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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230746
CREATED:20260119T130207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T155005Z
UID:77541-1769155200-1771174800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Kim’s Convenience
DESCRIPTION:김씨네 편의점\n\n\n\nA Neighborhood Story Takes Center Stage as McCarter Theatre Celebrates Korean Culture Through Community Partnership \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen McCarter Theatre opens the doors to its Berlind Theatre this winter\, it will not simply be raising the curtain on a beloved play. It will be creating a broader cultural moment that extends well beyond the stage\, rooted in local connection\, shared heritage\, and the lived experiences of New Jersey’s diverse communities. From January 23 through February 15\, 2026\, McCarter will present Kim’s Convenience\, the acclaimed stage work by Ins Choi that inspired the global Netflix phenomenon\, while simultaneously deepening its community ties through a meaningful partnership with Woo Ri Mart\, the longtime family-owned Korean grocery store based in West Windsor. \n\n\n\nThe collaboration reflects a growing emphasis at McCarter on storytelling that resonates both artistically and culturally. Kim’s Convenience centers on the Kim family\, Korean immigrants who operate a small neighborhood convenience store\, and explores generational divides\, identity\, economic pressure\, and the quiet heroism of everyday life. By partnering with Woo Ri Mart\, McCarter is grounding the production in the real-world experiences that mirror the play’s narrative\, inviting audiences to engage not just as ticket holders\, but as neighbors. \n\n\n\nFor many patrons\, the story of Kim’s Convenience feels instantly familiar. At the heart of the play is Appa\, the stubborn but deeply loving patriarch who has poured his life into the family store\, believing it to be both his legacy and his bridge to the future. As outside developers circle and family relationships strain under the weight of unspoken expectations\, humor and tenderness collide in a story that balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional honesty. The play runs a brisk 90 minutes with no intermission\, allowing the narrative to unfold with momentum and intimacy. \n\n\n\nThis production arrives at McCarter with considerable pedigree. Originally developed and premiered in Toronto\, Kim’s Convenience became a theatrical success long before it was adapted for television. Its transition to the small screen introduced millions to the Kim family\, but the stage version retains a unique immediacy\, allowing audiences to feel the rhythms of the store\, the silences between conversations\, and the cultural nuances that can sometimes be softened in translation to television. The production is presented by McCarter Theatre in collaboration with Soulpepper Theatre Company and Adam Blanshay Productions\, in association with American Conservatory Theater\, underscoring its national significance. \n\n\n\nDirection for this run is by Weyni Mengesha\, whose work has been widely praised for its sensitivity and clarity in handling stories rooted in cultural specificity while speaking to universal themes. Under her guidance\, the Berlind Theatre becomes an extension of the neighborhood corner store at the center of the play\, a space where humor\, conflict\, and affection coexist in equal measure. \n\n\n\nAdding to the excitement surrounding the production\, McCarter has announced additional performances due to strong early demand. Tuesday evening shows have been added on February 3 and February 10\, both beginning at 7:30 pm\, expanding access for audiences eager to experience the production. Select performances will feature James Yi in the role of Appa\, including afternoon and morning matinees that are expected to draw a wide cross-section of theatergoers. \n\n\n\nThe partnership with Woo Ri Mart elevates the experience beyond the auditorium. As a trusted fixture in West Windsor\, the grocery store represents the kind of family-run business that anchors communities and preserves cultural traditions across generations. By aligning with Woo Ri Mart\, McCarter is acknowledging the real-life counterparts to the fictional Kim family and creating opportunities for cultural exchange\, education\, and celebration around the production. For audiences\, this connection reinforces the authenticity of the story unfolding on stage. \n\n\n\nThis approach reflects a broader trend within New Jersey’s performing arts landscape\, where theaters are increasingly serving as hubs for civic engagement and cultural dialogue. McCarter’s willingness to extend the reach of Kim’s Convenience into the surrounding community aligns with the spirit found throughout the state’s vibrant arts scene\, as highlighted across Explore New Jersey’s coverage of local performance and culture within its theatre and performing arts section. The result is an experience that feels both intimate and expansive\, honoring a specific cultural story while welcoming audiences of all backgrounds. \n\n\n\nKim’s Convenience ultimately asks timely questions about legacy\, belonging\, and the cost of holding on in a rapidly changing world. As redevelopment pressures mount and generational values collide\, the Kim family’s story reflects the challenges faced by countless families across New Jersey and beyond. McCarter Theatre’s presentation ensures those questions are explored with warmth\, humor\, and respect\, while its partnership with Woo Ri Mart grounds the production in the lived reality of the community it represents. \n\n\n\nWhen the lights dim at the Berlind Theatre this winter\, audiences will not just be watching a play that inspired a television hit. They will be stepping into a shared cultural space where storytelling\, community\, and heritage intersect\, reaffirming McCarter Theatre’s role as one of New Jersey’s most vital artistic institutions.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/kims-convenience-%ea%b9%80%ec%94%a8%eb%84%a4-%ed%8e%b8%ec%9d%98%ec%a0%90/
LOCATION:McCarter Theatre Center\, 91 University Place\, Princeton\, NJ\, Princeton\, New Jersey\, 08540\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/theater.-Kims.-1-14-800x533-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T233000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230746
CREATED:20260110T151500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T151515Z
UID:76666-1770404400-1771198200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet
DESCRIPTION:Rutgers–Camden Theater Opens 2026 with Celebration of Jazz\, Blues\, and African American Musical Legacy \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Rutgers–Camden Theater begins 2026 with a captivating tribute to the rich history of African American music. Kenneth Elliott’s production\, Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet\, honors the pioneering artists of the 1920s and 1930s who recorded “race records” for the Victor Talking Machine Company\, preserving a legacy of blues\, jazz\, and spirituals that continues to resonate today. \n\n\n\nThis dynamic production brings together an ensemble of talented students\, alumni\, and special guest performers\, accompanied by a swinging live band that channels the vibrant energy of the era. Audiences can expect an immersive experience that not only showcases timeless classics but also celebrates the cultural significance of these early recordings\, which played a critical role in shaping American music and influencing generations of artists. \n\n\n\nHand Me Down the Silver Trumpet highlights the artistry\, innovation\, and resilience of musicians whose contributions often went unrecognized in their time. Through careful curation of songs\, storytelling\, and live performance\, the show transports audiences to the heart of 1920s and 30s American music scenes\, from smoky clubs to the recording studios that captured the sounds of the era. \n\n\n\nThe Rutgers–Camden Theater continues to position itself as a hub for transformative performances\, offering productions that connect audiences with both history and contemporary artistry. By featuring works like Elliott’s\, the theater underscores its commitment to diversity in programming while also educating the community about the profound cultural impact of African American musicians. Those interested in exploring more about local theater and performing arts in the region can discover additional offerings and events through theatre in New Jersey. \n\n\n\nAs this production opens the new year\, it not only celebrates musical heritage but also inspires a renewed appreciation for the stories and sounds that shaped the cultural landscape. By merging historical tribute with live performance\, Rutgers–Camden invites theatergoers to experience the enduring spirit of American music and the artists whose voices continue to echo across generations.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/hand-me-down-the-silver-trumpet/
LOCATION:Walter K. Gordon Theater\, 314 Linden Street\, Camden\, New Jersey\, 08102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music,Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/camden-Jan9-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Rutgers-Camden Theater Program":MAILTO:vmpa@camden.rutgers.edu
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T123000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230746
CREATED:20260119T135956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T140009Z
UID:77554-1770978600-1770985800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Winter Bluey Event
DESCRIPTION:Poricy Park Welcomes a Burst of Color and Play as Bluey Brings Winter Cheer to Middletown Families \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWinter in New Jersey can feel long for families with young children\, but on Friday\, February 13\, Poricy Park Nature Center will transform a cold morning into a lively\, laughter-filled gathering designed to shake off the seasonal chill. The Winter Bluey Event invites local families to step indoors and enjoy a cheerful\, interactive experience centered around one of today’s most beloved animated characters\, offering a welcome dose of warmth and community at a time when schools are closed and parents are searching for engaging daytime activities. \n\n\n\nScheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon\, the event is crafted specifically for children ages 12 and under\, with adults required to attend alongside their kids. Rather than a structured performance\, the morning is designed as an open\, free-flowing celebration of play\, imagination\, and movement. Young visitors will have the opportunity to meet Bluey in person\, pose for photos\, and take part in a series of hands-on activities that encourage creativity and social interaction. \n\n\n\nAmong the highlights are classic games inspired by the show’s playful spirit\, including Keepy Uppy and Musical Statues\, which invite children to move\, laugh\, and burn off winter energy. A themed craft station adds a quieter creative outlet\, allowing kids to make something tangible to take home as a reminder of the day. The combination of active games and artistic expression ensures the event appeals to a wide range of personalities\, from energetic toddlers to more contemplative elementary-aged children. \n\n\n\nHosting the event at Poricy Park Nature Center adds another layer of appeal. Known throughout Middletown as a place where education and recreation intersect\, the center offers a welcoming indoor environment while remaining closely tied to the park’s natural surroundings. Families who attend often use the visit as an opportunity to reconnect with a community space that supports learning\, play\, and togetherness year-round\, even during the colder months. \n\n\n\nThe timing of the Winter Bluey Event is especially convenient for local families\, as Middletown schools are closed that day. With no registration required\, residents can simply arrive and join in\, making it an easy\, low-pressure option for parents juggling schedules or caring for multiple children. Admission is free for residents\, reinforcing the township’s ongoing commitment to accessible programming that brings neighbors together without financial barriers. \n\n\n\nEvents like this reflect a broader emphasis across New Jersey on family-friendly cultural and recreational programming that goes beyond traditional entertainment venues. While much of the state’s arts coverage focuses on professional productions and performances highlighted in Explore New Jersey’s theatre and performing arts section\, community-centered gatherings such as the Winter Bluey Event play an equally important role in shaping local quality of life. They create early\, positive experiences around shared activities\, helping children associate public spaces with joy\, creativity\, and belonging. \n\n\n\nFor parents\, the appeal lies not only in the recognizable character but in the chance to see their children interact with others in a relaxed\, supportive setting. For kids\, meeting Bluey and participating in familiar games brings the animated world they love into real life\, even if just for a morning. Together\, those elements turn a winter weekday into something memorable. \n\n\n\nAs February settles in and cabin fever sets its grip on households across Monmouth County\, Poricy Park’s Winter Bluey Event offers a simple but meaningful solution: show up\, play\, laugh\, and leave with spirits lifted. In a season often defined by cold weather and short days\, this gathering stands out as a reminder that community\, creativity\, and a little imagination can go a long way toward brightening winter in New Jersey.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/winter-bluey-event/
LOCATION:Poricy Park\, 345 Oak Hill Road\, Middletown\, New Jersey\, 07748\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Document.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Poricy Park Nature Center":MAILTO:Recreation@middletownnj.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T233000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230746
CREATED:20251103T104919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T104927Z
UID:66277-1771005600-1771198200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:New Jersey Film Festival Returns in 2026 with Expanded Hybrid Screenings and 45 Premieres Across Multiple Weekends \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Garden State’s film community is already buzzing as the 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival prepares to roll out the red carpet from January 23 through February 22\, 2026. Presented by the Rutgers Film Co-op and the New Jersey Media Arts Center\, this highly anticipated event will once again blend the best of both worlds with a hybrid format\, offering audiences the flexibility to enjoy screenings either in person at Rutgers University in New Brunswick or online through a video-on-demand platform. \n\n\n\nFor more than four decades\, the New Jersey Film Festival has served as a cornerstone of independent cinema in the state\, spotlighting groundbreaking filmmakers\, daring new voices\, and powerful storytelling that transcends borders. The upcoming winter edition promises to be one of its most ambitious yet\, featuring 45 diverse films\, including New Jersey and regional premieres\, exclusive screenings\, and special guest appearances from filmmakers and industry professionals. \n\n\n\nAmong the standout titles slated for screening are B.F. Skinner Plays Himself\, Arrested at Delaney Hall\, Portrait of a Monastery\, ANDA\, Don’t Look in the Dark\, The Shoshani Riddle\, and Sum Function. Two documentaries\, Mama’s Voice and Zinema\, will also shed light on the human impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine—illustrating the festival’s ongoing commitment to socially conscious and globally resonant storytelling. \n\n\n\nEach festival weekend will showcase an eclectic mix of narrative features\, documentaries\, shorts\, and experimental works\, giving audiences an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives and emerging talent from around the world. Both film lovers and casual viewers can expect an immersive experience that highlights innovation\, creativity\, and the emotional depth of modern cinema. \n\n\n\nThe hybrid structure allows ticket holders to tailor their festival experience. Online screenings will be available for 24 hours on their designated show dates\, while in-person showings will take place on select Fridays\, Saturdays\, and Sundays throughout the festival’s run. General admission is priced at $15 per program\, $10 for students attending in person\, and $120 for an All-Access Pass\, which grants entry to all screenings—both virtual and live. \n\n\n\nBeyond the films\, the festival will also host two free filmmaking workshops that provide invaluable insight into the art and business of moviemaking. “The Film Business” session will be held on February 1\, offering guidance for aspiring filmmakers navigating the industry\, while the “Intro to Filmmaking” workshop on February 15 is designed to help beginners understand the essentials of storytelling through film. Space for these workshops is limited\, and advance registration is required. \n\n\n\nThe New Jersey Film Festival has long been recognized as a vital platform for independent creators\, giving them the opportunity to connect directly with audiences\, critics\, and fellow artists. Each year\, the festival draws participants from across the country and abroad\, reinforcing New Jersey’s reputation as a thriving hub for arts and culture. \n\n\n\nWith its mix of virtual access\, local engagement\, and an ever-expanding roster of talent\, the 2026 edition reaffirms the festival’s dedication to accessibility and creative excellence. As it celebrates more than 40 years of cinematic tradition\, the event continues to evolve with technology while maintaining its intimate\, community-centered spirit. \n\n\n\nTo stay up to date on film festivals and arts events happening throughout the state\, visit Explore New Jersey’s Film Festivals section for the latest updates\, event coverage\, and insider previews of New Jersey’s growing film scene. \n\n\n\nTo buy screening tickets click on this link: https://watch.eventive.org/newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026 \n\n\n\nTo buy an All Access Pass click on this link: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026.eventive.org/passes/buy
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/44th-bi-annual-new-jersey-film-festival-4/
LOCATION:Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center\, 4170 Academic Building - 15 Seminary Place\, New Brunswick\, New Jersey\, 08901-8525\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/images.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies":MAILTO:NJMAC12@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T000000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230746
CREATED:20250808T185935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250808T200852Z
UID:51819-1771027200-1771027200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Linda Eder: With Love from Linda
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Linda Eder! Showcasing one of the greatest voices of our time\, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway\, standards\, pop\, country and jazz. When she performs in concert\, it is amazing to experience the ease with which she moves back and forth from one genre to another as if she were gifted with the vocal ability to perform each genre as well as all the others.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/linda-eder-with-love-from-linda/
LOCATION:New Jersey
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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