I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are only three weekends left before Labor Day. That means, for many, only three more weeks of a relaxed schedule before they are back to the daily grind. So I suggest you make the most of the summer weekends while you can.
Observe the beauty and learn about the history of the spectacular stained glass Tiffany windows at Essex County Kip’s Castle Park in Verona tonight. Free guided tours led by volunteer members of the Kip’s Castle Conservancy have been offered on the third Thursday of the month all summer long. Joey D, the Essex County Executive, says, “Essex County Kip’s Castle Park is a unique historical treasure that gives us a glimpse of Essex County’s elegant past. We invite you to come out this summer and learn about the creation of the Tiffany Windows that are found throughout the Castle.”
Tiffany Windows Tours at Kip’s Castle
Thursday, August 16 at 7 pm
Kip’s Castle, 22 Crestmont Road, Verona
Free
On Friday night, you can go to Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza in Montclair to enjoy the music of Shuffle Jump & Moan, featuring Eric Heilner, Adam Gustavson, Ken Nerbak, Glenn Johnson and Rob Signorile. They’ll be playing some great Blues while Ruthie’s offers up good food. Most people agree that Ruthie’s serves up some good pizza, but I suggest you try the best Mac and Cheese in town. Trust me, it’s so good you’ll be singing the Blues when you’ve finished it wanting more.
Shuffle Jump & Moan
Friday, August 17 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza, 64 1/2 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042
BYO and no cover
Or you can enjoy the music of local Parents Who Rock band Sock Monster on Church Street before the Montclair Film Festival screening of Big! It was rained out last week, but the show will go on tomorrow night. Sock Monster is a band of local Dads who play a mix of smart covers—powerpop, alternative and punk shoulda-been classics. The concert starts at 8 pm and hte movie beigns at 9 pm.
Sock Monster and Big screening on Church Street
Friday, August 17 at 8 pm
Church Street, Montclair, NJ
Free
On Saturday get out and enjoy what Montclair has to offer. Enjoy a yoga class (postponed until 8/25)at Brookdale Park with Garden State Yoga, then go to the Farmer’s Market, pick up some great picnic food. I suggest a nice, crusty loaf of bread from The Montclair Bread Company, some cheese, and don’t forget the wine. Grab a blanket and your goods and head over to Nishuane Park for the 4th annual Montclair Jazz Festival by Jazz House Kids.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is will present a Japanese Drums and Ikebana Art program on Sunday. Taiko drummer Marco Lienhard of Taikoza will join Anna Nakada to perform, inform and delight. This presentation proved to be a crowd favorite last year and performers Marco Lienhard (who replaces Kenny Chin) and Anna Nakada plan on a similarly engaging program in the colorful and elegant gardens of Macculloch Hall. Both Ms. Nakada and Mr. Lienhard will provide opportunities for the audience to participate and learn about these art forms. Visitors may also tour the variety of plantings in seasonal bloom, and relax on the large lawn during the program. Guests are welcome to bring chairs or blankets.
Japanese Drums and Ikebana Art
Sunday, August 19 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free.
To find out what else is going on this weekend, be sure to check our calendar.