MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the next chapter of our 19th cultural season. I’m pleased with the work we’ve done to create an inclusive space for our talented artists — and for you, our growing community — to truly dig into our theme of Songs, Stories & Celebration. Your continued support and friendship mean the world to us. We’re bursting with excitement as we enter the second half of our season with some extraordinary singers, instrumentalists & improvisers. Building on last year’s phenomenal sold-out energy, I’m delighted to welcome back our dear friend Mike Griot and his Winter Edition of the South Orange International Blues Fest. This year, his program celebrates Women of the Blues: Sue Foley, Alexis P. Suter, and Rae Simone on Friday, February 7 at 7:30PM. And I truly can’t wait to hear Kurt Elling on Thursday, April 3 at 7PM. A singer I can only describe as a vocal master, Kurt and his lively ensemble celebrate the music and enduring legacy of Weather Report, the premier fusion band of the 1970s and ’80s.
I would like to invite all our patrons to participate in our newly launched LOFT Series Multibuy Package, which includes exclusive discounts for Laughs in the Loft, curated by Joe Larson; Jazz in the Loft, curated by John Lee; Cabaret in the Loft, curated by Matt Luminello; and Healing Sounds in the Loft, presented by Sound Bowl Modality Healer Sasha Green. I’m particularly inspired by our upcoming Jazz programming — which features so many local legends, including Nat Adderley, Jr., Winard Harper, Dave Stryker, and more — and our Healing Sounds programming, which provides that mid-season decompression and reconnection we all need.
Not surprising to anyone on the SOPAC programming team, our Kids + Family series always appeals to audiences of all ages, and I believe this season is no exception. Though I must admit, I’m excited to see our youngest patrons dress up as swashbuckling pirates for the Meet & Greet following our performance of PANTO’s Treasure Island on Saturday, April 12 at 1PM
And I invite you to browse the robust Arts in Education series we present here at SOPAC and in area schools. We are proud of this important, student-centered work and appreciate your support to make it happen and allow it to grow.
Continuing my first full season as your Executive Director, I look forward to getting to know you, the heartbeat of our community. I am here to listen and would love to hear from you. Share your SOPAC memories and hopes for our future at listening@sopacnow.org. Many wonderful moments lie ahead, and I’m honored to continue this journey with you!
Warmly,
Lana Rogachevskaya Executive Director, SOPAC
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Dear SOPAC Community,
It is with great excitement and pride that I share with you to the second half of SOPAC’s 19th cultural season. As the Chair of the Board of Governors, I’ve had the privilege of becoming part of this unique and welcoming institution, and I feel honored to help lead the advancement of SOPAC’s mission.
Through June, our programming continues bringing together diverse voices in music, theatre, dance, visual art, and scholastic excellence, as we present vitalizing live performances and viewings to you, the members of our SOMA community.
Arriving just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Cherish the Ladies graces our stage once more, sharing new spins on traditional Celtic sounds on Friday, March 7 at 7:30PM. I’m thrilled to have the chance to experience this dynamic act at SOPAC and I invite each of you to join us for an event that serves as a bridge between what’s traditional and what’s entirely modern about this special music.
On Friday, March 14 at 7:30PM, I hope you’ll join us for an evening with master guitarist Andy McKee, whose virtuosity is rivaled only by his warmth and sincere love for the music — and the listener. We proudly welcome Andy to SOPAC in partnership with co-presenters NJPAC Productions, and look forward to continuing our relationship with our friends in Newark.
And for those who enjoy a sardonic yet playful rant every now and then, I highly recommend attending Joe DeRosa’s comedy set on Saturday, June 7 at 7:30PM But please, leave the young ones at home for this stand-up event!
At SOPAC, we are more than just a venue; we are a community. We believe in the power of the arts to bring people together, to inspire, and to create lasting memories. I invite you all to join us in celebrating this season’s incredible lineup of performances. Together, let’s continue to support and cherish this wonderful institution that enriches our lives and our community.
Thank you for being a part of SOPAC. And we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors and funders, whose support makes all this possible.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and sharing in the magic of live performance, art, and education!
Warm regards,
Aida Jones Chair of the Board of Governors, SOPAC
2024-25 SOPAC SEASON AT A GLANCE
SUN, MAY 4:
Blues in the Loft
Blues People, Dave Keyes & Chuck Lambert
THU, MAY 22: Emeline Michel
WED, MAY 14: Laughs in the Loft Mommy Issues
SAT, MAY 31: Dead on Live Grateful Dead ’71 - ’72
THU, MAY 15: Glenn Miller Orchestra
WED, JUN 4: Laughs in the Loft Stand Up for Pride!
More performances added throughout the season.
FRI, JUN 6:
An Evening with Avery*Sunshine
FRI, JUN 13: Once Upon a Slay
SAT, JUN 7: Joe DeRosa
SAT, JUN 21: Skerryvore
THU, JUN 12: SOPAC Celebrates Share The Love with Darlene Love
FRI, JUN 27: Songwriters by the Sea
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
THU, MAY 15 AT 7:30PM
Don’t miss the Glenn Miller Orchestra swinging at SOPAC! Experience the live energy of the big band era upheld by an 18-piece ensemble of today’s leading soloists and arrangers. Performing hits like “Chattanooga ChooChoo” and “Moonlight Serenade,” hidden gems like “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “Rainbow Rhapsody,” “Everybody Loves My Baby,” and “That’s Sabotage,” and many more Miller-style tunes, this high-octane outfit shares lush, engaging renditions of timeless music. Experience a hard-swinging performance that will keep you snapping and tapping through the evening.
Emeline Michel
HAITI’S QUEEN OF CREOLE SONG
THU, MAY 22 AT 7:30PM SOLD OUT! This performance is SOLD OUT. To be placed on a waitlist, contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow. org. Emeline Michel is full of surprises — and she’s unveiling them all on the SOPAC Mainstage! The internationally acclaimed singer, master entertainer & artistic ambassador presents a lively set that bonds traditional Haitian rhythms from Compas, Twoubadou and Rara with duly influenced and ever-expanding Pop, Jazz & Blues styles. 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!
Dead on Live
GRATEFUL DEAD ’71 -
’72
SAT, MAY 31 AT 7:30PM
The sound, style & synchrony of the Grateful Dead lives on at SOPAC! The deadicated artists of Dead on Live return to the Mainstage to recreate, note for note, instrumental nuances, lush harmonies and signature phrasing of America’s lyrical vagabonds, leaving plenty of room for jamming. This event presents music from beloved live era releases of 1971-1972, featuring favorites from Skull and Roses, Jerry’s first solo release Garcia, classic album Europe 72, and more. The artists perform “Wharf Rat,” “The Wheel,” “China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider” (in its entirety!), “Mexicali Blues,” and “One More Saturday Night” as they were recorded. Ain’t no time to hate — barely time to wait — get your tickets today!
An Evening with Avery*Sunshine
FRI, JUN 6 AT 7:30PM
2025 Grammy Award-winner of Best Progressive R&B Album, Avery*Sunshine delights audiences across generations with her intimate storytelling, soul-driven originals, dynamic vocals & mastery of phrasing. This season, she brings her energetic ensemble to the SOPAC Mainstage! An internationally acclaimed artist, Sunshine performs celebratory music that draws from Neo-soul, R&B, Gospel, Funk & more! Don’t miss this uplifting set live at SOPAC!
Joe DeRosa
SAT, JUN 7 AT 7:30 PM
SOPAC welcomes the Mainstage debut of award-winning comic Joe DeRosa! Many know Joe from his recurring appearance as Dr. Caldera on Better Call Saul, and his six top-ten charting stand-up albums, as well as his regular performances on TV, film & radio. But to experience his live comedy is to experience the artist at his rawest, realest, and most acerbic. Don’t miss this brilliant comic live at SOPAC!
SOPAC Celebrates
Share The Love
WITH DARLENE LOVE
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 AT 7PM
Join us for a special fundraising evening honoring SOPAC’s role as the cultural anchor of South Orange and beyond —bringing world-class performances, transformative arts education, and meaningful community connections to our region. Featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Darlene Love and an Exclusive VIP Reception.
ENGAGE. ENRICH. EMPOWER.
SOPAC CONNECTS
Each season, SOPAC delivers programming within and beyond its storied walls directly to you, the surrounding community. Through educational offerings, volunteer opportunities, community and corporate venue rentals, and year-round gallery exhibits, SOPAC facilitates a cultural, professional, and academic exchange with students and teachers, local artists and businesses, and residents of all ages.
ARTS EDUCATION
SOPAC empowers over 6,500 students across more than half of Essex County’s schools through visual arts, dance, and music programming. Aiming to instill a passion for the arts, SOPAC champions arts education as a transformative force in the lives of all students. Programs include
• School Performance Series
• Arts Residencies in Strings, Jazz, and Alvin Ailey’s AileyDance Kids
• INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artists Exhibition in the Herb + Milly Iris Galley
• Poetry Out Loud
Learn more about SOPAC’s education programming at sopacnow.org.
THE HERB + MILLY IRIS GALLERY
The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC features a diverse curation of emerging artists bringing contemporary art to a wider audience. Established by beloved SOPAC Board Member Milly Iris, a respected South Orange resident and fierce arts advocate, the gallery transmits her passion for art and access. Located on the venue’s second and third floors,
the striking space holds 4-5 art exhibits each year. The gallery is open MondaySaturday, 12PM-6PM, plus two hours prior to SOPAC performances.
VENUE RENTALS
SOPAC’s two state-of-the-art venues are available throughout the year for community, corporate, and private events. The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall provides an intimate audience experience, while The Loft @ SOPAC provides a 2,000+ square-foot space for conferences, expos, celebrations, and more. Fill out an inquiry form at sopacnow.org/rentals.
VOLUNTEERING
So much depends on SOPAC’s mighty team of volunteers. The volunteer program offers a variety of on-site and virtual opportunities including administrative support, on-site ushering, or contributing professional expertise and consulting. Volunteers not only contribute to SOPAC’s ongoing success but also enjoy a suite of perks, including appreciation events throughout the year! Learn more and sign up at sopacnow.org/volunteer.
Friends of SOPAC is our new major donor society composed of especially generous arts philanthropists. As a Friend of SOPAC, your vital support can help bring world-class entertainment to our stage, provide transformational arts experiences for our community, and help elevate SOMA’s position as a regional culture hub.
By joining Friends of SOPAC with an annual commitment of $1,000 or more, you will join a growing network of enthusiastic arts-lovers and receive access to a host of benefits such as:
• Inivitations to Salons and VIP Experiences
• Backstage and Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• VIP Seating
• And much more!
Friends of SOPAC benefits are in addition to all the great perks you receive with a traditional Champion-level SOPAC Membership. Monthly and quarterly installment plans and annually renewing options are available to make supporting SOPAC affordable and convenient.
SOPAC DONORS & MEMBERS
as of October 3, 2024
The following individual and institutional supporters have provided vital resources to help SOPAC advance our mission over the past year:
Donors and Members
Katherine Abbott
Hawley Abelow and Phillip Schmiedl
Niso Abuaf
The Ackersons
Lauren Ackland and George Hayman
Steve Adamczyk and Rita DiMatteo
Ian Adams
Susan and William Adelson
Deborah M and Robert Adler
Josh and Jessica Adler
Mary Kay and Steve Alberto
John and Karen Alexander
Jonathan Alper
Sylvia Amato
Edward Amster
Claire and Elliot Asarnow
David and Joani Ascher
Audio Inc
Bruce Azumbrado
Genine Babakian and Diederik Lohman
Lisa Bahler and Fred Douglis
Bruce R Balbach
Roberta and Neil Baldwin
Vicky Banach
Peggy and Alan Barnett
Kirk Barrett and Margaret McBrien
Hailey Barton
Francesco Basile
The Bayer Family
John and Kathleen Beard
Martin Bearg
Richard Bell and Meredith Rush-Bell
Sangeeta Benbow
John and Holly Benge
Fred and Sheree Bennett
Carol Berman
Marc and Janice Berman
Marilyn B and Sidney Schenck
Bob Bertrand and Esther Cohen
Hamlet Bey and Deborah Yvonne Evans
Jonathan Bien and Mari Yamasaki
Vicki Bixel and Christina Bixland
Felicia Blatch-Cooper and Charles Cooper
Les and Leslie Blatt
Margo Bloom and Mark Seal
Dennis and Stacey Borden
Barbara Bornstein
Gloria Boseman and Breon Boseman-Sims
Kyle and Stacey Bossard
Maribeth Bowen
Terry Bowman and Jacob Josefsberg
Timothy Bracaglia
Sheryl and Maurice Braka
Donald Brief and Dorothy Litwin Brief
Sharon Brill
Carol and Larry Brodey
Rachel Brook and Erik San Julian
Allison Brown
Gregory and Roxanne Burrus
Anthony and Michele Buysse
Ellen and Theodore Calefati
Vijya Campagne
Jill and Wayne Canastra
Arden Canecchia and Richard Tornambe Canecchia
Martha and Steve Carrellas
Kenny Vaughan and Tracy Carroll
Camille and John Carter
Michael Caulfield
Frank and Diane Ceccacci
Jeff Chanin
Michele Chiles-Hickman and Stanford Hickman
Stephen Christensen
Isalys Claudio and Walter Joseph
Alice Cohen and Jonathan Steinberg
Gilda Cohen
Miriam and Jeff Cohen
Susan and Stephen Cohen
Barry Berg and Susan Cohen
Thomas and Mary Pat Colicchio
Robert and Valerie A Conley
Adrian Connolly
Samuel Convissor
Carol and Sanford Cooper
Thomas and Fran Cote
Dr. Conchita and Jesse Crawford
David Crow and Michelle Fox
Amy and Bill Dahn
Robert and Barbara Davison
The Dayhoff Family
Chean and Martha Deephanphongs
Matthew Deleget and Rossana Martinez
Karen and John DeMarco
Stuart Deutsch and Holly Gauthier
Jeff and Tracey Diamond
David Ben-Asher and Sandra Dick
Sandra Dickerson
Vanessa DiSpena and Austin Williams
Amelia Dombrowski and Niall O’Hegarty
Bryn and Joanne Douds
Jacqueline Dougherty
Catherine-Ann Doyle
Bill and Mikie Drummond
Dawn Duffy
William Dunnell
Mark Edgar and Arlaina Tibensky
Barry Ehrlich
Amanda Eigen and Richard Kantor
Richard Eisenberg and Elizabeth Sporkin
Steven and Susan Eisenhauer
Fay and Howard Ellis
William Engel
Catherine and Mitchell Engelmeyer
Gloria Essoka
Irwin and Marylou Facher
Virginia and Brian Falconer
Robert Fallar and Salvatore Carosone
Richard Faughnan and Jeanine Launay
Edward and Pearl Feder
Steven Feldman and Mutlu Bascillar
Allen and Susan Feltman
Jeffrey Fendt
Jim Ferruggiaro and Wendy Zelnick
Patricia and Paul Flanagan
Michael and Yolande Fleming
Stan and Margaret Fogel
Gary and Amy Forman
David and Amanda Fowler
Richard Franco and Megan Persichetti
David Frantz
William Frederick and Jacqui Daniher
Samuel and Renee Fredman
Nancy Friedman
Susan Fryberger
Jane and Joel Furst
Jane Gaertner
Mary Gallagher and Brendan O’Flaherty
Robert and Mattye Gandel
Indranil and Caroline Ganguly
Enrique Garcia-Carrera and Rita Desnoyers-Garcia
Daniel Gardner
Travis Gering and Barbara Salz
Benjamin Geschwind
Patricia and Jim Giese
John Gilris
Jennifer and David Glick
Shelley and Jason Gold
Laurie and Michael Goldberg
Mark Goldberg and Nicole Pivnick Goldberg
Pamela Goldberg
Linda Goldenberg
Alice Goldfarb
Jed Goldstein and Sarah Goldstein
Mark and Lisa Gongloff
Susan and Allan Gorman
Berit and Siran Goro
Albert and Donna Gottlieb
Charles and Katherine Grantham
Jill Greenspun
Wilma Grey
Richard Griffin
Nancy and Raziel Haimi-Cohen
Cynthia and Rodney Halm
Debbie Halpern
Susan and James Hammond
Lonnie Hanauer
Jill and Richard Hanifan
Robert Hans
Please excuse any typos or omissions.
David and Betty Harris
Richard and Jacquelyn Hartley
Karen Hayes
Renee Held
Sharon Henry
Cynthia Herbert
Tom Heymann and Judy Bernstein
Robert and Linda Higgins
Karen Hartshorn Hilton & James J. Hilton
Alice and Laurence Hirsch
Robert Hodge
Dr. Richard and Mrs. Yvette Holowczak
Amy Horowitz and Eugene Stern
Kenneth and Sheri Horwitz
Rachel Howald
Patricia Hughes and Frederick Brandt
Steven Hutchinson
Edward and Emily Hyans
Michael Ibach
Pamella and Kelechi Ibezim
Maria Imas and Matthew Rudansky
Ellen Ingber and Eric Wertheim
Amy and Michael Ipp
Shabbir and Shabnam Irfani
Clark Jackson
Glenn and Lisa Jacobson
Stephen Jacobson and Kanan Shridharani
Michael Jaffe
John and Linda James
Roz and Dan Janowski
Mila and Neil Jasey
Donna M and Stacey Jones
Janyce Jones
Kim Joseph
Genesia and Steven Kamen
Judith and Lawrence Kantor
Drew Karlberg
Michael and Marlene Karu
Daniel Kaslow
Peter Kean
Craig Keaveney and Tracey Cerreto
Deborah Keeffe
Charles Keidel
Lawrence Alexander and Katherine Kenny
Lawrence and Nora Kenny
Patricia and Michael Kent
Jeffrey and Phyllis Kessler
Edward Kirtman and Risa Schifter
The Klee Family
Rabbi Alexandra Klein and Adam Seidman
Jane O’Hara
Andrew and Linda Kleinberg
Allen and Marilyn Kohan
Cliff Kranish and Rachel Spevack
Jill Krasnove
Jessica and James Kurz
Robert and Cathy Kuttner
Jed Kwartler and Carol Barash
Laurie and Roger Landau
Debra Lasowitz and Jeffrey Hays
Matthew and Allison Lawder
Linda Leddy and Arlene McLeer
Donald and Ellen Legow
Kelly and Adam Leight
Molly Leiwant
Warren Leonard and Jim Skelly
Richard and Beth Levine
Robert Levy and Haley Greenwald-Gonella
Andrew and Cynthia Lewis
Lynn Lewis and Nick Moramarco
Fred and Jacqueline Lieberberg
Donna Lifson
Eileen and Robert Linarducci
Jenny and Jon Lindstrom
Rebecca Linn
Lawrence Lipkin and Bridget Brown
Jesse Lipson
Richard and Harriet Liroff
Mark and Melissa Litwin
John and Denise London
Rudy and Lynn Lopes
Michael and Lark Losardo
The Loughran Family
William Ludwig
Heidi and Randy MacBlane
Daniel and Kathleen Mandel
Liza and Jason Mandelbaum
Danielle and Matthew Manuele
Lisa Maresca
Molly Marinik and Ross Margelefsky
William and Lisa Mark
Jeffrey and Joy Markel
Jeffrey Markovitz and Michelle Tomasso
Michael & Jennifer Markovitz
Edward Marks
Thomas and Carrie Marlowe
Jason Martinek and Elizabeth Hickey
Jane and Mary Martinez
Andra Marx and Mark Madonna
Jason Masch and Hadley Groft
Corinne and Tyler Maulsby
The McCafferty Family
Joseph and Kathleen McCusker
Lynn McFarlane
James McIntosh and Mary Jean Gurzenda
Robert and Lorraine Meares
Brian and Freyda Mechlowicz
David and Jamie Meier
Linda Meisner
Peter and Liz Meny
Sandy and Mario Merlino
Nicholas and Kirsten Meyer
Mark Miller and Shelley Sherer Miller
Melissa and Andrew Miller
Margaret Mittricker
Rebecca A Moody
Scott Morgan and Sue Albert
Gloria Mossberg
Nonie and Francis Murphy
Gabriela Nagy
Bernice Napach and Charles Paikert
Nathan and Vanessa Nassif
Louis Nesbitt
Joel and Ashley Newman
Rhonda Nichols-Wyche and Marvin Wyche
Mary Lynne and Chris Nielsen
Aaron and Claire Nierenberg
David and Dawn Ogens
Jeffrey Oliver and Liz Blazer
Terry Orr
Regina Pagano
Ralph Pantozzi and Shawna Hudson
Frank and Diane Passucci
Raymond Patton
Francesca Peckman and Ken Kraus
Janet and William Perlman
Carl and Phylis Peterman
Bonnie and Dan Piparo
David and Susan Pitman
Please excuse any typos or omissions.
Gina and Niko Plaitakis
Clifford and Elaine Pomerantz
Marc and Rayna Pomper
Howard Holtz and Laura Prato
Michael and Christine Preston
Roberta Rabin
Frank Rand and Missy Sullivan
Tracey Randinelli and John Shabe
Jeffrey Rappaport and Beth Stein
Glenn Redbord and Jane Cee
Stephen and Wendy Renov
Eugene R Reynolds
Geoffrey and Graham Richards
Alle Ries and Jon Mach
Donna Ritter and Barry Levinson
Raymond Roberts Jr.
Lynn Roberts and Gina Medina-Hill
James Robertson
Austin and Samantha Robison
Tom and Maricel Rogers
Lynne Rogerson
Daniel Rosen and Ellen Dille
Clara Roth
Matthew Rowe
Matthew Ruderman
Gary and Jessica Sachs
Michael and Lindsey Sag
Fredric Salzberg
Elisa Sananman
Lori Sauer
William and Rebecca Sawyer
Deborah Legow Schatz
Norma Schechner
Alan and Stephanie Scher
Mary Beth Scherer
Cynthia Scherr-Wolf and Gerald Wolf
Robert Schmidlein and Patricia Carey
Claudia Schmidt
Stephen Schnall
Paul Schottland
Karl and Deborah Schuetz
Stephen and Marilyn Schultz
Bela Schwartz and June Zimmerman
Nancy Schwartz and Sean Bailey
Marc and Melissa Schwarz
Marvin and Phoebe Schwinder
Michael and Phyllis Scipio
Alexander Scott and Pam Cailliau
Mary Scott and John Slevin
Marianne and Stuart Sender
Bonnie Sharkey and Brian O’Connor
Lynette Sheard
Ceola Shelton
Robin Sherer and Jordan Aronson
Gary M. Shippy
Mark Showers
Matthew Shubitz
Laurie Siegel
John and Elizabeth Sikora
Max Steven and Julie Silbermann
Daniel and Leslie Silver
Diane Simmons and Burt Kimmelman
Glen and Margaret Skar
Shary and Gary Skoloff
Shelley Slafkes
Valerie Slamka and Roberta Fisher
Peter J and Alison Smith
Burt and Alice Solomon
Amy Sommer
Peter C. Stairiker
Paul Stangas
Janet B. and Donald Steig
David and Sylvia Steiner
Jon Stewart and Anne Ko
Andrea Katz Stimmel and Samantha Stimmel
Samuel Stoloff and Ilena Silverman
Charles and Rebecca Stone
Nancy and David Stone
Maia Stronger
Jenifer and William Strugger
Steven Sussman
Lori Sutherland
Blanche Taliaferro
Albert Tartini
Lindsay Tasher and Steven Ziolkowski
Michael and Emily Tedeschi
Jay Tepper and Ginny Aronson
Jami and Garry Thall
Mary Liane Thatcher and Kerry Keane
Robin Thomas
Darcelle and John Tierney
Patricia Titone and David Butts
James and Joan Tomczyk
Frances Towe and Kim Satterfield
Catherine and Christopher Townsend
Matthew and Adena Traub
Alan and Laura Trembulak
Anita Uotinen
Suzanne Urban Ryan
Craig and Caron Van Dyck
Denise Vigani
Roseanna Vitro and Paul Wickliffe
Thomas Walsh
Craig Ward and Susie Hoeltke-Ward
Karen Wardlaw
Sarah Warren
Karl and Catherine Weber
Arlene Weinberg
Andrew Weinberger and Meredith Willis
Alison Weir and Brian Farran
Max and Gale Weisenfeld
Cheryl and Howard Weiss
Eileen and Larry Weiss
Richard Weller
Albin and Patricia Wicki
Andrea Wilkens
Alex Willick and Dalia Shapiro
Michael Woodland
Michael Woodnick and Pamela Econoply Woodnick
Morris Wrubel
Michael and Jillian Yellin
Alison and Jeremy Young
Susanne Yurasits
Pete and Mary T. Zappulla
N. Peter and Ann Zauber
Robert Zeckhauser
Susan and Alan Zelman
Karen and Liam Zielony
John A. and Roseanna Zoubek
Carole Anzalone-Newman and Douglas Newman
Sue Becker and Faith Baum
Tim and Rachel
Marc and Lisa Chalom
Keesha Chavis
Michael Choy and Shannon Moffett
Sara and Walter Clarke
Harold and Nomi Colton-Max
Paul and Catherine Desjardins
Jeremy and Elizabeth Dobrish
Matt and Bari Epstein
Sanford and Zella Felzenberg
Frederick and Maureen Gammon
Risa Perlmutter Goldstein and Eli Goldstein
Michael and Annette Grimaldi
Randall Haase and Judith Rosenberg
Rod and Jana Jensen
Aida and Steve Jones
Matthew and Judith Sills
Dean and Emily Kameros
Bryna Linett and Peter Shapiro
Josianne Manasse
Taylor Margis-Noguera and Tina Snowden
Joanne and Thomas McMahon
Maria Moser Meister
The Carole and Harold Moskowitz Family Foundation
Steven and Susan Pozner
James and Sharon Schwarz
Leo and Barbara Sender
Robin Sherer
Douglas and Carol Simon
Michaela Stanton and Joseph Pjura
Miriam Vales
Helaine and Jerry Warshaw
Dan and Emily Zacharias
Corporate Matching Gifts
ADP
Ford Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
Novartis
Walmart and Sam’s Club
as of October 3, 2024
Please excuse any typos or omissions.
Tribute Gifts
Charles Binkley in honor of Warren Leonard
Daniel Niland in honor of Warren Leonard
Eugene McLoughlin in honor of Carpenters Union #253 / Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College
Gerald and Susan Lichtenberger in honor of Stefan Lichtenberger
Holy Gauthier and Stuart Deutsch in honor of Warren Leonard
Lori Feinberg Kany and Family in honor of The Hilarious Liz Glazer
Patricia Weston Rivera and William Jones in honor of Frank C. Weston
Memoriam Gifts
Edward Amster in memory of Robin Amster
Dan Arrighi and Sam Joseph in memory of B. Larry Branch
Mary Ballard-Jones in memory of Vernon Jones
Joseph and Nancy Barry in memory of Hugh and Ila Kittle
Keesha Chavis in memory of TaQuanna Mone Green
Gloria Iovine in memory of Patricia Bell
Victoria Kirsch and David Max Segal in memory of Helen E. Goldstein and Andrea N. Kirsch
Michael and Michelle Lepak in memory of Edwin P. Lepak Jr.
Richard and Amy Levy in memory of Louis and Sandra Levy
Jody Lipsky in memory of Dr. Berard Lipsky
Paula Marchese in memory of Gina Marchese
Charlotte McAllister Attenborough in memory of Vivian Leigh McAllister Perry
Darryl L. Novak in memory of Sigrid C. Novak
Dr. Silvia C. Pastor and Dr. Joseph A. Putrino in memory of Sandra and John Putrino
Mark Rosenthal in memory of Elissa Rosenthal
Ann and Mel Schaffer in memory of Pat Bell
Max Segal and Victoria Kirsch in memory of Helen E. Goldstein & Andrea N. Kirsch
Rick Steinberg in memory of Merl Steinberg
Dr. Lynn M. Stradford and Karen Lee Stradford in memory of Eliza A. Stradford, Jr.
Brenda L. Swann-Douglas in memory of Gregory E. Swann
Miriam Vales in memory of Carline Vales
Pier and Gary Villanueva in memory of Elker Smith
SOPAC is more than a cultural space — it’s a community resource. In addition to ticket sales, we rely on grants, sponsorships, in-kind support, and generous donations from patrons like you. Together, we can continue bringing more than 100 arts, culture, and education events to our community each season.
From memberships to charitable contributions, there are a variety of ways to show your support:
• Become a Member
• Make a Donation
• Give Appreciated Stock
• Double or triple your impact with a Corporate Matching Donation
• Give through a Donor-Advised Fund or make an IRA Charitable Contribution
• Honor a loved one with a Memorial or Tribute Gift
• Become a SOPAC Sponsor
Thank you for supporting SOPAC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization!
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SOPAC BOARD OF GOVERNORS
South Orange Performing Arts Center’s Members of the Board of Governors serve as ambassadors to our organization. A dedicated body of volunteer community members, SOPAC Board of Governors contributes their time, talents, and generosity to advance SOPAC’s mission year after year. They are collectively helping SOPAC foster a culture of belonging and helping SOPAC thrill audiences with worldclass arts experiences.
BOARD OFFICERS
Aida Jones — Board Chair
Matt Epstein — Board Vice-Chair
Randall E. Haase — Board Treasurer
Katherine Tooley — Board Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Christopher Aurilio — Seton Hall University Liaison
Claudine Baptiste
Paul Bartick
Marc Chalom
Keesha Chavis
Sheena Collum — South Orange Village President
Jeremy Dobrish
Melissa Hodge — South Orange Downtown Liaison
Summer Jones — South Orange Village Trustee Liaison
Dean Kameros
Josianne Manasse, OD
Taylor Marguis-Noguera
Steve Schnall
Leo Sender
Miriam Vales
with Darlene Love
THU, JUN 12 AT 7PM
Join us for a special evening honoring SOPAC’s role as the cultural anchor of South Orange & beyond — bringing world-class performances, transformative arts education, and meaningful community connections to our region. Featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Darlene Love and an Exclusive VIP Reception.
Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12-6PM and two hours prior to performances.
FOR TICKETS AND DETAILS, SCAN THE QR CODE.