Alonzo Adams tells stories of the Black experience at Zimmerli Art Museum

Alonzo Adams tells stories of the Black experience at Zimmerli Art Museum

Jesse North & Dave Tavani
Video, Visual Arts, BIPOC Voices

Alonzo Adams has been using his paintings to tell stories of the contemporary Black experience for over 25 years. In his first solo museum exhibition at Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, his own story as an artist is being told, from his very first painting to pieces that have not been seen publicly for years. We went to New Brunswick to speak with the artist about putting this exhibition together, and how it feels to return to Rutgers, where he once studied. “Alonzo Adams: A Griot’s Vision” is on display through February 25.

The Caribbean Musical Retelling of The Little Mermaid, 'Once On This Island,' Is Coming To South Jersey

The Caribbean Musical Retelling of The Little Mermaid, 'Once On This Island,' Is Coming To South Jersey

Carolyn M. Brown
Article, Theater, BIPOC Voices

A restaging of the Caribbean-infused musical “Once On This Island” is coming to the Levoy Theatre in Millville, New Jersey, running for four performances from February 9th through February 11th. Filled with immersive storytelling, the show is directed by Domonic Barnes and choreographed by Olivia Cruz. Conducting a live band is music director Bryan Broughton.

'One Man's Trash' is Another Man's Cirque Us Show

'One Man's Trash' is Another Man's Cirque Us Show

Chris Lillja
Article, Performance Arts

Cirque Us is a contemporary circus troupe known for its innovative and captivating performances. The group features a diverse ensemble of talented performers who combine acrobatics, aerial arts, dance, and theater elements to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging shows. Their performances often incorporate storytelling, unique choreography, and a blend of traditional and modern circus techniques. Cirque Us is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of circus arts and delivering unforgettable experiences to audiences.

Getting 'Fun & Slutty' with Jonathan Van Ness

Getting 'Fun & Slutty' with Jonathan Van Ness

Gina Marie Rodriguez
Podcast, Comedy & Variety, LGBTQIA+

A nonbinary hero himself, Jonathan Van Ness rose to fame as the hairstylist to heroes, the name Netflix’s “Queer Eye” reboot gives to its episodic guests. But Jonathan’s been an artist long before “Queer Eye.” Beyond the artistry required in his work as a stylist, Jonathan has been on stage as a comedian for years. His web series “Gay of Thrones,” a weekly comedic recap of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” where he starred as none other than an opinionated hairstylist, was a hit for Funny or Die. He is also the host of his very own podcast, “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.” And in addition to all of that, he is also a New York Times Best Selling author.

Keith Alessi is a One-Man Show in 'Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life'

Keith Alessi is a One-Man Show in 'Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life'

Shen Shellenberger
Article, Theater

"Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life," the quirky one-man show conceived of and performed by Keith Alessi, will be on stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on January 24. The SOLD-OUT show is a co-presentation of MPAC, Morris Arts, and AM Higley Construction. 

And while the tomatoes and banjos in the title are emblematic in some ways, they also refer to things that shaped Alessi’s life.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Tells the Story of Chinese New Year’s Origin through Dance

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Tells the Story of Chinese New Year’s Origin through Dance

Ilene Dube
Article, Dance

Chinese New Year is always a favorite time of the year. Friends and family gather at favorite Chinese restaurants, wear red, eat dumplings and long noodles, and hand out red envelopes filled with money. But how many of us really know why it’s celebrated?

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company uses the language of dance to tell the origin story of the holiday. Since 2017, the Newark-based company has been celebrating the Chinese New Year with a performance of Red Firecrackers. Suited to ages 6-15, this year’s production will be performed on January 21 at the Grunin Center in Toms River.

A 'Discover Jersey Arts' Look Back at 2023

A 'Discover Jersey Arts' Look Back at 2023

Isaac Serna-Diez
Article, Theater, Visual Arts, Music, Film, BIPOC Voices, LGBTQIA+

As we near the end of the 2023 calendar year, the Discover Jersey Arts team decided to take a look back at the things we've accomplished. We've published a wealth of content this year, but these five pieces are the ones we're most proud of—these exemplify the Discover Jersey Arts mission most.

We want to tell exciting, unique stories that will pull you in and seat you in the theatre, dance hall, concert venue, or museum floor. We aim to provide a platform for voices to be heard in a space where they may not normally be seen, and above all else, we're here to help you discover (New) Jersey arts.

Black Nativity Brings Blessings to the Basie

Black Nativity Brings Blessings to the Basie

Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani
Video, Theater, BIPOC Voices

"Black Nativity", a gospel song play inspired by the Gospel of Luke and with a book written by Langston Hughes, first premiered on Broadway in 1961. It has since been performed all over the world as a joyful, musical celebration of the Nativity story. Dunbar Repertory Company will bring its vision of this timeless classic to the Count Basie Center for the Arts this December 30th.

Ring in the New Year with The Jersey Tenors at Surflight Theater

Ring in the New Year with The Jersey Tenors at Surflight Theater

Gina Marie Rodriguez
Podcast, Music

As his bio reads, Brian Noonan “has starred on Broadway and National Touring Companies as The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Enjolras in Les Miserables, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde, Cable in South Pacific with the legendary Robert Goulet, Gus/Growltiger in Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar. As an international concert soloist, Mr. Noonan has performed for a myriad of Presidents and world dignitaries.”

The New Jersey Festival Orchestra Usher in the New Year With 'The Great American Songbook' and 'Broadway Classics'

The New Jersey Festival Orchestra Usher in the New Year With 'The Great American Songbook' and 'Broadway Classics'

Carolyn M. Brown
Article, Music

The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is ringing in the New Year with a superb revue from Golden Age classics to Broadway’s greatest hits in glorious symphonic splendor. Joining in the festivities are soloists direct from the Broadway stage and dancers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem along with Maestro David Wroe and the orchestra as they swing to favorites from America’s Great Songbook. There are two celebratory performances, one on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 7 p.m.) at Westfield High School and the other on New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2:30 p.m.) at the Sieminski Theatre in Basking Ridge.

Tony Nominee Jennifer Weber shares 'The Hip Hop Nutcracker's' Famous Fan

Tony Nominee Jennifer Weber shares 'The Hip Hop Nutcracker's' Famous Fan

Maddie Orton
Video, Dance

The Hip Hop Nutcracker translates Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet music into an incredible holiday story told through hip hop dance. Director and Choreographer Jennifer Weber—who is also the Tony-nominated choreographer behind Broadway’s & Juliet and KPOP—brought the idea to life 10 years ago in partnership with NJPAC. Now, a decade of touring and two films later, The Hip Hop Nutcracker has become a tradition of its own and returns to NJPAC on December 23rd. Jennifer Weber talks with Jersey Arts about break dancing, ballet, and the show's famous fan: Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Have 'A Tuna Christmas' With Cape May Stage

Have 'A Tuna Christmas' With Cape May Stage

Chris Lillja
Article, Theater

"A Tuna Christmas" is a humorous play set in the fictional town of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. The play is a sequel to "Greater Tuna" and was written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams. It debuted in 1989 and has since become a popular comedic fixture in American theater, especially around the holiday season.

Ana Gasteyer: Comedy's Queen of Christmas

Ana Gasteyer: Comedy's Queen of Christmas

Maddie Orton
Podcast, Music

Ana Gasteyer is headed to Kean Stage on December 17th with a concert tour in support of her 2019 holiday album, Sugar and Booze. The Saturday Night Live alum and classically-trained singer has numerous Broadway shows, films, and TV credits under her belt–most recently starring in NBC’s American Auto. Gasteyer chats about her upcoming concert, Broadway, SNL, her high school musical, and what’s still ahead on her "to do" list.

Nancy Reed Dishes on Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker' and Morris Museum's new 'Grinch Suite'

Nancy Reed Dishes on Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker' and Morris Museum's new 'Grinch Suite'

Gina Marie Rodriguez
Podcast, Music

Duke Ellington was a jazz composer and bandleader in the early 1900s. He is quite possibly one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Written alongside collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, "The Nutcracker Suite" is a jazz reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s" Nutcracker Suite."

The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra will be performing Ellington’s rendition alongside the new "Grinch Suite," written by WGJO director, Dr. Matt Vashlishan, on December 17, 2023, at the Morris Museum.

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