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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T233000
DTSTAMP:20260611T030038
CREATED:20260610T145640Z
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SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Great Ladies of Jazz Brings the Timeless Power of America’s Most Influential Voices to Princeton Festival \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are certain voices that never fade. Long after the recordings stop spinning and the original performances become part of history\, their influence continues to echo through concert halls\, theaters\, jazz clubs\, and generations of artists who follow in their footsteps. The story of American music cannot be told without acknowledging the extraordinary women whose artistry helped define jazz\, popular music\, Broadway\, and the Great American Songbook. Their songs became standards. Their performances became benchmarks. Their legacies became permanent. \n\n\n\nOn June 19\, the Princeton Festival will celebrate those enduring contributions with an unforgettable evening titled Great Ladies of Jazz\, a spectacular musical tribute featuring acclaimed vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas alongside the Princeton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Lucas Waldin. Set against the elegant backdrop of Morven Museum & Garden’s Performance Pavilion\, the concert promises to be one of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer season in New Jersey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore than a concert\, Great Ladies of Jazz serves as a celebration of the women whose artistry transformed American music and whose recordings continue to inspire audiences around the world. The program pays homage to iconic performers including Ella Fitzgerald\, Sarah Vaughan\, Billie Holiday\, Judy Garland\, Ginger Rogers\, and other legendary figures whose voices shaped the soundtrack of the twentieth century. \n\n\n\nThe significance of these artists extends far beyond the music industry. They were pioneers\, innovators\, storytellers\, and cultural forces who influenced generations of performers. Their interpretations of timeless songs elevated popular music into an art form capable of expressing profound emotion\, personal resilience\, joy\, heartbreak\, and hope. Their recordings remain essential listening not because they are historic artifacts\, but because they continue to feel remarkably alive and relevant. \n\n\n\nFor many listeners\, the Great American Songbook represents one of the most extraordinary periods in American musical history. Composers and lyricists created melodies and lyrics that have endured for decades\, while vocalists transformed those compositions into deeply personal artistic statements. The songs became standards because each generation found something new within them. They could be intimate or grand\, playful or heartbreaking\, simple or sophisticated. Their versatility allowed them to evolve while remaining timeless. \n\n\n\nThe Princeton Festival performance embraces that tradition by bringing these beloved works to life through two of today’s most accomplished vocal interpreters. Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas have each built distinguished careers defined by exceptional vocal ability\, commanding stage presence\, and an ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and emotion. \n\n\n\nCapathia Jenkins has become one of the most respected performers on Broadway and beyond\, known for her extraordinary vocal range and magnetic stage presence. Her performances combine technical brilliance with emotional authenticity\, allowing audiences to experience familiar songs in fresh and compelling ways. Whether performing Broadway repertoire\, jazz standards\, orchestral works\, or contemporary material\, Jenkins brings a remarkable ability to inhabit every lyric and phrase. \n\n\n\nAisha de Haas has similarly established herself as one of the most versatile and captivating vocalists working today. Her career spans theater\, concert stages\, recording projects\, and symphonic collaborations. Known for her rich vocal tone and dynamic interpretive abilities\, de Haas possesses the rare gift of honoring classic material while making every performance feel deeply personal and immediate. \n\n\n\nTogether\, the two vocalists create a powerful artistic partnership that perfectly complements the evening’s celebration of jazz and popular music’s most influential female voices. Their performances promise to capture both the elegance and emotional depth that defined the original recordings while bringing their own unique perspectives to these beloved songs. \n\n\n\nThe musical selections themselves represent some of the most celebrated compositions ever written. Audiences will hear works that have transcended generations and become woven into the fabric of American culture. \n\n\n\nHarold Arlen’s exuberant “Get Happy” remains one of the great expressions of optimism and joy in popular music. Its infectious energy and timeless appeal have made it a favorite among performers for decades. Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s “Bewitched\, Bothered\, and Bewildered” offers a masterclass in sophisticated songwriting\, blending romance\, vulnerability\, and wit into one of the most enduring standards ever composed. \n\n\n\nGeorge Gershwin’s “‘S Wonderful” continues to embody the elegance and charm of classic American songwriting\, while his immortal “Summertime” remains one of the most recorded and interpreted songs in music history. Few compositions possess the emotional depth and universal appeal that have allowed “Summertime” to thrive across genres ranging from opera and jazz to blues and contemporary music. \n\n\n\nHarold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg’s “Over the Rainbow” stands among the most beloved songs ever written\, carrying emotional resonance that transcends generations. First introduced to audiences through Judy Garland’s unforgettable performance\, the song continues to symbolize hope\, possibility\, and the enduring power of dreams. \n\n\n\nDuke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s “Satin Doll” showcases the sophistication and swing that helped define the golden age of jazz. The composition remains a favorite among musicians and audiences alike\, representing the elegance and innovation that characterized Ellington’s extraordinary body of work. \n\n\n\nYet the concert extends beyond individual songs. It explores the broader cultural impact of the women who transformed these compositions into lasting works of art. Ella Fitzgerald’s unmatched vocal precision and improvisational brilliance redefined what a jazz vocalist could achieve. Sarah Vaughan’s remarkable range and technical mastery expanded the expressive possibilities of popular singing. Billie Holiday’s emotional honesty changed the way audiences connected with music\, while Judy Garland’s vulnerability and dramatic power created performances that continue to resonate generations later. \n\n\n\nTheir collective influence can still be heard throughout contemporary music. Countless singers\, songwriters\, and performers trace their artistic lineage back to these pioneering women. Modern jazz\, pop\, theater\, and vocal performance all carry traces of the paths they helped create. \n\n\n\nThe Princeton Symphony Orchestra provides the ideal musical foundation for such a celebration. Known for its artistic excellence and dynamic programming\, the orchestra has become one of New Jersey’s premier cultural institutions. Under the direction of Lucas Waldin\, audiences can expect lush orchestral arrangements\, meticulous musicianship\, and performances that honor the sophistication and beauty of the original works while embracing the excitement of live interpretation. \n\n\n\nWaldin has earned acclaim for his ability to bridge musical traditions and create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. His approach to programming and performance reflects a deep understanding of both orchestral music and popular repertoire\, making him uniquely suited to lead an evening that celebrates the intersection of jazz\, Broadway\, and American popular song. \n\n\n\nThe setting at Morven Museum & Garden further elevates the experience. Summer evenings in Princeton possess a unique charm\, and the Performance Pavilion offers one of the state’s most inviting concert environments. Surrounded by historic architecture and beautiful gardens\, audiences will enjoy a setting that complements the elegance and timelessness of the music itself. \n\n\n\nAs New Jersey continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination for arts and culture\, events like Great Ladies of Jazz highlight the depth and diversity of experiences available throughout the state. The Princeton Festival has consistently demonstrated a commitment to presenting world-class performances that celebrate artistic excellence while remaining accessible to broad audiences. \n\n\n\nWhat makes this particular performance especially meaningful is its ability to connect multiple generations through music. Younger listeners will discover the extraordinary artistry that laid the foundation for modern popular music\, while longtime fans will have the opportunity to revisit beloved songs performed by exceptional contemporary artists. It is a celebration of continuity\, influence\, and the enduring power of great music to transcend time. \n\n\n\nThe women honored during this evening helped shape American culture through talent\, perseverance\, and artistic innovation. Their voices provided comfort during difficult times\, joy during moments of celebration\, and inspiration for countless performers who followed. Their recordings remain vibrant because they speak to universal human experiences that continue to resonate today. \n\n\n\nOn June 19\, Princeton Festival audiences will gather not only to hear extraordinary music\, but to celebrate a remarkable legacy. Through the talents of Capathia Jenkins\, Aisha de Haas\, Lucas Waldin\, and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra\, these timeless songs will once again come alive beneath the summer sky. \n\n\n\nFor one unforgettable evening\, the voices that helped define American music will be honored in a performance that bridges past and present\, tradition and innovation\, history and contemporary artistry. It is a fitting tribute to the great ladies of jazz and a reminder that truly great music never grows old—it simply finds new audiences ready to fall in love with it all over again.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/great-ladies-of-jazz-capathia-jenkins-aisha-de-haas/
LOCATION:Performance Pavilion – Morven Museum & Garden\, 55 Stockton St\, Princeton\, New Jersey\, 08540\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Princeton Symphony Orchestra":MAILTO:info@princetonsymphony.org
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SUMMARY:We've Got Soul: A Tribute To Soul Train
DESCRIPTION:Juneteenth Arts Celebration 2026 Brings the Spirit of Soul Train\, 1970s Fashion\, Live Music\, and Black Cultural Celebration to South Jersey’s Historic Grand Theatre \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs Juneteenth celebrations continue expanding across New Jersey through music\, theater\, dance\, visual arts\, and community-driven cultural programming\, one South Jersey production is preparing to transform an already energetic holiday weekend into a full-scale retro soul celebration rooted in rhythm\, style\, movement\, and the enduring cultural power of Black music history. For two nights only on June 19 and June 20\, The Grand Theatre in Williamstown will become the center of a high-energy tribute to one of the most influential music and television institutions in American culture with “We’ve Got Soul: A Tribute To Soul Train\,” a large-scale Juneteenth Arts Celebration blending live performance\, dance\, nostalgia\, fashion\, and immersive audience participation into what promises to become one of the region’s most vibrant cultural events of the summer season. \n\n\n\nPresented by The Road Company at The Grand Theatre\, the production is designed not simply as a stage show\, but as a living celebration of the sound\, style\, energy\, and cultural legacy that transformed generations of American music and entertainment. Inspired by the iconic Soul Train era that helped define Black artistry\, dance culture\, television visibility\, fashion expression\, and musical innovation throughout the 1970s and beyond\, the event aims to capture the emotional electricity of a period that continues influencing modern music\, nightlife\, pop culture\, and performance aesthetics nearly half a century later. \n\n\n\nThe concept feels especially powerful within the context of Juneteenth itself. \n\n\n\nAcross New Jersey\, Juneteenth celebrations have increasingly evolved into multifaceted artistic showcases honoring Black freedom\, cultural achievement\, creative expression\, historical reflection\, and community identity. Music has remained central to many of those celebrations because Black musical traditions have long functioned as both artistic expression and historical storytelling throughout American history. “We’ve Got Soul” embraces that connection directly by centering its production around one of the most culturally transformative music platforms ever created. \n\n\n\nSoul Train was never simply a television show. \n\n\n\nIt became a national cultural institution that introduced millions of viewers to Black music\, Black dance\, Black fashion\, Black creativity\, and Black artistic excellence at a time when mainstream entertainment industries frequently marginalized or excluded those voices entirely. The program created visibility for generations of artists while simultaneously shaping the visual language of funk\, disco\, soul\, R&B\, and dance culture throughout America. \n\n\n\nThat influence remains enormous today. \n\n\n\nModern pop stars\, hip-hop artists\, choreographers\, fashion designers\, concert producers\, and television creators continue drawing inspiration from the visual style\, movement\, musical energy\, and cultural confidence that Soul Train helped popularize. The aesthetics of the era continue appearing throughout music videos\, touring productions\, fashion campaigns\, streaming performances\, award shows\, and social media culture because the period itself represented one of the most explosively creative moments in modern entertainment history. \n\n\n\nThe Grand Theatre production appears determined to fully embrace that spirit. \n\n\n\nAccording to event organizers\, audiences are encouraged to arrive dressed in their finest 1970s-inspired fashion\, turning the two-night engagement into something closer to an immersive cultural experience than a passive seated performance. Bell bottoms\, platform shoes\, sequins\, wide collars\, flashy suits\, glitter\, disco-era glamour\, and vintage soul style are all expected to become part of the atmosphere as guests effectively step into a reimagined version of the classic Soul Train era itself. \n\n\n\nThat interactive component matters because nostalgia-driven entertainment has increasingly become one of the most powerful forces in live performance culture. \n\n\n\nAudiences today do not simply want to watch retro tributes from a distance. They want to participate emotionally and visually in the experience itself. Productions that create immersive environments where audiences feel transported into another cultural era tend to generate stronger emotional connections\, communal energy\, and repeat attendance. “We’ve Got Soul” appears specifically designed around that immersive philosophy. \n\n\n\nThe location itself also adds another important layer to the production’s identity. \n\n\n\nThe Grand Theatre in Williamstown continues building a growing reputation throughout South Jersey as a regional performance destination capable of blending community arts programming with larger-scale theatrical entertainment experiences. Events like this further strengthen South Jersey’s expanding role within New Jersey’s overall arts ecosystem\, which increasingly stretches far beyond the better-known cultural centers traditionally associated with North Jersey and the Jersey Shore. \n\n\n\nIn recent years\, arts and entertainment activity throughout Gloucester County and surrounding South Jersey communities has grown steadily through live theater\, tribute productions\, local festivals\, independent music programming\, cultural events\, and community-driven performance initiatives. Productions like “We’ve Got Soul” demonstrate how regional theaters are increasingly embracing ambitious experiential programming designed to appeal simultaneously to longtime theater audiences\, music fans\, families\, nostalgic audiences\, and younger attendees discovering these cultural touchstones for the first time. \n\n\n\nThe timing of the event also positions it squarely within New Jersey’s broader summer entertainment season. \n\n\n\nAs temperatures rise and festival season accelerates statewide\, audiences throughout New Jersey increasingly seek live experiences that feel celebratory\, communal\, and emotionally uplifting. Juneteenth weekend itself has rapidly become one of the most active cultural weekends on the calendar as communities organize concerts\, educational events\, artistic showcases\, parades\, food festivals\, dance performances\, and public celebrations centered around Black history and cultural achievement. \n\n\n\n“We’ve Got Soul” fits naturally within that momentum while offering something uniquely theatrical and music-driven. \n\n\n\nThe production’s focus on movement\, rhythm\, and audience participation may ultimately become one of its strongest draws. Soul Train itself was revolutionary partly because dance became just as important as the music. The dancing reflected identity\, confidence\, self-expression\, individuality\, and joy. Entire generations learned dances\, fashion trends\, performance styles\, and musical tastes directly from the program’s influence. \n\n\n\nRecreating that atmosphere live onstage carries enormous emotional power for audiences who either lived through the era firsthand or inherited its influence culturally through family\, music history\, and modern pop culture. \n\n\n\nImportantly\, the event also reflects the continued commercial and artistic strength of tribute entertainment itself. \n\n\n\nAcross New Jersey and nationally\, tribute productions have evolved far beyond simplistic impersonation acts. Modern audiences increasingly support high-production-value theatrical experiences that celebrate entire musical movements\, historical eras\, or cultural identities rather than merely recreating isolated songs. Productions succeed when they capture emotional atmosphere as much as technical accuracy. \n\n\n\nThat broader emotional celebration appears central to “We’ve Got Soul.” \n\n\n\nRather than functioning as a museum-piece recreation of the past\, the event seems designed to celebrate the ongoing vitality of soul music\, funk\, disco culture\, Black artistry\, and communal dance traditions that continue influencing music and entertainment today. The spirit of the production is not about preserving nostalgia under glass. It is about bringing that energy fully back to life inside a modern theater environment. \n\n\n\nFor New Jersey audiences\, especially throughout South Jersey\, the event also represents another example of how local arts organizations continue expanding the scale and ambition of regional entertainment programming. Productions once limited primarily to larger metropolitan markets are increasingly appearing in community-centered venues capable of creating more intimate and emotionally connected audience experiences. \n\n\n\nAs Juneteenth celebrations continue evolving statewide\, events like “We’ve Got Soul” help demonstrate how music\, theater\, dance\, fashion\, and cultural history can merge into experiences that feel simultaneously celebratory\, educational\, immersive\, and deeply joyful. The production honors the legacy of Soul Train not merely by replaying songs from the past\, but by embracing the larger cultural energy that made the era transformative in the first place. \n\n\n\nFor two nights in Williamstown\, The Grand Theatre will not simply host another performance. \n\n\n\nIt will become a full-scale celebration of soul music\, Black cultural influence\, 1970s artistry\, communal dance culture\, and the enduring power of live entertainment to bring generations together through rhythm\, nostalgia\, movement\, and shared joy. \n\n\n\nAnd judging by the excitement already surrounding the production\, South Jersey may be more than ready to climb aboard the Groove Train once again.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/juneteenth-arts-celebration-2026/
LOCATION:Grand Theatre\, 405 S. Main Street\, Williamstown\, New Jersey\, 08094\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Road Company Theater Group":MAILTO:info@roadcompany.com
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