Liberty students take audience down the rabbit hole

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Liberty Middle School’s production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” on May 3 and 4 was a carefree, spirited interpretation of the Disney classic movie that had enough giggles, laughs and inside jokes to entertain its audience of all ages. “‘Alice in Wonderland’ is a timeless classic,” Director Lissette Villalobos said. “It […]

‘Inspired Minds’ at work in SOPAC gallery

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Performing Arts Center’s Herb & Milly Iris Gallery, at 1 SOPAC Way, will host its annual Inspired Minds: Young Artist Exhibition, featuring 50 of the most talented Essex County high school artists, from May 17 through Aug. 17. This year’s exhibition, opening with a special reception on Thursday, […]

Alice Neel’s influence

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Although mostly unheralded, Alice Neel was one of the great American painters of the 20th century and a pioneer among women artists. A painter of people, landscape and still life, Neel was never fashionable or in step with avant-garde movements; when abstract expressionism and pop art were all the rage, she painted […]

Essex County icons inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame

The historic Asbury Park boardwalk once again played host to an all night extravaganza of bright lights and big names as the New Jersey Hall of Fame returned to the Jersey Shore. The red carpet induction ceremony, held on May 6 within the Grand Arcade, was a star-studded celebration of all things New Jersey as […]

Coben inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame

ASBURY PARK — Bestselling mystery author Harlan Coben was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame on May 6 at Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. The author was born in Newark and grew up in Livingston; many of his novels have scenes that take place in and around Essex County, including in South Orange […]

Nearly a decade in, Rent Party thrives

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — For nine years, Rent Party has been providing the South Orange-Maplewood community with “good music and cold beer at a reasonable price.” The nonprofit organization, founded by friends Chris Dickson and David Wagner, not only brings stellar live music to The Woodland in Maplewood one Friday each month, but fundraises for and […]

Vanguard to hold gun-control benefit concert

MONTCLAIR, NJ — On Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m., Vanguard Theater Company will present “Sing For Our Lives” at the First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Ave. in Montclair, to benefit Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety. Scheduled on the eve of Mother’s Day, this concert will focus on stories, songs and […]