After gathering a sizeable following on YouTube with a series of short comedy skits, Curry Barker used that platform to self-release his feature film debut, 2024's found footage thriller Milk & Serial. That movie has racked up over two million views... @themoviewaffler.bsky.social

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Shine“ by Princeton singer-songwriter Helen O’Shea. The song from Helen’s latest album, “Songs in the Key O,” features E Street Band backing vocalist Michelle Moore. @makinwaves.bsky.social

What did we publish yesterday? 05-22-26 In addition to Danny Coleman's column, coverage of Rick Michel in concert, a review of the film "The Christophers", an interview with director Pavan Moondi, & a podcast on "West Side Story" at Paper Mill Playhouse, we ran stories on theatre, art, & community.

(TENAFLY, NJ) -- Visual artist Lemar Kim will present her first U.S. solo exhibition, HELLO WORLD, at ACC Gallery from May 26 through June 6, 2026. This exhibition brings together her signature character works and paintings, featuring a diverse range of artworks...

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) has announced the appointment of Kate Kraczon as Chief Curator, effective June 15, 2026, marking a significant step in the Museum's vision for its next chapter. A nationally respected curator with more than two decades of experience...

(TRENTON, NJ) -- During a New Jersey State Council on the Arts public meeting on May 19, 2026, the Council announced a new partnership with the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs focused on serving older adult residents of veterans homes through high quality arts learning programs.

Jersey Arts has a new feature about The Cardboard Show, an installation by Asbury Park artists Porkchop & Brad Hoffer, on view at The Monmouth Museum through July 5th.

"West Side Story" is making its way to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn this May and we could not be more excited. If you're unfamiliar with the classic tale, we suggest you buckle up and get ready for an evening of music you’ll be singing all the way home, and likely for the foreseeable future.

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Maurer Productions OnStage and the newly formed Maurer TheaterWorks have announced a special co-production partnership — in association with Kelsey Theatre — for the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn. Open auditions will take place June 6-7, 2026.

Danny Coleman talks with Alex Kilroy about his latest album, "Break My Chains," in this week's column.

Here is Festival Director Al Nigrin’s interview with Pavan Moondi. Pavan is the director and writer of the terrific Canadian feature film Middle Life. Middle Life screens with two shorts at the New Jersey International Film Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Las Vegas headliner Rick Michel performing at the PNC Bank Arts Center on May 12, 2026.

Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, sits down at EBTV with Ashley Gerst -- Director and Animator of the film Sundays for a filmmaker interview. Sundays will be screened on Saturday May 30, 2026.

Since coming out of his brief self-imposed "retirement", Steven Soderbergh has been knocking out films at a rate close to two a year. He's clearly a filmmaker who cares about his legacy, but an artist doesn't get to determine their legacy. That's up to the public... @themoviewaffler.bsky.social

What did we publish yesterday? 05-20-26 In addition to our Events This Week columns, an interview with musician Brian Erickson, & a video panel discussion on animated films at the NJ International Film Festival, we ran stories on theatre, music, comedy, art, & books Nobody covers the Arts like us!

The Raritan Valley Community College Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies will present its 6th annual virtual Summer Book Series. The series, which is free of charge and open to the public, will look at The Sisters of Book Row, The Keeper of Lost Children, and The Last Woman of Warsaw.

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 summer season will begin with a bang with a production of Having Our Say, Emily Mann’s 1995 Tony Award-nominated drama about "two 'maiden ladies' with century-old stories to tell", July 11-21, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theatre.

(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.

Here is the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Animation Panel featuring Festival Director Al Nigrin and Filmmakers Owen Andrejco, Myra Sito Velasquez, Evan Bode, and Heidi Kumao.

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from May 19-25, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

Here are previews of plays taking place from May 19-25, 2026 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will present the world premiere of Jack Canfora's The Vienna Lessons, directed by Evan Bergman, with performances from June 4-28, 2026. The play takes place in Vienna, 1787. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at the height of his powers but struggling financially...

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Janelle James, who stars in the scene-stealing role of "Ava Coleman" in the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary, performs an evening of stand-up comedy at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Here is a look at shows taking place from May 19-25, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents BobFest on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the music of Bob Dylan presented in the round Nashville style by John Cruz, Steve Delopoulos, Pat Guadagno, Renee Maskin, Rob Paparozzi, and Anne Hills.

Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from May 19 to May 25, 2026. New Jersey Stage compiles this list from comedy clubs, casinos, and performing arts centers.

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions has announced the lineup for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival, taking place June 9–13. From more than 300 submissions, 40 stand-up comics from across the U.S. have been selected to perform in the festival's stand-up competition.

On June 5, 2026, Brian Erickson will issue Others' Songs, the follow up to 2025's dual releases Everyday Sketches and its AP Music Awards Album of the Year-nominated companion, Everyday Forever (Brian's Version). How does one follow a windfall of such critical riches? We catch up with Brian here...

What did we publish yesterday? 05-19-26 In addition to coverage of Eric Darius at UCPAC and our Top 15 Most Read Articles of the Week, we ran stories on theatre, music, comedy, film, dance, and community. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai with special guest Animals As Leaders on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm.

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.

Vivid Stage presents 2026 Vivid Summer Solos, a weekly play reading series each Wednesday in July. This year includes readings of Fair State by Megan Gogerty, Long Drive Home by Stephen Kaplan, Maker of Worlds by Wendy Schmidt, and The Call List by Brian James Pollak.

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- UCPAC presents the film Pink Flamingos in 35mm on Thurs., May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Join them for John Waters' notorious 1972 cult classic, starring the inimitable Divine as a self-proclaimed queen of filth competing in a grotesque rivalry for the title of "the filthiest person alive."

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the Mark Morris Dance Group: Dances to American Music on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Matthews Theatre. This is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of American music and dance.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a tribute to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. They blend and layer the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere. Limited tickets remain.

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alexis P Suter on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Three-time Blues Music Award (BMA) nominee including the 'Koko Taylor' and Best Soul Blues Female Artist award categories, Alexis is an American blues, and soul blues singer-songwriter.

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Air Supply on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and heartfelt memories.

(SEWELL, NJ) -- Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of jazz saxophonist Eric Darius at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage on May 9, 2026.

Check out the latest episode of Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio w/ Escape The Hive and Tributes to Kenny Windle, Kenny Segall and Danny's Mom

Let it Go! MPAC's 2026 spring production of Disney's Frozen takes the stage for five performances May 29-31. The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Music Direction by Charles Santoro. The cast includes 50 young performers from throughout the region, representing seven New Jersey counties.

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) presents its signature Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival from June 4-26, 2026 across multiple venues in Jersey City, and the Professional Voices Festival Conference on June 11 at White Eagle Hall.

Bergen County Players (BCP) has unveiled its lineup for the 2026-27 season. Mainstage productions include: The Producers; Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors; Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella; Calendar Girls; The Imaginary Invalid; One Man, Two Guv'nors and a mystery musical to be named later.

Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from May 10-16, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles,. This week's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union).

Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, interviews What We Dreamed of Then Director, Writer and Actor Taylor Olson. What We Dreamed of Then will be screened on May 31, 2026.

What did we publish yesterday? 05-17-26 In addition to a video Q&A with actors and the director of "Middle Life" film at the 2026 NJ International Film Festival, we ran stories on theatre, comedy, art, books, and community. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedian Jeff Allen on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is part of his first "Final" Farewell Tour - the last tour until the next one.

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse welcomed supporters, artists, and community leaders to its 2026 Annual Gala, A Vision for the Future, on Friday, May 8, at the Hilton Short Hills, raising over $1.3 million in support of its artistic, education, and community outreach programs.