The Indian Panorama

Tag: John Schreiber

  • N2S 2025 RETURNS THIS SUMMER FOR THIRD YEAR:THE FEST ONLY NJ COULD HANDLE

    • By Mabel Pais

    THEME: LAUGHS AND JAMS

    ‘PRUDENTIAL NORTH TO SHORE’ June 2025

    (Left to right) – Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Asbury Park Mayor John Moor; NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber; Elizabeth McCarthy, President and CEO, Community Foodbank of NJ; Charlie Lowrey, Chairman and CEO Prudential Financial; First Lady Tammy Murphy, Governor Phil Murphy (Credit : Jeremy Smith / NJPAC.org)

    The ‘Prudential North to Shore Festival,’ produced by NJPAC and with Prudential Financial as title sponsor, returns this June featuring ‘Laughs and Jams’: A star-studded lineup of musical superstars and world-class comics.

    ‘Prudential North to Shore Festival’ will return in June 2025, building on the momentum of two extraordinarily successful festivals in 2023 and 2024, with an expanded lineup that runs from June 14 through June 29.

    Watch a NJEDA preview video of the Festival – youtu.be/f79GiHpcAQk

    Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2023, this year’s festival returns with a special focus on comedy and music — ’Laughs and Jams.’

    In its first two years, the festival brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and has drawn a total audience of over 500,000 to more than 650 shows in 250 venues in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City, making it New Jersey’s largest summer arts festival. Prudential Financial returns as the festival’s title sponsor, as part of the Newark-based company’s celebration of its 150th anniversary. There are additional NJ sponsors.

    N2S 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT

    The lineup was unveiled on March 4 during a press conference at NJPAC’s iconic Prudential Hall, where festival organizers, supporters and arts and entertainment fans gathered to learn more about this year’s format.

    “Now for a third summer, we can come together again to celebrate the qualities that make New Jersey an epicenter for diversity, creativity, and innovation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. ‘Prudential North to Shore’ is more than a festival — it’s a showcase of everything that makes this state unique, welcoming, and an ideal stage for talent and the arts.”

    Then, for two consecutive weeks, comedians of all stripes and musical acts will perform in venues across Asbury Park and Newark. At the same time, free community events will welcome festival-goers with a taste of the rich and varied arts and culture scene that thrives in each city.

    “In just three short years, ‘Prudential North to Shore’ has become the premier showcase of our state’s incredible depth of talent,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I cannot wait to enjoy all the festival has to offer alongside visitors from around the region and from all over the country.”

    “The breadth of experiences ‘Prudential North to Shore’ offers is unlike that of any other festival in the nation,” said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC. “We’re excited to offer something this year that is focused, bold and more Jersey than ever. Laughs and jams —comedy and music — will provide fans with unforgettable, life-enhancing experiences and the kind of joy we all need and deserve.”

    “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with NJPAC and return as the title sponsor of ‘Prudential North to Shore Festival,’” said Lata Reddy, senior vice president, Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of The Prudential Foundation. “For 150 years, Prudential has been a rock for millions of people around the world, helping them build financial security and live better lives longer. That path starts in our local communities, and we’re excited to help bring North to Shore’s economic engine and boost the creative economy back to our hometown of Newark and across New Jersey.”

    PERFORMERS

    Stone Temple Pilots (Credit : Jeremy Smith / NJPAC.org)

    This year’s lineup will include Bleachers; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; Gregory Porter; Jack’s Manequinn; Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson; Josh Johnson; Lawrence; Natalia Lafourcade; Slightly Stoopid; Stone Temple Pilots; Streetlight Manifesto; The String Cheese Incident; Third Eye Blind; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and many others.

    Two of the festival’s most anticipated events — LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells and HOT 97 Summer Jam — will bring the energy and impact of hip-hop to ‘Prudential North to Shore’ at Newark’s Prudential Center.

    LL COOL J’s, Rock The Bells (Credit : Jeremy Smith : NJPAC.org)

    ‘Rock The Bells,’ the premier hip-hop festival experience, will take over with exclusive live performances, a fan fest, and immersive brand activations that celebrate hip-hop’s past, present, and future.

    ‘HOT 97 Summer Jam’ will showcase the hottest names in hip-hop today, delivering another powerhouse live music experience.

    PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS REWARDS

    ‘Prudential North to Shore’ has again collaborated with advisory groups in Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Newark to provide ‘Prudential North to Shore Community Arts Awards.’ Through this program, the festival awards local artists, arts organizations, nonprofits and small businesses with up to $10,000 each to self-produce performing and visual arts events during the festival. This year, ‘Prudential North to Shore’ will kick off year-round community programming in Atlantic City starting on June 14.

    A full list of the Prudential North to Shore Community Arts Awards recipients can be viewed @ northtoshore.com/community-arts-grants.

    Additionally, select Community Arts Awards winners will be offered the opportunity to perform as opening acts for headliners appearing at mainstage and club venues in Asbury Park and Newark, giving them an unprecedented opportunity to connect with new fans.

    The ‘2025 Prudential North to Shore Festival’ is also supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

    “As part of Governor Murphy’s vision to promote arts and culture as a driver of economic growth and community development, the NJEDA is committed to showcasing the strength of New Jersey’s booming arts and innovation sectors to the rest of the world,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We are proud to partner with Prudential North to Shore for this year’s festival, which will attract thousands of attendees to some of the state’s most iconic cities and support local restaurants, businesses, hotels, and main streets during the heart of the summer season.”

    NJPAC is producing this multi-city celebration with leadership support from Prudential Financial, the festival’s title sponsor for the second consecutive year. The Arts Center is also collaborating with several partners in New Jersey.

    GROWING HEALTHY PANTRIES

    A portion of all ticket sales will directly benefit Growing Healthy Pantries – a partnership between 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 and supports 1,000 food pantries across the state’s 21 counties. 

    “Beyond just providing emergency food to feed our neighbors in need for today, New Jersey’s food banks are also working to address the long-term causes and consequences of food insecurity, including lack of access to healthy options,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Growing Healthy Pantries is one critical way that we’re promoting nutrition, choice, and dignity at pantries across the state to address hunger as a health issue. We’re so grateful to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, NJPAC and Prudential North to Shore Festival for their continued commitment to our shared mission.”

    NEWARK: POWERHOUSE OF CREATIVITY

    “Newark is long known to be a powerhouse of creativity, teeming with artistic expression – and exactly the kind of city perfect for hosting ‘Prudential North to Shore,’” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “I am so excited about the incredible lineup coming here this year, and I look forward to celebrating this festival with neighbors who already love our city and visitors who soon will!”

    ASBURY PARK: DNA OF MUSIC AND ARTS

    “Music and the arts are woven into the very DNA of Asbury Park, and ‘Prudential North to Shore’ is the ultimate celebration of that artistry and spirit,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. “This festival not only spotlights the incredible talent that thrives here but also reinforces Asbury Park’s legacy as a cultural and economic engine in New Jersey.”

    ATLANTIC CITY: CREATIVES & COMMUNITY GROUPS

    This year, in Atlantic City, ‘Prudential North to Shore’ community events will be produced throughout the year, extending the celebration’s impact on creatives and community groups.

    N2S PARTNERS

    Producing Partners for this year’s ‘Prudential North to Shore’ include Montclair Film; Madison Marquette; Newark International Film Festival; SJ Presents; New Jersey Symphony; and Live Nation.

    Prudential North to Shore Festival

    For the latest updates, new concert listings, and tickets, visit northtoshore.com 

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997 and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit njpac.org for more information.

    Prudential Financial

    Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better and create financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for 150 years. For more information, visit prudential.com

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Cuisine, and Health & Wellness)

  • N2S RETURNS IN JUNE TO SPOTLIGHT NJ’S CULTURE, CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY

    N2S RETURNS IN JUNE TO SPOTLIGHT NJ’S CULTURE, CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY

    • By Mabel Pais

    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)

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    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)