With Memorial Day — the unofficial start of summer — come and gone, it’s time to take a look at the sights, sounds, and social activities headlining the region’s cultural calendar for the season.
Music
Princeton Summer Chamber Concerts
The 57th season of free summer concerts returns to its traditional home in Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium after construction necessitated a change of venue in 2023. The four concerts on the schedule are:
The Ulysses Quartet performs music by Fanny Mendelssohn, Tower, and Beethoven with commentary by Ruth Ochs (conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia; associate conductor of the Princeton University Orchestra; and director of small ensembles at Princeton University), followed by a Masterclass by the quartet with local young musicians. Sunday, June 23, 4 p.m.
New Century Saxophone Quartet performs music by JS Bach, Shostakovich, Nagao, and Dvořák. Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
The Phaeton Piano Trio performs music by Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Dvořák. Monday, July 8, 7:30 p.m.
The Balourdet Quartet will perform music by Mozart, Al-Zand, and Beethoven with commentary by Ruth Ochs. Monday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the regular season, the Madison Quartet will present a rehearsal demonstration and a performance of the 1st movement of Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”, at the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, 101 Poor Farm Road. To register visit engage.cmaprinceton.org/component/events/event/419. Saturday, June 8, 4 p.m.
Free tickets are required. Find out more at www.princetonsummerchamberconcerts.org.
The Princeton Festival
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Princeton Festival runs from June 7 through 22, with an array of performances slated for a tented pavilion installed on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.
The 2024 festival opens with a program of favorite arias sung soprano Angel Blue, joined by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Friday, June 7, 8 p.m.
The music of rock ’n’ roll icon Tina Turner is next, as the Broadway star LaKisha Jones and guest conductor Lucas Waldin partner with the PSO for a live concert presentation centered on the artist’s mega hits such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Simply the Best,” “Proud Mary,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and others. Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.
Sonia De Los Santos and her band give an upbeat and joyful bilingual family concert featuring original songs sung in Spanish and English. Prior to the concert, families are invited to take part in an instrument petting zoo, toe-tap piano, and treats. Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m. Family activities 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Abeo Quartet gives one of two classical concerts set to take place at Princeton’s Trinity Church at 33 Mercer Street. The quartet formed at Juilliard in 2018 presents works by Schubert, Shostakovich, and Esmail in its Princeton Festival debut. Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m.
The centerpiece of the festival is a fresh production of Mozart’s comic opera “Così fan tutte.” The romantic comedy examining the difference between men and women features stage direction by James Marvel, scenic design by Blair Mielnik, and score performed by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rossen Milanov. In Italian with English subtitles. Friday and Tuesday, June 14 and 18, 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 16, 4 p.m.
“Interwoven: American Repertory Ballet + PSO Strings” is a program of dance works with a string ensemble conducted by Rossen Milanov and featuring choreography by Arthur Mitchell and Meredith Rainey, with music by Glass, Grieg, Scripp, and Sibelius. Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m.
In honor of Juneteenth, choral conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. of Westminster Choir College leads a choir drawn from the community and anchored by the Capital Singers of Trenton. The program will feature Robert Ray’s iconic Gospel Mass with additional choral selections highlighting the joy and spirit of Black music. Wednesday, June 19, p.m.
The second concert held at Trinity Church will be baroque ensemble The Sebastians with “Brandenburgs and More,” a program featuring three of J.S. Bach’s beloved “Brandenburg” concerti along with classic works by Telemann and Vivaldi. Thursday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Empire Wild is a genre-bending, Juilliard-trained classical crossover trio featuring two cellos, piano, and vocals. In this captivating program, the group brings its signature mix of original music, inventive covers, and twists on the classical canon. Friday, June 21, 7 p.m.
Tony Award-winning actor Santino Fontana, known on Broadway for his star turns in “Tootsie” and “Cinderella,” television roles in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Sisters,” and voicing Prince Hans in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” joins the Princeton Festival line-up with an entertaining cabaret-style evening. Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m.
Morven’s performance pavilion is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. For tickets and more information, visit www.princetonsymphony.org/festival.
Princeton University Carillon
“Music that Paints the Silence” is the theme for this year’s series of free community recitals at the Princeton University Carillon at the Graduate School. Concerts start at 1 p.m. every Sunday from July 7 through September 1. The schedule of performers is as follows:
July 7: Jon Lehrer, Michigan.
July 14: David Hunsberger, California
July 21: Jesse Ratcliffe, Maryland
July 28: Janno Engelsman, The Netherlands
August 4: Andrea McCrady, Canada
August 11: Lisa Lonie, Pennsylvania
August 18: Princeton Carillon Studio Members
August 25: Robin Austin, Pennsylvania
September 1: Jessica Ip, Massachusetts, 2024 New Colleague Recitalist
The graduate college is located at 88 College Road West. For more information: 609-258-7989 or gradschool.princeton.edu/about.
CoOPERAtive
Westminster Choir College’s annual intensive training program returns for its three weeks that involve public observation of master classes and performances from June 30 through a final concert on July 19.
For more details of locations and pricing, visit www.rider.edu/events.
Bravura Philharmonic
The orchestra presents its season finale, “A Concerto Extravaganza,” featuring works by Mozart, Paganini, Chopin, and Prokofiev with solo performances by standout teenage pianists, violinists, and clarinetists. $20 to $40. Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m.
Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro. www.bravuraphil.org.
Princeton Public Library
The 2024 Listen Local series consists of six free concerts set to take place outdoors in Hinds Plaza on select Sunday afternoons. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held in the library’s Community Room.
The series begins Sunday, June 2, at 4 p.m. with a show by classic rock cover band Generations. The eight-member group performs music by iconic groups and musicians such as Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Bryan Adams, Pat Benatar, and others.
Future concerts in the series include:
June 23: B.K. Rivers
July 14: Loose Bricks
July 28: ALBO
August 11: Tigertown Classic Jazz Band
September 8: The Rebound
All events are free. www.princetonlibrary.org.
Palmer Square
Palmer Square’s spring music series of free concerts on the green continues through June, followed in July and August by weekly dueling piano nights.
The spring series of Saturday concerts running from noon to 2 p.m. features the following:
Electric Stingray, a rock and alternative cover band, Saturday, June 1.
Chet & Ari, performing acoustic rock hits, Saturday, June 8.
Underwater Airlines, with classic rock hits from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Saturday, June 15.
Peter & the Master Keys, specializing in American jazz and blues from the 1940s through ’60s, Saturday, June 22.
Dueling piano nights take place Thursdays, July 11, 18, and 25, and August 1 and 8.
More information: www.palmersquare.com.
McCarter Theatre’s ‘Jazz in June’
McCarter Theatre offers four concerts as part of its curated “Jazz in June” series.
Grammy Award winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti blends jazz, pop, and rock to create a unique musical experience. Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m.
“An Evening with Esperanza Spalding” brings the five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist and singer’s first tour since 2019 to the McCarter stage, complete with dancers and custom lighting design. Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m.
Next up is a performance by Lakecia Benjamin, a saxophonist who blends R&B, jazz, and funk. Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.
The series concludes with two shows by STOMP, an eight-member international troupe that uses non-conventional percussion instruments to create their unique performance. Friday, June 7, 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 8, 3 p.m.
McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. www.mccarter.org.
Candlelight Lounge
The area’s longtime and real deal jazz venue’s following summer schedule of Saturday afternoon performances will keep things hot in the capital city:
June 1: Josh Lee, saxophone
June 8: James Stewart, saxophone
June 15: Omeed Nyman, brass trombone
June 22: Rob Henderson’s HFACTOR, jazz drummer and band.
June 29: Mike Boone, bassist
Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic Street, Trenton. $20 cover and $10 minimum drink order, free buffet, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.candlelighteventsjazz.com.
Bucks County Playhouse
The New Hope Theater launches its breakfast cabaret series in the playhouse barn with Nick Cearley’s show “Eat Play Love.” The concert includes arrangements of classic covers and originals with a guest appearance by Jenny Lee Stern. Breakfast and a drink are included. Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m.
Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. 215-862-2121 or www.bcptheater.org.
Mercer County Parks Summer Concerts
The Friday concert series at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds starts rocking in mid-July and continues through August with the following:
Earth Wind & Fire Tribute and Coast to Coast, July 12.
80s Revolution and Yacht Rock Gold Experience, July 19.
Bell Bottom Blues, Clapton Tribute, and Best of the Eagles. July 26.
Frontiers, Journey Tribute, and Queen Flash, August 2.
Swing Sabroso and Fun Salsa Urban, August 9.
Discoteks and American Soul Band, August 16.
Yellow Brick Road and All About Joel, August 23.
All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. and have a $5 entrance fee. Parking is free. For more information, go to mercercounty.org/parks.
Bristol Riverside Theater
The professional theater presents five shows as part of its William Penn Bank Summer Music Fest. This year’s concerts are all set to be held indoors in the Ben Franklin Middle School auditorium at 6403 Mill Creek Road in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
“Bachelors of Broadway” is a new three-man act featuring lush symphonic arrangements of songs from modern and classic musicals. June 26 through 30.
“Dancing Dream: ABBA Tribute Band” performs memorable hits including “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance,” “Fernando,” and more. July 17 through 21.
“50s Dance Party” is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour. July 24 through 28.
“So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience” is a tribute by Robert Neary, who talks about the songs and the stories behind them and performs 20 of Diamond’s greatest hits backed by his band. August 7 through 11.
“Forever Motown: So Good for the Soul” celebrates the best of the best from Berry Gordy’s Detroit hit-making factory. August 14 through 18.
Ticket prices are $40 and up. For more information: 215-785-0100 or www.brtstage.org.
Music in the Park
Lawrenceville’s Weeden Park plays host to a series of free Thursday evening concerts presented by Lawrenceville Main Street. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with food for sale and kids’ activities, and the music begins at 6:30 p.m.
The 2024 lineup is as follows:
June 13: Lawrence Community Concert Band
June 20: Princeton School of Rock
June 27: Kindred Spirit
July 11: Califon Hellbenders
July 18: The Beagles
July 25: The Conversation
August 1: Alex Otey Trio
August 8: The Strange Brew Crew
August 15: Skyler and JJ/LOW
August 22: Clear Improv Ensemble
August 29: Painting by Voice.
Weeden Park is located at the corner of Main Street and Craven Lane in downtown Lawrenceville. More information: www.lawrencevillemainstreet.com/music-in-the-park.
Summer Music and More
The West Windsor Arts Council offers an evening filled with free live music and art activities for all ages at Nassau Park Pavilion on Saturday, July 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.
At 5 p.m., Dan Kassel performs with a special guest. The versatile cellist performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from classical to electronica, jazz and rock. As a solo artist, Kassel has made a name for himself with his innovative approach to live-looping technology. By tapping, plucking and bowing on his instrument and recording each layer to play back in real time, he has built a career as a one-man-band who provides soulful, original music for weddings, fine restaurants, private parties, corporate events and more.
At 6 p.m. the headliner, El Noordzo, performs their instrumental, psychedelic, Afro-Cuban surf-jazz interpretations of classic rock, punk and alternative songs. The trio has been thrilling audiences in the tri-state area since 2013. They have released two records of original music on NACHT records. Band leader Mike Noordzy teaches privately at Rutgers University, Middlesex College, Hudson Music Studios and Speak Music Conservatory. Mike also composes music for film and runs the experimental music label NACHT records.
More information: www.westwindsorarts.org.
Sourland Mountain Fest
The stage is set for the 19th annual Sourland Mountain Festival on Saturday, July 13, at Unionville Vineyards. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region.
The music lineup includes Sourland natives Tony and the Trees’ blend of blues and funk; Christine Havrilla and Gypsy Fuzz’ eclectic “Neofunkadelicfolkpoptwangrock” rock and soul; and The Adventures of Matte Black with their blend of Americana infused intrepid tunes. The festival headliners are the award-winning Matt O’Ree Band playing tunes from their new release, “Hand in Glove,” and more. Saturday, July 13, 3 to 8:30 p.m.
$40 in advance; $45 at the door. Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. sourlandmountainfest.com.
Summer Stages
Area stages no longer take summer hours and offer a fun combination of new works and old favorites.
Bucks County Playhouse
The professional season is already in progress at the theater landmark, but it continues through the summer with the following:
“Noises Off,” Michael Frayn’s farce about a director and a troupe of mediocre actors who blunder from a bad dress rehearsal to a spectacularly disastrous performance. Now through June 16.
“Last of the Red Hot Mamas” is a world premiere musical telling the story of Sophie Tucker, a vaudeville dancer who rose from deli work to international fame, through song, tap dance, and sassy humor. June 28 to July 27.
And “Grease,” based on the iconic movie musical telling the story of Danny, Sandy, and senior year at Rydell High in 1959. August 9 through September 8.
Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. 215-862-2121 or www.bcptheater.org.
Music Mountain Theater
The Lambertville theater built on the site of the historically important area theater circus continues its tradition of summer events with the following productions:
“Sweet Charity,” Neil Simon’s book following the romantic trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, “a girl who wanted to be loved.” Through June 9.
“Avenue Q,” the comedy musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment out on Avenue Q. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. June 14 through 30.
“Anything Goes,” the musical comedy of boy-meets-girl set aboard a ship to Cole Porter’s score. July 5 to 21.
“The King and I,” the classic musical based on the true story of an English widow, Anna Leonowens, who travels to Siam with her young son to teach the King’s many children. July 26 through August 18.
And “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” the swashbuckling adventure that follows Percy Blakeney, a proper English gentleman, who takes on a dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-thirsty guillotine. August 23 to September 8.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $32. Music Mountain Theater, 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org.
Kelsey Theater
The theater on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor offers the following summer productions.
“Bright Star,” inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony & Grammy nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The musical follows the life of Alice Murphy and tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption, set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. Recommended for ages 13 and up. May 31 through June 9.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Shakespeare’s funny, sexy, goofy comedy full of mistaken identities, love potions, mayhem, magical mystical creatures, ass-headed weavers and nature gone mad. June 14 through 23.
“The Sound of Music,” Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, in which Maria is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval officer, Captain Von Trapp. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generous spirit, clash with the Captain, with his fiancée, and finally with the Nazis who seize power of her Austrian homeland. June 28 through July 7.
“School of Rock,” a musical based on the film of the same name. Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A young students into a guitar shredding, bass slapping, mind blowing rock band. Can they compete in the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress, Rosalie Mullins, finding out? July 12 through 21.
Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $12 to $22. 609-570-3333 or kelsey.mccc.edu.
Princeton Summer Theater
The productions at the Murray Dodge Theater on the Princeton University campus present the following Thursday through Sunday series:
“Dracula,” a play based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel adapted by Kate Hamill and directed by Eliana Cohen-Orth. June 13 through 30.
“The Last Five Years,” Jason Robert Brown’s musical telling the story of a failed marriage from two perspectives, directed by Eliyana Abraham. July 4 through 21.
“Emergency,” Daniel Beaty’s one-man show that combines comedy, slam poetry, music, and social consciousness, directed by Layla J. Williams. July 25 through August 3.
Tickets are $30 for matinees and $35 for evening performances. For more information, go to www.princetonsummertheater.org.
Actors’ NET of Bucks County
The Morrisville, Pennsylvania, theater has one show left in its 2023-24 season, a production of Shakespeare’s comedy “Love’s Labour’s Lost.” Taking an oath to isolate themselves from the trivial distractions of women and love, the King of Navarre and his three friends think a spell of celibacy, study and self-improvement is the key to maxing out their potential. But when Princess of France and her three companions arrive on a diplomatic mission, the allure of abstinence begins to evaporate.
The show runs Fridays through Sundays from June 14 through 30, then returns for two special outdoor performances at Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on July 13 and 14.
ActorsNET of Bucks County, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. www.actorsnetbucks.org.
New Place Players
The New York City-based New Place Players present “The Masque of Night” for two nights only at Hopewell Mountain Christian Church. The Romeo and Juliet cabaret blends Shakespeare’s iconic text with chamber music and songs by David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Rufus Wainwright, and original compositions by musical director Flavio Gaete.
Four actor-musicians directed by Janina Picard and Craig Bacon transport the audience to the heart of the iconic lovers’ timeless journey in a unique venue that is the former home of an African American congregation built in 1844. The venue’s interior balcony, grand piano, original bell, and seating for 40 guests create an enchanting atmosphere that complements the magic of Shakespeare’s tale. $50 via EventBrite. Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, 8 p.m.
Hopewell Mountain Christian Church, 11 Mountain Church Road, Hopewell. www.newplaceplayers.org.
Time to Get Out
Those looking to get to as many outside events as possible should get out their calendars and make plans with the following:
Mercer County Cultural Festival
Mercer County’s annual Cultural Festival at Mercer County Park, West Windsor, features live performances of music and dance, as well as traditional art demonstrations showcasing the various cultures represented in the region. Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More details at www.mercercounty.org/departments/culture-and-heritage/cultural-festival.
Art All Night
The major capital city arts festival is back. The annual event coordinated by Artworks Trenton is set for the War Memorial Building in Trenton. In-person programming will take place on Saturday, June 29, from 3 p.m. to midnight, and begins again on Sunday, June 30, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the overnight hours, the in-person event will close, and a virtual component and online art gallery will take center stage via the Art All Night website and social media channels.
As always, attendance as well as art submission is free and open to the public. Artwork will be displayed both in-person at the War Memorial as well as in an online virtual gallery hosted on the Art All Night website. No previous art experience is required, and all artists are invited to submit one piece of artwork to be shown at the event. Artwork must be registered and submitted in advance via the Art All Night website.
The Trenton War Memorial is located at 1 Memorial Drive in Trenton. To learn more, visit artallnighttrenton.org.
Jersey Fresh Jam
New Jersey’s premiere Hip Hop festival, developed in a partnership with Trenton street artist Leon Rainbow and graffiti-loving Trenton company TerraCycle founder Tom Szaky, attracts numerous regional, East Coast, and even national and international graffiti artists and musicians to come together for a free summer afternoon of aerosol and hip hop. Saturday, August 17, noon to 7 p.m.
TerraCycle Complex, 121 New York Avenue, Trenton. Free. www.jerseyfreshjam.com.
Dance, Princeton, Dance
The PRIDE Eve Outdoor Dance Party is set for the Arts Council of Princeton on Friday, May 31. The free event runs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and immediately follows the Princeton Community Pride Picnic being held at Hinds Plaza.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or 609-924-8777.
West Windsor Arts Council’s Arts ArtWalk
A one-mile walk filled with family-friendly art activities, games, live music, a scavenger hunt, and new Try-Art-Athon fitness challenges for all ages also serves as fundraiser for future arts programming. While individual tickets are $10, a family pass is $25. Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, www.westwindsorarts.org.
Back to the Garden
Regional gardens and tours are in full bloom and offer an opportunity to get a bright start on the summer. Here are some fresh offerings:
Mill Hill Gardens
Some 15 gardens set in and around public spaces and historic architecture help commemorate the 33rd annual capital city event. The walking and gawking begin at nearby Artworks Trenton, with ample free parking, at 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. Tickets are $20 and free for children under 12. Saturday, June 8, noon to 5 p.m.
For tickets, go to trentonmillhill.org.
Hidden Gardens of Lambertville
The annual event is organized by the town-based Kalmia Club, a women-led civic organization that takes its name from a flower. The self-guided walking tour starts at the clubhouse at 39 York Street, where attendees will also receive a map. Due to narrow paths in some gardens, strollers and pets are not permitted. Early registration, $25 to $26, closes June 7 at 4 p.m. Day-of registration is $30 to $31 and is available until 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More details at www.kalmiaclub.org.
Bucks Beautiful’s Kitchen & Garden Tour
The annual event takes visitors through tucked away gardens in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and gives an opportunity to speak with Bucks County Master Gardeners about trees and plants for home gardens. The six properties on this year’s tour include a renowned local architect’s residence and gardens; a completely renovated home by a Brett King Builders; a quaint Victorian with landscape design by Philadelphia Flower Show award-winner Mark Cook; and an octagonal house on five lush acres featuring a multi-million dollar exterior. $40. Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More info at www.bucksbeautiful.org.
Bordentown Garden Tour
After a record turnout in 2023, the Bordentown Historical Society once again presents its annual History in Bloom Garden Tour. This self-guided walking tour includes 13 private gardens, three public gardens, plein air artists, music, and refreshments. The tour starts at the Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Avenue, where ticket holders can pick up a tour brochure and map. Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date June 2).
Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 day-of. Buy tickets online or in person at ICON Boutique/Shop or at the Friends Meeting House. www.bordentownhistory.org.
Museum and Gallery Happenings
The region’s museums and cultural organizations can provide both a place to escape from the heat on a sunny summer day and a chance to enjoy beautiful art in the beautiful outdoors.
Morven Museum & Garden
“Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home” shares rarely exhibited objects and newly discovered photographs that illustrate quotidian life at Morven over the past 200 years. The exhibit is part of a celebration of the venue’s 20th anniversary as a museum. On view through March 2, 2025.
55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8 to $10. 609-924-8144 or www.morven.org.
The New Jersey State Museum
“Bark! Indigenous Cultural Expression” highlights the various uses of bark employed by indigenous populations over the centuries. Objects from the museum’s ethnographic collection on view originate from the Pacific Northwest, South America, Pacific Islands, and the local Eastern Woodlands area. On view through January 5, 2025.
“Discovering Grant Castner: The Lost Archive of a New Jersey Photographer” shares recently discovered archive of photographic negatives that once belonged to a prolific, but long-forgotten, local photographer. On view through September 15.
205 West State Street, Trenton. Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Free; donations requested. 609-292-5420 or www.statemuseumnj.gov.
Zimmerli Museum
“George Segal: Themes and Variations” celebrates the 100th anniversary of the New Jersey-based sculptor’s birth with a wide-ranging retrospective examining his work across all media, including paint, pastel, and photography in addition to sculpture. On view through July 31.
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m., first Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. 848-932-7237 or www.zimmerli.rutgers.edu.
Trenton City Museum
Currently running is “Space & Clutter,” an exhibition of works by Jackie Lima, David Orban, and Paul Smith, curated by Janis Purcell. On view through June 30.
Then look for the big show, “Ellarslie Open 41,” the large juried show featuring works by artists living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. The show opens on Saturday, July 13, with an artists and members reception and awards ceremony from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a Sunday, July 14, public reception from 1 to 4 p.m. On view through September 29.
Cadwalader Park, Trenton. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 609-989-3632 or www.ellarslie.org.
Princeton University Art Museum
The PUAM is operating two Princeton galleries while the main campus museum building is closed for construction. Here is what is happening at both:
Art@Bainbridge, on Nassau Street, presents “Denilson Baniwa: Under the Skin of History,” in which the Brazilian artist works in media ranging from drawing to performance to grapple with legacies of colonialism in the Americas and highlight Indigenous knowledge and resistance. On view through September 1.
Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton. Open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
At Art on Hulfish, look for “‘Don’t we touch each other just to prove we are still here?’: Photography and Touch,” an exhibit exploring the expressive possibilities of touch through photography, film, and video featuring the works of 13 international artist and titled after a line from a poem by the Vietnamese American writer Ocean Vuong. On view through August 4.
Art on Hulfish, 11 Hulfish Street, Princeton. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Free. 609-258-3788 or artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Grounds For Sculpture
In addition to its main attraction of more than 300 outdoor sculptures on its 42-acre viewing grounds, the nationally noted venue is presenting “Slow Motion,” an indoor and outdoor show investigating public and collective memory. Curated by the Monument Lab, the exhibit features “the work of artists who make their mark through unconventional materials and processes for sculpture. By experimenting with the life cycles of collective memory, the exhibition invites artists as well as visitors to play with the central question, ‘how can we remake our relationship with monuments?’” per GFS materials.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. $12 to $25. www.groundsforsculpture.org.
West Windsor Arts Council
The 2024 Faculty and Student Art show opens with a free reception on Friday, June 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and remains on view through July 13. Then look for “Throwback Summer,” opening with a reception on Friday, July 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and open through September 7. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. www.westwindsorarts.org.
Gallery 14
The fine art photography gallery in Hopewell Borough is currently exhibiting “Quadrants,” featuring shows by two photographers: John Stritzinger’s “Small Takes on Big Places” and Dutch Bagley’s “Subjective Perspectives.” On view through June 16.
Gallery 14, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell. Open weekends 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. www.gallery14.org.
Morpeth Contemporary
The Hopewell gallery’s next show is “Mystery, Memory and Magic: The Art of Lyanne Malamed.” This is a posthumous exhibition of paintings by the New Jersey artist (1931-2022) showing her unique form of portraiture. An opening reception take place Saturday, June 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On view June 8 through 30.
Morpeth Contemporary, 43 West Broad Street, Hopewell. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 609-333-9393 or www.morpethcontemporary.com.
Arts Council of Princeton
Several exhibits are celebrating their openings with receptions on Saturday, June 1, from 3 to 5 p.m.
First is Dot Paolo’s “Narratives from My Toy Box,” in which the New Brunswick-born artist composes diorama photographs using vintage toys and other objects. On view through June 29.
Also opening is “The Way of Watercolor,” featuring works by the adult students of Hema Bharadwaj. On view through June 30.
The third exhibit opening is “Phases of the Heart,” work celebrating color, heritage, love, and passion by Princeton-born artist Marlon “7oveChild” Davila. On view through June 29.
A public art installation, “Gateway Exhibition of our Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood,” honors Princeton’s 20th Historic District. Installed along the fence between Green Street and Robeson Place, the project displays an intimate sampling of photographic reproductions of cultural artifacts that tell the story of the vibrant and historically significant neighborhood. On view through September 1.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. 609-924-8777 or www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Film
Princeton Garden Theater
The Nassau Street theater continues its traditional “Hollywood Summer Nights,” with special screenings of classic films on select weekday evenings and weekend afternoon.
The schedule is as follows, with screenings at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted:
In May and June: “The Seven Year Itch,” Wednesday, May 29; “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” Thursday, May 30, and Saturday, June 1, 1 p.m.; “The Gang’s All Here,” Tuesday, June 4; “The Gunfighter,” Wednesday, June 5; “Mean Streets,” Thursday, June 6; “Leave Her to Heaven,” Wednesday, June 12; “Rushmore,” Thursday, June 13; “Mary Poppins,” Wednesday, June 19, and Sunday, June 23, 1 p.m.; “The Breakfast Club,” Thursday, June 20; “Jaws” Fest, Wednesday, June 26; and “Trouble in Paradise,” Thursday, June 27.
In July: “A Fistful of Dollars,” Tuesday, July 2; “All About Eve,” Wednesday, July 3; “Jaws,” Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m.; “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” Wednesday, July 10; “The Wild One,” Thursday, July 11; “Star Wars: A New Hope,” Wednesday, July 17, and Sunday, July 21, 1 p.m.; “Bringing Up Baby,” Thursday, July 18; “To Have and Have Not,” Wednesday, July 24; “Raising Arizona,” Thursday, July 25; and “Chinatown,” Wednesday, July 31.
In August: “The Women,” Thursday, August 1; Battle of the Bonds: “Goldfinger,” 4 p.m., and “GoldenEye,” 7:15 p.m., Sunday, August 4; “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” Wednesday, August 7; “9 to 5,” Thursday, August 8; “Casablanca,” Wednesday, August 14, 4 and 7 p.m.; “Romeo + Juliet,” Thursday, August 15; “How to Steal a Million,” Wednesday, August 21; “Nightmare Alley,” Thursday, August 22; “Notorious,” Wednesday, August 28; and “Saturady Night Fever,” Thursday, August 29.
In September: “The Sound of Music,” Wednesday, September 4, and Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m.; “Young Frankenstein,” Wednesday, September 11; and “The Devil Wears Prada,” Thursday, September 12.
Tickets for all films are $13.50. www.princetongardentheatre.org.
ACME Screening Room
The Lambertville nonprofit continues its presentation of independent and documentary films, guest speakers, and discussions throughout the summer. Upcoming special events include a screening of “The Monk and the Gun” followed by a presentation with local filmmaker Karen Mintz, Saturday, June 15, 6 p.m.
An evening with Susan Seidelman follows with a screening of one of her films, a talk on her new memoir, “Desperately Seeking Something,” and a reception on Saturday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. $20.
25 South Union Street, Lambertville. www.acmescreeningroom.org.
The Adventures of Matte Black performs at the Sourland Mountain Fest on July 13.,
Princeton Summer Chamber Concerts presents the Balourdet Quartet on July 15. ,
