Welcome to the 19th Cultural Season at SOPAC! As the new Executive Director, I already feel the pulse of our community through songs, stories, and celebrations, and I’m excited to embark on this journey with you.
As I continue immersing myself in the world of SOPAC, I’m heartened by our dedicated family of cultural curators who passionately share their vision each season. Under the leadership of our Programming Director, Dan Stankus, this season reconnects us with beloved artists and introduces new talent. From intimate gatherings in the Loft to annual (sold-out) performances including Giants of Jazz and South Orange International Blues Festival; from Comedy competitions to Broadway concerts; from year-long school residencies to multi-generational family shows — SOMA residents and neighboring guests have countless opportunities to feel SOPAC’s pulse within our walls and throughout our community.
As you browse our season offerings, I encourage you to consider that the word art comes from the Indo-European root ar-, meaning “to put things together.” As practicing teaching artist Eric Booth reminds us: “art is how we invest ourselves in creating things, how we put things together, be they objects, ideas, or experiences, that matter to us.” I invite you to create your own encounters with SOPAC. Whether you rediscover a sense of wonder, savor the healing sounds of your favorite bands, or spend meaningful time with your loved ones, we hope you feel welcomed and well nourished.
Throughout the season, we’ll announce new programs, gallery exhibits, and VIP perks that foster inspiration, play, and creativity. Artistic experiences happen not to us but with us. Join us at SOPAC to put things together and create meaningful moments and memories.
Sincerely,
Lana Rogachevskaya Executive Director
This season would not be possible without all of you and our extraordinary sponsors and partners.
Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust
Experience the best of SOPAC’s iconic LOFT events with our new multibuy package! Whether you love Comedy, Jazz, or Healing Sounds, there’s something for everyone. Choose from Laughs in the Loft, Cabaret in the Loft, Jazz in the Loft, and Healing Sounds in the Loft, and enjoy exclusive discounts by selecting multiple events.
Multibuy Levels:
3 EVENTS: SAVE 15%
5 EVENTS: SAVE 20%
Opt in now and access dynamic offerings from the SOPAC LOFT while enjoying elite savings.
SEASON AT A GLANCE
LAUGHS IN THE LOFT
WED, SEP 4 AT 7:30PM
JOSÉ JAMES PRESENTS 1978
FRI, SEP 6 AT 8PM FRIENDS OF THE BROTHERS
A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band
SAT, SEP 7 AT 7PM
BOB MOULD
Solo Electric
FRI, SEP 13 AT 8PM
AN EVENING WITH ROGER McGUINN
SAT, SEP 14 AT 8PM
DIZZY GILLESPIE
AFRO-LATIN
EXPERIENCE
FRI, SEP 20 AT 8PM
THE JIMMY VIVINO BAND
FRI, SEP 27 AT 8PM
SUZANNE VEGA
Old Songs, New Songs, & Other Songs
SAT, SEP 28 AT 8PM
TEXAS FLOOD
A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn SUN, SEP 29 AT 7:30PM
LAUGHS IN THE LOFT
WED, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL SONGBOOK
ft Aztec Two-Step 2.0 SUN, OCT 6 AT 7PM
Cabaret in the Loft
SOPAC’S
HALLOQWEEN
SPOOKTACULAR
SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM
MASTERS OF THE TELECASTER
ft. GE Smith, Larry Campbell, Jim Weider
SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM
LAUGHS IN THE LOFT
WED, NOV 13 AT 7:30PM
THE BAD PLUS
THU, NOV 14 AT 7PM
LADIES OF LAUGHTER
THU, NOV 21 AT 7:30PM
THE LAST WALTZ CELEBRATION
Featuring The THE BAND Band & Special Guests
SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM
GIANTS OF JAZZ SAT, NOV 30 AT 8PM LAUGHS IN THE LOFT
WED, DEC 4 AT 7:30PM
HOLIDAY STOMP with The Hot Sardines FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM
MANDY GONZALEZ
Home for the Holidays SUN, DEC 8 AT 7:30PM
VALERIE SIMPSON & FRIENDS
Sing Ashford & Simpson SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM
NEFESH MOUNTAIN SUN, DEC 15 AT 7:30PM
SEPTEMBER
Jose James Presents 1978
FRI, SEP 6 AT 8PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES
Forward-looking, genre-defying Jazz singer for the hip-hop generation, José James brings his newest album 1978 to SOPAC! This instant classic combines James’ deep love of Jazz and Hip-Hop with nods to R&B heroes Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Leon Ware. This promises to be an evening of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop and more! Don’t miss James’ energetic performance!
Friends of the Brothers
A Celebration of the Allman Brothers
SAT, SEP 7 AT 7PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP
The Friends of the Brothers is a celebration of the music of the Allman Brothers Band. Friends is committed to making each night a unique, passionate, and energetic tribute to the legendary Allman Brothers Band! They bring together former Allman Brothers Band members and acclaimed Rock musicians to perform the music of the Allman Brothers at SOPAC.
Bob Mould
Solo Electric
FRI, SEP 13 AT 8PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP
Experience singer-songwriter and Rock legend Bob Mould’s prolific solo performance at SOPAC! With a catalog of over 250 songs — one of which was the theme of TV’s The Daily Show — Mould has served as a creative north star to legions of musicians ranging from Dave Grohl to Billie Joe Armstrong. Rolling Stone calls his music “jaw-dropping!”
An Evening with Roger McGuinn
SAT, SEP 14 AT 8PM
GENRE: SINGER-SONGWRITER
A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Roger McGuinn was one of the founding members of one of the most influential psychedelic rock bands of the 1960s, the Byrds, with Gene Clark and David Crosby. From his signature 12-string Rickenbacker sound, to his instantly recognizable vocals on hits like “Turn, Turn, Turn,” “Eight Miles High,” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” McGuinn doesn’t just make music, he makes history.
Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience
FRI, SEP 20 AT 8PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES, WORLD
History has produced its share of great artists and great people—John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was both! Celebrate the legendary trumpeter’s legacy at SOPAC! Led by John Lee — Dizzy’s longtime bassist and musical director, and SOPAC’s Jazz in the Loft curator — along with Gillespie’s former drummer Tommy Campbell, this promises to be an evening of music and passion you don’t want to miss!
The Jimmy Vivino Band
FRI, SEP 27 AT 8PM
GENRE: RHYTHM & BLUES, ROCK & POP
Jimmy Vivino, better known as “Jimmy V,” is bringing his signature Blues sound to SOPAC! Best known for serving as Conan O’Brien’s musical director, guitarist, and band leader for 26 years, Jimmy V’s experience in the music industry predates that by more than 20 years. Don’t miss this Blues visionary at SOPAC this fall!
Suzanne Vega
Old Songs, New Songs, & Other Songs
SAT, SEP 28 AT 8PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP, SINGER-SONGWRITER
Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega has been making “vital, inventive music” (NPR Music) throughout the course of her decades-long career. Don’t miss her as she brings her distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) to SOPAC this fall!
Texas Flood
A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn
SUN, SEP 29 AT 7:30PM
GENRE: RHYTHM & BLUES, ROCK & POP
All the way from North Texas, experience one of the premier Blues bands and tributes to Stevie Ray Vaughn at SOPAC! Texas Flood’s in-your-face, high-energy show infuses Blues classics with a uniquely raw new Blues sound. This is a night of Blues magic you don’t want to miss!
OCTOBER
The
Simon & Garfunkel
ft Aztec Two-Step 2.0
SUN, OCT 6 AT 7PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP, SINGER-SONGWRITER
Songbook
Get your friends together and take a dive into the magical history of Rock & Roll at SOPAC! Join the renowned Aztec Two-Step as their evening of music and storytelling magic chronicles and celebrates the extraordinary career of Simon & Garfunkel.
NOVEMBER
Masters of the Telecaster
ft GE Smith, Larry Campbell, Jim Weider
SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP
With three of the most prolific rock guitarists in the world, Jim Weider (The Band), GE Smith (SNL / Roger Waters band), and Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan / Levon Helm band) this is sure to be a historic night. Playing tunes from Roy Buchanan, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Stevie Winwood, and Bo Diddley to the Rolling Stones and more! Don’t miss the masters at SOPAC this fall!
The Bad Plus
THU, NOV 14 AT 7PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES
The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention, for the past two decades they have played with spirit and adventure, made their own rules and done so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide with their unique sound and flair for live performance.
Ladies of Laughter
THU, NOV 21 AT 7:30PM
GENRE: COMEDY
Now known as “The Careerbuilder for Women in Comedy,” Ladies of Laughter boasts a roster of past participants who have included Amy Schumer, Tammy Pescatelli, and Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch, among many others. This night of hilarity features up-and-coming female comedians from New Jersey and beyond. Get your tickets today! Comedians to be announced soon!
The Last Waltz Celebration
Featuring The THE BAND Band & Special Guests
SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM
GENRE: ROCK & POP
The THE BAND Band is back at SOPAC! The THE BAND Band is the only nationally touring group dedicated exclusively to bringing the music of Rock & Roll’s legendary The Band to life. With authentic, true-to-form renditions of their extraordinary repertoire, The THE BAND Band delivers everything from The Band’s hit songs to cuts from their classic albums and collaborations with Bob Dylan.
Giants of Jazz
SAT, NOV 30 AT 8PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES
Join us for what has become a legendary event in South Orange, featuring the convergence of countless Jazz greats in an unforgettable evening of music. Curated by Jazz legend and South Orange resident John Lee, this celebration of Jazz music is the perfect event for Jazz lovers everywhere.
DECEMBER
Holiday
Stomp with The Hot Sardines
FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES, HOLIDAY
Fueled by the belief that classic Jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful music can bring people together in a disconnected world. Praised by The Times London as “simply phenomenal,” The Hot Sardines’ brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies, and nostalgic vocals transport audiences to a different Jazz era. Get your tickets today!
South Orange resident and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. You don’t want to miss an evening of seasonal cheer and delight as Gonzalez serenades audience members with a wide array of beloved holiday standards, including “Feliz Navidad,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and “Into the Unknown” from Disney’s Frozen II In partnership with SOMA Stage.
Valerie Simpson & Friends
Sing Ashford & Simpson
SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM
GENRE: JAZZ, RHYTHM & BLUES
Valerie Simpson is back at SOPAC! Valerie Simpson is one half of the iconic song-writing duo Ashford & Simpson. She and her late husband Nick Ashford spent their lives together writing chart-topping anthems for Motown and beyond. The duo penned timeless hits, such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” and “I’m Every Woman” for Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, and others before embarking on a performing career of their own.
Nefesh Mountain
SUN, DEC 15 AT 7:30PM
GENRE: HOLIDAY
Hailed as a formative, boundary-pushing roots music ensemble, New York-based outfit Nefesh Mountain thrills audiences across the country with lively finger-picking, bright melodies, and soulful storytelling. The band’s founders, husband and wife team Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, have created and refined a sound all their own, bonding Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, and Blues — and revealing a shared mastery as songwriters, instrumentalists, and consummate performers.
IN THE LOFT
Laughs in the Loft
WED, SEP 4 AT 7:30PM
Join us once a month for what Baristanet lauds as “A comedy cure for the midweek blues!” Comedian and South Orange resident Joe Larson curates each performance, featuring comedians from our own South Orange/Maplewood (SOMA) community, Brooklyn, and beyond.
MORE WEDNESDAY DATES:
OCT 2, NOV 13, DEC 4, FEB 5, MAR 5, APR 2, MAY 15, JUN 4 AT 7:30PM
Cabaret in the Loft
SOPAC’s HalloQWEEN Spooktacular
SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM
“Come Sisters... We FLY!” Grab your broomsticks and fly to SOPAC for a night of drag and ghoulish frivolity! Join the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, and some of your other favorite horror characters for our first Halloween Drag Show. Wear a costume, if you so choose, for your chance to win a special prize. It’s going to be spooky, fabulous, and fun!
MORE SUNDAY DATES: JAN 12, MAR 9 AT 7PM
Jazz in the Loft
SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM
Jazz in the Loft is curated by Grammy Award-winning producer John Lee. For this series, the SOPAC Loft turns into a Jazz club featuring regional, world-class artists in an intimate setting.
MORE SUNDAY DATES: FEB 23, MAR 23, APR 13 AT 7PM
Healing Sounds in the Loft
SUN, FEB 2 AT 5PM & 7PM
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.
MORE SUNDAY DATES: MAR 30 AT 5PM & 7PM
KIDS + FAMILY
Get Hypnotized!
The Erick Känd Comedy Hypnosis Show
FRI, JAN 31 AT 7:30PM
Recommended Ages: 12+
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 nonstop from start to finish!
Heart & Soul of Magic
SAT, FEB 8 AT 1PM
Recommended Ages: 10+
Two world-class magicians, Ran’D Shine and Jamahl Keyes, weave a tapestry of psychological illusions, Comedy, and Magic to create an immersive, amazing experience that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
PANTO’s Treasure Island
SAT, APR 12 AT 1PM
Recommended Ages: 7-10
One of the most popular adventure tales of all time, Treasure Island spins a thrilling adventure of a perilous sea journey, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, a scramble for buried treasure, and the message that good wins over evil every time.
TWO WAYS TO SAVE!
Become a Family-level Member or higher ($100+) for 2 FREE kids companion tickets + more great benefits! Get all the Membership details at sopacnow.org/member - OR - Save 15% with code KID15 when you buy tickets for 3 or more performances on the same order.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
MS. LISA
BATON SUN, FEB 15 AT 8PM SOPAC welcomes the return of an icon: two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and master song interpreter Lisa Fischer brings her critically acclaimed band Grand Baton back to the Mainstage on SUN, FEB 15 at 8PM! Praised by The New York Times as “a singer of truly prodigious range and delicacy,” and featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom , Fischer transcends genre and captivates listeners of every generation with her range of a repertoire, from Prog Rock and Psychedelic Soul to African, Middle Eastern & Caribbean rhythms to European Classical influences. Don’t miss this legendary performer live at SOPAC!
Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday, 12-6 PM and two hours prior to performances. Please contact the SOPAC Box Office at least two weeks in advance of any event with accommodation requests.
