This season at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has something for every member of the family!
The vibrant arts offerings kick off Thursday, September 14 with the opening of The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery’s next exhibition, “Full Circle,” by painter Ben Niles and continuing with the first musical performance on September 15 by Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton. On September 16, R&B singer-songwriter LiV Warfield performs.
“Season 18 at SOPAC comes roaring to life in September, and I can’t wait to see you in the house!” executive director Stephen Beaudoin shares. “As North Jersey’s destination venue for creativity, community, and connection, our line-up of season-opening arts experiences—everything from a new show from stunning South Orange artist Ben Niles to the SOPAC debut of acclaimed Afro-Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez and much more—has plenty of inspiration and joy for you to experience. I invite you to step away from your worries and join me at SOPAC to be transformed this September.”
Highlights of the 18th Season at SOPAC
Damn The Torpedoes: Tom Petty Concert Experience
October 6, 8 p.m.
A complete Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert experience.
John Pizzarelli Trio: Stage & Screen
October 14, 8 p.m.
Finding inspiration from classic Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, Stage & Screen’s cleverly chosen repertoire spans nine decades of American music from the 1925 musical No, No, Nanette to Jason Robert Brown’s Hollywood in Vegas (2013).
John Oates: An Evening of Stories and Songs
November 3, 8 p.m.
Sit back and experience a unique acoustic performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and American Songwriter Hall of Fame artist John Oates as he takes you on a musical time trip.
SO Jewish Comedy Night: A Night with Judy Gold & Liz Glazer
December 16, 8 p.m.
This light-hearted celebration of the holiday season is your chance to experience an irreverent Jewish-themed comedy night.
Blues, Roots & BBQ in the Loft: Eliza Neals
January 14, 7 p.m.
An intimate evening of world-class Blues and Roots music. Doors open an hour before showtime for a BBQ dinner in The Loft. Enjoy sultry Blues singer and pianist Eliza Neals.
BubbleMania!: Comedy With A Drip! Featuring Casey Carle, Comic Bubble Artist
February 25, 1 p.m.
Featuring Casey Carle, a comic bubble artist who has “burst” onto stages across the world with a flair for showmanship and an irresistible energy for bubbling…from the intricate to the massive.
Telmary
March 22, 8 p.m.
Through her many years as a progressive music protagonist in Havana, Telmary earned the clout and support necessary to launch her career as a solo artist with the flagship album A Diario.
Mark Lettieri Group
May 17, 8 p.m.
Grammy-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor Mark Lettieri has been heralded as, “a bright emerging star in the guitar world” by Jazz Guitar Today, who lauds his contributions to music as “groundbreaking” and “genre-bending.”