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SUMMARY:Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow\, Black Sabbath & Dio
DESCRIPTION:Dio Rules Storms New Jersey: A Full-Throttle Celebration of Ronnie James Dio’s Legacy Arrives July 11 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s live music circuit continues to assert itself as one of the most vital and genre-spanning ecosystems in the country\, and this summer delivers a night that cuts straight to the core of hard rock and heavy metal history. On Saturday\, July 11\, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT\, Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow\, Black Sabbath & Dio brings a high-impact\, all-ages concert experience that is equal parts reverence\, precision\, and raw power—an immersive tribute to one of the most commanding voices the genre has ever produced. \n\n\n\nPositioned within the expanding footprint of the state’s concert landscape and aligned with the ongoing momentum highlighted across Explore New Jersey’s coverage of the music scene\, this performance is not simply another tribute show. It is a focused\, era-defining retrospective that zeroes in on a ten-year stretch—1975 through 1985—that fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of heavy music. \n\n\n\nAt the center of that transformation stands Ronnie James Dio\, a vocalist whose technical control\, tonal authority\, and mythic lyrical style elevated three separate bands into defining forces of their time. Dio Rules captures that arc in its entirety\, moving seamlessly through the catalogs of Rainbow\, Black Sabbath\, and Dio itself\, constructing a live narrative that reflects both the evolution of the artist and the expansion of the genre. \n\n\n\nThis is a production built on intent. The setlist is engineered to deliver the full spectrum of Dio’s impact\, from the neoclassical urgency of early Rainbow material to the darker\, more atmospheric weight of Black Sabbath’s Dio-fronted era\, and into the anthemic\, arena-ready dominance of his solo work. Songs that have long since transcended their original releases—tracks embedded in radio rotation\, film\, and the broader language of rock culture—are presented not as isolated hits\, but as interconnected chapters in a larger musical movement. \n\n\n\nThe execution is anchored by a lineup that reflects both pedigree and purpose. Fronting the performance is Andrew Freeman\, a vocalist whose selection by the original members of Dio to lead Last in Line speaks directly to his capacity to carry this material with both authority and authenticity. Freeman does not attempt imitation; instead\, he channels the structural and emotional dynamics that defined Dio’s delivery—power\, clarity\, and a commanding sense of narrative within each song. \n\n\n\nOn guitar\, Angus Clark brings a level of precision and scale shaped by his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Joe Lynn Turner\, translating complex riffs and melodic leads into a live environment that retains both technical accuracy and visceral impact. Behind the kit\, Matt Starr—whose resume includes collaborations with Ace Frehley\, Mr. Big\, and Kix—drives the performance with a rhythmic force that underscores the intensity and pacing required for this material. \n\n\n\nWhat emerges is a tightly constructed\, 90-minute concert experience that does more than revisit familiar songs. It reconstructs a defining era of rock with a level of discipline and energy that aligns with the expectations of today’s audiences while honoring the original recordings’ structural integrity. The interplay between musicians is immediate and forceful\, reflecting not just individual skill\, but a shared understanding of the genre’s demands. \n\n\n\nFor New Jersey audiences\, this event arrives at a moment when the state’s live music identity continues to broaden. From legacy acts to emerging artists and specialized tribute productions\, the region has become a destination for performances that prioritize both quality and intent. Dio Rules fits squarely within that trajectory\, offering a show that resonates across multiple generations of fans—those who experienced this music in real time and those discovering its influence through contemporary artists. \n\n\n\nThere is also a deeper layer to the event’s significance. A portion of every ticket sold supports the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund\, an organization established in his name to combat the disease that ultimately claimed his life. This element reframes the performance as more than entertainment; it becomes part of an ongoing legacy that extends beyond the stage\, connecting the music to a broader purpose and reinforcing the enduring impact of Dio’s contributions. \n\n\n\nAs anticipation builds toward July 11\, the event stands out as one of the most compelling entries on New Jersey’s summer concert calendar. It is a rare convergence of historical significance\, musical precision\, and live performance energy—an experience designed not just to be heard\, but to be felt. \n\n\n\nWithin the larger narrative of Explore New Jersey’s ongoing coverage\, Dio Rules represents exactly what continues to define the region’s appeal: concerts that deliver substance\, authenticity\, and a clear connection to the cultural moments that shaped modern music. For fans of hard rock and heavy metal\, this is not simply a tribute—it is a return to a decade that set the standard\, performed with the intensity and respect it demands.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/dio-rules-tribute-to-rainbow-black-sabbath-dio/
LOCATION:The Newton Theatre\, 234 Spring St\, \, NJ\, Newton\, NJ\, 07860\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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SUMMARY:Maplewoodstock 2026: Lettuce\, Anders Osborne\, Slap Dragon\, Megan Jean’s Secret Family\, More
DESCRIPTION:Maplewoodstock 2026 Returns with Anders Osborne and Lettuce Headlining as New Jersey’s Premier Free Music Festival Enters Its Third Decade \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s summer festival circuit is once again preparing for one of its most defining cultural moments as Maplewoodstock 2026 takes shape\, reaffirming its position as one of the state’s most enduring and community-driven live music events. Set for July 11 and 12 in Maplewood\, the two-day festival will once again transform the township into a regional destination for music\, art\, and collective experience—anchored this year by headlining performances from Lettuce and Anders Osborne. \n\n\n\nWhat distinguishes Maplewoodstock is not simply its lineup\, but its structure and purpose. Since its founding in 2004\, the festival has operated as a fully independent\, volunteer-driven initiative—funded not by municipal tax dollars\, but through sponsorships\, vendors\, and grassroots support. That model has allowed it to grow organically while maintaining a clear identity: a festival built by the community\, for the community\, and sustained by the energy of those who return year after year. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 edition arrives with that same ethos intact\, but with a scale and programming depth that continues to elevate its profile across the state. More than 20 bands will perform across the weekend\, supported by over 50 art vendors\, 20 food vendors\, a curated beer garden\, and a dedicated Kid Zone\, creating a multi-dimensional environment that extends far beyond the stage. It is not simply a concert—it is a full-spectrum cultural event that reflects the diversity and creativity of New Jersey itself. \n\n\n\nSaturday night’s headlining performance by Lettuce brings one of the most dynamic live acts in contemporary funk to the Maplewood stage. Known for their genre-fluid approach that seamlessly blends funk\, soul\, jazz\, rock\, and hip-hop\, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances that feel as much like communal celebrations as they do concerts. Their sound pays homage to foundational influences such as James Brown and the JB’s while pushing forward into a modern\, improvisational space that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences. For Maplewoodstock\, their presence signals a commitment to delivering nationally recognized talent without compromising the festival’s accessible\, free-to-attend model. \n\n\n\nSunday’s closing performance by Anders Osborne offers a contrasting but equally compelling experience. A Swedish-born\, New Orleans–forged artist\, Osborne brings decades of songwriting and performance history to the stage\, with a sound rooted in blues\, folk\, rock\, and jazz. His guitar work\, often built around open-D tuning\, and his introspective lyrical approach have earned him a reputation as one of the most authentic voices in American roots music. His latest work continues to explore themes of resilience\, identity\, and connection—making him an ideal fit for a festival that thrives on authenticity and shared experience. \n\n\n\nBeyond the headliners\, Maplewoodstock 2026 places a strong emphasis on emerging and regional talent\, reinforcing its role as a platform for discovery. Featured acts such as Slap Dragon and Megan Jean’s Secret Family bring distinct sonic identities that expand the festival’s range. Slap Dragon’s fusion of bluegrass\, disco\, and R&B\, anchored by soulful vocals and acoustic instrumentation\, reflects a new generation of genre-blending artistry. Megan Jean’s Secret Family\, meanwhile\, channels the spirit of 1970s rock through a modern\, independent lens\, delivering vocal-driven\, high-energy performances that bridge multiple eras of American music. \n\n\n\nThe depth of the lineup extends throughout both days\, creating a continuous flow of performances that reflect the diversity of the region’s music scene. From Montclair-based rock collectives to Jersey City alt-rock acts\, from Indian Jazztronica innovators to reggae-infused ensembles\, the festival’s programming captures a wide spectrum of styles and influences. Each set contributes to a broader narrative—one that positions New Jersey not just as a stop on touring circuits\, but as a source of original\, evolving musical expression. \n\n\n\nThis commitment to inclusivity is not limited to the lineup. Maplewoodstock has long prioritized accessibility and community engagement\, ensuring that the event remains open and welcoming to all. Its designation as an inclusive festival underscores a broader philosophy that extends to every aspect of its operation—from programming and vendor selection to on-site experience and outreach. It is a model that aligns with the evolving expectations of modern audiences\, where cultural events are increasingly defined by their ability to create shared\, equitable spaces. \n\n\n\nWithin the broader context of New Jersey’s festival landscape\, Maplewoodstock holds a unique position. Coverage across Explore New Jersey’s festivals section continues to highlight the state’s expanding calendar of live music events\, from large-scale commercial festivals to niche\, genre-specific gatherings. Maplewoodstock bridges these worlds\, offering the scale and quality of a major event while retaining the intimacy and authenticity of a local celebration. \n\n\n\nIts longevity is a testament to that balance. As it moves into its third decade\, the festival has not only sustained its relevance—it has strengthened it. Each year builds on the last\, refining the experience while staying true to its core principles. The result is an event that feels both established and evolving\, rooted in tradition but responsive to the changing dynamics of music\, culture\, and community. \n\n\n\nFor attendees\, the appeal is immediate and multifaceted. It is an opportunity to experience nationally recognized artists without the barriers typically associated with large-scale concerts. It is a chance to discover new music\, support local vendors\, and engage with a creative ecosystem that reflects the best of New Jersey. And perhaps most importantly\, it is a reminder of what a festival can be when it is driven not by profit margins\, but by passion\, collaboration\, and a shared sense of purpose. \n\n\n\nAs July approaches\, Maplewoodstock 2026 stands poised to once again define the summer in New Jersey. With a lineup that spans genres and generations\, a structure that prioritizes accessibility\, and a community that continues to rally behind it\, the festival remains one of the state’s most compelling cultural experiences—an annual gathering that captures the sound\, spirit\, and collective energy of New Jersey at its best. \n\n\n\nSATURDAY\, JULY 11\, 2025 \n\n\n\n12:00 PM – BARDMontclair-based band blending poetic lyricism with a genre-crossing mix of rock\, funk\, and country. Original songs built to move you emotionally and physically.thebardband.com \n\n\n\n12:45 PM – A Band Called SundownHigh-energy psychedelic jams drawing from rock and jazz\, creating an expansive\, free-flowing sound.instagram.com/abandcalledsundown \n\n\n\n1:30 PM – The Brand New SteadysGroove-driven local act mixing rock\, funk\, and blues with a jam-band edge. Originals and covers designed to keep the crowd moving.instagram.com/thebrandnewsteadys \n\n\n\n2:15 PM – DhäräInstrumental progressive/post-rock project balancing technical precision with immersive\, atmospheric soundscapes.instagram.com/dharamusicny \n\n\n\n3:00 PM – VØYAGRBuffalo-based indie-folk/Americana group combining warm instrumentation\, layered harmonies\, and reflective songwriting.voyagrmusic.com \n\n\n\n3:45 PM – RiniNJ-based\, Chennai-born violinist blending Carnatic traditions with pop and jazz to create a distinct “Indian Jazztronica” sound.rinimusic.com \n\n\n\n4:30 PM – Royal BlushJersey City band channeling alt-rock nostalgia with modern grunge energy\, driven by powerful vocals and textured guitars.instagram.com/royalblushofficial \n\n\n\n5:15 PM – the dt’sA versatile duo moving between rock\, blues\, and power pop\, with a focus on harmony-rich songwriting and vintage influence.thedtsmusic.com \n\n\n\n6:00 PM – Waiting on MongoPsychedelic groove collective featuring driving guitars\, dynamic horns\, and deep organ tones for a fully immersive live experience.mongo.band \n\n\n\n7:15 PM – Slap Dragon (Featured Act)A vibrant fusion of soul\, bluegrass\, disco\, and R&B\, built around uplifting vocals and acoustic instrumentation.slapdragon.band \n\n\n\n8:30 PM – Lettuce (Saturday Headliner)Renowned funk collective blending soul\, jazz\, rock\, and hip-hop\, rooted in the traditions of James Brown and Tower of Power.lettucefunk.com \n\n\n\nWrap up the night\, head home safely\, recharge\, and get ready to do it all again on Sunday. \n\n\n\nSUNDAY\, JULY 12\, 2025 \n\n\n\n12:00 PM – little slicerIndie rock with melodic songwriting\, energetic grooves\, and sharp guitar work.instagram.com/littlelittleslicer \n\n\n\n12:45 PM – Mya Byrne BandBlues-driven folk-rock with a ’70s edge\, pairing raw storytelling with a voice that blends warmth and grit.instagram.com/myabyrne \n\n\n\n1:30 PM – The JistEight-piece party band delivering high-energy funk\, rock\, and soul with horns\, Latin percussion\, and nonstop dance momentum.instagram.com/thejistband \n\n\n\n2:15 PM – Similar KindAlt-pop group weaving lyrical depth with synth textures\, groove-based arrangements\, and sax-driven layers.similarkind.net \n\n\n\n3:00 PM – Heroes for GhostsA live tribute to Pink Floyd\, capturing the band’s emotional depth and theatrical psychedelic sound.heroesforghosts.com \n\n\n\n3:45 PM – TroublemanReggae-rock collective blending songwriting and musicianship into a cohesive\, rhythm-driven sound.instagram.com/troublemanband \n\n\n\n4:30 PM – Whiskey & SugarFull-band project delivering funk-infused takes on classic rock\, Americana\, and ‘90s alt hits—plus crowd-favorite singalongs.whiskeyandsugarnj.com \n\n\n\n5:15 PM – James “Biscuit” RouseA live-focused mix of funk\, jazz\, blues\, and soul with a straightforward\, performance-first approach.jamesbiscuitrouse.com \n\n\n\n6:00 PM – HestonA smooth blend of R&B\, soul\, and reggae infused with Caribbean influences and an effortless stage presence.hestontheartist.com \n\n\n\n6:45 PM – Megan Jean’s Secret Family (Featured Act)A cross-generational mix of rock\, soul\, country\, and jam\, centered on strong vocals and danceable originals.meganjeanband.com \n\n\n\n7:45 PM – Anders Osborne (Sunday Headliner)New Orleans-based singer-songwriter known for blending blues\, folk\, rock\, and jazz into deeply expressive performances.andersosborne.com
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/maplewoodstock-2026-lettuce-anders-osborne-slap-dragon-megan-jeans-secret-family-more/
LOCATION:Maplewoodstock\, GPS to 580 Valley St\, Maplewood\, New Jersey\, 07040\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Festivals,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maplewoodstock":MAILTO:maplewoodstock@gmail.com
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DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T233000
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CREATED:20260525T124657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T124710Z
UID:91470-1783798200-1783812600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:ArcoStrum
DESCRIPTION:ArcoStrum Brings a Boundary-Smashing Global Music Experience to New Jersey’s Acclaimed Back Deck Concert Series \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s summer arts calendar continues evolving far beyond traditional concert formats\, and one of the season’s most ambitious and visually immersive performances may arrive on Saturday\, July 11\, 2026\, when ArcoStrum takes over the celebrated Back Deck Concert Series for an evening that promises to completely redefine audience expectations surrounding chamber music\, instrumental performance\, and genre fusion. Beginning at 7:30 PM\, the groundbreaking duo will transform the elevated outdoor venue into a cinematic\, cross-cultural musical journey where classical masterworks\, tango\, instrumental rock\, Chinese folk traditions\, film music\, jazz influences\, and modern virtuosity collide in one of the most daring live music programs currently touring anywhere in the country. \n\n\n\nAt a time when audiences increasingly crave experiences that feel immersive\, emotionally unpredictable\, and artistically fearless\, ArcoStrum arrives as a perfect reflection of where contemporary instrumental performance is heading. Rather than treating classical music as a carefully preserved artifact\, the ensemble approaches music as a living\, evolving language capable of absorbing global influences\, modern technology\, visual storytelling\, and contemporary energy without sacrificing sophistication or technical brilliance. \n\n\n\nThat philosophy sits at the very center of The ArcoStrum Experience. \n\n\n\nThe performance itself is intentionally designed to blur boundaries between genres\, cultures\, eras\, and performance traditions. Throughout the evening\, audiences will hear Astor Piazzolla’s emotionally charged contemporary tango masterpieces collide with Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless Four Seasons\, while Chinese folk traditions featuring erhu and dizi intertwine seamlessly with classical guitar\, electric guitar\, cinematic orchestration\, and modern progressive instrumental rock. \n\n\n\nThe result is not simply crossover music. \n\n\n\nIt is something far more ambitious. \n\n\n\nArcoStrum creates an entirely new musical environment where centuries of artistic influence coexist naturally inside one performance space\, allowing audiences to hear familiar compositions in ways that feel startlingly fresh\, emotionally immediate\, and culturally expansive. \n\n\n\nThat spirit of reinvention feels especially important within today’s arts landscape. \n\n\n\nFor decades\, audiences often experienced classical music through rigid institutional frameworks that unintentionally created emotional distance between performers and listeners. ArcoStrum completely dismantles that approach. Their concerts operate more like immersive artistic experiences than traditional recitals. Humor\, storytelling\, visual production\, virtuoso musicianship\, and emotional accessibility all become essential components of the performance itself. \n\n\n\nBy the time the opening notes begin\, audiences are not simply watching musicians execute compositions. \n\n\n\nThey are entering an atmosphere. \n\n\n\nLeading the performance are Strauss Shi and TY Zhang\, two musicians whose instrumental versatility alone reflects the project’s extraordinary ambition. Shi performs violin\, erhu\, and dizi\, while Zhang seamlessly shifts between classical and electric guitar\, allowing the duo to move fluidly between entirely different musical traditions without losing emotional coherence. \n\n\n\nThat instrumental diversity becomes one of the evening’s defining strengths. \n\n\n\nThe haunting emotional resonance of the erhu — often referred to as the Chinese two-string fiddle — creates breathtaking contrasts against the sharp rhythmic complexity of electric guitar passages and the elegance of classical violin phrasing. Meanwhile\, the dizi’s airy bamboo flute tones introduce moments of serenity and atmosphere that dramatically expand the emotional palette of the performance. \n\n\n\nInstead of presenting these instruments as isolated cultural novelties\, ArcoStrum integrates them organically into the musical architecture itself. \n\n\n\nThe evening’s program reflects that same adventurous philosophy from beginning to end. \n\n\n\nPiazzolla’s Primavera Porteña and Invierno Porteño bring contemporary tango energy and emotional tension into direct conversation with Vivaldi’s Summer and Winter from The Four Seasons\, creating fascinating parallels between Baroque virtuosity and twentieth-century Argentine passion. Elsewhere\, Chinese compositions like Ink Orchid Pavilion and Horse Racing introduce entirely different textures and rhythmic structures that deepen the performance’s global scope. \n\n\n\nThen the evening takes another dramatic turn entirely. \n\n\n\nPolyphia’s Playing God enters the program as a bold reminder that modern instrumental rock has become every bit as technically sophisticated and compositionally complex as traditional classical performance. By incorporating progressive contemporary material alongside Mozart-era composition and twentieth-century tango\, ArcoStrum demonstrates how musical virtuosity transcends stylistic labels altogether. \n\n\n\nPerhaps most remarkably\, none of it feels forced. \n\n\n\nThat may be ArcoStrum’s greatest artistic achievement. \n\n\n\nMany genre-fusion projects struggle because they feel conceptually clever but emotionally disconnected. ArcoStrum succeeds because the musicians fully commit to emotional storytelling first. Every transition between genres feels purposeful\, natural\, and dramatically effective rather than gimmicky. The audience is never asked to intellectually “understand” the fusion. They simply experience it emotionally. \n\n\n\nThat emotional accessibility is one reason the group continues building momentum within contemporary performance circles. \n\n\n\nThe inclusion of John Williams’ Theme from Schindler’s List adds another deeply emotional dimension to the evening\, bringing cinematic orchestration and profound human vulnerability into the larger musical conversation. Meanwhile\, inventive arrangements like Michael Jackson Meets Scarlatti reveal the ensemble’s playful willingness to dismantle traditional artistic hierarchies altogether. \n\n\n\nBaroque composition. \n\n\n\nModern pop. \n\n\n\nContemporary instrumental rock. \n\n\n\nChinese folk music. \n\n\n\nArgentine tango. \n\n\n\nFilm scores. \n\n\n\nInside ArcoStrum’s world\, all of it belongs together. \n\n\n\nThe setting itself makes the performance even more compelling. \n\n\n\nSince launching in 2020\, the Back Deck Concert Series has emerged as one of New Jersey’s most innovative outdoor arts experiences\, transforming an elevated parking structure into an unexpectedly elegant and intimate live performance destination. Over the years\, the series has welcomed more than 11\,000 patrons while presenting dozens of critically acclaimed artists in an environment that merges world-class performance with relaxed summer atmosphere. \n\n\n\nAudiences bring their own chairs\, refreshments\, and picnic-style setups\, creating a communal environment that feels dramatically different from formal concert hall traditions. The atmosphere encourages conversation\, emotional openness\, and immersive engagement with the performance itself. \n\n\n\nFor a performance like ArcoStrum\, that environment feels ideal. \n\n\n\nTheir music thrives on intimacy\, surprise\, and audience immersion. The openness of the Back Deck setting allows listeners to fully absorb not only the technical brilliance of the musicianship\, but also the emotional atmosphere surrounding the evening itself — the changing sky\, the summer air\, the energy of the crowd\, and the visual dimension of the performance all becoming part of the experience. \n\n\n\nAdding another layer to the evening\, ticketholders also gain access to a special pre-concert walking tour of the outdoor sculpture exhibition Common Ground: NJ Artists Think Monumental led by Museum Associate Curator Bryant Small. Beginning at 5:30 PM prior to concert check-in\, the tour further reinforces the evening’s larger artistic mission by connecting live music with visual art\, public space\, and contemporary cultural dialogue. \n\n\n\nThat multidisciplinary spirit increasingly defines New Jersey’s evolving arts identity. \n\n\n\nAcross the state\, institutions are embracing more immersive\, hybrid cultural programming that moves beyond passive entertainment and toward fully experiential artistic engagement. The Back Deck series continues leading that evolution by presenting concerts that feel like cultural events rather than isolated performances. \n\n\n\nSupport from organizations including Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and the Morris County Tourism Bureau has helped position the series as one of the region’s premier summer arts destinations\, while leadership support from Will and Mary Leland and founding donor F. Gary Knapp continues fueling its remarkable artistic growth. \n\n\n\nAs New Jersey’s cultural landscape becomes increasingly adventurous and internationally influenced\, ArcoStrum’s July 11 performance represents something larger than a single concert date. \n\n\n\nIt reflects where live performance itself is heading. \n\n\n\nFluid. \n\n\n\nGlobal. \n\n\n\nImmersive. \n\n\n\nEmotionally immediate. \n\n\n\nFearlessly hybrid. \n\n\n\nAnd under the open summer sky at the Back Deck\, audiences will experience a performance that does not merely cross musical boundaries\, but completely dissolves them.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/arcostrum/
LOCATION:The Back Deck at The Morris Museum\, 6 Normandy Heights Road \, NJ\, Morristown\, New Jersey\, 07960\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Morris Museum":MAILTO:info@morrismuseum.org
END:VEVENT
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