It’s a quiet weekend for events since Easter is on Sunday, but there are still some ways to get out and enjoy yourself.
Here are five suggestions on what to do this weekend:
1) Attend the Montclair YMCA’s sleep disorder lecture tonight, Thursday, March 28 at 7 pm.
2) Check out Israel Bernbaum’s art exhibit commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising at MSU’s George Segal Gallery.
3) Whether you’ve heard local guitarist Dave Stryker leading his own group (with 24 CD’s as a leader to date), co-leading The Stryker/Slagle Band, or as a featured sideman with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and many others, you know why the Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Striker is celebrating his birthday with a Birthday Bash & CD Release Party for Blue to the Bone IV at Trumpet’s Jazz Club and Restaurant in Montclair on Saturday, March 30.
Dave Stryker Birthday Bash & CD Release Party
Saturday, March 30for two sets at 8 pm and 10 pm from 8 pm – 10 pm
Trumpets Jazz Club and Restaurant, 6 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ, 07042
$20 pp music $12 pp minimum. Reservations highly recommended 973.744.2600
4) You’ll most likely have to pick up food at the supermarket for the holidays, so head over to Kings Foods Market in Short Hills-Millburn for an afternoon of wine tasting with accomplished sommelier Andre Mack, and get a drink or two out of your shopping trip. You will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the wine industry through Mack’s extensive experience. Topics discussed will be the significance of assorted aromas and flavors and helpful tips for pairing your foods with wines, just in time for Easter Dinner! As a former “Best Young Sommelier” Award winner, Mack has gained recognition as one of the wine industry’s up and coming talents, managing an award-winning wine list of 2,500 selections at Chef Thomas Keller’s critically acclaimed Per Se restaurant in New York City, and establishing his own “Mouton Noir” label in 2007, which is served at the nation’s top restaurants.
Wine Tasting with Sommelier Andre Mack at Kings Supermarket
Saturday, March 30 from 2 pm – 5 pm
Kings Super Markets, 778 Morris Turnpike, Millburn, NJ
Free
5) There are still tickets available (all the way back in the fourth tier) to see the “Queen of Soul,” Miss Aretha Franklin at NJPAC on Saturday night. Hearing Franklin’s songs “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Think”, “Chain of Fools” and her signature song, “Respect,” live, it won’t matter where you’re sitting in the theater. You’ll be amazed by the 18 time GRAMMY winner.
Aretha Franklin at NJPAC
Saturday, March 30 at 7 pm
NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Tickets range from $39 – $149.50 and can be purchased online here
I might check out “Chronic Pain” at The Old Canal Inn on Sat. Night.