This week’s Arts & Entertainment at home column is sponsored by Kate McDonough.
Heading into another week of social distancing to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, because staying home is the only way we are going to flatten the curve. That doesn’t mean your enjoyment of arts and entertainment is over.
Here’s your guide to the latest happening online to enjoy from the comfort and safety of your home:
Live Stream Music & Theater
- On Thursday, June 25 at 7 pm, Newark Museum presents Jazz Sessions. Join host Sheila Anderson and get swept away in the serenades of Dezron Douglas and Brandee Younger as they perform jazz favorites. This session will be available by Zoom only.
- On Thursday, June 25 at 8 pm, Outpost in the Burbs presents “Music for Meals,” a virtual concert fundraiser to benefit the community service work provided by its soup kitchen and by FACT (Friends Acting and Caring Together)
- NJPAC presents DJ Dance Party: House Music on Facebook Live with house music by DJ Paul Anthony on Thursday night at 7 pm.
- On Friday night, June 26 at 8 pm, enjoy Jazz House KiDS Friday Night Listening Party: Jazz Vocalists
- On Saturday, June 27 at 8 pm, The Roots Picnic 2020 is partnering with Michelle Obama to try to reach eligible voters and urge them to go to cast their ballots this year. Performers include The Roots, H.E.R., Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby, G Herbo and many more.
- On Sunday, June 28 at 4 pm, Richard Marx will host his first ever virtual, solo acoustic concert “Front Row Seat: Live At Your House.” Buy tickets here.
Film & TV
- Each week, The Montclair Film Discover Together program, shares a weekly schedule and encourages everyone to watch along at home on your own time, on the device of your choice (each film is available on one of the popular streaming services), and share your thoughts online by tagging them @MontclairFilm
Art, Literature, & History
- Watchung Booksellers will present acclaimed film director, screenwriter, actor, and author, John Sayles in conversation with actor Joe Morton as they discuss John’s latest novel Yellow Earth and their past movie collaborations, including The Brother from Another Planet.
- Montclair History Center will present History at Home: Race, Redlining, and Rebellion in Montclair on Thursday, June 25 at 12 pm and 7 pm via Zoom.
- Join Montclair Art Museum’s new online artist series MAM Conversations on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm. Visit artist Tom Nussbaum’s studio in East Orange and explore the new work he’s been creating over the past few months, as well as earlier works from his Home Sweet Home exhibition at MAM in 2003.
Social Distance Events
- Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint in Cedar Grove is hosting a A Very Virtual! Caffeinated Open Mic every Thursday night. Poets, troubadours and instrumentalists are welcome to sign up and plug in at home and they will broadcast your 10 minute set on their Facebook page for all to watch.
- Open up a beer and join other locals for Friday Chill Virtual Happy Hour at Montclair Brewery.
- On Sunday, June 28 at 3 pm, Check out the Fresh Air Fashion Parade to celebrate the Fresh Air Montclair project. Parade starts at 3pm in front of “eGALLUTS: Quarantined,” Armando “OUTthere” Diaz’s exhibition of documentary photography at The Crescent Shops, 18-30 South Fullerton Ave. Parade will feature festive music, go past the Fresh Air Exhibitions along Bloomfield Avenue (Pure Energy; Vault 491; leading up to 619-641 Bloomfield Ave), culminating in a designer showcase in front of 641 Bloomfield Ave, followed by a ribbon cutting.
Know of any other entertainment to enjoy at home? Please share in comments!