Dozens of much-loved Atlantic City artists will carry the torch from the 2024 Asbury Park Festival by stepping into the spotlight in Atlantic City over two days at the ‘Showcase Stage and Artistic Village,’ a new feature of the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival.’
The ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ presents events in Atlantic City June 17-June 23, including performances by headlining artists the B-52’s, Barenaked Ladies, Justin Silva, Eric Roberson and Avery Sunshine and Prince Royce and Wisin. The festival’s full lineup can be found at NorthtoShore.com.
The Showcase Stage
From 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, June 22, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, June 23, the ‘Showcase Stage’ will offer a continuous series of FREE performances by some of the city’s most-loved singer-songwriters, DJs, comedians, spoken word poets, a Jazz band, pop punk bands and more.
This presentation, featuring a cohort of local artists on one stage adjacent to major festival venues, is a new feature of ‘Prudential presents North to Shore,’ the three-week, three-city summer festival of arts and ideas produced by NJPAC, now in its second annual edition.
“The ‘Showcase Stage’ is our way of spotlighting the talent of Atlantic City’s remarkable creatives while at the same time curating a space where audience members who come out for a headliner show will have a wonderful way to extend their visit and get a genuine sense of the city’s cultural offerings all in one, easy-to-reach spot,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC.
The Artist Village
Performances are just the start of what’s on offer. The ‘Showcase Stage will be the centerpiece of the Artist Village at the Orange Loop Festival Grounds, effectively a festival-within-a-festival within easy walking distance of the Atlantic City boardwalk that will allow visitors to ‘Prudential presents North to Shore’ to hear local Atlantic City and Atlantic County artists perform, and simultaneously take in live demonstrations by and shop the wares of local artisans including photographers, wood carvers and painters.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Hands-on fun activities for children, including a painting wall (that children can decorate with paint on brushes, loaded into water guns, or simply on their hands) and a decorate-your-own-cupcake station, will also be offered. In the event of inclement weather, the festival grounds will be tented to allow the event to continue.
GRANT BENEFICIARIES
The majority of the local artists and groups appearing on the ‘Showcase Stage’ are Prudential presents North to Shore Official Selections — performers who applied to perform on the festival and chosen to take part in the event by the festival’s committee of Atlantic City arts professionals and community leaders. Each was given a grant to enable them to appear at the festival.
Overall, this season the Prudential presents North to Shore Festival granted $355,600 to local artists and organizations in its three host cities: Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark.
“We really wanted to diversify the lineup, to make sure there was something there for everyone. We wanted to be sure there was rock, jazz, pop, punk, blues, hip hop. There will be kid performers, and there will be Angela Burton, who’s a legend in this city. We really curated this for our community members,” says Jon Henderson, founder and CEO of Good Time Tricycle Productions, an Atlantic City event production company that is producing the Showcase Stage event.
‘Official Selection’ artists who will be featured at the ‘Showcase Stage’ include:
Atlantic City actress and comedian Michelle Tomko
Daille Kettrell and Shianne Ladale, better known as inspirational funk-soul duo Open4Business
High-energy R&B and jazz group The Cason Express Show Band
The Children’s Choir of Southern New Jersey, presented by Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation
R&B fusion singer Lem Turner
Teacher and spoken word poet Paige Washington
Local ’70s, ’80s and ’90s cover band Village Bridge
Soul and R&B singer Angela Burton
These ‘Official Selection’ performers will be joined by a lineup of notable South Jersey performers including dance students from nearby Stockton University, rising pop punk band Jersey Calling, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Jake Thistle, Jersey Shore alt-rockers The Break Plans and Mara Justine, the recent ‘The Voice’ contestant from Galloway Township (who also did well in previous years on talent shows including American Idol and America’s Got Talent).
Performances will be interspersed with sets by local turntablists including DJ Aiden Scott, DJ Patrice McBride, DJ Rashaun and DJ Vito G.
On Sunday June 23 only, visitors can be wowed by New Jersey’s immersive WOW Experience mobile activation inside the festival grounds and near the ‘Showcase Stage’.
VENDORS & ARTISANS
Participating vendors and artisans in the ‘Artist Village’ include:
Jay’s Crab Shack – Seafood
Il Porcelino – Italian Market
Coley Cakes – DIY cupcakes
Twisted Lemonade – Lemonade
Coffee Goddess – Coffee
East Coast Fairy Hair – Fairy hair
Heather Hires Art – Face & Body Paint
Dunes Art Gallery – Brigantine Art Studio
EXULT LIFE LLC – Handmade Jewelry + Art
DAVE MASS – Artist / Barber
Chloe Henderson – Visual Artist
Bucksco Barrels – Barrel tables & art
HG Workshops – DIY art studio
Valerie Feo – Visual Artist
Aritimi Design Studio – 3D printed Art + Plants
A. Sullivan Artistry – Visual Artist
Tuft Broad – Handmade Rugs
The Escape Plans – Atlantic City Marketing & Events
In the event of inclement weather, the festival grounds will be tented to allow the fun to continue.
TICKETS
Tickets for the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ are available at NorthtoShore.com. Get Festival updates most quickly on social media.
Follow North to Shore on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.
The Prudential presents North to Shore Festival
For the latest updates and new concert listings, visit NorthtoShore.com.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Learn more at NJPAC.org.
(Stay tuned for information on the next N2S Festival location: Newark).
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
DE NIRO CON is a celebration of 80 years of Robert De Niro. Coinciding with the 2024 Tribeca Festival, this three-day tribute takes place at Spring Studios in New York City from June 14-16. De Niro Con is powered by Webex Events, allowing fans to download an exclusive app to make the most of their Con experience.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 80 years of Robert De Niro, my dear friend and co-conspirator for the past 35 years, than by throwing a big bash for his fellow New Yorkers,” said Tribeca co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “From conversations with legends like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and David O. Russell to fan experiences, it is going to be a truly historic weekend as we pay tribute to a great talent.”
DE NIRO CON SCREENINGS & TALKS
A Bronx Tale
The Original One Man Show – World Premiere
Movie introduction: Chazz Palminteri
Date: Thursday, June 13
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Jackie Brown
After the movie: A conversation with Quentin Tarantino and Robert De Niro.
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: SVA Theatre
Analyze This
After the movie: A conversation with Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro, moderated by Whoopi Goldberg.
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
The Godfather Part II
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: AMC 19th St. E 6th
Silver Linings Playbook
After the movie: A conversation with David O. Russell
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Mean Streets – 50th Anniversary
After the movie: Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in conversation with Nas.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Beacon Theatre
New York, New York
Movie introduction: Kathrine Narducci
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Raging Bull
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: AMC 19th St. E 6th
The Good Shepherd
Movie introduction: John Turturro
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
De Niro with Jr. (Credit : tribecafilm.com)
Robert De Niro in Conversation with JR. Robert De Niro and JR will join in conversation on art, family, and film. These iconoclasts will discuss their previous collaborations.
Date: 11:00 AM
Time: Sunday, June 16
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Goodfellas
De Niro in ‘Goodfellas’ (Credit : tribecafilm.com)
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
The Deer Hunter
Movie introduction: Christopher Walken
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Taxi Driver
After the movie: A special recorded conversation from the 2016 Tribeca Festival celebration of the film’s 40th Anniversary with Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Michael Phillips, and Paul Schrader, moderated by Kent Jones.
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: AMC 19th St. E 6th
Meet the Parents
Movie introduction: Ahmed Ahmed
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
DE NIRO IS AN ICON: AN EXHIBIT & IMMERSIVE FILM
Date: June 6-16
Location: Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios
De Niro, New York – World Premiere
Date: June 6-16
Location: Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios
DE NIRO CON LOUNGE PANELS
Panelists: Jay Rinksy, Luke Neher, and Sam Gill.
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, The Indeed Rising Voices Lounge
Drew Nieporent: Building Restaurants with De Niro
Panelist: Drew Nieporent
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, AT&T Untold Stories Lounge
Dressing De Niro
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, The Indeed Rising Voices Lounge
The Apalachin Meeting: A Gathering for Fans
Influencer host: @robertdenirodaily
Meeting #1
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, The Indeed Rising Voices Lounge
Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (4K Remaster), (France, Japan).
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: BMCC
Meeting #2
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Spring Studios, AT&T Untold Stories Lounge
The Missing Movies of Robert De Niro
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, AT&T Untold Stories Lounge
De Niro Fan Trivia
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, AT&T Untold Stories Lounge
Book Signing With Author Jay Glennie
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, The Indeed Rising Voices Lounge
Bobby’s World
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Spring Studios, AT&T Untold Stories Lounge
UPDATES & TICKETS
For the full De Niro Con lineup, updates, and to purchase tickets and passes, visit tribecafilm.com/denirocon.
Follow @Tribeca and #DeNiroCon on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn,
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
Jarod ClemonsBand of Horses (Photos : Courtesy NJPAC)
By Mabel Pais
The ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ launches the second New Jersey Cultural Summer Festival at ASBURY PARK where more than a dozen much-loved Asbury Park artists will step into the spotlight on the ‘Showcase Stage at the Grand Arcade,’ a new feature of the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival.’
The ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ presents events in Asbury Park June 10 through June 16, including performances by headlining artists Bleachers, Lake Street Dive, Band of Horses and Gary Clark Jr. The festival’s full lineup can be found at NorthtoShore.com.
Watch this video – youtu.be/4-YG6QgMEAs
JUNE 14
From 3:30 to 11 PM on Friday, June 14, the stage in the Grand Arcade, located within the historic Asbury Park Convention Hall, will offer a continuous sampler of series of FREE performances by some of the city’s most-loved singer-songwriters, spoken word poets, hip hop artists, punk bands, indie rockers and others, interspersed with sets by local DJ Adam Jay. Festival-goers will also have access to centrally located shops, restaurants and more.
This presentation, featuring a cohort of local artists on one stage adjacent to major festival venues like the Stone Pony Summer Stage, is a new feature of ‘Prudential presents North to Shore,’ the three-week, three-city summer festival of arts and ideas produced by NJPAC, now in its annual second season.
“The ‘Showcase Stage’ is our way of highlighting the talent of Asbury Park’s incredible artists, but also of ensuring that all the folks who come out for a festival event not only have a great way to extend their visit, but get a real introduction to Asbury Park’s authentic sound and spirit,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC.
The majority of the local artists and groups appearing on the ‘Showcase Stage’ are ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Official Selections’ — performers chosen to take part in the event by the festival’s committee of city arts professionals and community leaders. Each was given a grant to enable them to appear at the festival.
Overall, this season the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ handed grants totaling $355,600 to local artists and organizations in its three host cities: Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark.
“From singer-songwriters to R&B, funk, soul, global sounds, world music, rock, pop, punk to funk, this lineup checks all the boxes of Asbury’s eclectic global music sound,” says Jennifer Stine, President of Fortune Creative Collective, an Asbury-based marketing company, who is producing the ‘Showcase Stage’ presentation.
Stine is also Vice President of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Historical Society and, as the daughter of local historian Don Stine, a second-generation Asbury Park booster.
“To have the Grand Arcade activated with such talented local artists is very exciting. We cannot wait for everyone coming into town that Friday and see, in this historic setting, everything that Asbury Park has to offer,” Stine says.
Artists who will be featured at the ‘Showcase Stage’ include:
Vintage-flavored punk/blues band Johnny Nameless
Hip hop spoken word poet and teaching artist Myster-E (aka Eric Shandroff)
Singer-songwriters Joe Miller, Mike Montrey and Dave Vargo
Funky R&B singer Space and The Goodstock Jamband
Asbury Park indie rock sensation, The Mercury Brothers
Local R&B, soul, rock, funk and pop band Des and the Swagmatics
These ‘Official Selection’ performers will be joined by spoken word and hip-hop powerhouse and one-time Poet Laureate of Asbury Park Chris Rockwell, rising singer-songwriter Jake Thistle and DJ Adam Jay, a staple of Asbury Park’s night life.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Festival-goers can stop by RWJBarnabas Health’s information table in the Grand Arcade to learn about the expansive community health programs offered for free each month at Monmouth Medical Center’ LiveWell Center at the Monmouth Mall. They can also be wowed by New Jersey’s immersive WOW Experience mobile activation on the Ocean Avenue side of the Grand Arcade.
The Grand Arcade houses an array of retail establishments including restaurants ‘The Beach Bar’, ‘Asbury Oyster Bar and Seahorse’, as well as ice cream bar ‘Betty’s Icebox’, coffee shop ‘Asbury Park Roastery’, ‘Paws Pet Boutique’, apparel store ‘Wanderlust’, home decor shop ‘Carla Gizzi’ and high-concept souvenir shop ‘Fun House’.
JUNE 15
On June 15, ‘ASBURY UNDERGROUND’ returns!
The ASBURY PARK tradition, last held in 2019, activates the city’s entire downtown now presented in partnership with ‘Prudential Presents North to Shore Festival.’ Hundreds of musicians, visual artists, comedians and poets will participate in a full day of FREE events during revived ‘art and music crawl’ on Saturday, June 15.
Asbury Park, NJ The Asbury Underground
Downtown Art and Music Crawl, a much-loved city tradition which fills the streets of downtown Asbury Park with FREE concerts, comedy shows and poetry readings, will be held again this year for the first time since 2011. This year’s crawl will be held on Saturday, June 15 from noon to 7 PM.
The event returns to Asbury Park as a feature of the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival,’ New Jersey’s three-week, three-city celebration of arts and ideas. North to Shore, produced by NJPAC, will offer concerts and events across Asbury Park June 10 to June 16.
This year’s Asbury Underground art and music crawl will include approximately 100 performances — highlighting the work of over 200 musicians and some 50 visual artists, plus scores of poets and comedians, at 33 different venues, including stages dedicated to jazz, spoken word poetry and comedy.
Visitors following the crawl map to all of the event’s stages and venues will travel across the city’s downtown, into art galleries, coffeehouses, clothing stores, restaurants and other spaces; each stop along the way will offer a display or a performance by an area artist.
“The whole idea, from the inception of Asbury Underground, was to bring a broader awareness of just how fertile, in all of the arts, our city truly is,” says the founder and producer of Asbury Underground, Patrick Schiavino, a local artist and the owner of art629 Gallery. “It is really heartwarming how everyone pitches in to make this all happen. It is an amazing celebration of who we are as a community.” “North to Shore’s mission is to turn a spotlight on all the artists and creatives who make New Jersey such a uniquely vibrant place, and ‘Asbury Underground’ brings so many of them together in one place, at one time. We’re so pleased to be part of bringing back this Asbury Park tradition that celebrates this city’s incredibly deep artistic bench,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC, which produces ‘North to Shore.’
The crawl begins simultaneously at three different venues downtown at noon: art629 Gallery, 629 Cookman Avenue, Over the Moon Art Studios, 808 Springwood Avenue, and at Lock and Shade Courtyard, Court Square, 608-612 Cookman Avenue. Patrons can progress through the downtown, from any of these three locations, for the rest of the afternoon; performances are scheduled to begin at venues along the path every 15 minutes. All Asbury Underground events are free.
This year’s crawl features several special events including:
The Joe Harvard Memorial Stage: A specially curated stage of performers in memory of local musician, artist, author, and “personality” Joe Harvard, an original member of the Asbury Underground crew and recent inductee to the Asbury Angels Hall of Fame. The music will start at 12:30 PM and run till 6 PM at Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Avenue. Harvard established The gARTen, a community black-light art garden and gallery, in a vacant lot on the Cookman Avenue corridor. It served as an Asbury Underground performance space for many years.
Quills and Chills: A Supernatural Soiree with Poe, Crowley, and Yeats, a spoken word event with a mystic flavor, curated by poet Robert Goodman, at The Paranormal Museum, 621 Cookman Avenue, beginning at 4PM.
The Literally Underground Comedy Show, curated and hosted by comedian Jess Alaimo, will be held in the (surprisingly spacious) basement of Cookman Avenue Italian restaurant Capitoline, from 2 to 3:30 PM. The restaurant is at 639 Cookman Avenue. A schedule and a map of the crawl route for visitors to follow will be available at the Asbury Underground website, asburyunderground.com.
For participating artists and the full event schedule, visitasburyunderground.com
Facebook: @asburyunderground
Instagram: @asburyunderground
Twitter: @apunderground
For the latest updates and new concert listings, visitnorthtoshore.com
For the Asbury Underground/North to Shore Schedule, visitnorthtoshore.com
Get Festival updates most quickly on social media.
Follow North to Shore on Instagram, X , Facebook and TikTok.
TICKETS
Tickets for the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ are available at NorthtoShore.com.
The Prudential presents North to Shore Festival
The ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival,’ launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity, and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into three extraordinary weekends of performances, screenings, parties and conversations in three of the state’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Asbury Park (June 10 – 16), Atlantic City (June 17 – 23), and Newark (June 23 – 30), the ‘Prudential presents North to Shore Festival’ will bring together events at 50+ venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation in the arts, film and technology. For the latest updates and new concert listings, visit NorthToShore.com.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Learn more at NJPAC.org
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
Anubrata ChatterjeeGhatam UmashankarJay GandhiMalini AwasthiRoopa Mahadevan (Photos : Courtesy Jazz at Lincoln Center)
By Mabel Pais
‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ closes out its 2023-24 concert season – a year-long celebration of community – with the final inspirational performance: ‘RHYTHMS OF INDIA: the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) with Wynton Marsalis’, reflecting the organization’s commitment to bridging divides and strengthening a global jazz community.
The concert takes place in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater located at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, at 60th Street and Broadway in New York City.
‘Rhythms of India’ featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) with Wynton Marsalis unites a range of cultural influences, multigenerational perspectives, and international traditions, serving the organization’s local patrons and virtual audiences.
PROGRAM
WHAT: RHYTHMS OF INDIA: THE JLCO WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
WHEN: FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 @ 8:00 PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024 @ 1 PM & 8 PM
WHERE: ROSE THEATER, FREDERICK P. ROSE HALL
BROADWAY @ 60TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY
THE CONCERT
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis continues its proud commitment to international community building and cross-cultural exchange, joining master Indian musicians to blend two vibrant and storied musical traditions. An exhilarating evening of cross-cultural exchange: Jazz meets Indian music. Featuring the JLCO with Wynton Marsalis.
A free pre-concert lecture takes place before each 7pm performance.
NOTE:There will be no pre-concert lecture for the Saturday 1 pm matinee performance.
In collaboration with master Indian artists – vocalists Malini Awasthi and Roopa Mahadevan, flautist Jay Gandhi, tabla artist Anubrata Chatterjee, ghatam artist Ghatam Umashankar and music consultant Kavi Mani Kapoor, the JLCO fuses the melodies and rhythms of raga-based music and different folk styles with traditional jazz.
Drawing inspiration from iconic Indian compositions like ‘Kesariya Balam,’ echoing the voices of Rajput princesses welcoming home their beloveds, and classic raga ‘Miyan Malhar,’ evoking thundering clouds and pouring rain, this Rose Theater performance invites listeners on a journey through colorful soundscapes and moving stories. From the lively Punjabi folk song ‘Kothe Te Aa Mahiya’ to the soul-stirring Thumri ‘Ka Karu Sajni,’ each piece reflects a unique aspect of Indian culture and history. For more information, visit jazz.org/india.
AFTER-SHOW
Keep the party going after the show by taking your ticket stub to Dizzy’s Club for a complimentary cover to that evening’s Late Night Session at 11:00pm.
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2023-24 season focuses on the concept of community; the broader community of jazz; the numerous communities that nurtured its master practitioners across its timeline; the communities of consciousness that influenced these practitioners; the music’s power to bridge divides and coalesce these distinct communities; and the role of jazz – and the arts writ large – in maintaining the human connection in the digital era.
Throughout its 2023-24 season, ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ explored these subjects with concerts featuring the forward-thinking composers, virtuosic improvisers, and ingenious conceptualists that populate the ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’ with Wynton Marsalis. Implicitly or explicitly, season concerts, education programs, advocacy initiatives, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra tours directly evoke themes that illuminate, as Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis puts it, the notion that, “Our music has the exceptional ability to bring people together.” For more information on the next season, visit jazz.org/24-25.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Health and Safety Guidelines
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall is committed to employing all measures to ensure the safety of patrons and its artists and staff. Learn more about the venue’s health and safety guidelines at jazz.org.
TICKETS
Learn about different options to purchase tickets and fees by visiting the Box Office (ground floor) or at jazz.org.
—————————————
INDIGENOUS FILMMAKERS’ WORK MAKES ITS ROUNDS IN THE USA
By Mabel Pais
The 2024 SUNDANCE INSTITUTE INDIGENOUS FILM TOUR, a 83-minute short film program featuring selections from past editions of the Sundance Film Festival and alumni of Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program makes its tour this summer and fall.
The Indigenous Film Tour curates vibrant works by Native filmmakers, providing audiences with a glimpse into the present and future of Indigenous cinema. This year’s program will include eight short films from Indigenous filmmakers: four from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival program, three from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and one short film from the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
The tour begins June 8 and runs throughout the month at venues in California, Michigan, New Mexico, and Oklahoma before expanding to museums, festivals, and theaters throughout the summer and fall.
The Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute Indigenous Program have a long history of supporting and launching talented Indigenous directors including Erica Tremblay, Blackhorse Lowe, Sterlin Harjo, Sky Hopinka, Taika Waititi, Caroline Monnet, Fox Maxy and Shaandiin Tome.
Adam Piron, Director of the Sundance Institute Indigenous Program, said, “These eight shorts include narrative and documentary projects, some from Native storytellers outside the U.S., and they’ve all resonated with Sundance Film Festival audiences in the past – it’s our pleasure to take such a diverse cross-section of Indigenous cinema on tour.”
SCHEDULE, TICKETS
For more information and to purchase tickets to the Sundance Institute Indigenous Short Film Tour, visit sundance/programs/indigenous-program
The Sundance Institute
Learn more at sundance.org.
Connect with Sundance Institute on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who will be soon seen in Singham Again and Kalki 2898 AD, has topped the IMDb list of Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade. Following her is the actor opposite whom she made her debut in Om Shanti Om, Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan. This list of all top Indian stars is determined by the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.
Deepika said, “I’m deeply grateful to be included in a list that captures the sentiment of a global audience. This recognition is truly humbling.” The third spot on the list is occupied by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Alia Bhatt is on the fourth spot followed by the late actor Irrfan Khan. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, too find a place in the top 10. While Aamir is at number six, Salman holds the eighth spot, separated by the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput at number seven.
The list also includes Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kareena Kapoor, Nayanthara, Ajay Devgn, Triptii Dimri and others. The list has actors from the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries. Kamal Haasan is at number 54. Source: IANS
Karan Johar has announced his new film, ‘Dhadak 2’. Produced by Johar, the film will star Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri and will be directed by Shazia Iqbal.
Sharing the announcement video, Karan Johar wrote in Hindi, “Once upon a time, there was a king and there was a queen. They were from different castes, and that’s the end of the story.”
The caption also read, “Presenting Dhadak 2 starring Siddhant Chaturvedi & Triptii Dimri. Directed by Shazia Iqbal. #Dhadak2 in cinemas 22nd November 2024 (sic).” The movie will explore barriers of class and status stitched in the minds of societies, underscoring a narrative of love that can never be fulfilled. ‘Dhadak 2’, produced by Zee Studios, Dharma Productions, and Cloud 9 Pictures, features Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film is slated for release on November 22, 2024.
Actors Kajol and Prabhu Deva have reunited after 27 years for their upcoming film ‘Maharagni’. Ajay Devgn unveiled the action-thriller’s first-look teaser on Tuesday, May 28. ‘Maharagni – Queen of Queens’ is an intense action and gripping tale of a vengeful woman.
Ajay Devgn released the teaser which begins with glimpses of Prabhu Deva performing action sequences. Kajol, who plays the titular character in the actioner, can be seen as a woman who is on a mission. The actor is also seen engaged in high-octane action sequences. The clip ends with Kajol saying, “Power is not demanded, it is taken away.”
Sharing the clip, Ajay captioned, “Ali re aali Maharagni aali (sic).” Meanwhile, Kajol wrote, “So kicked to share this with you guys. Maharagni.. aka Queen of queens. Take a moment and have fun ! Hope you guys like it. Directed by Charan Tej Uppalapati (sic).”
Helmed by Telugu director Charan Tej Uppalapati, the film also features Samyuktha, Prabhu Deva, Naseeruddin Shah, Jishu Sen Gupta, Aditya Seal, Chaya Kadam, Pramod Pathak. It is backed by Venkata Anish Dorigillu and Harman Baweja.
The director of the upcoming film said, “Collaborating with actors like Kajol, Prabhudeva, Naseer sir, Samyuktha Menon and Jisshu Sengupta has elevated the project to new heights. Their unmatched charisma and acting abilities breathe life into the characters, and I can’t wait for the audience to witness this on screen.”
The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
For the unversed, Kajol and Prabhu Deva had previously worked in the 1997 Tamil film ‘Minsara Kanavu’, dubbed in Hindi as ‘Sapnay’.
The North to Shore (N2S) Festival, after its astounding success with hundreds of thousands of attendees and participants at its inaugural N2S in June 2023, returns in June 2024 with a repetition of the three-city, three weekend celebration of the arts and ideas across New Jersey.
Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the North to Shore Festival was designed to spotlight New Jersey’s culture, creativity, and diversity. The lineup begins this year in Asbury Park June 10-16, swings down the Shore to Atlantic City June 17-23, and concludes in Newark June 24-30 at several locations in each city.
The North to Shore Festival will feature scores of diverse and talented artists you won’t want to miss, including Kevin Hart, Matchbox Twenty, Gary Clark, Jr., The B-52s, Gabriel Iglesias, Bleachers, Jeezy, Scarface, Barenaked Ladies, Lake Street Dive, Prince Royce & Wisin, Keyshia Cole and Trey Songz, Frankie Valli, Stephen Colbert, as well as film screenings, live podcasts, and engaging panels.
Performer Jarod Clemons (Credit Jeremy Smith / NJPAC)
“Our inaugural North to Shore Festival was the beginning of a proud, new annual tradition that brings some of the biggest stars to New Jersey to bolster our tourism industry and boost demand for our local businesses,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I’m thrilled to announce this year’s lineup features a number of world-renowned acts that will hit the stages in Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City this June. This year’s festival will be even bigger and better than ever before, and we look forward to welcoming those from near and far to experience our unique state this summer.” The announcement was made during a press conference in March 2024 at the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the heart of the Jersey Shore music scene where festival organizers, state leaders, and the arts community came together to celebrate the next edition of North to Shore.
“The North to Shore Festival is an opportunity to showcase all that New Jersey has to offer, including some of the best local and global acts, our incredible diversity and unique culture,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As we announce this year’s lineup for the three-city, month-long celebration, I eagerly anticipate another chance to enjoy New Jersey’s music, art and food scene alongside people from all over the state and nation.”
In its inaugural year, North to Shore was designed to be an economic engine for the state. Organizers’ goals were far exceeded as the newborn festival drew an audience of nearly 250,000 to experience more than 300 artists in more than 100 venues in three of New Jersey’s most arts-rich cities. While most festival events were free to the public, ticketed events brought in $7.6 million in ticket sales.
“Last year’s inaugural North to Shore Festival proved to be a tremendous success for New Jersey’s communities, cities, and economy. As part of Governor Murphy’s vision to make New Jersey the best place to live, work, and raise a family, this three-week festival celebrates and showcases the strength of our state’s talent and diversity in innovation and arts,” said NJEDA (New Jersey Economic Development Authority) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA is proud to take part in this year’s North to Shore Festival, which will not only bring world-class talent back to New Jersey but will help boost the economy at the heart of the summer season by supporting local restaurants, hotels, venues, and main streets.”
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is producing this three-week extravaganza in collaboration with partners Casinoeed Reinvestment Development Authority, NJM Insurance Group, NJ Travel & Tourism, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Outfront Media, RWJBarnabas Health, and United Airlines, with leadership support from this year’s title sponsor, Prudential Financial.
“We are proud to serve as title sponsor for North to Shore and help showcase the creativity and diversity that defines New Jersey and our home city of Newark,” said Shané Harris, Vice President and Head of Social Responsibility, Prudential Financial, President, The Prudential Foundation. “A vibrant cultural scene is key to having thriving communities, and we are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with NJPAC to bring North to Shore’s creative economic engine to Newark and across the state.”
Producing partners this year include Montclair Film and Newark International Film Festival, which together will add a curated film component to the festival; TechUnited:NJ, which will join North to Shore by hosting more than 5,000 attendees at the Propelify Innovation Festival, showcasing tech leaders, emerging startups, and cutting edge technology; Stockton University, which will manage a series of E-Games competitions and soccer programming in Atlantic City; and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), which in collaboration with NJPAC and the NJEDA will host virtual discussions on maternal health, the arts as a catalyst to health, and food insecurity.
A portion of ticket sales to select events will support Growing Healthy Pantries — a partnership among Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, FoodBank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Mercer Street Friends, Norwescap, and Feeding America — which addresses food security statewide. Growing Healthy Pantries helps 900 food pantries in all 21 counties promote healthy food choices to improve the overall health of New Jerseyans.
“Thousands of families rely on New Jersey’s 900 community pantries and the major food banks that provide the healthy foods they distribute,” said Jonathan Pearson, Horizon’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “Good health begins with good nutrition. Support for Growing Healthy Pantries adds an important social mission to the North to Shore Festival that expands the impact of this event to every corner of the State.”
NJPAC once again provided direct grants to artists, nonprofits, small businesses, and art organizations based in each host city to self-produce performing and visual art events during the festival. The grants, which total $367,000 this year, support the creative economy of each city, and give a platform to artists and arts organizations that call New Jersey home. A full list of grant recipients is available at northtoshore.com.
Additionally, for the first time, grants have been provided to artists interested in performing on the North to Shore Festival Community Showcase Stages, centrally located performance venues in each city, including the Audible Showcase Stage in Newark.
“We are thrilled to bring North to Shore back to the Garden State this summer to celebrate the vast diversity and top-notch talent that is quintessential New Jersey,” said NJPAC CEO John Schreiber. “In its inaugural year, North to Shore proved to be an economic driver for the businesses and downtown districts that serve our state’s residents day-in and day-out. I’m proud to bring that support back to three of our most iconic cities this summer.”
This year, festival goers can maximize the festival experience with the North to Shore app, where they can plan their schedule, explore artists, buy tickets, get access to exclusive content and giveaways, and more.
“Asbury Park is ready to shine for a second year as one of the host cities of the North to Shore Festival,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. “We are eager to share the talent and energy that makes our small city so captivating with the rest of the state and beyond.
“It is an especially proud moment for us as the iconic Stone Pony is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024,” Moor continued. “North to Shore is tapping the expected and unexpected venues in town and will be presenting a wide variety of acts and activations. We are honored to kick off this year’s festival and look forward to seeing everyone in Asbury Park in June.”
“The Great City of Atlantic City got to showcase why we’re among the entertainment capitals of the country during last year’s North to Shore Festival, and we’re looking forward to getting another opportunity this time around,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “Everything that makes our city special and unique, particularly in the arts and culture scene, will once again be on full display as we promise this festival will be even bigger and better in year number two.
“Newark has long been a hotspot for talented artists, entrepreneurs and innovators to grow, perform and master their craft,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “With dozens of entertainment venues- including New Jersey Performing Arts Center – as well as authentic restaurants, boutique shops and recreation facilities available, Newark is a perfect location to host North to Shore.
TICKETS
Tickets to this year’s festival are available now at NorthtoShore.com.
The North to Shore (N2S) Festival
The North to Shore Festival, launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into three extraordinary weekends of performances, screenings, parties and conversations in three of the state’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark, the North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation in the arts, film and technology. For the latest updates on festival concerts, screenings and more, visit northtoshore.com and follow the festival on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Visit njpac.org for more information.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
—————————————————
KULTURE KOOL HONORS AAPI MONTH WHILE CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
By Mabel Pais
Archana Athalye, Founder-Artistic Director (Credit: kulturekool.com)
Kulture Kool, North Jersey’s leading South Asian Cultural Center, is thrilled to celebrate its 15-year anniversary show, ‘Utsav: Celebrations of India,’ at the Memorial Auditorium, Montclair State University, June 1, 1-4 pm.
The event, perfectly timed to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, promises to be an extraordinary journey through the vibrant festivals celebrated in India throughout the calendar year, featuring cultural immersion, entertainment, and a grand audio-visual spectacle. More than 200 performers, ranging in age from 3 to 50, will take the stage to bring the rich traditions and colorful celebrations of India to life. Attendees can expect a captivating showcase of Indian performing arts, including dance, music, and storytelling.
The theme, ‘Utsav,’ embodies the spirit of joy and unity found in Indian festivals, making it an unforgettable experience for audiences of all backgrounds.
Kulture Kool dancers (Credit: kulturekool.com)
Kulture Kool has been serving the South Asian community in New Jersey for 15 years, offering classes and workshops in the Indian performing arts, languages, and cultural immersion. As the largest institute of its kind in the region, Kulture Kool has become a vital part of the community, hosting over 2,000 school assemblies and countless public events.
COLLABORATION WITH NJ SYMPHONY
The Center recently made history by organizing the first-ever full Indian music concert with the New Jersey Symphony, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting South Asian culture.
Archana Athalye, Founder and Director of Kulture Kool, shares her excitement for the upcoming event: “Utsav is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of our journey over the past 15 years. We’ve grown from a small group of passionate individuals to a thriving community that embraces the beauty and diversity of South Asian culture. This grand celebration is our way of sharing that journey with everyone. We can’t wait to see you there!”
The ‘Utsav’ show at Montclair State University is open to the public, and tickets are available for purchase on Kulture Kool’s website. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a vibrant cultural event filled with dance, music, and the lively spirit of India’s festivals.
TICKETS
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kulturekool.com or contact Archana Athalye @ 203-558-7868.
Kulture Kool
The Kulture Kool South Asian Cultural Center offers a wide range of programs in Indian performing arts, languages, and cultural immersion. Founded in 2009, Kulture Kool has become a cornerstone of the community, providing quality education and enriching experiences that celebrate the diverse traditions of South Asia.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
Get ready to laugh and be entertained by a new comedy show on June 15 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
HASAN MINHAJ, brings his latest comedy tour to The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Victoria theater stage on June 15 at 7 PM. His show ‘Off With His Head!’, promises to be fearless, irreverent and thought-provoking. He fearlessly tackles controversial topics such as politics, immigration and parenting with his signature wit. Hasan Minhaj is a well-known comedian, writer and television host.
This new comedy tour ‘Off With His Head’ sees him return to his storytelling roots, four years after the global success of his one-hour Netflix comedy special ‘Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King’. This special was critically acclaimed and won him a 2018 Peabody award for “Outstanding Motion Design” and recognized the show as a 2020 Television Academy Honor.
He is best known for his Netflix series ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,’ which won him an Emmy, a Peabody award and two Webby awards. In 2019, he was listed in Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Hasan Minhaj is a first-generation American born of Indian parents, and his unique voice as a comedian has earned him many accolades. He was the featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. His first stand-up comedy special, ‘Homecoming King’, released on Netflix in May 2017, received positive reviews from critics and won him his first Peabody Award in 2018.
Minhaj was previously a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’ which he joined in 2014. After Trevor Noah took over as host the following year, he continued in that role on ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah’ until 2018. He released his second Netflix special, ‘Hasan Minhaj: The King’s Jester’, in 2022, and appeared in season two of the Apple TV+ drama series ‘The Morning Show’ in a recurring role.
His comedy specials, ‘Homecoming King’ and his 2018 ‘The King’s Jester’ are currently available on Netflix.
TICKETS
Tickets to see Hasan Minhaj can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or the Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
——————————————
NYSJFF 2024 SHEPHERDS MESSAGE OF TOLERANCE AND DIVERSITY
The 26th annual New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival (NYSJFF) opens its doors to patrons for a week-long cinematic journey, June 2-9, 2024. Watch the untold stories of tolerance and diversity within the vibrant Sephardic mosaic. The Festival takes place, primarily, at the American Sephardi Federation – Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Sunday, 2 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
6:00PM: Red Carpet VIP Meet and Greet with Alexandre Arcady, Stella Levi, Enrico Macias, & John Turturro
*Available for VIP Passholders only
7:00PM: Opening Night Pomegranate Awards Ceremony featuring a special performance by Enrico Macias and light reception
Monday, 3 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
3:00PM: Special Screening of THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS
Followed by a Q&A with David Forgacs (NYU)
6:00PM: WEDDING BLUES Followed by a Q&A with Enrico Macias North American Premiere
8:00PM: Red Carpet VIP Meet & Greet with Alexandre Arcady
*Available for VIP Passholders only
8:30PM: THE BLOND BOY FROM THE CASBAH Followed by a Q&A with Alexandre Arcady North American Premiere
Tuesday, 4 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
6:00PM: SPINOZA: SIX REASONS FOR THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF THE PHILOSOPHER Followed by Panel Discussion
8:00PM: THE SECRET SABBATH NY Premiere
Wednesday, 5 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
2:00PM: Shorts Program: THE GIRL FROM SALONIKA, NY Premiere WOMEN OF VIRTUE, NY Premiere MAHJONG & MAHASHAS, International Premiere Q&A with Director Carolyn Saul
6:00PM: MARIAGE MIXTE Followed by a Q&A with Alexandre Arcady
8:30PM: LE GRAND PARDON Followed by a Q&A with Alexandre Arcady
Thursday, 6 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
3:30PM: NATHAN-ISM Followed by a Q&A with Director Elan Golod
6:00PM: THE HOLY CLOSET NY Premiere Followed by a live performance by Chanan Ben Simon
8:15PM: KING OF THE SEPHARDIM Followed by a Q&A with Director Ofer Pinchasov International Premiere
Friday, 7 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
12:00PM: LOOKING FOR CHLOÉ Followed by a Q&A with Dr. Philippe Aghion, Gaby’s son
1:30PM: Stella Levi: Songs & Stories Conversation with Stella Levi and Natalia Indrimi
8:00PM: ASF Young Professionals SOULFUL SHABBAT DINNER
Saturday, 8 June @TriBeCa Synagogue
49 White Street, New York, NY 10013
9:20PM: Israeli-Sephardi Community Habdalah with Reymonde Amsellem
9:30PM: Pomegranate Award Ceremony, followed by the screening of SEVEN BLESSINGS, and Q&A with Reymonde Amsellem
Sunday, 9 June @ASF – Center for Jewish History
12:00PM: RADIO PROPAGANDA Followed by a Q&A with Director Ofer Pinchasov. NY Premiere.
2:30PM: A Tribute to Sami Michael A”H Free Event,
RSVP Required
4:30PM: 20th Anniversary Screening of SECRET PASSAGE
6:00PM: Red Carpet VIP Meet & Greet with John Turturro *Available for VIP Passholders only
7:00PM: 10th Anniversary Screening of FADING GIGOLO
Followed by a Q&A with John Turturro
Closing Night light reception
The American Sephardic Federation & The American Sephardic Jewish Film Festival
Learn more at americansephardi.org and the American Sephardic Jewish Film Festival at americansephardi.org/event/save-the-date-new-york-sephardic-jewish-film-festival
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
Battery Dance, one of America’s leading cultural ambassadors, connects the world through dance. In celebration of four-plus decades of artistic excellence and social relevance, it recognizes three honorees at its annual gala on May 30, 2024.
GALA HONOREES
GALA HONOREES (Credit : batterydance.org)
WHO:
Cultural Diplomacy Honorees: German Consul General David Gill and Sheila Shrivastava
Artistic Honoree: Chun Wai Chan
WHEN: Thursday, May 30
WHAT: 6:30 PM | Cocktails
7:30 PM | Dinner & Performance
WHERE: The Yale Club
50 Vanderbilt Ave, 20th Floor
New York, NY
DRESS: Black tie or cocktail attire
TICKETS
To purchase tickets for the Gala, visit classy.org/event/battery-dance-gala-2024/e572736
The Battery Dance Company pursues artistic excellence and social relevance by creating vibrant new works, performing on the world’s stages, presenting dance in public spaces, serving the field of dance and teaching people of all ages with special attention to the disadvantaged and areas of conflict.
Battery Dance is committed to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of its home community in New York City, extending programming throughout the U.S., and building bridges worldwide through international cultural exchange with programs in 70 countries to date.
Battery Dance created the Downtown Dance Festival, an annual outdoor summer festival in 1982, to make exceptional dance available free-of-charge within its home community of lower Manhattan where it was founded in 1976. Now renamed Battery Dance Festival, it has been presented in partnership with the Battery Park City Authority since 2013. Learn more at batterydance.org.
The Battery Dance Gala
The Battery Dance Gala is a celebration of the artistic excellence and community building that its patrons make possible. This year, Battery Dance is delighted to recognize the outstanding contributions of the company’s long-standing friends and benefactors German Consul General David Gill and Sheila Shrivastava, and artistic honoree Chun Wai Chan, New York City Ballet’s first Chinese principal dancer.
CONSUL GENERAL DAVID GILL
Consul General David Gill, German Consulate General New York. Born in 1966, Gill grew up in a protestant minister’s family in Herrnhut, Saxony, in former East Germany. He was denied a higher education by the communist regime for political reasons. Instead, he trained and worked as a plumber before joining a preparatory protestant school and later the theological seminary of the Protestant Church in Berlin Brandenburg.
In 1990, he initially was the chairman of Normannenstrasse Citizens’ Committee which oversaw the dissolution of the Ministry of State Security at the Stasi headquarters and served as the secretary of the Special Committee for the dissolution of the Stasi of the East German Parliament.
After reunification, Gill studied law in Berlin and Philadelphia. He held top positions in the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union. Since August 2017, he has been the German Consul General in New York.
SHEILA SHRIVASTAVA
Born in Scotland in 1970, Sheila Shrivastava grew up in Massachusetts with a German mother and Indian father. In 1992 she received her BA in Psychology with a Special Interest in Prison Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York City. After receiving her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998, she moved to Berlin, Germany where she worked from 2001 until 2017 teaching History and Theory of Social Work at the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences. She has two daughters and enjoys writing and reading poetry.
CHUN WAI CHAN
Born in Guangdong, China, Mr. Chan trained at the Guangzhou Art School from 2004 to 2010. In 2010 he was a finalist at the Prix de Lausanne, which earned him a full scholarship to study with Houston Ballet’s second company, Houston Ballet II. His repertory with Houston Ballet included leading roles in ballets by Stanton Welch, Ben Stevenson, George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, among others. Mr. Chan is the first Chinese principal at New York City Ballet (NYCB). Chan was also a Guest Principal Dancer with Hong Kong Ballet in 2018 and 2019.
———————————————–
NYIFF EVENT INSPIRES SYMBIOSIS OF FASHION AND FILM
(left) Mayyur Girotra with Mira Sagar with Mayyur’s design creations. (Credit : nyiff.us)(left to right): Mayyur Girotra, Suman Gollamudi, Shriya Bhattacharya. (Credit : nyiff.us)
By Mabel Pais
As a springboard to The New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) festivities, the Festival team held an exclusive event in collaboration with Ave India Design Collective at their SoHo location on May 16. The event was a resounding success, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating festival running from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024.
Renowned fashion designer Mayyur Girotra, celebrated for his exquisite bridal wear and innovative designs that blend Indian embroidery with Western silhouettes, headlined the evening with a captivating talkback session on Fashion and Film. Moderated by Shriya Bhattacharya of Business Insider, the session delved into the symbiotic relationship between fashion and cinema, and how they together enhance the narrative of Indian storytelling.
Girotra, whose designs have been adorned by numerous celebrities, including actress Aditi Rao Hydari from the hit Netflix series *Heeramandi*, Sridevi, Tabu of Bollywood and Richa Murjani in Hollywood, to name a few, shared his insights on the importance of cultural narratives. “Fashion and film are powerful mediums that convey the depth and richness of Indian culture. Through my designs, I aim to celebrate and preserve our heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Indie filmmaking, in particular, offers a unique platform to showcase authentic stories that resonate on a global stage. The New York Indian Film Festival is crucial in providing such a platform, bringing diverse and meaningful narratives to a wider audience,” said Girotra.
The event also provided a sneak peek into the film festival’s lineup, featuring star-studded premieres, thought-provoking documentaries, and captivating shorts. Attendees were treated to an evening of networking, complemented by wine and light bites, as they discussed the upcoming films and the significance of independent cinema in promoting diverse voices.
“We are thrilled to inaugurate the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival with such an inspiring event,” said Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council. “Mayyur Girotra’s participation highlights the crucial interplay between fashion and film in celebrating our culture. The festival is dedicated to presenting the richness of Indian storytelling, and we are excited to share these compelling narratives with our audience.”
Poonam Khubani, IAAC Advisory Board member added, “I warmly invite all of you to join us in celebrating extraordinary films shown at the NYIFF. Together, let’s champion the ascent of pioneering cinema and revel in the transformative power of storytelling.”
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
The release of the Kangana Ranaut-starrer “Emergency” has been postponed amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the makers have announced.
Ranaut, the lead actor, writer, director, and producer on “Emergency”, has been fielded by BJP for the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh in the polls. The state will vote in the last phase on June 1.
Manikarnika Films Production, the studio behind the upcoming political drama, shared the update on its official X page on Wednesday evening.
“Our hearts are filled with love pouring in for our queen Kangana Ranaut. As she prioritises her duty to the nation and her commitment to serve the country, the release date of our much awaited film ‘Emergency’ has been postponed,” the banner said in the post.
A new release date of “Emergency” will be announced soon, it added.
The film has been delayed multiple times; it was previously scheduled to be released on November 24, 2023.
“Emergency” is billed as the story of a watershed moment in the political history of India. Ranaut plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film.
Manoj Bajpayee, who is gearing up for the release of his 100th film Bhaiyya ji, shared that after a long gap, people of North India will see representation of their culture, the relationship they are very familiar with, and the culture that belongs to them, on screen. The Padma Shri awardee, who hails from Bihar said, “These are the characters that people have seen many times. Characters belonging to the North India region. This culture has been showcased for many years, but there has been a two-decade gap so we concentrated a lot on urban stories.” “And that is why we are all very excited that after a long gap, the people of North India will get their representation on the screen. When you make a film with all your heart, it shows on the screen too,” he added. On Bhaiyya ji being his 100th film, Manoj shared, “It was director Apoorv Singh Karki who came to me while we were shooting in Lucknow, and he told me that it will be my 100th film. I was surprised. When you look back, you see that it was never an easy journey. But God has been very kind. He has shown me some failures, but has also given me a lot of positivity and strength to carry on. I didn’t decide that Bhaiyya ji was going to be my 100th film.”
The New Jersey Symphony presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, May 16-19, 2024 at locations in New Jersey.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)
A hallmark of great music is its ability to say something powerful to us no matter how many times we have heard it. For a few listeners, this will be a first acquaintance with Beethoven’s magnificent “Eroica” Symphony, which is certain to make a powerful impression. For most of us, a performance of this masterwork is a visit with an old and dear friend. Now more than two centuries old, the “Eroica” sounds fresh and immediate throughout its forty-seven minute duration.
Jeremy Denk (Credit : njsymphony.org)Anna Clyne (Credit : njsymphony.org)
PROGRAM
Beethoven Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
Plus, Jeremy Denk plays Anna Clyne’s ATLAS Piano Concerto!
Markus Stenz conductor
Jeremy Denk piano
New Jersey Symphony
Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9
Anna Clyne ATLAS for Solo Piano and Orchestra (East Coast Premiere; New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Thu, May 16, 7:30 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown
Fri, May 17, 8:00 pm, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton
Sat, May 18, 8:00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Sun, May 19, 3:00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Intermission
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)
Allegro con brio
Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Finale: Allegro molto
Concise motives are building blocks for the heroic first movement. Principal oboe is the soloist in the somber ‘Marcia funebre.’ Beethoven limits himself to one theme in the scherzo, but puts it through its paces. Listen for the horns’ section solo in the “hunting call” trio. Beethoven used the famous finale theme for two other variation sets. Heroism, surprise, drama, solemnity, humor: the “Eroica” has them all.
——————————————————————-
BEETHOVEN’S EROICA IS INSPIRED BY BERNSTEIN’S MASTERFUL MUSIC MAKING
Family Concert (Credit : njsymphony.org)
By Mabel Pais
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. The New Jersey Symphony takes a deep dive into Beethoven’s “Eroica”– his breakout Third Symphony that broke all the rules and forged a new future for the symphonic form. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing!
PROGRAM
Sat, May 18
2.00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Markus Stenz conductor
Diego García host
New Jersey Symphony
Estimated Concert Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
For this family friendly concert, the festivities start an hour before with an instrument petting zoo and a special performance in the lobby by the Youth Orchestra String Ensemble.
This will be a Relaxed Performance, designed to accommodate the differing needs of New Jersey Symphony patrons. You and your families are encouraged to bring your own sensory manipulatives, noise reduction headphones and other necessary tools (like a comfort stuffed animal, lovee or stuffy) that will allow you to react and enjoy the music in a way that is most natural for you!
More information on the resources available in place pre-concert and during the performance is available @ njsymphony.org/visit/accessibility-1/what-is-a-relaxed-performance
Please note: If you are someone who enjoys silence in a concert hall, this performance might not be for you.
—————————————————-
REVEL IN THE EPIC SCORES OF JOHN WILLIAMS WITH NJ SYMPHONY
By Mabel Pais
Jessica Rivero Altarriba (Credit : njsymphony.org)
Celebrate epic film scores with the New Jersey Symphony, from unforgettable themes composed by John Williams, to the golden age of cinema, to famous classical music moments in movies. Enjoy familiar favorites from Harry Potter and Star Wars alongside monumental musical moments from Apocalypse Now and Cast Away, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this love letter to film music!
PROGRAM
SPECIAL CONCERT – SYMPHONY CELEBRATION
Thu, May 30 1:30 pm
New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Concert Prelude
Thursday, May 30, at 12:40 pm
Experience a special pre-concert performance by New Jersey Symphony musicians as they perform alongside local amateur musicians in an Amateur Chamber Music Event.
Fri, May 31 8:00 pm
New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Special Concert-Opening Performance
Friday, May 31, at 8 pm
The May 31 concert opens with a special performance of John Williams’ Theme from Jurassic Park by the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Academy Orchestra, conducted by Jessica Rivero Altarriba.
Sat, June 1 8:00 pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank
Sun, June 2 3:00 pm
State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick
Classical Conversation
Sunday, June 2, at 2 pm
Enjoy a lively Classical Conversation before the performance. Learn more about the music from New Jersey Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders.
Xian Zhang (Credit : njsymphony.org)
Xian Zhang conductor
Jessica Rivero Altarriba conductor
Brett Boles host
Min Kwon piano
New Jersey Symphony
Korngold Fanfare from The King’s Row
Prokofiev Suite from Lieutenant Kijé
Rachmaninoff Adagio sostenuto from Piano Concerto No. 2
Wagner/Hutschenruyter “The Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre
John Williams “Imperial March” from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
John Williams “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
John Williams Selections from Star Wars
“Anakin’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
“Princess Leia’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
“Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
“Main Title” from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
TICKETS
For tickets to any of the performances, visit njsymphony.org.
Groups of 10 or more save on tickets!
Groups of 10 or more save 20% on individual ticket prices for most concerts! Bring members of your special event, clients, students, clubs and senior community residents—what constitutes a group is up to you!
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
The Austin-based Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF) has the film and events lineup for its 26th Anniversary edition. This takes place at several locations, May 15-19. Cine Las Americas will once again present screenings at AFS Cinema (6259 Middle Fiskville Rd.), and Austin PBS (Clayton Lane/Wilhelmina Delco Dr.), with additional special events at We Luv Video (100 North Loop Blvd E), and Nepantla Art Gallery (1209 East Cesar Chavez Street).
As it has for over a quarter century, Cine Las Americas will serve as one of the primary showcases in the United States for films and videos from Latin America (North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean) and the Iberian Peninsula. The film festival celebrates films and videos made by or about Latinx in the U.S. or the rest of the world, with films and videos by or about indigenous groups of the Americas also featured. CLAIFF also features inclusiveness in the programming among the films representing over 15 countries throughout Ibero-America.
2024 Cine Las Americas Film and Events Lineup
OPENING NIGHT
Going Varsity in Mariachi
Dirs: Sam Osborn, Alejandra Vasquez; USA; 1h 44m
Opening Night (Credit : cinelasamericas.org)
In a South Texas high school auditorium, trumpets ring out, thick guitarrón strings thrum, and violin bow hairs snap and swing wildly through the air. This is the world of competitive scholastic mariachi. This energetic documentary captures the highs and lows of Edinburg North High School’s Mariachi Oro as a green team strives for state championship.
CLOSING NIGHT
La Contadora de Películas (The Movie Teller)
Dir: Lone Scherfig; Spain/Chile/France; 1h 56m
Closing Night (Credit : cinelasamericas.org)
The 1960s. María Margarita is the youngest of four siblings from a family living in a mining town in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Their most special time of the week is Sunday, when they all go to the cinema to enjoy stories that transport them to other worlds. With standout performances from Academy Award® nominee Bérénice Bejo, BAFTA nominee Daniel Brühl, and multiple-time Goya Award winner Antonio de la Torre, ‘The Movie Teller’ is a celebration of our capacity to defy even the harshest circumstances, to find love, community, inspiration, and hope where there seems to be none.
NARRATIVE FEATURES – COMPETITION
A Little Family Drama
Dir: Nadia Zoe; USA; 1h 27m
Itu Ninu (Where the Corn Fields Are) (Credit : cinelasamericas.org)
Itu Ninu (Where the Corn Fields Are)
Dir: Itandehui Jansen; Mexico/UK; 1h 72m
Milonga – North American Premiere
Dir: Laura González; Uruguay/Argentina; 1h 46m
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES – COMPETITION
Catapum: No tengo dónde caer (Catapum: Nowhere to Fall)
Dir: Palu Abadia; Colombia/United States; 1h 12m
Igualada
Dir: Juan Mejía Botero; Colombia/Mexico, USA; 1h 21m
The Strike
Dirs: JoeBill Muñoz, Lucas Guilkey; USA; 1h 26m
SHOWCASE: NARRATIVE FEATURES
Até que a Música Pare (Until the Music is Over)
Dir: Cristiane Oliveira; Brazil/Italy; 1h 37m
Bajo Terapia (Under Therapy)
Dir: Gerardo Herrero; Spain; 1h 33m
Boca Chica
Dir: Gabriella A. Moses; Dominican Republic; 1h 37m
El Otro Hijo (The Other Son)
Dir: Juan Sebastián Quebrada; Colombia/Argentina/France; 1h 26m
The 26th edition of the Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, ensures a captivating week-long cinematic journey of untold stories of tolerance and diversity within the vibrant Sephardic cultural mosaic. The festival takes place June 2-9, at the American Sephardi Federation – Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY, 10011.
This year’s festival promises to be truly extraordinary, as it includes NY, US and international premiere films, world-renowned filmmakers and actors receiving the Pomegranate Awards and the return to the American stage, hand in hand with the ASF, of the iconic internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Enrico Macias.
Opening Night includes a mesmerizing performance by Enrico Macias and the Pomegranate Awards Ceremony honoring acclaimed filmmaker Alexandre Arcady, cultural icon Stella Levi, and celebrated actor and director John Turturro.
John Turturro
John Turturro, one of cinema’s finest talents, will be honored with the Pomegranate Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival’s Opening Night, on Sunday, 2 June at 6:00PM. Mr. Turturro previously received the Cannes Film Festival’s Caméra d’Or, Sundance Film Festival’s Vision Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and Venice Film Festival’s Award of the City of Rome, amongst other honors.
Although he isn’t of Jewish descent, Turturro has played and written numerous Jewish characters in his career and has been considered by many as “the greatest non-Jewish portrayer of Jews”:
“My wife is Jewish, and I’ve grown up with black and Jewish people my whole life. And people always think I’m Jewish. Especially since I started playing Jewish characters with Joel and Ethan [Coen]. I played Primo Levi, I played Herb Stempel [in “Quiz Show”], I played Barton Fink. Some of the best characters I’ve played. One Italian guy told me once, ‘You only play Jewish guys!”(Washington Post, 2014)
Turturro grew up Catholic, but says “I’m not really religious, dogma-wise.” What he finds most interesting about Judaism is “the debate that goes on. There’s something healthy about that. I’ve always had, maybe not an attraction to the religion, but to the mind-set.”
John Turturro will also join the Festival on Closing Night on June 9 at 7PM for a 10th anniversary screening of Fading Gigolo. The film features performances by Sharon Stone, Vanessa Paradis, Liev Schreiber, and Sofía Vergara.
TICKETS
The following Festival Packages, Passes, & Tickets are available:
VIP Sponsorship Festival Package
VIP Sponsorship Festival Package includes access to All Events (including Opening & Closing Night Private Meet & Greet Receptions) and VIP seating at all Movie Screenings; Name listed as Festival Sponsor in the Catalog.
Festival Pass
Includes Opening and Closing Night Ceremonies, all Movie Screenings, Q&As, and Special Daytime Events
Opening Night Ticket
Includes Opening Night Awards Ceremony, Performance by Enrico Macias, and light reception.
Access nysjff26.eventive.org/passes/buy/vip_festival_pass to purchase your choice of Pass.
The American Sephardi Federation – Center for Jewish History
For updates and film schedule, visit americansephardi.org
———————————————–
THE GOLDEN AGE OF AL-ANDALUS EXHIBIT IS INAUGURATED
Executive Director, Jason Guberman speaks (Credit: americansephardi.org)
By Mabel Pais
To celebrate the ‘Golden Age of the Jewish community of Al-Andalus,’ on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 pm, the Embassy of Spain to the United States, the Consulate of Spain at New York, Centro Sefarad-Israel, Instituto Cervantes, the World Jewish Congress – North America, and the American Sephardi Federation inaugurated the Exhibit, “The Golden Age of the Jews of Alandalus” | “La Edad de Oro de los judíos de Alandalús” at the ASF – Center for Jewish History.
The event featured remarks by
Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the United States
David Dangoor, President of the ASF
Jason Guberman, Executive Director of the ASF
Matt Gatton, a Sephardic Scholar and author of The Shadows of Socrates
Dr. Hélene Jawhara Piñer, ASF Broome & Allen Scholar, award-winning author of ‘Sephardi: Cooking the History’ (Recipes of the Jews of Spain and the Diaspora from the 13th Century to Today) and ‘Jews, Food, and
Spain: The Oldest Medieval Spanish Cookbook and the Sephardic Culinary Heritage’
Dr. Vanessa Paloma Duncan-Elbaz, ASF Broome & Allen Fellow, Research Associate at Cambridge University, and award-winning scholar and singer
Jaime Moreno Bau, General Director of the Centro Sefarad-Israel, delivered the keynote address.
Dvir Avnon-Klein, ASF Sephardi House Fellow and talented multi-instrumentalist, performed classical Sephardic songs on the violin as guests entered.
Reception
Guests enjoyed kosher delicacies prepared by Dr. Hélene Jawhara Piñer at the TriBeCa Synagogue from recipes by or related to the writings to the RAMBAM
Dr. Vanessa Paloma Duncan-Elbaz closed the program by performing a Ladino Romansa.
TICKETS
This was an in-person ticketed event.
—————————————————-
SOCRATES WAS CRITIQUE OF ATHENS’ IDOLATROUS CULT
By Mabel Pais
To celebrate the launch of Matt Gatton’s new book, ‘The Shadows of Socrates: The Heresy, War, and Treachery Behind the Trial of Socrates,’ a fascinating discussion followed his presentation on Sunday, 14 April at 4:30PM ET. This was an in-person ticketed event.
Synopsis
The trial of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is widely considered the most famous trial of all time. At age 70, he was charged with impiety (a religious crime) and corrupting the youth, but the reasons for these charges were left unexplained, as the prosecution’s case was not recorded.
There’s a reason for this: Socrates triggered the first great battle between philosophy and religion when he launched a searing critique of Athens’ most important and secretive idolatrous cult. Socrates has more in common with Moses, Maimonides, and Spinoza than you might ever have imagined. Sometimes the light of true reason must fight in the shadows.
TICKETS
This was an in-person ticketed event.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
It’s time to set our sights on a cherished spring tradition — the Women@NJPAC Annual Spring Luncheon & Auction!
Join us alongside nearly 600 of New Jersey’s most dynamic women — from elected and philanthropic leaders to artists, activists, moms and managers — who return every year for this special event that uplifts and empowers all who attend.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ROBIN ROBERTS
Co-anchor, Good Morning America
Robin Roberts, ABC-GMA, co-anchor (Credit: NJPAC)
Co-anchor of America’s top-rated morning program, Good Morning America, Robin Roberts has more than 30 years of experience as an author, producer, reporter and anchor in radio and television. Her on-air reporting has covered events from Hurricane Katrina to the inauguration of Barack Obama and the Academy Awards. As President of Rock’n Robin Productions, she oversees content and new business partnerships.
The 2024 Ronnie Goldberg Award for “outstanding contributions to women@njpac” will be presented to:
NANCY CANTOR
Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark
We are delighted to honor Nancy Cantor, Chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark and a member of the NJPAC Board of Directors, as this year’s recipient of The Ronnie Goldberg Award. This esteemed recognition is in appreciation of her unwavering friendship and steadfast support of NJPAC’s mission.
Luncheon co-chairs:
Tammye T. Jones
community leader, philanthropist
Kerri B. Levine
vice president, the Fidelco Group
Your impact:
Proceeds from the Spring Luncheon support vital initiatives at NJPAC including Arts Education programs that nurture the whole child, Community Engagement’s ArtsXChange in the South Ward and a first-in-the-nation prescription program advancing health and well-being through engagement with the arts.
QUESTIONS:
For questions, please reach out to Stacey Joseph, Senior Manager, Development and Women@NJPAC Events, at sjoseph@njpac.org or call 973.353.7043.
———————————————
GARDEN STATE PREMIER YOUTH ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES 45 YEARS
NJYS (Credit: WhartonArts.org)
By Mabel Pais
The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), a program of Wharton Arts, presents its 45th Anniversary Celebration Concert (njpac.org/event/nj-youth-symphony-45th-anniversary-concert) on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Experience a grand celebration of the Garden State’s premier youth orchestra program as its three full symphony orchestras and Jazz Orchestra come together with alumni for a triumphant concert commemorating the 45th season.
Special guest stars George Marriner Maull of The Discovery Orchestra and jazz legend Rufus Reid join the jubilee led by NJYS conductors Dion Tucker, Mark Gunderman, Simon Lipskar, and Helen H. Cha-Pyo. The celebratory program features works by Holst, Copland, Rufus Reid, Valerie Coleman, James Ra, and Respighi.
Audience members are invited to take a sweeping look at the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s 45-year history and the road ahead.
Maestro George Marriner Maull said, “As founding Music Director and Conductor of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, nothing could make me happier than the celebration of the youth symphony’s 45th Anniversary—an amazing accomplishment in the lifespans of today’s nonprofits. The New Jersey Youth Symphony, a vital part of the Wharton Arts family, is now flourishing under the artistic leadership of Helen Cha-Pyo and her staff. It is flourishing beyond the wildest dreams of those of us—and there were so many during those first eighteen years beginning in 1979 — who planted and nourished this seed. Just gaze at and listen to what that seed has blossomed into…Happy 45th Anniversary indeed!”
“As we commemorate the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s remarkable 45-year journey, this concert stands as a tribute to the unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and boundless passion of our young musicians, their families, our devoted artistic and administrative teams, and our invaluable community partners—including public school music educators, private teachers, and generous supporters,” said Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. “We are eager to present a concert with our honorees, Rufus Reid and Maestro George Marriner Maull, and NJYS alumni that honors our rich history while embracing an exciting future. We hope the audience enjoys the world premiere of ‘Ring O Bells!’ by James Ra, commissioned to commemorate the 45th anniversary, and we invite you to join us for this unforgettable musical celebration!”
Throughout the 2023-24 season, NJYS has honored its vibrant history and bright future with premieres of new compositions and beloved music from the inaugural season in 1979. For more information, go to NJYS.org.
TICKETS
Tickets are available at NJPAC.org. VIP Tickets can be purchased to get you premium seating and admission to the post-concert reception.
Support to NJYS is also accepted at NJYS45.givesmart.com (e.givesmart.com)
Wharton Arts
Wharton Arts’ mission is to offer accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities to be accessible for all. Learn more at WhartonArts.org.
————————————————
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH HONORED
Far East Deep South, film poster (Credit: NJPAC)
By Mabel Pais
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, The New Jersey Performing Center’s (NJPAC) ‘Standing in Solidarity’ focuses on the Asian American experience.
The event includes a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Far East Deep South,’ the PSEG True Diversity Film selection, about a Chinese American family’s search for their roots and the discovery of an immigrant community in the South in the wake of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Also revealed in the film is how the Chinese American settlers developed a symbiotic relationship with their Black neighbors during the Jim Crow era and bridged racial and ethnic divides in tumultuous times.
This event is a co-production of NJPAC and the New Jersey Chapter of Ascend, the largest global network advancing Pan-Asian professionals in the workplace and corporate boardrooms.
Learn more about the moderator and panelists at njpac.org/event/pseg-true-diversity-film-series-presents-chinese-and-black-allyship-in-the-south
REGISTRATION
Registration is required. To register, visit njpac.org/event/pseg-true-diversity-film-series-presents-chinese-and-black-allyship-in-the-south/#register
Learn more about the Moderator and Panelists at njpac.org/event/pseg-true-diversity-film-series-presents-chinese-and-black-allyship-in-the-south
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, and Business)
The World Music Institute in collaboration with Asia Society presents its annual 13th edition of ‘Dancing the Gods’ Festival featuring leading performers of Indian Dance. Each night begins with a slide presentation by festival curator and acclaimed dance storyteller, Rajika Puri.
PROGRAM
(Left) Kasi Aysola & Archana Raja (Credit: worldmusicinstitute.org)
Night One: Dancing the Gods
Kasi Aysola and Archana Raja (Kuchipudi with live music)
Friday, May 10, 2024
Doors: 7 PM | Lec Dem by Curator Rajika Puri: 7:15 PM
RAJIKA PURI is an internationally acclaimed exponent of two forms of Indian classical dance – Bharata Natyam and Odissi – which she has performed in solo recitals all over Europe, the United States, Latin America, and India. Career highlights include a command performance for the President of Mexico. Learn more at rajikapuri.com
INTERVIEW WITH RAJIKA PURI
Rajika Puri (Credit: worldmusicinstitute.org)
Rajika Puri, festival curator and acclaimed dance storyteller, spoke to Mabel Pais.
TIP: You have an inspiring resume in theatre, dance, and film. Are you still active in each of these areas?
RAJIKA PURI (RP): Mira (Nair) got me into ‘Mississippi Masala’ (1991) and ‘Longtime Companion’ (1989 – directed by Norman René) and things like that. But film is not really my thing…I did however fly there and then get up really early to go to the set at 6 o’clock the next morning and do something small. Roshan Seth is a friend of mine. I had gone because Roshan Seth was in the film (‘Mississippi Masala’) and actually I was supposed to be on holiday in New Mexico. I had a scene with Sir Ben Kingsley in ‘Learning to Drive’ (as Darwan’s sister Rasbir) and things like that. But it was fun (2014 – director Isabel Coixet).
Nowadays, I’m doing even less theatre because the auditions and all stopped during the pandemic and then my agent left or retired and I decided not to get another one. Then I decided to get a place in Portugal to spend a lot of time there and winters in India.
TIP: Where were you born? How did you get started in dance?
RP: I was born in East Africa.
Oh! I think as a little child I would always listen to music. My father was in Burma during the war (Second World War) and my mother went home for my birth, and I have photographs of me standing by a His Master’s Voice (HMV) turntable records that had that big megaphone, and there’s a picture of me just standing next to it listening to music and trying to move myself to it, Apparently, my mother always said “you know, that from the moment you could walk, you responded to dance.”. To me, dance is really a response to music. It’s not like jumping around like an idiot. It really is a response that comes in my body when I hear music that makes me want to move.
TIP: At what age did you start performing?
RP: I think my first dance class was at the age of eight. My mother knew that a person’s brain is not really beginning to be formed and set until the age of eight. So she didn’t want to have me do anything before that age except to jump around to music, or go to dance sessions in kindergarten. But at the age of eight, she found me a guru, and I started. (Of course, in those days it was only Bharatanatyam you could learn). A few Bharatanatyam gurus had come to Delhi, and I remember having classes in the central hall of my aunt’s big house (because my Bengali father who was in the army had been posted to a non-family station and we were in Dehradun and we had moved to a very small place that they gave to army wives whose husbands were at the frontier, at non-family stations. So in this big hall of Motilal Nehru Marg, I used to get Bharatanatyam lessons.
Then, my mother got fed up of being an army widow (a grass widow is what I mean) of never seeing her husband who was up in the Front (battle front), so she decided to go to London, and she took my younger 2-year-old brother and myself, and we went off to England. There, she put me into ballet for a little while. But my feet were not ballet feet. I have flat feet as a Bharatanatyam dancer, but there were no Bharatanatyam teachers in London in 1958!
Soon, she even got me into a couple of talent shows and I danced on television and was called back three times, you know. The newspaper used Malini (from Manimalini Parivrajika which is my real name, Rajika is the end of it. There’s no such a name as Rajika in India, though it is a Sri Lankan name, I later discovered.
The name Rajika was given to me by Madame Sokhey, Menaka Sokhey. She was one of the first dancers who went abroad at the same time as Uday Shankar. She told my mother when my parents got married in her house, “If you have a daughter, give her the name Rajika,” which was one of her favorite roles in her ballet ‘Malavika Agnihotram’. A Parivrajika is a wandering Buddhist nun. I remember my masi (mother’s sister) said, “No, no, that name means she’ll never get married.” So I later thought that part of my name has come too since I have traveled a lot during my life, from New Zealand to Peru. So, she said, “Call her also ‘Monimalini’ to ensure she is not poor! So they added Monimalini to the beginning of my name. But my father used to just call me ’Rajika’. And then I found out that it is a Sri Lankan name.
TIP: Why the title ‘Dancing the Gods?’
RP: Well. Have you thought about it? We don’t dance for the Gods, we don’t dance to the gods, we become the gods on stage. When I dance Shiva, I become Shiva. I’m representing Shiva. We dance for the people; we dance the gods. We dance as Shiva to spread, to give the non-literate people and others in the villages and so on to bring the scriptures to life. And to bring the scriptures to life, we danced and the characters were gods.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, and Business)
As part of the ‘COLLABORATIONS’ series, the World Music Institute of New York City with Absolutely Live Entertainment presents ‘Béla Fleck: Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody’ on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, New York. Béla Fleck is joined by Ustad Zakir Hussain, Bruce Hornsby and Anat Cohen and Béla Fleck’s company.
This series of cross-cultural musical explorations often explores ways in which the music of artists from one culture have influenced the music of another culture, or the music of seemingly widely varying cultures can be strikingly similar or complementary.
PROGRAM
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Doors: 7 PM | Show: 8 PM
Carnegie Hall – 881 7th Ave. Manhattan
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Co-presented with Absolutely Live Entertainment
Béla Fleck: Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody
Béla Fleck featuring
Eric Jacobsen & The Fleckharmonic
My Bluegrass Heart (Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton)
Zakir Hussain – Honorary WMI Board Member
Bruce Hornsby
Anat Cohen
Performers
Béla Fleck, Banjo
Aeolian Philharmonic
Eric Jacobsen, Conductor
My Bluegrass Heart
– Michael Cleveland, Fiddle
– Sierra Hull, Mandolin
– Justin Moses, Dobro, Fiddle, and Banjo
– Mark Schatz, Bass
– Bryan Sutton, Guitar
Zakir Hussain, Tabla
Bruce Hornsby, Piano
Anat Cohen, Clarinet
TICKETS
Tickets are available on a tiered basis. To access tickets, visit carnegiehall.org/Cart/Event-Seating?itemNumber=46811#
BELA FLECK
Béla Fleck has virtually reinvented the image and sound of the banjo through a remarkable legacy of four decades that has taken him all over the musical map.
His musical journey has earned him 16 Grammy awards in nine different fields, including Country, Pop, Jazz, Instrumental, Classical and World Music. His newest project is no different, and yet, entirely original as Fleck expands and explores George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ by paying homage to the legendary composer while redefining an American classic just in time for its centennial.
‘Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody’ will celebrate the music of Fleck’s career, including his New York premiere of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ performed with an orchestra, conducted by Eric Jacobsen. The multi-artist night features ‘My Bluegrass Heart,’ tabla master Zakir Hussain, pianist Bruce Hornsby, and woodwind player Anat Cohen.
ZAKIR HUSSAIN
Ustad Zakir Hussain is widely considered to be one of the greatest tabla players of all time and globally recognized not only as a tabla virtuoso but also as a composer, music producer, percussionist, and film actor. He has received the highest awards given by the Indian government such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhusha, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, as well as multiple Grammy Awards and the NEA National Heritage Fellowship for his contributions to Indian classical music and percussion. Zakir became the first musician from India to receive 3 Grammys at one time at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024, for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Learn more at zakirhussain.com.
He is a WMI Honorary Board member.
ERIC JACOBSEN
Already well-established as one of classical music’s most exciting and innovative young conductors, Eric Jacobsen combines fresh interpretations of the traditional canon with cutting-edge collaborations across musical genres. Learn more at jacobseneric.com
BRUCE HORNSBY
Bruce Randall Hornsby is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Hornsby has won three Grammy Awards: a 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Recording, and a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Learn more at brucehornsby.com.
ANAT COHEN
Ever charismatic, prolific and inspired, Grammy-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has won hearts and minds the world over with her expressive virtuosity and delightful stage presence.
Anat has been declared Clarinetist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association every year since 2007 and has also been named the top clarinetist in both the readers and critics polls in DownBeat for multiple years running. Learn more at anatcohen.com.
—————————————————-
EXPLORE JAPANESE CULTURE WITH FOLK & ANIME SONGS FOR PEACE
Rino Aise (Credit: worldmusicinstitute.org)
By Mabel Pais
Experience a live performance of sanshin with folk and anime singing by RINO AISE at the beautiful and private Globus Washitsu, an authentic Japanese space in Manhattan on May 2, 2024.
PROGRAM
WHAT: Sixth Annual Japanese Salon
WHEN: Thur, May 2, 2024
WHERE: Globus Washitsu @ 889 Broadway between 19/20th Streets, Manhattan
6:30 pm – Door open. Arrive on time so as not to disturb the performance.
7:00 pm – Live performance followed by a Q&A session
8:00 pm – Reception with sushi, sake, and refreshments
A live performance of sanshin with folk and anime singing by RINO AISE.
Sushi, sake, and refreshments will also be served in the beautiful and private Globus Washitsu, an authentic Japanese space in Manhattan.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please bring white socks as visitors are not permitted to wear shoes inside the Globus Washitsu.
TICKETS
For tickets, visit ci.ovationtix.com/35721/production/1197150.
Member benefits apply. Space is limited.
RINO AISE
Rino Aise, a native of Japan, is a performer of drama and music. Rino initially studied Minyo (folk songs) with Ryushu Kubota, the highest teacher of the Hokkaido Folk Song Federation. Then she started playing sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument, to pursue her music career singing folk, anime, and original songs throughout the U.S. and Japan.
Band: Rino Aise Band R. A. B
Duo: PinkLagoon
Learn more at rinoaise.com
The Globus Washitsu
The Globus Washitsu is an authentic Japanese space in central Manhattan, comprised of traditional shoji screens, tatami mats, and fusuma. It is an ideal setting for listening to Japanese music. Created by the Globus family with the assistance of Japanese carpenters, it has a full tea house where traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and lessons are conducted. The Globus Family sponsors many facets of Japanese culture including music, art, film, kimono, craft, dance, etc. They also offer residence for visiting artists in their Ryokan (Japanese style living space). They collaborate with other cultural institutions, such as the World Music Institute to broaden the dialogue between people from Japan and the USA. For more information, visit nycwashitsu.com.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, and Business)
