West Orange High School Poetry Out Loud winner crowned

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Sophomore Rachel Favetta was named the winner of the eighth annual Poetry Out Loud competition at West Orange High School. Freshman Shanelle Chambliss was named first runner-up. Favetta’s performances of “The Albatross,” by Kate Bass, and George Gascoigne’s “And If I Did, What Then?” resonated with judges and audience members alike. […]

‘Rhythm & Words’ in Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — There will be a free writing workshop, “Rhythm & Words: Maplewood,” aimed at teens in grades six through 12, though open to anyone, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. This student-driven program, facilitated by Ras Heru, will be held at Sutagao Restaurant, 149 Maplewood Ave. in Maplewood, and will […]

LSO shows how a symphony is made in family show

LIVINGSTON, NJ — We’ve all heard Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony” with its monumental opening four notes and enjoyed the captivating melodies from Bizet’s most enchanting opera “Carmen.” Yet how did these artists go about creating such lasting and memorable works of art? Visit “The Composer’s Toolbox,” this year’s Livingston Symphony Orchestra Family Concert, on Sunday, Jan. […]

Bloomfield Chorale welcomes new members

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Do you enjoy singing and would like to be a part of an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of others through music? The Bloomfield Chorale is seeking all voices — soprano, alto, tenor and bass — for its spring 2018 season. Drop in at one of the chorale’s January rehearsals on […]

Durand-Hedden offers taste of history

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — In an annual tradition spanning more than 35 years, visitors have gathered around Durand-Hedden’s 18th-century hearth and experienced how Maplewood residents of long ago cooked, ate and kept warm during the long winter months. On Sunday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., Durand-Hedden is pleased to welcome a new cook to […]

SOCO honors Smilow and Abramson, remembers MLK

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Residents of South Orange and Maplewood gathered at South Orange Middle School on Jan. 7 for the South Orange Civic Organization’s annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and to give the Beloved Community Awards to two deserving residents. Featuring music, poetry and several speakers, the school’s theater was full despite […]

Local venues nominated for arts awards

BURLINGTON, NJ — The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts recently opened the polls for the 2018 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards. Celebrating the extraordinary work of New Jersey’s vital, vibrant and diverse cultural community for 10 years, the contest invites arts lovers to lend their support for their favorite […]

Muhammad inspires at local NAACP chapter event

EAST ORANGE, NJ — In a presentation drawing on the rich history of social justice movements in the United States, Harvard University professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad spoke at an event hosted by the Oranges and Maplewood unit of the NAACP at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange on Jan. 7. A well-known speaker and […]