SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — This summer, the South Orange Performing Arts Center named Dee Billia as its new executive director, effective immediately. In this role, Billia presides over the performance series held in SOPAC’s 439-seat main theater, several music and comedy shows that take place in the 2,100-square-foot loft space, the school performance series, various […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Just days before the South Orange Performing Arts Center was poised to roll out its 2021-2022 season, the remnants of Hurricane Ida ravaged the nonprofit theater, as well as the surrounding downtown area. In the days immediately following the storm, SOPAC announced that all September shows would be rescheduled. Now, following […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Ushering in a new and exciting season of exhibitions at The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery in the South Orange Performing Arts Center is artist Curtis Grayson III. His solo exhibit, “Transitional Energy: Form, Shape, Color,” will be on view from Sept. 23 to Nov. 21. The opening reception will be […]
SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The remains of Hurricane Ida slammed Essex County on Wednesday, Sept. 1, with flood water filling the streets of South Orange and Maplewood and the basements of many residents who live there. There was one death in Maplewood; South Orange Village President Sheena Collum wrote in a Facebook post […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The wait is over. This fall, the South Orange Performing Arts Center fully reopens. SOPAC’s 2021-2022 season is its most diverse and inclusive yet, featuring musicians from various backgrounds, such as an Israeli superstar, a social justice–focused band, a Ukrainian quartet, various Celtic groups, a hip-hop violinist and a bayou-soul artist. […]
TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey State Council on the Arts recently awarded more than $35.6 million in grants to support more than 700 arts organizations, projects and artists throughout the state. The grants were approved at the Arts Council’s 55th annual meeting, held virtually. The awards are part of the largest state appropriation the […]
MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Orchestra has announced that Valissima Institute has selected it as a partner for its pilot summer program. Designed for aspiring young female conductors, the two-week intensive will feature renowned conductors, including former New York Philharmonic music director Alan Gilbert and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra chief conductor Karina Canellakis. The rigorous […]
SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — SOMA PRIDE 2021 is a time for South Orange and Maplewood residents to come together as one in celebration of all LGBTQ-plus identities and allies collectively united. The monthlong schedule of events will shine a light on LGBTQ-plus issues with books, films, discussions, performances, picnics and parties, and recognize […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Performing Arts Center will hold its new spring fundraiser, a scavenger hunt, during the first weekend of May, from Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, May 2, at 5 p.m. Players ages 5 to 105 are welcome from near and far to enjoy a weekend of […]
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Performing Arts Center will present singer-songwriter Dana Fuchs on Friday, May 7, at 8 p.m. live in the theater, with the performance also being livestreamed. Tickets are limited to 100 for the in-person concert due to social-distancing restrictions. Fuchs is known for her burnt-honey vocals and a musical […]