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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Explore New Jersey
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T233000
DTSTAMP:20260504T090831
CREATED:20250724T134947Z
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UID:47650-1766088000-1766359800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:American Repertory Ballet with a Live Orchestra & Choir Presents The Nutcracker
DESCRIPTION:Experience the Magic of the Holidays with American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker in New Jersey \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe holiday season in New Jersey comes alive with the return of the American Repertory Ballet’s (ARB) cherished annual performance of The Nutcracker\, a celebration of music\, dance\, and festive wonder that has captivated audiences for six decades. This year\, families can experience the only ARB Nutcracker shows featuring a live orchestra and choir\, enhancing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with the richness and energy of live performance. With more than 100 talented dancers bringing the story to life\, ARB’s production remains a signature holiday tradition for the region. \n\n\n\nAudiences are invited to follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they embark on an unforgettable adventure. The tale unfolds with daring battles against larger-than-life mice\, heroic toy soldiers\, and a journey through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Each scene is elevated by ARB’s signature choreography\, blending technical precision with expressive artistry\, ensuring a performance that captivates both children and adults. \n\n\n\nARB’s The Nutcracker has earned its place as one of the nation’s longest-running productions\, maintaining continuity for 60 years while evolving to reflect both classical ballet excellence and modern theatrical flair. The addition of a live orchestra and choir in select performances offers audiences an immersive experience\, where the music resonates with unparalleled vitality\, complementing the dancers’ intricate movements and the vibrant holiday sets. \n\n\n\nThis production is not just a performance; it is a holiday event designed to create lasting family memories. Attendees can expect dazzling costumes\, elaborate stage design\, and an atmosphere that captures the joy and wonder of the season. It is an ideal outing for multigenerational families\, schools\, and community groups seeking a festive cultural experience in New Jersey. \n\n\n\nTickets to ARB’s Nutcracker performances offer a gateway into a world where imagination\, music\, and dance intertwine. The combination of high-caliber dancers\, live orchestral music\, and a story steeped in tradition makes this production a highlight of the holiday season in the region. Families looking to immerse themselves in the magic of ballet\, celebrate a long-standing artistic tradition\, and enjoy a memorable holiday outing will find ARB’s The Nutcracker an unmissable experience. \n\n\n\nFor those seeking additional information about show dates\, tickets\, and seasonal events in New Jersey’s performing arts scene\, Explore New Jersey’s theatre section provides comprehensive coverage\, spotlighting the state’s premier ballet\, theatre\, and cultural performances. \n\n\n\nThis season\, let the American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker transport you and your loved ones into a world of holiday enchantment\, where classic music\, breathtaking dance\, and festive storytelling come together to create a timeless celebration of the season.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/american-repertory-ballets-nutcracker/
LOCATION:State Theatre New Jersey\, 15 Livingston Avenue \, NJ\, New Brunswick\, NJ\, 08901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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ORGANIZER;CN="State Theatre New Jersey":MAILTO:Info@stnj.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T233000
DTSTAMP:20260504T090831
CREATED:20250919T131744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T120220Z
UID:59710-1766163600-1766273400@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:From Good Homes
DESCRIPTION:From Good Homes Brings Two-Night Celebration to The Newton Theatre This December \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDates: Friday\, December 19 & Saturday\, December 20\, 2025Time: 8:00 PMLocation: The Newton Theatre\, Newton\, NJTickets: On sale Friday\, September 19 at 10:00 AM \n\n\n\nFrom Good Homes\, the acclaimed band born in Northwestern New Jersey\, brings their energetic and genre-blending sound to The Newton Theatre for two unforgettable nights. Founded by childhood friends Todd Sheaffer\, Brady Rymer\, and Patrick Fitzsimmons\, and later joined by Dan Myers and Jamie Coan\, the group has built a reputation for seamlessly mixing rock\, folk\, jazz\, Celtic\, and jam-band influences into what fans lovingly call “Hick-Pop.” \n\n\n\nWith five albums under their belt—three released through RCA Records—and over 1\,500 shows across North America\, From Good Homes has shared the stage with legends such as Dave Matthews Band\, Ratdog with Bob Weir\, Bob Dylan\, Widespread Panic\, and Blues Traveler. Todd Sheaffer’s inspired songwriting drives the band’s vibrant\, upbeat sound\, captivating audiences with both musicality and heart. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to experience one of New Jersey’s most celebrated bands live. Secure your tickets early for a weekend of high-energy performances\, rich musical storytelling\, and the signature jam-rock experience that has earned From Good Homes a devoted fanbase nationwide. \n\n\n\nBeloved New Jersey band set for special hometown-style performances just before the holidays \n\n\n\nFrom Good Homes will return to North Jersey this winter with a pair of highly anticipated concerts at The Newton Theatre on December 19 and December 20\, both beginning at 8 p.m. The shows mark another exciting chapter in the long-running relationship between the band and the region where their story first took shape. \n\n\n\nThe group’s origins stretch back to their teenage years\, when founding members Todd Sheaffer\, Brady Rymer\, and Patrick Fitzsimmons began making music together in rural northwestern New Jersey. What started as childhood friends learning instruments and swapping ideas soon evolved into a band known for high-energy live performances\, heartfelt songwriting\, and a sound rooted in folk-rock\, Americana spirit\, and homegrown charm. \n\n\n\nOver time\, the band expanded its lineup and its following\, building a loyal fan base across the state and throughout the Northeast. The Newton Theatre shows have become something of a tradition for those who have been along for the ride since the early days. Fans often pack the historic venue eager to hear signature songs\, enjoy extended jams\, and share the kind of community atmosphere that has always defined a From Good Homes show. \n\n\n\nReturning just ahead of the holiday season adds an extra layer of excitement. Concertgoers can expect two nights of music that feel like coming home\, with singalong favorites and deeper cuts likely to appear on the setlist. Many longtime followers travel in from around New Jersey and beyond for these annual celebrations\, turning the weekend into a reunion of familiar faces. \n\n\n\nThe Newton Theatre continues to draw top live acts and remains a destination for music lovers throughout Sussex County and the state. These December performances reaffirm the venue’s role as a cultural anchor in the region while highlighting musicians who grew their craft right here in New Jersey. \n\n\n\nThose interested in more live entertainment around the state can stay up to date on shows\, tours\, and local talent through https://explorenewjersey.org/music/. Live music continues to thrive across New Jersey\, and From Good Homes’ return offers a perfect reason to gather with friends and enjoy a night out before the year comes to a close. \n\n\n\nTickets are already generating strong attention among fans\, making early planning important for anyone hoping to be part of these special performances. For From Good Homes\, the connection to their Garden State roots remains central\, and their December return promises another unforgettable celebration of music\, memories\, and hometown pride.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/from-good-homes/
LOCATION:The Newton Theatre\, 234 Spring St\, \, NJ\, Newton\, NJ\, 07860\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T233000
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CREATED:20251023T165624Z
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UID:64938-1766165400-1766187000@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Freestyle Meets Disco: 2 Queens Edition with France Joli\, Judy Torres & The Forever Freestyle Band
DESCRIPTION:Two Queens of Freestyle\, France Joli and Judy Torres\, Return to Starland Ballroom for a Night of Hits \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreestyle music fans are in for a treat this holiday season as France Joli and Judy Torres\, two of the genre’s most iconic voices\, take the stage at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on Friday\, December 19\, 2025. Performing with the dynamic Forever Freestyle Band\, the legendary artists promise an electrifying night featuring classic hits\, fan favorites\, and a full live band experience. \n\n\n\nFrance Joli\, often hailed as the “Queen of Disco\,” rose to fame with her 1979 breakout hit “Come to Me” and has remained a defining voice in dance music for decades. Judy Torres\, affectionately known as the “Queen of Freestyle\,” brought the genre to mainstream audiences with her chart-topping singles in the late ’80s and early ’90s\, including “No Reason to Cry” and “Dreamboy/Dreamgirl.” Together\, they represent the golden era of freestyle music\, offering fans a rare opportunity to see both stars performing live on the same stage. \n\n\n\nThe evening promises two full sets\, allowing attendees to enjoy a comprehensive showcase of their greatest hits as well as collaborative performances with the Forever Freestyle Band\, known for its energetic and faithful renditions of freestyle classics. The band’s tight arrangements and live instrumentation elevate the nostalgic experience\, bringing the pulsating beats and soaring vocals of the original recordings to life for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. \n\n\n\nTickets for the show are on sale now\, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early\, as this highly anticipated performance is expected to draw a crowd from across New Jersey and beyond. Starland Ballroom\, with its renowned sound system and intimate setting\, provides the perfect venue for an evening that celebrates the enduring energy and appeal of freestyle music. \n\n\n\nThe performance is not only a musical event but also a celebration of the freestyle community\, offering fans the chance to relive the sounds of the ’80s and ’90s while experiencing the electric atmosphere of a live concert. Attendees can expect memorable moments\, sing-alongs\, and the infectious rhythms that have kept fans dancing for decades. \n\n\n\nFor more information on ticket availability and show details\, fans can visit Explore New Jersey’s music coverage for updates and event highlights. The December 19 performance is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout concerts\, uniting fans of all ages in a tribute to the queens of freestyle and the timeless music they continue to bring to life.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/freestyle-meets-disco-2-queens-edition/
LOCATION:Starland Ballroom\, 570 Jernee Mill Rd\, Sayreville\, New Jersey\, 08872\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251219T233000
DTSTAMP:20260504T090831
CREATED:20251213T131313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T131934Z
UID:73070-1766172600-1766187000@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Darlene Love – Love for the Holidays
DESCRIPTION:A Holiday Homecoming in Red Bank as Darlene Love Brings Her Legendary Christmas Show to the Jersey Shore \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe arrival of the holiday season in New Jersey takes on added meaning this December when Darlene Love returns to Red Bank with her celebrated concert event\, Love for the Holidays. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will light up the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Basie Center Campus on Friday\, December 19\, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the performance beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. For generations of music fans\, this annual tour has become as essential to the season as twinkling lights and winter classics on the radio. \n\n\n\nFew voices are as deeply woven into the fabric of American Christmas music as Love’s. Her unmistakable performances on Phil Spector’s famed holiday recordings helped define the sound of the season\, with songs like “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)\,” “White Christmas\,” “Winter Wonderland\,” and “Marshmallow World” remaining staples decade after decade. Those recordings continue to resonate not simply as nostalgia\, but as living\, breathing works that still feel vital each December. \n\n\n\nLove’s influence extends far beyond the studio. Her voice has been a familiar presence in countless films\, television shows\, and commercials\, becoming synonymous with warmth\, celebration\, and emotional connection. From major motion pictures to classic holiday broadcasts\, her sound has quietly underscored some of the most memorable moments in pop culture\, cementing her status as one of the most recognizable vocalists of her era. \n\n\n\nHer journey began in the early 1960s\, emerging from the famed “Wall of Sound” sessions as one of the era’s most powerful singers. That early work quickly led to collaborations with a remarkable range of artists\, including Elvis Presley\, Tom Jones\, Dionne Warwick\, and Bruce Springsteen. Over time\, her career evolved into something rare: a voice that bridges generations while remaining instantly identifiable. Accolades followed naturally\, including recognition by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time\, a distinction widely echoed by fans and fellow musicians alike. \n\n\n\nHoliday performances have become a defining chapter of Love’s career. For nearly three decades\, she delivered a show-stopping rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on The Late Show with David Letterman\, turning the appearance into one of late night television’s most beloved traditions. Letterman famously described her voice as the sound of Christmas itself\, a sentiment that has only grown stronger over time. More recently\, her high-profile appearances alongside artists such as Cher\, Steven Van Zandt\, and Paul Shaffer have reaffirmed her enduring relevance and star power. \n\n\n\nNow in her mid-80s\, Love continues to tour with remarkable vitality\, bringing both joy and authenticity to every performance. Her upcoming New Jersey stop offers audiences a rare chance to experience a living legend in an intimate\, acoustically rich setting. The Red Bank engagement also reinforces the state’s ongoing role as a cornerstone of live performance and seasonal celebrations within the broader New Jersey music scene\, a tradition highlighted year-round across Explore New Jersey’s coverage of live music and cultural events. \n\n\n\nBeyond the stage\, Love’s story is still unfolding. She has recently completed filming on a new docuseries slated for release in 2026\, promising an in-depth look at her extraordinary life\, career\, and influence. It is yet another reminder that her impact reaches far beyond a single season\, even as her holiday concerts remain a cherished annual ritual. \n\n\n\nAs Love for the Holidays arrives in Red Bank\, audiences can expect more than a concert. What unfolds is a shared celebration of memory\, music\, and the unmistakable power of a voice that continues to define the season for millions.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/darlene-love-love-for-the-holidays-3/
LOCATION:Count Basie Center for the Arts\, 99 Monmouth Street\, Red Bank\, New Jersey\, 07701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Count Basie Center for the Arts":MAILTO:boxoffice@thebasie.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T000000
DTSTAMP:20260504T090831
CREATED:20250724T135501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T124645Z
UID:47711-1766188800-1766188800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:John Denver Christmas featuring Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the joy\, magic\, and memories of the holidays with . Join award-winning international artists Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon for a heartwarming evening inspired by John Denver’s iconic Christmas specials. This acclaimed show brings the festive spirit to life\, making it a must-see event.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/john-denver-christmas-featuring-chris-collins-boulder-canyon/
LOCATION:Algonquin Arts Theatre\, 60 Abe Voorhees Dr\, Manasquan\, 08736\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251220T000000
DTSTAMP:20260504T090832
CREATED:20250728T133134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T150428Z
UID:49088-1766188800-1766188800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Broadway for the Holidays 5
DESCRIPTION:It’s another year of the rousing review that celebrates the most wonderful time of the year: Broadway for the Holidays 5! Returning by popular demand\, this festive extravaganza brings the magic of Broadway to the holiday season like never before. Join OCC students and community members for a journey through the beloved songs and timeless classics that capture the spirit of the holidays. From heartwarming ballads to toe-tapping showstoppers\, Broadway for the Holidays 5 promises an unforgettable musical experience for the whole family.\nPerformances\nFriday\, December 12\, 2025 7:30 PM\nSaturday\, December 13\, 2025 2:00 PM\nSaturday\, December 13\, 2025 7:30 PM\nSunday\, December 14\, 2025 2:00 PM\nFriday\, December 19\, 2025 7:30 PM\nSaturday\, December 20\, 2025 2:00 PM\nSaturday\, December 20\, 2025 7:30 PM\nSunday\, December 21\, 2025 2:00 PM\nCast\nCheck back soon\nProduction Crew\nCheck back soon\nAbout the OCC Repertory Theater Company\nUnder the direction of Performing Arts Program Chair Paul Chalakani\, the mission of the OCC/REP is to create opportunities for college and community participation in various rich and diverse theatrical experiences. The Company seeks to engage\, entertain\, inspire\, and educate to enhance the cultural life of Ocean County College and the surrounding communities. The OCC/REP provides OCC students\, faculty\, staff\, and residents of neighboring communities the opportunity to attend and/or participate in quality performances of theatrical works – musicals and plays\, classical and modern\, traditional and experimental\, through a well-balanced theatrical season. Additionally\, the OCC/REP provides an environment for students of our performing arts program to apply what they are learning in a collaborative and encouraging format. The OCC/REP celebrates the power of the theatre to illuminate and mirror the human experience.\nThe OCC Repertory Theatre Company is funded\, in part\, by the Ocean County College Foundation.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/broadway-for-the-holidays-5-5/
LOCATION:New Jersey
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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