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SUMMARY:Change of Position
DESCRIPTION:“Change of Position” Arrives at New Jersey Repertory Company with a Bold\, Unflinching Portrait of Survival and Identity \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s theatre scene continues to evolve as one of the most daring and artistically ambitious in the country\, and on July 30 at 7:00 PM\, that trajectory takes another compelling step forward with Change of Position at New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. Presented at the company’s intimate performance space at 179 Broadway\, this production signals a continuation of the state’s commitment to new work that challenges audiences\, confronts difficult realities\, and elevates the standard of contemporary storytelling on stage. \n\n\n\nAs audiences increasingly seek theatre that is not only entertaining but deeply resonant\, productions like this reinforce why readers consistently turn to Explore New Jersey’s theatre coverage to stay informed about performances that matter. Change of Position is not designed for passive viewing. It is a work that invites engagement\, provokes reflection\, and demands attention through its unapologetic exploration of complex human circumstances. \n\n\n\nSet against the stark backdrop of a trailer park environment\, the narrative centers on a teenage girl navigating a life shaped by instability\, economic hardship\, and deeply complicated family dynamics. Her mother’s choices—earning a living through relationships with men tied directly to her daughter’s social world—create a volatile and emotionally charged foundation. From that starting point\, the story moves into even more challenging territory when one of those relationships introduces an unexpected and unsettling proposition\, pushing the narrative into a space where questions of agency\, morality\, and survival collide. \n\n\n\nWhat distinguishes Change of Position is not simply its subject matter\, but the precision with which it approaches it. This is a work that understands the weight of its themes and refuses to dilute them. Instead\, it leans into the discomfort\, allowing the audience to confront situations that are often overlooked or simplified in more conventional storytelling. The result is a production that feels immediate\, raw\, and undeniably relevant. \n\n\n\nNew Jersey Repertory Company has long established itself as a vital force in the development and presentation of new plays\, and this production continues that legacy. Known for its dedication to original works and its ability to bring them to life with clarity and purpose\, the company provides an environment where stories like Change of Position can be fully realized. The theatre’s intimate setting ensures that every moment lands with impact\, drawing the audience into the emotional core of the performance and eliminating any distance between observer and subject. \n\n\n\nThe July 30 performance\, priced at $65.00 including fees\, offers more than admission to a play—it provides entry into a conversation. This is theatre that operates as both art and examination\, using its platform to explore realities that are often difficult to articulate but impossible to ignore. In a cultural landscape where authenticity is increasingly valued\, productions like this stand out for their willingness to engage with truth\, no matter how uncomfortable that truth may be. \n\n\n\nFrom a performance standpoint\, the material demands a level of commitment and nuance that extends beyond standard interpretation. The characters exist in a space where vulnerability and resilience coexist\, requiring actors to navigate emotional terrain that is both complex and deeply human. The success of the production hinges on this balance\, and within the framework of New Jersey Repertory Company’s approach\, that balance is given the attention and care it requires. \n\n\n\nThematically\, Change of Position aligns with a broader movement within New Jersey theatre—one that prioritizes stories with depth\, relevance\, and a clear point of view. It reflects a growing understanding that audiences are not only willing but eager to engage with material that challenges them. This shift has positioned the state as a hub for thoughtful\, contemporary theatre\, where new works are not just presented but given the space to resonate. \n\n\n\nThe location in Long Branch further reinforces the accessibility and reach of this production. As coastal communities continue to develop their cultural offerings\, venues like New Jersey Repertory Company play a critical role in ensuring that high-caliber theatre is available beyond traditional urban centers. This geographic expansion is part of what makes the state’s arts scene so dynamic\, bringing meaningful performances to a wider and more diverse audience. \n\n\n\nOperationally\, the venue maintains a direct and audience-focused approach\, with clear access to ticketing\, directions\, and support through its box office. This level of accessibility ensures that the focus remains on the work itself\, allowing attendees to engage fully with the experience from the moment they arrive. \n\n\n\nWhat ultimately defines Change of Position is its refusal to simplify. It presents a world that is complicated\, often uncomfortable\, and deeply reflective of realities that exist beyond the stage. In doing so\, it reinforces the role of theatre as a space for exploration\, empathy\, and understanding. \n\n\n\nAs New Jersey continues to build its reputation as a destination for serious theatrical work\, productions like this serve as both anchor and catalyst. They demonstrate what is possible when creative vision is matched with a venue committed to excellence and an audience ready to engage. \n\n\n\nOn July 30\, the stage at New Jersey Repertory Company will host a story that does not look away\, does not soften its edges\, and does not settle for easy answers. It is precisely this kind of work that defines the strength of the state’s theatre scene and ensures that its voice continues to resonate far beyond its borders.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/change-of-position-4/
LOCATION:New Jersey Repertory Company\, 179 Broadway\, Long Branch\, New Jersey\, 07740\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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ORGANIZER;CN="NJRep":MAILTO:boxoffice@njrep.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260821T233000
DTSTAMP:20260528T204718Z
CREATED:20260528T204716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T204718Z
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SUMMARY:"Funk-tastic Voyage" & Dana Fuchs
DESCRIPTION:Soul\, Funk\, and Fire on the Bay: Dana Fuchs and Funk-tastic Voyage Bring a Summer Music Explosion to Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs summer reaches its peak along the Jersey Shore\, the 33rd Annual Legacy Concerts on the Beach continues its remarkable 2026 season with one of its most electrifying double bills. On August 21\, the sands of William Morrow Beach in Somers Point will transform into a celebration of rhythm\, soul\, blues\, funk\, and pure musical energy as Dana Fuchs and Funk-tastic Voyage deliver a night designed to keep audiences dancing long after the sun disappears beyond Great Egg Harbor Bay. \n\n\n\nFor more than three decades\, Legacy Concerts on the Beach has built a reputation for presenting artists who embody the very best of live music. The series has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most treasured cultural traditions and one of the most respected outdoor concert programs in America. Set against the breathtaking waterfront backdrop of Somers Point\, these free performances have become a summer pilgrimage for music lovers throughout the Northeast. \n\n\n\nThe August 21 performance exemplifies everything that has made the series so successful. It brings together two acts whose styles may originate from different corners of the American musical landscape but whose performances are united by a commitment to authenticity\, passion\, and audience connection. \n\n\n\nAt the center of the evening is Dana Fuchs\, one of the most powerful and captivating vocalists working today. \n\n\n\nFew contemporary artists command a stage quite like Fuchs. Her voice carries the emotional weight of classic blues\, the grit of rock and roll\, the depth of soul music\, and the fearless intensity of an artist who performs every song as if it might be her last. Over the course of her career\, Fuchs has earned a reputation as one of America’s premier roots-rock performers\, captivating audiences across the United States and throughout Europe. \n\n\n\nWhat separates Fuchs from many modern performers is her ability to create an immediate emotional connection. Whether delivering a tender ballad or unleashing a full-throttle blues-rock anthem\, she approaches every performance with complete conviction. Her concerts are not simply recitals of songs. They are emotional journeys that invite audiences into every lyric\, every note\, and every moment. \n\n\n\nMusic critics have often compared her intensity to some of the great voices in rock and blues history\, yet Fuchs has forged a path entirely her own. Her sound draws from timeless influences while remaining unmistakably contemporary. The result is music that resonates equally with longtime blues fans\, classic rock enthusiasts\, and younger audiences discovering roots music for the first time. \n\n\n\nFor a venue like William Morrow Beach\, her style is particularly well suited. \n\n\n\nThe open-air environment allows her powerful vocals to soar across the bay\, creating the type of immersive experience that only live music can deliver. As daylight fades and the shoreline becomes illuminated by evening skies\, Fuchs’ emotionally charged performance promises to become one of the defining musical moments of the summer. \n\n\n\nSharing the bill is Funk-tastic Voyage\, a high-energy ensemble built around one simple mission: making audiences move. \n\n\n\nWhile Dana Fuchs brings soul-stirring blues and rock intensity\, Funk-tastic Voyage supplies the evening’s irresistible dance-floor energy. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of funk\, soul\, disco\, and rhythm-driven party music\, the group specializes in transforming every performance into a celebration. \n\n\n\nTheir music taps into a rich tradition that stretches from Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth\, Wind & Fire to the dance-floor grooves that helped define generations of American popular music. Tight rhythms\, infectious bass lines\, powerful horns\, and crowd-engaging performances combine to create an atmosphere where standing still becomes virtually impossible. \n\n\n\nFor concertgoers gathered on the sand\, the performance promises to become exactly the type of communal musical experience that has become synonymous with Legacy Concerts on the Beach. Blankets become dance floors. Walkways become gathering places. Families\, friends\, and visitors from throughout the region come together through a shared appreciation for live music. \n\n\n\nThe pairing of Dana Fuchs and Funk-tastic Voyage also reflects the remarkable diversity that has become a hallmark of the 2026 season. \n\n\n\nThroughout the summer\, Legacy Concerts on the Beach has showcased everything from blues legends and New Orleans icons to Jersey Shore rock veterans\, tribute acts\, Americana performers\, and contemporary touring artists. Each concert offers something unique while remaining connected to the larger mission of celebrating great live music in one of the country’s most extraordinary outdoor settings. \n\n\n\nThat setting remains a major part of the experience. \n\n\n\nWilliam Morrow Beach is unlike virtually any concert venue in America. Positioned along the waters of Great Egg Harbor Bay\, the location offers a combination of natural beauty and community atmosphere that cannot be replicated indoors. Attendees arrive hours before showtime\, setting up lawn chairs\, spreading blankets across the sand\, and gathering with family and friends as the bay becomes part of the evening’s scenery. \n\n\n\nThe experience begins long before the music starts. \n\n\n\nVisitors stroll through Somers Point’s vibrant waterfront district. Restaurants and businesses welcome concertgoers from throughout the region. The entire community comes alive with anticipation as another Friday night concert approaches. \n\n\n\nWhen the music begins\, the venue transforms into something magical. \n\n\n\nThe sounds drift across the water. The sunset paints the horizon in shades of gold\, orange\, and crimson. Boats pause in the bay. Generations of music fans gather side by side. The atmosphere becomes equal parts concert\, community celebration\, and summer tradition. \n\n\n\nThat combination has helped elevate Legacy Concerts on the Beach to national prominence. \n\n\n\nPresented by Tony Mart Cares and supported by the City of Somers Point\, the series has become a model for how communities can successfully combine arts programming\, tourism\, economic development\, and cultural preservation. Its recognition as America’s top outdoor concert series for three consecutive years reflects not only the quality of the performers but also the unique experience created by the setting itself. \n\n\n\nThe August 21 concert represents another chapter in that story. \n\n\n\nDana Fuchs brings the passion\, power\, and emotional intensity that have made her one of the most respected voices in blues and roots music. Funk-tastic Voyage delivers the kind of groove-heavy celebration that keeps audiences moving from the first note to the final encore. Together they create a musical experience that captures the spirit of summer\, the joy of live performance\, and the communal energy that has always defined the best concerts. \n\n\n\nAs the 2026 season enters its final stretch\, August 21 stands out as one of the most anticipated evenings on the schedule. It is a night built around exceptional musicianship\, unforgettable performances\, and the simple but powerful idea that great music brings people together. \n\n\n\nOn the shores of Great Egg Harbor Bay\, beneath the summer sky and surrounded by thousands of fellow music lovers\, audiences will once again discover why Legacy Concerts on the Beach remains one of New Jersey’s most beloved traditions and one of the premier outdoor concert experiences anywhere in America.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/funk-tastic-voyage-dana-fuchs/
LOCATION:William Morrow Beach\, Bay Avenue between Higbee and New Jersey Avenues\, Somers Point Beach\, New Jersey\, 08244\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Tony Mart Presents":MAILTO:tonymartcares@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T235959
DTSTAMP:20260626T141643Z
CREATED:20260626T141641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T141643Z
UID:97779-1787356800-1787529599@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:New Jersey Clearwater Festival
DESCRIPTION:New Jersey Clearwater Festival Returns to Asbury Park for Its 51st Year\, Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of Music\, Community\, and Environmental Stewardship \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor more than half a century\, one New Jersey festival has demonstrated that live music can be far more than entertainment. It can educate communities\, inspire volunteerism\, strengthen environmental awareness\, and bring together thousands of people around a shared commitment to protecting the natural resources that define the Garden State. As many festivals have come and gone over the decades\, the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater Festival has remained remarkably true to the mission that inspired its founding\, growing into New Jersey’s oldest continuously operating music and environmental festival while preserving the grassroots spirit that has made it one of the state’s most unique annual traditions. \n\n\n\nThat tradition continues on Saturday\, August 22\, and Sunday\, August 23\, when the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater returns to Bradley Park in Asbury Park for its 51st Annual Festival. Located directly across from the iconic Convention Hall and the city’s historic boardwalk\, the two-day outdoor celebration once again promises an experience that blends outstanding live music\, environmental education\, family activities\, local artisans\, community organizations\, and volunteer engagement into one of the most distinctive events on New Jersey’s cultural calendar. \n\n\n\nUnlike many modern festivals built primarily around celebrity performers or commercial attractions\, the Clearwater Festival has always been driven by a much larger purpose. Since its founding\, the event has celebrated the idea that music possesses the unique ability to unite people from every background while creating meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility. Every performance\, educational exhibit\, nonprofit organization\, children’s activity\, artisan vendor\, and community conversation contributes to that larger mission of encouraging New Jersey residents to become active participants in protecting the state’s beaches\, rivers\, bays\, forests\, wetlands\, and open spaces. \n\n\n\nThe festival traces its origins to the environmental movement inspired by legendary folk musician Pete Seeger\, whose belief that music could become a catalyst for social and environmental change transformed communities throughout the Northeast. Seeger understood that songs could accomplish something that policy papers and scientific reports often could not—they could bring people together\, create lasting emotional connections\, and inspire ordinary citizens to become involved in protecting the places they loved. His creation of the historic 106-foot sloop Clearwater became an international symbol of grassroots environmental activism\, helping restore awareness of pollution affecting the Hudson River while inspiring similar efforts throughout the region. \n\n\n\nThe New Jersey Friends of Clearwater embraced that same philosophy more than five decades ago\, establishing an annual festival dedicated to combining music with environmental education in a way that continues to resonate today. What began as a gathering of musicians\, volunteers\, and environmental advocates has evolved into one of New Jersey’s longest-running nonprofit festivals while remaining firmly rooted in community participation rather than commercial entertainment. \n\n\n\nThis year’s festival once again transforms Bradley Park into a vibrant community gathering place where visitors can spend an entire weekend experiencing live performances\, exploring environmental exhibits\, meeting nonprofit organizations\, discovering local artisans\, enjoying diverse culinary offerings\, and participating in educational programs designed for every generation. Two music stages will showcase an impressive mix of rock\, folk\, acoustic performers\, singer-songwriters\, and regional musicians whose performances reflect the festival’s longstanding commitment to celebrating both established artists and emerging talent from throughout the region. \n\n\n\nMusic\, however\, represents only one part of the Clearwater experience. Throughout the festival grounds\, environmental organizations from across New Jersey will provide interactive exhibits highlighting conservation initiatives\, clean water advocacy\, sustainable living practices\, marine protection efforts\, recycling programs\, wildlife preservation\, renewable energy education\, and volunteer opportunities available throughout the state. Rather than presenting environmental issues as abstract policy discussions\, the festival encourages direct engagement between visitors and the organizations working every day to improve New Jersey’s environmental future. \n\n\n\nFamilies have long been at the center of the Clearwater Festival’s identity\, and the 51st edition continues that tradition with a broad range of activities designed to introduce younger generations to both music and environmental stewardship. Dedicated children’s programming includes educational activities\, interactive experiences\, pony rides\, a petting zoo\, and opportunities for young visitors to connect with nature through hands-on learning. These experiences reflect the festival’s belief that environmental awareness begins early and that educating children remains one of the most effective ways to inspire future conservation efforts. \n\n\n\nBeyond the music and educational programming\, visitors will discover an extensive marketplace featuring local artisans\, environmentally conscious vendors\, handcrafted products\, nonprofit organizations\, and businesses committed to sustainability. Food trucks representing a wide variety of culinary traditions will once again create a diverse dining experience that complements the festival’s welcoming community atmosphere. Together\, these elements transform the festival into far more than a concert or environmental fair; they create a complete cultural experience celebrating the creativity\, diversity\, and civic spirit that define communities throughout New Jersey. \n\n\n\nVolunteerism remains one of the festival’s defining characteristics and continues to play an essential role in its success. Organized by the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater\, the event depends upon dedicated volunteers who contribute countless hours before\, during\, and after the festival to ensure its continued operation. Community members sixteen years of age and older are encouraged to volunteer independently\, while younger participants may volunteer alongside an adult\, creating meaningful opportunities for families to work together in support of one of New Jersey’s most respected nonprofit traditions. Students seeking community service experience can also receive Community Service Certificates\, making the festival an opportunity not only to give back but to inspire future generations of civic engagement. \n\n\n\nThe continued success of the Clearwater Festival also reflects the strength of Asbury Park as one of New Jersey’s premier cultural destinations. Long recognized for its extraordinary musical heritage\, thriving arts community\, historic boardwalk\, and ongoing renaissance\, Asbury Park provides a fitting backdrop for a festival built around creativity\, public participation\, and community connection. Bradley Park’s location directly across from Convention Hall places visitors within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean\, reinforcing the festival’s message that environmental stewardship begins with protecting the very landscapes and waterways that make New Jersey unique. \n\n\n\nOver the past fifty-one years\, the festival has witnessed dramatic changes throughout both the music industry and the environmental movement. Musical styles have evolved\, technology has transformed how audiences discover artists\, and environmental challenges have become increasingly complex. Yet the fundamental mission that inspired the festival has remained remarkably consistent. Bringing people together through music continues to create opportunities for education\, collaboration\, volunteerism\, and meaningful public dialogue that extends far beyond a single weekend each summer. \n\n\n\nPerhaps that longevity represents the festival’s greatest achievement. In an era when many events struggle to survive beyond a few years\, the New Jersey Clearwater Festival has continued serving multiple generations of residents while preserving the grassroots philosophy established by Pete Seeger and embraced by the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater. It remains a place where music and activism exist not as separate experiences but as complementary expressions of community\, reminding visitors that lasting change often begins with people gathering together around a common purpose. \n\n\n\nAs the festival enters its fifty-first year\, it stands not only as a celebration of outstanding live music but also as a testament to the enduring power of volunteerism\, environmental advocacy\, and community engagement. For longtime attendees\, it is the continuation of a cherished New Jersey tradition. For first-time visitors\, it offers an opportunity to experience one of the Garden State’s most meaningful cultural events while discovering how music\, education\, and civic participation can come together to strengthen both communities and the environment. \n\n\n\nMore than five decades after its founding\, the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater Festival continues to embody Pete Seeger’s enduring belief that when people gather to sing\, learn\, volunteer\, and work together\, they can accomplish far more than they ever could alone. That message remains every bit as relevant today as it was fifty-one years ago\, making the Clearwater Festival not simply one of New Jersey’s oldest festivals\, but one of its most enduring and inspiring traditions.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/new-jersey-clearwater-festival/
LOCATION:Bradley Beach\, 1108 Ocean Ave\, Bradley Beach\, New Jersey\, 07720\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Festivals,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="New Jersey Friends of  Clearwater":MAILTO:info@njclearwater.org
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