pianist James Austin Jr. will take you through a range of jazz standards by Great American Songbook composers like Cole Porter and modern classics by living legend Stevie Wonder. Featuring 3:0 0 PM selections from James’ acclaimed album, Songs in the Key of Wonder, and joined by his talented associates: Jarrard Harris on saxophone, Ben Rubens on bass, and Jeremy Warren on drums, this afternoon promises unforgettable jazz excellence!

Gia Maione Prima Foundation Studio Theatre

SUN. MAY

Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon is made possible, in part, through the support of The Wintrode Family Foundation.

Adult: $24  Senior: $20 Main Stage Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon is made possible, in part, through the support of The Wintrode Family Foundation.

Relive the magic of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with The Breakers. Dedicated to keeping the spirit of Tom Petty alive, they provide fans with an authentic live experience 8:0 0PM like no other tribute band. The Breakers pride themselves on delivering the genuine sound and emotions that make Tom Petty’s music unforgettable.

SAT. JUNE

ON A

S U N D AY AFTERNOON

$35 Main Stage

grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

Schools ‘N Stage The Grunin Center presents programming for kindergarten through college-age students that offers access and exposure to the arts, sciences, and fun! Contact Jaclyn Wood at 732-255-0400 ext. 2487 to have your students participate!

MON. 123 Andrés MARCH Appropriate for

WED. JAN.

Nai Ni Chen Dance Company THURS. Red Firecrackers

JAN.

Pre-K through 6th grade.

The Robert J. Novins Planetarium, located on the Ocean County College campus, brings students,

residents, and visitors together through educational, immersive, and engaging astronomy and science programming. Through the 103-seat dome theater, the Novins Planetarium is a gateway to learning about our earth, the solar system, and beyond. In addition to our public shows, the Novins Planetarium offers programs for schools and camp groups, birthday parties, and special themed events. Visit us online at go.ocean.edu/planetarium or call 732-255-0343.

Appropriate for grades 3-8.

THURS. Kuniko Yamamoto MARCH Appropriate for grades K-6.

In-school programs available March 18-20. Contact Jaclyn Wood for more details.

TUES. MAY

Finding North

THURS. The University of JAN. Wonder and Imagination

Appropriate for grades 2-6.

Appropriate for grades 5-12.

THURS. CelloGayageum FEB. Appropriate for

Grunin Center for the Arts • Spring 2024

4th grade-college.

These programs are funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and a grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts administered by The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission; the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the OCC Foundation, and the Arts for Everyone Fund. grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500

ADA wheelchair and companion seating is available. Assisted listening devices are available at all performances.

Rental Presenters