6-24 PE

THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER

FROM THE PRINCETON FESTIVAL TO FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS GALORE, MUSIC IS IN THE AIR. PAGE 6.

PICTURED: THE MUSIC OF ROCK ICON TINA TURNER IS CENTER STAGE FOR A JUNE 8 PRINCETON FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE FEATURING BROADWAY STAR LAKISHA JONES. IMAGE BY ERIC MCCUE.

f Princeton celebrates pride, page 2; A Lego look for Nassau Hall, 4; Fairs & Festivals special section, see insert.

Princeton’s got pride

Princeton Public Library kicks off Pride Month on Sunday, June 2, at 11 a.m., with an Epic Pride Author Panel and Book Brunch event sponsored by Epic Reads, a website for readers of young adult books. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for brunch served by Jammin’ Community Café.

“This event will be a fun celebration of diverse books and LGBTQIAP+ voices,” said teen services librarian Marissa Warren. “We’re excited to be connecting these authors with readers in our community.”

Epic Reads will provide games, a photo booth, and more during the event, and the authors will sign books and interact with readers on Hinds Plaza following the panel discussion.

“With the rise in book banning, it’s so exciting to have a community that supports queer authors and their local libraries,” said panelist Erik J. Brown, the Philadelphia-based author of “All That’s Left in the World.”

Other participating authors include Vichet Chum, Alex Crespo, Tony Keith Jr., Kasey LeBlanc, and Jenna Miller.

Vichet Chum is a Cambodian American writer originally from Carrollton, Texas. He graduated from the University of Evansville and received an MFA from Brown University. He lives in New York

City. “Kween” is his debut novel. Alex Crespo, born and raised by the Great Lakes, writes about queer love, magic, and all the ways they intersect. He lives in Chicago.

Tony Keith Jr. is a Black American gay poet, spoken word artist, and hip-hop educational leader from Washington, DC. He is author of the YA memoir in verse “How the Boogeyman Became a Poet.” He is also CEO of Ed Emcee Academy.

Kasey LeBlanc was an Alice Hoffman fellow with GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program and a finalist for the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence program. He has since been published by WBUR’s Cognoscenti, Writer Unboxed, and Them.

Jenna Miller writes young adult books about fat, queer, nerdy girls who deserve to be seen and have their voices heard. She lives in the Minneapolis area. “Out of Character” is her debut novel and is followed by “We Got the Beat.”

The Princeton Pride parade, hosted by the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, takes place Saturday, June 22. The route runs from the municipal building at 400 Witherspoon Street up to Paul Robeson Place. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an after party following the parade. Visit www.rustincenter.org for more information.

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Brick by brick, Matt Smith

By Sara Hastings

If Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral, India’s Taj Mahal, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge can be built from a set of Legos, why not Princeton’s own landmark?

Why not indeed, says Matt Smith, a Lego enthusiast and communications professional who has designed a Lego version of Princeton University’s Nassau Hall. The prototype set can be seen on the Lego website, where it will be under consideration for retail production if it receives at least 10,000 votes from supporters.

Smith, originally from Tennessee, is now based in New Jersey and was inspired to pursue a Princeton-themed Lego set after having worked as a photographer for the university. It’s not his first Lego design: He also created a replica of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood set that amassed the required 10,000 votes in just 38 days.

The long-time Lego fan returned to the hobby during the COVID pandemic. “I was an original Lego Star Wars fan when the line launched in 1999, and I owned the first 12 Lego Star Wars sets that were released before moving on to other interests,” he says. “I came back to Lego as a collector during the pandemic. After amassing a reasonable collection of Star Wars minifigures and sets, I started making the Mister Rogers set as a way to bond with my young one, who only liked watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

“After Mister Rogers was finished, I had the idea to make a Princeton-themed build because I had been a photographer for the University prior to re-entering the Lego world. If you’re making a Princeton build, what could be more iconic than Nassau Hall, the oldest building on cam-

Matt Smith, above, has created a Lego version of Princeton University’s Nassau Hall, including an extremely detailed interior with spaces such as the Faculty Room and its portraits of George Washington and King George II.

pus and the site of so many important moments in early American history? I set to work recreating the exterior facade, which required a lot of careful attention to detail and intricate building techniques to get the scale and the particularities just right. In the end, I was able to include some really great Easter eggs, including the cannonball dent reputed to have been caused by the artillery under Alexander Hamilton’s command in the 1777 Battle of Princeton, and a detailed recreation of the Faculty Room, including portraits of both George Washington and King George II. I am proud of the little details as well as the overall model.”

“I work in communications now for my day job, but have a lot of varied interests, and am an academic historian by train-

ing. I bring that eye for historical detail to my professional work as well as my Lego models,” Smith continues. “The work on the Mister Rogers set carefully tracked the historical development of his television home’s soundstage, his role in the Supreme Court’s decision about racial integration at public swimming pools, and even the origin and design of his kitchen cabinets. Similarly, the Nassau Hall build paid attention to both the historic character of the building as well as its contemporary

structure, such as including the disabilityaccessible elevator door that was added in 2021. The distinctive diagonal tile flooring, benches, the President’s Desk, the University Mace, and even the octagonal cupola are all carefully reproduced.”

To see more about Smith’s design and give your vote of support, visit ideas.lego. com/projects/a0ed6d09-4916-4332-8ce9440495dc47cf.

RWJUH Hamilton June Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

BRAIN HEALTH-LEARN PROVEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG

Monday, June 3; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

With so much information out today on brain health, what methods really work?

Join Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Senior Audiologist, to learn more about how to keep your brain young and turn back the clock on your brain.

SWEET

SUCCESS SOCIETY: A DIABETES GROUP

Monday, June 3; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Monday, June 10; 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

A group for anyone with diabetes or caring for one of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. Learn and discuss healthy ways to manage diabetes alongside peers and Taryn Krietzman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Empower yourself and others towards a healthy lifestyle and success in diabetes self-management.

DANCE IT OUT!

Thursday, June 6; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

When in doubt, dance it out! Find your rhythm and ease the everyday stresses of life with movement. All ages welcome.

WHAT’S EATING YOU?

Monday, June 10; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Support group for people experiencing emotional eating. We offer a safe space to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

HOW SOUND HEALS: THE SCIENCE OF SOUND HEALING

Monday, June 10; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Science is catching up with what healers

have known for centuries, sound and vibration affect our mind, body and spirit. Adriana Hansen, will discuss the science behind sound and vibration and show you how and why certain sounds can help you sleep better, improve your mood, improve body function and even reduce pain! This is an interactive discussion, so come prepared to feel the good vibrations!

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Tuesday, June 13; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

All things seasonal, all the time! Learn what wonderful fruits and veggies are up to this time of year and how to make them shine! Enjoy being an in-person studio-audience member as Taryn Krietzman, RDN, does a live taping or join us from your home via our live Zoom.

COOKING WITH CARDIOLOGY: STAY HEALTHY WITH SUMMER GRILLING

Thursday, June 13; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

When done right, grilling can be one of the more healthful ways to prepare food. Very little fat needs to be added to foods cooked on the grill. Join Shakil Shaikh, DO, Cardiology, RWJUH Hamilton, and member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates, for a delicious insight on summer cooking.

SACRED BREATHWORK EXPERIENCE

Thursday, June 13; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Kim Huston, Reiki Master and Certified Breathwork facilitator, is passionate about sharing this modality with anyone looking for true healing. Sacred

breathwork can help release negative patterns and fears that keep us stuck. Bring a yoga mat and blanket; chairs will also be available. Fee: $15

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Monday, June 17; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join RWJUH Hamilton for their annual report to the community meeting. Registration is required, and a complimentary light breakfast will be served. Lisa Breza, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Administrative Officer, will provide an overview of the hospital’s recent accomplishments and plans for future growth.

ASK THE DIETITIAN

Monday, June 17; 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Do you have a question about diet and nutrition? Join a community education dietitian for a one-on-one Q&A. Preregistration for each 1/2 hour appointment is required.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, June 18; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLAHOOPING FOR FUN & FITNESS!

Tuesday, June 18; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you think you can’t hoola-hoop, you’re mistaken! This class is so much fun that you don’t even realize that you are working out! It’s much easier with an adult-sized hoop... which is provided at the class. No experience necessary.

Angela Reitter, Certified HoopLove coach and Hoopa-Fit instructor. Fee: $15

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Wednesday, June 19; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Quieting your mind, even for a short while, can have profound effects on both your body and your mind. Come learn to lower the volume of your mind’s chatter. No experience is necessary.

HEALTHRHYTHMS® DRUM CIRCLE

Wednesday, June 19; 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Drum your cares away with our monthly drum circle. It’s lots of fun and a great stress reliever. Beginners welcome; drums will be provided. Mauri Tyler, CTRS,CMP. Fee: $15

LGBTQ+ BREAST/CHEST HEALTH

Thursday, June 20; 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join Cecilia Gomez, BS, Community Cancer Control Specialist, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, for this presentation that covers the basics of breast cancer as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community. We will discuss screening guidelines, health disparities, diet and lifestyle, and genetic counseling.

VISION BOARD WORKSHOP

Tuesday, June 25; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Join this fun, interactive workshop where we will explore your vision, hope and intentions for the future. Please bring scissors; all other materials are provided.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: SUMMERTIME STAPLES

Wednesday, June 26; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Healthy eating starts early! Empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves! For children 5 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Fee: $5 per person

REIKI SHARE

Wednesday, June 26; 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Share the gift of Reiki with other practitioners. Give a session; get a session. Please bring a small sheet and pillow. Restricted to those certified in Reiki (any level).

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, July 9; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you are considering surgery, are in the process of preparing or have undergone surgery, you are welcome to attend our support group meetings. Family, friends and support persons are also invited to attend. This is a great opportunity to meet others going through the same weight loss journey. Our meetings focus on achieving optimal wellness through weight loss surgery. Each month, we will discuss a different topic on nutrition, exercise and healthy living behaviors. To register or for more information, call 609-249-7510.

*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

Better Health Programs/Complimentary Membership at 65+ Years Old

Scan the QR code to register and become a member or call 609-584-5900 or email bhprogram@rwjbh.org to learn more.

*Registration and free Membership required to attend the Better Health Programs

A SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19, 26

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Please join us for our ongoing program, “A Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE TOUR

Wednesday, June 5; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 6; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a guided tour that provides a deeper look into the sculptural secrets and rich history of Grounds for Sculpture. Plenty to see and learn with over 42 acres and approximately 350 works of art!

MIND OVER MATTER BREAKFAST AND LEARN

Tuesday, June 11; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Is there a correlation between our thinking and our eating habits?

Ekta Makani, FNP-C, MSN, Advanced Practice Nurse, will discuss this topic and the science behind the behaviors. This will be an engaging and fascinating conversation, providing answers to this age-old question.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, June 13 + 27; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs, and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. Beginners welcome.

YOGA CLASSES

Tuesday, June 18 + 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be leading this gentle yoga class using traditional postures and breathing techniques, offering modifications of the poses for your body so that you can confidently participate. Beginners welcome.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, June 18 + 25; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will lead this meditation class focusing on reducing stress and bringing inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most. Beginners welcome.

Tuesday, June 18 + 25; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Krystal Loughlin, certified RYT, will be teaching Chair Yoga. Using a chair for seated poses and also for balancing poses, this class is perfect for those who haven’t moved their bodies for a while, are recovering from an injury or have mobility/balancing difficulties. A great place to start practicing yoga to help boost your flexibility, find inner peace, unwind and stretch. Many options are given to customize the practice for YOU!

TEA PARTY

Friday, June 28; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pinkies up! Let’s talk tea and try some famously tasty pairings. Hats are encouraged!

Scan QR code to view, learn more & register on-line for the programs listed above. Or visit rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms Email CommunityEdHam@rwjbh.org or call 609-584-5900 to learn more

CHAIR YOGA

Tune

By Sara Hastings

Fto the sweet sounds of summer music

rom notable stages to the great outdoors, the sounds of music will be everywhere you turn this summer. Keep an ear out for the following concerts and performances. While the Princeton Festival and McCarter Theatre offerings require paid tickets, all others are free.

The Princeton Festival

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Princeton Festival runs from June 7 through 22, with an array of performances slated for a tented pavilion installed on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.

The 2024 festival opens with a program of favorite arias sung soprano Angel Blue, joined by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Friday, June 7, 8 p.m.

The music of rock ’n’ roll icon Tina Turner is next, as the Broadway star LaKisha Jones and guest conductor Lucas Waldin partner with the PSO for a live concert presentation centered on the artist’s mega hits such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Simply the Best,” “Proud Mary,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and others. Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.

Sonia De Los Santos and her band give an upbeat and joyful bilingual family concert featuring original songs sung in Spanish and English. Prior to the concert, families are invited to take part in an instrument petting zoo, toe-tap piano, and treats. Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m. Family activities 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Abeo Quartet gives one of two classical concerts set to take place at Princeton’s Trinity Church at 33 Mercer Street. The quartet formed at Juilliard in 2018 presents works by Schubert, Shostakovich, and Esmail in its Princeton Festival debut. Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m.

The centerpiece of the festival is a fresh production of Mozart’s comic opera “Così fan tutte.” The romantic comedy examining the difference between men and women features stage direction by James Marvel, scenic design by Blair Mielnik, and score performed by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rossen Milanov. In Italian with English subtitles. Friday and Tuesday, June 14 and 18, 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 16, 4 p.m.

“Interwoven: American Repertory Ballet + PSO Strings” is a program of dance works with a string ensemble conducted

by Rossen Milanov and featuring choreography by Arthur Mitchell and Meredith Rainey, with music by Glass, Grieg, Scripp, and Sibelius. Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m.

In honor of Juneteenth, choral conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. of Westminster Choir College leads a choir drawn from the community and anchored by the Capital Singers of Trenton. The program will feature Robert Ray’s iconic Gospel Mass with additional choral selections highlighting the joy and spirit of Black music. Wednesday, June 19, p.m.

The second concert held at Trinity Church will be baroque ensemble The Sebastians with “Brandenburgs and More,” a program featuring three of J.S. Bach’s beloved “Brandenburg” concerti along with classic works by Telemann and Vivaldi. Thursday, June 20, 7 p.m.

Empire Wild is a genre-bending, Juilliard-trained classical crossover trio featuring two cellos, piano, and vocals. In this captivating program, the group brings its signature mix of original music, inventive covers, and twists on the classical canon. Friday, June 21, 7 p.m.

Tony Award-winning actor Santino Fontana, known on Broadway for his star turns in “Tootsie” and “Cinderella,” television roles in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Sisters,” and voicing Prince Hans in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” joins the Princeton Festival line-up with an entertaining cabaret-style evening. Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m.

Morven’s performance pavilion is located at 55 Stockton Street. For tickets and more information, visit www.princetonsymphony.org/festival.

McCarter Theatre

McCarter

Theatre offers four concerts as part of its curated “Jazz in June” series.

Grammy Award winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti blends jazz, pop, and rock to create a unique musical experience. Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m.

“An Evening with Esperanza Spalding” brings the five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist and singer’s first tour since 2019 to the McCarter stage, complete with dancers and custom lighting design. Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m.

June kicks off festival season throughout the region

By Joe Emanski

Summertime means festivals and fairs, and June is a fine time to be outdoors in Central New Jersey. Community News takes you through just some of the area events that are planned to help you get out of the house and enjoy the weather — and maybe a little bit of culture, too.

One of the area’s most popular annual festivals is already in progress as we enter June: the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, which began on May 18 and is set to continue through June 9.

Now in its 15th edition, the Renaissance Faire looks to recreate a pocket of 16thcentury England at the Burlington County Fairgrounds in nearby Columbus. Vendors, artists, musicians and performers, many in period costume, look to entertain and edify festivalgoers each weekend. Attendees are invited to dress up in period clothes as well,

St. Gregory the Great’s

(Photos

and many do, but it is not required.

Every year’s faire has a theme, and this year’s theme is “The Brothers Grimm.”

The Brothers Grimm are neither from the 1500’s nor were they English (they were German), but they are known for popularizing many familiar folk tales, including “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Rapunzel” and “Sleeping Beauty,” among many others.

This year, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm are visiting the Ren Faire and its make-believe village of Crossford. The brothers and some of their famous fairy-tale characters can be seen wandering the faire grounds each Saturday and Sunday to offer interactive storytelling.

There are six stages at the faire, each offering a variety of entertainment that includes belly dancing, live jousting, magic shows, circus shows, story times, comedy and more. Live music is scheduled throughout the day on the Evergreen Stage and at Fiddler’s Green; visit njrenfaire.com for schedules pertaining to each weekend of the festival.

Food vendors offer both period and modern cuisine, and wine and beer are available for purchase. Whisky tasting takes place in the Whiskey Tent. Some events require ticket purchases beyond the cost of admission, and while most are family friendly, some are marked as being appropriate for adults only. These include the after-hours concerts, which also have an additional

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When you need relief from joint pain, you want nothing less than the highest level of orthopedic care. At RWJBarnabas Health, you’ll find board-certified surgeons using the latest treatments and technology, including robot-assisted joint replacement and other minimally invasive procedures, with physical therapy right on site. Visit rwjbh.org/ortho to learn more.

cost to attend.

The NJ Renaissance Faire has grown over its 15 years, and now boasts of crowds of more than 5,000 daily.

“We are building and producing the show that we have always wanted, and can’t wait to celebrate with our faire family and fans this season when they see how different the shire looks and feels,” says NJRF general manager TJ Miller. Those differences include a new front gate with two 16-foottall towers, a new kids’ area and two 80-by40-foot tents for eating and relaxing.

Tickets are available on the Ren Faire website and include a number of pricing options for adults and children. Saturday and Sunday, June 1–2 and June 8–9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Burlington

County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus NJ.

Those looking to remain firmly ensconced in the year 2024 can head over instead to Mercer County Park, where the county will be hosting the 12th annual Cultural Festival and Food Truck Rally. The festival is set to feature live music and traditional dance performances featuring area residents with a diverse array of cultural backgrounds. The county says there will be art demonstrations, heritage crafters, children’s activities and a beer garden.

The county’s Division of Culture and Heritage makes an effort to keep the festival as diverse as possible, and that can be seen in the art, music and dance performances as well as in the food trucks on offer, which are set to represent the cui-

sines of the world.

Food trucks and food and drink vendors set to attend include those representing the cultures of Liberia, Colombia, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Belgium, China, Korea, Thailand and Philippines. American regional cuisines including soul food and coastal New England will also be represented.

The event is free to attend and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food and drink is provided for a cost. For weather updates, search for “Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission” on Facebook and follow the link. * * *

Two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue has been tapped to open this year’s June 7-22 Princeton Festival on Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m.

The soprano is expected to perform arias by Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and George Gershwin. She will be accompanied by Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov as the orchestra performs orchestral pieces by Dvořák, Puccini, Ruperto Chapí, and Frederick Delius.

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 16-day showcase for the performing arts is set to include fully staged performances of Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte, Broadway cabaret with Santino Fontana, orchestral music, Baroque and chamber concerts, dance with American Repertory Ballet and a Juneteenth celebration.

Rounding out opening weekend are The Music of Tina Turner with LaKisha Jones, Nova Payton and Matthew Johnson on Saturday, June 8 at 7 p.m. and a Family Day culminating with a concert featuring Latin Grammy Award nominee Sonia De Los Santos on Sunday, June 9 at 4 p.m. All three performances take place in the out-

A jousting exhibition at a recent year’s New Jersey Renaissance Faire. (Photo by Michael Ulrich.)

Let’s Cycle NJ CEO Doug Smarr and Juneteenth Freedom Ride rider. (Photo courtesy of Let’s Cycle NJ.)

door performance pavilion on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.

For a complete listing of Festival events at the pavilion and at nearby Trinity Church, visit princetonsymphony.org/festival.

This year’s Festival Family Day is Sunday, June 9, and begins with a free yoga class at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of Morven Museum and Garden (ages 10 and up).

From 1:30-3:30 p.m., there will be a middle school Listen Up! art exhibition opening, plus free hands-on musical activities and treats for children of all ages, followed by the 4 p.m. family concert featuring Sonia De Los Santos and her band, performing original songs sung in Spanish and English. Tickets are available now for all 2024 Princeton Festival events at Morven Museum & Garden and nearby Trinity Church, ranging in price from $10 to $150. Tickets can also be purchased online at princetonsymphony.org/festival.

* * *

On the following Saturday, gear up for one of the area’s newest annual festivals, the Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride followed by the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival, both in Mercer County Park.

The bike ride and festival have been held since 2021 in honor of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The bike ride is presented by nonprofit organization Let’s Cycle NJ along with the Samuel McCoy III Scholarship Fund.

Things kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 when in-person registration for the bike ride begins at the park. Riders have their choice of four levels of ride: a 75-mile ride, a 50-mile ride, a 35-mile ride and a nov-

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The L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair is held annually in Mercer County Park, this year from June 28 through July 7.

each year. Organizers say that more than 100,000 people attend the carnival each year.

ice ride, all set for staggered starts beginning at 8:30 a.m. Registration is online now at juneteenthridenj.com.

The Juneteenth Festival, organized by the African American Cultural Collaboration of Mercer County, is set to begin following the completion of the bike rides. Organizers say that the festival will feature live music, food trucks, vendors and reserved areas for members of participating cycling clubs.

More information is available on the website, or by emailing organizers Doug Smarr at dougsmarr@gmail.com or Tennille R. McCoy at tmccoy72@me.com.

* * *

One of the longest running fairs in the area is the St. Gregory the Great Carnival, an annual June tradition in Hamilton that was briefly pushed to fall by the pandemic. It’s back in June, and set for Monday, June 17 through Saturday, June 22 this year.

The Catholic church on Nottingham Way raises funds for its K-8 academy through the carnival, which features rides, a midway, food vendors, a balloon man, two nights of fireworks (Tuesday and Saturday) a drone light show on Thursday, June 20, and of course, the super 50/50 raffle, which rises into the tens of thousands of dollars

The carnival’s 22 rides are usually divided into rides for kids 8 and younger and for kids 8 and older, up to adults. There are 16 games of chance plus a money wheel. Food for sale includes carnival staples like fried Oreos and funnel cake, as well as stands from Four Boys Ice Cream, Momma Rosa Pizza, Kona Ice and G&L Gyros. Rain is often a factor that time of year, and all dates are weather permitting. The carnival is open from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

St. Gregory the Great is located at 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. Web: sggcarnival.com.

Those who haven’t got enough of the carnival vibe after St. Gregory’s rolls out of town will be able to head over to Mercer County Park starting Friday, June 28 for the annual L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair.

L.E.A.D. Fest events feature rides, food vendors, craft vendors, local business and community organization kiosks and live entertainment. This year’s festival runs through July 7.

L.E.A.D. stands for Law Enforcement Against Drugs, and the national nonprofit organization supported by police officers focuses its efforts on

and

De Los Santos and her band will perform original songs in Spanish in English at the Princeton Festival on June 9. (Photo by

communities from drugs, drug-related crime, cyberbullying and violence. L.E.A.D. holds fairs throughout the country each year to spread its message.

Organizers of the New Jersey state fair

say that more than 60,000 people attended last year’s event. Tickets are $7 during the week and $8 on the weekends, and can be purchased online at theleadfest.com. For more information, turn to page 12.

Sonia

Hyphen Photography Inc.)

L’Annexe de Mamie Colette brings Brittany to Central NJ

By Joe Emanski

Central New Jersey’s burgeoning bakery scene received a fresh boost in March when L’Annexe de Mamie Colette opened the doors to its brand new building on River Road in Titusville.

A good number of bakeries have opened in the past 10 years in the region, a welcome rebound for a business model that had once seemed all but eliminated by competition from supermarkets and chains.

Just in Hopewell Valley, Madame Cupcake opened in Hopewell in January 2022, and Terra Momo Bread Company opened its second location in Pennington in May 2023. Down the road in Ewing, Hamiltonbased Nino’s Pastry Shop opened a second location on Scotch Road also in May of last year.

For many pastry chefs, an independent bakery is a labor of love, and such is the case for Magali and Isabelle Henry Noblanc, the married business partners behind Mamie Colette — a viennoiserie

in Newtown, Pennsylvania that opened in November 2022 — and now L’Annexe.

Mamie Colette is known for its croissants and danish, which Chef Magali and staff make in house in a process that takes up to three days.

L’Annexe has croissants, too. But the new bake shop is no mere copy of the original. L’Annexe features sweet and savory crêpes in the style of Brittany, France, as well as pastries of the kind that can be found in the city of Chartres.

L’Annexe crêpes are made with buckwheat, which is the way they are made in Brittany, known as the birthplace of crêpes. Brittany also happens to be the part of France where Isabelle spent the early part of her life.

The most popular savory crêpe since L’Annexe opened has been the egg, Swiss cheese and ham crêpe. Also popular has been the crêpe with goat cheese, fig jam, walnuts and arugula.

Sweet crêpes include one with lemon, almonds and honey, one with housemade chocolate sauce and one with salted butter caramel.

Also in the display cases are brioches, meringues and choupinettes — a choux pastry filled with different flavors of creamy pudding, such as pistachio raspberry, sea salt caramel and hazelnut praline and passionfruit.

Also setting L’Annexe apart from Mamie Colette is that it has a bread bakery onsite. The shop in Newtown did not have enough room to allow for bread baking, though breads made at L’Annexe now find their way to the Pennsylvania side.

“Our customers were all asking for bread, they said the croissants were great but they wanted bread as well,” Isabelle says. “Our ovens (for baking viennoiserie) are ginormous, we didn’t have enough room. So we started looking for a commercial kitchen where we could actually bake bread.”

Bread baked on site at L’Annexe de Mamie Colette on River Road in Titusville. (Photo courtesy of L’Annexe de Mamie Colette.)

 Call us today to see how we can deliver the

(609)-865-8675

Breads for sale include baguettes, multigrain buckwheat loaves and levain sourdough loaves, which Isabelle describes as a “very different sourdough — it doesn’t taste acidic or sour. It’s made the way we make it in France.”

Once the pair had decided on opening a second location, they searched first in Pennsylvania and then in New Jersey for a suitable location for the new venture. Their first thought was Lambertville, and Isabelle remembers one day driving through Titus-

ville on the way north and seeing the building that would become L’Annexe.

“We saw the buildings and thought they were beautiful,” she says. “We thought, whoever was going to be in that location would be really lucky. Then one day we saw a ‘for lease’ sign, called and met with the owners of the building, and now we’re the lucky people who get to work there.”

Isabelle is originally from Brittany, and Magali from Chartres. Though they met in France, Isabelle was living in the U.S. at the time, and only temporarily back in France for her job as a business development professional.

When Isabelle returned home to the U.S., Magali moved with her, and took the opportunity to leave behind her unfulfilling job as a sales executive and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. She studied bread and viennoiserie baking at l’Ecole Banette in France, and worked for several bakeries in the Netherlands, France and New Jersey honing her craft.

Croissants became her passion, and when she and Isabelle decided to open a small business of their own, they made croissants and other viennoiseries such as pain au chocolat the centerpiece of their

She says that many customers have told them that they can tell the difference between their handmade croissants and those that come from other vendors, which are often made in industrial bakeries.

“Here, we wanted to introduce the real thing, show the real thing when it’s made from scratch, by hand,” Isabelle says.

While Mamie Colette and L’Annexe de Mamie Colette both rotate some of the flavors of their sweet and savory fillings, Isabelle says that the menu is generally fixed — as is the tradition in Brittany.

“In France, you go to a bakery, there’s never anything different on the menu,” she says. “You could go back one year or 10 years later, there’s the same things on the menu.”

In addition to the pastries and breads, L’Annexe also has a variety of coffee, tea and French juices for sale. Isabelle says some customers make regular stops in just for the coffee on their way to work. Though surely, there are days when they can’t quite resist getting a brioche or a crêpe to go as well.

bakery. Le Cordon Bleu, the legendary Paris-based culinary school, describes viennoiserie as “the bridge between patisserie and French bread.”

They financed the new business themselves, and named the bakery after Magali’s grandmother, Colette, a native of Guadaloupe who moved to Chartres with her six children in search of a better life. Magali says it was Colette who introduced her to

Mamie Colette pastries are made in house, from scratch daily. Isabelle says they are committed to using ingredients that are preservative and chemical free.

L’Annexe de Mamie Colette, 1462 River Road, Titusville NJ. Phone: (609) 303-7595. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Closed Mondays.

Web: mamiecolettebakery.com.

Left: L’Annexe de Mamie Colette in Titusville. Right: Magali and Isabelle Henry Noblanc, the married couple behind the new bakery. Photos courtesy of L’Annexe de Mamie Colette.

Host of new restaurants open in Hopewell Valley

Saturday, September 28th 12-6pm

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By Joe Emanski

Gretalia Hospitality Group has been busy lately, and especially busy in Hopewell Valley, where it is set to open no fewer than three restaurants in 2024. Two are already open: Union Boil Co. and Aperitivo, both located in the former TJ’s Trattoria space in Pennington Square (aka the shopping center with Pennington Quality Market).

Union Boil Co. — the brain wants the word “Seafood” between Boil and Co. — is a game attempt to jumpstart Mercer County’s nearly dead seafood scene. Union Boil Co.’s New England-style “Union Boil” is said to serve eight at a cost of just $250. It includes jumbo shrimp, crab legs and crawfish alongside the corn, potatoes and Andouille sausage.

A “Lil Boil,” intended for two or three people, costs $80. Aside from the boils, Union Boil Co is a pretty standard seafood restaurant, featuring fresh fish at market rate prices, crab cakes, oysters, clam chowder and more. Web: unionboil.com.

Aperitivo’s menu has an “coastal Italian tapas” vibe, featuring a variety of Mediterranean apps alongside crostones, bruschetta, “Venetian Tea Sandwiches,” stuffed panini, meat and cheese plates and salads, as well as two entrees: mixed meats with polenta,

and poached cod in a white wine sauce. The restaurants share a liquor license. Web: getforky.com/aperitivobar. Both restaurants are located at 25 Route 31 in Pennington (actually Hopewell Township).

Not yet open nor directly linked on the Gretalia website is Nimbu Indian Street Food, whose signs are already up at its future location on Tree Farm Road, near another Gretalia restaurant, Osteria Procaccini. Nimbu means lemon in Hindi. Future location 7 Tree Farm Road, Pennington. Web placeholder: getforky.com/ nimbu.

Gretalia — which owns and/or operates the growing array of PJ’s Pancake Houses in the area, as well Osteria Procaccini and several other, newer brands like Tavola Rustica in Lambertville and Lyberry Coffee Co. in Cranbury, is not the only chain-style restaurant with eyes on Hopewell Valley in general or Pennington Square in particular.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a Point Pleasantbased fast-casual chain started in 2008, has also opened a new location at 25 Route 31. Anyone familiar with Chipotle will be able to walk up and order something at Bubbakoo’s, although Bubbakoo’s leans a bit more americano with wrinkles such as buffalo, BBQ and Nashville hot-style burritos in addition to curly fries and wings. Web: bubbakoos.com.

Left: drinks at Aperitivo. Right: a plate of lobster, potato, corn and mushrooms at Union Boil Co. (Instagram photos.)

Century 21

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CENTURY 21 Abrams and Associates has been a top producing agency in the CENTURY 21 System for over 3 decades serving the Mercer County area. They have two convenient locations to serve client’s real estate needs: 3228 Route 27, Suite 1A, Kendall Park, NJ 08824 (609-750-7300) and the recently opened commercial division located at 2104 Goldfinch Blvd., Princeton, NJ 08540 (609-683-5000 x 304)

CENTURY 21 Commercial® Abrams & Associates real estate services now include: Acquisition & Disposition, Landlord &

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Contact information for Century 21 Abrams & Associates: Richard Abrams, Broker/Owner (609-7315638), Robert Warney, Vice President, Advanced Commercial Specialist, REALTOR® (609-222-1304), Rohan Shende, REALTOR® (609-865-8675).

See ad, page 8.

12th Annual 12th Annual

& FOOD TRUCK RALLY & FOOD TRUCK RALLY

June 8, 11 am - 7 pm

June 8, 11 am - 7 pm

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2:45 pm Mariachi Garibaldi de New Jersey

4:30 PM The Broken Shillelaghs, IRISH

6:15 pm Jose Tabares Salsa All Stars, PUERTO RICAN

12:00 Pm Janosik Polish Dancers

12:20 pm trenton greek terpsichorianS

12:40 pm Nai-Ni-Chen Chinese Dragon & Drums

1:45 pm Let’s Dance Academy Bollywood Dances of India

▪ AMANDA’S LATIN CUISINE

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▪ carvel ICE CREAM

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HARRY‘s LIL KITCHEN

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2:00 pm Zawadi African Drums & Dance

3:45 pm Ricordando Mi Tierra Folkloric dance of Costa Rica

4:10 pm Ayazamana Cultural Center

5:20 pm Hea Sun Jung Traditional Arts Academy – Korean Fan Dance, Sword Dance, and Jindo (small drum) dance

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L.E.A.D. FEST

Coming to Mercer County Park June 28 to July 7

Carnivals and state fairs are beloved summer traditions. There’s no better place for the whole family to enjoy rides, food, music and fun than at 2024 L.E.A.D. FEST events. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s events include carnivals and a 10-day State Fair taking place from June 28 to July 7 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township.

Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources, and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. The Allentown-based national nonprofit’s programs help to provide youth and adults strategies for avoiding drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement agencies and their communities.

“The L.E.A.D. State Fair saw its biggest year ever in 2023 with more than 30,000 attendees. We hope to hit a new milestone in 2024,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Funds raised

at our carnivals and the State Fair are important to L.E.A.D.’s mission, allowing us to make our programs more accessible to a greater number of youngsters in the communities we serve. We are excited to bring more amazing events to New Jersey this year. Our goal is to create familyfriendly, community-based events that are fun for everyone while at the same time promoting anti-drug and anti-violence activities in the state.”

The jam-packed State Fair promises something for everyone including free nightly musical entertainment as well as a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends. Favorite fan attractions include Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the always-popular pie eating contest, Cowtown U.S.A., and an all-day exhibit that contains an old-time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand.

The State Fair’s midway provider, Reithoffer Shows, will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike — from a first-class Kiddie Land to superspectacular thrill rides and everything in between.

Gate admission is $7 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. General admission, ride tickets, and Mega Passes are on sale now at theleadfest.com. Purchase tickets early for special presale discounts!

Additional L.E.A.D. FEST carnivals bring the fun to different locations throughout the Garden State this

summer. General admission, ride tickets, and Mega Passes for all carnivals can be purchased in advance online at theleadfest.com.

Westfield Garden State Plaza (One Garden State Plaza, Paramus) from May 23-27; May 29-June 2; and June 5-9. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Midway will be provided by Reithoffer Shows. “Once again, our Paramus event starts on Memorial Day weekend,” DeMauro said. “Attending the carnival that weekend is a great way to have fun and usher in the start of the summer season.”

Voorhees Town Center (180 Route 35, Eatontown) from June 14-23. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m. Midway

provided by Reithoffer Shows. Howell Township (5361 US Route 9, Howell) from June 27-July 7. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

Mercer County Park from June 28 to July 7. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to close and Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from 3 p.m. to close. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.

For more information and tickets, visit theleadfest.com. Check the website for attendance policies. Hours subject to change due to weather or safety situations. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit leadrugs.org or email info@leadrugs. org.

See ad, page 13

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Next up is a performance by Lakecia Benjamin, a saxophonist who blends R&B, jazz, and funk. Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.

The series concludes with two shows by STOMP, an eight-member international troupe that uses non-conventional percussion instruments to create their unique performance. Friday, June 7, 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 8, 3 p.m.

McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton. www.mccarter.org.

Princeton Summer Chamber Concerts

The 57th season of free summer concerts returns to its traditional home in Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium after construction necessitated a change of venue in 2023. The four concerts on the schedule are:

The Ulysses Quartet performs music by Fanny Mendelssohn, Tower, and Beethoven with commentary by Ruth Ochs (conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia; associate conductor of the Princeton University Orchestra; and director of small ensembles at Princeton University), followed by a Masterclass by the quartet with local young musicians. Sunday, June 23, 4 p.m.

New Century Saxophone Quartet performs music by JS Bach, Shostakovich, Nagao, and Dvořák. Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.

The Phaeton Piano Trio performs music by Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Dvořák. Monday, July 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The Balourdet Quartet will perform music by Mozart, Al-Zand, and Beethoven with commentary by Ruth Ochs. Monday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the regular season, the Madison Quartet will present a rehearsal demonstration and a performance of the 1st movement of Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”, at the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, 101 Poor Farm Road, on Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m. To register visit engage.cmaprinceton.org/component/ events/event/419

Free tickets are required for all concerts. Find out more at www.princetonsummerchamberconcerts.org.

Princeton University Carillon

‘Music that Paints the Silence” is the theme for this year’s series of free community recitals at the Princeton University Carillon at the Graduate School. Concerts start at 1 p.m. every Sunday from July 7 through September 1. The schedule of performers is as follows:

July 7: Jon Lehrer, Michigan.

July 14: David Hunsberger, California

July 21: Jesse Ratcliffe, Maryland

July 28: Janno Engelsman, The Netherlands

August 4: Andrea McCrady, Canada

August 11: Lisa Lonie, Pennsylvania

August 18: Princeton Carillon Studio Members

August 25: Robin Austin, Pennsylvania

September 1: Jessica Ip, Massachusetts, 2024 New Colleague Recitalist

The graduate college is located at 88 College Road West. Call 609-258-7989 or visit gradschool.princeton.edu/about/carillon for more information.

Palmer Square

Palmer Square’s spring music series of free concerts on the green continues through June, followed in July and August by weekly dueling piano nights.

The spring series of Saturday concerts running from noon to 2 p.m. features the following:

Electric Stingray, a rock and alternative cover band, Saturday, June 1.

Chet & Ari, performing acoustic rock hits, Saturday, June 8.

Underwater Airlines, with classic rock hits from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Saturday, June 15.

Peter & the Master Keys, specializing in American jazz and blues from the 1940s through ’60s, Saturday, June 22.

Dueling piano nights take place Thursdays, July 11, 18, and 25, and August 1 and 8.

Visit www.palmersquare.com.

Princeton Public Library

The 2024 Listen Local series consists of six free concerts set to take place outdoors in Hinds Plaza on select Sunday afternoons. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held in the library’s Community Room. The series begins Sunday, June 2, at 4 p.m. with a show by classic rock cover band Generations. The eightmember group performs music by iconic groups and musicians such as Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Bryan Adams, Pat Benatar, and others.

Future concerts in the series include:

June 23: B.K. Rivers

July 14: Loose Bricks

July 28: ALBO

August 11: Tigertown Classic Jazz Band

September 8: The Rebound

Visit www.princetonlibrary.org.

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$350,000

Dianne F Bleacher

609.915.4541

MLS# NJME2043264

Princeton, NJ

$1,195,000 Princeton Office

609.921.1050

MLS# NJME2040220

Princeton, NJ

$1,250,000 (1.5 acres)

Susan L ‘Suzy’ DiMeglio

609.915.5645

MLS# NJME2031826

$1,285,000 Susan L ‘Suzy’ DiMeglio

609.915.5645

MLS# NJME2040784

$2,999,000

$3,600,000

609.947.5757

MLS# NJME2041930

$4,250,000

NJME2042510

$5,950,000

609.947.5757 MLS# NJME2040720

HAPPENING

saTurday June 1

Quilt Workshop with Ronah Harris, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Join Artist-inResidence Dr. Ronah Harris for a hands-on workshop on quilting. Free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guided Tour: Ulises Carrión: Bookworks and Beyond, Ellen and Leonard Milberg Gallery, Firestone Library, Princeton University. library.princeton.edu. Tour the exhibit on view through June 13 examining one of the most influential of all modern artists engaged in the book and exploring Carrión’s pioneering reinvention of the book as a material and social platform. Also June 2. 1 p.m.

Campus Collections Outdoor Walking Tour: Residential Colleges Neighborhood, Princeton University Art Museum, Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, University Place. artmuseum.princeton.edu. Join a guided walking tour of the campus collections with an Art Museum guide and discover a variety of artworks by modern and contemporary sculptors,

from Sol LeWitt to Maya Lin. Weekly on Saturdays. 2 p.m.

Gallery Openings, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Opening reception for “Phases of the Heart,” an exhibit by Marlon “7oveChild” Davila of works celebrating color, heritage, love, and passion; “Narratives from My Toy Box,” an exhibit by Dot Paolo using vintage toys to compose diorama photographs; and “Way of Watercolor,” an exhibit of works by the adult watercolor students of Hema Bharadwaj. On view through June 29. 3 to 5 p.m.

B.D. Lenz, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. www.smallworldcoffee.com. Jazz, funk, Latin, and rock. 7 p.m.

Jazz in June: Chris Botti, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www. mccarter.org. With a career spanning over two decades, Grammy Award-winner Chris Botti effortlessly blends genres from jazz to pop to rock, creating a musical experience that is both unique and captivating. 8 p.m.

sunday June 2

Book Brunch: Epic Pride Author Panel, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Brunch event featuring Epic Reads authors Erik J. Brown, Vichet Chum, Alex Crespo, Tony Keith Jr., Kasey LeBlanc and Jenna Miller. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Campus Collections Outdoor Walking Tour, Princeton University Art Museum, Nassau Hall, Princeton University. artmuseum. princeton.edu. Join a guided walking tour of the campus collections with an Art Museum docent and discover a variety of artworks by modern and contemporary sculptors. Rain or shine; stairfree. Weekly on Sundays. 2 p.m.

Princeton History Walking Tour, Historical Society of Princeton, Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive. www.princetonhistory.org. Walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. $15. Register. 2 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday June 4

Princeton Festival Artists Roundtable, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. The Princeton Festival Guild holds a roundtable discussion about putting on an opera and its upcoming production of “Così Fan Tutte.” Registration is requested, but not required. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday Night Folk Dance, Princeton Folk Dance, Christ Congregation, 50 Walnut Lane. www.princetonfolkdance.org. No partner necessary. $5. Weekly on Tuesdays. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 5

Outdoor Yoga, Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road. www.princetonhistory.org. Gratitude Yoga offers donation-based Vinyasa Flow classes. Also June 19 and 26. 6 to 7 p.m.

Conversation: Steve Kornacki with Ingrid Reed, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. NBC News national political correspondent Steve Kornacki and political analyst Ingrid Reed look back at the primary and toward the general election. 7 to 8 p.m.

Concert: Generations, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Generations performs classic rock songs from all eras on Hinds Plaza to kick off the 2024 Summer Listen Local Series. 4 to 5:15 p.m.

Jazz in June: An Evening with Esperanza Spalding, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Grammy Award-winner Esperanza Spalding redefines the boundaries of jazz. 7 p.m.

MOnday June 3

Continuing Conversations on Race, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Princeton High School racial literacy students offer their annual presentation. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Jersey Art Meetup, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Princeton Comic Makers presents a weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media. Attendees may use this open workshop space to draw, write, and develop their own artwork, with an opportunity to receive peer review and feedback from other members if desired. Must be 16+ to attend. Free. Weekly on Wednesdays. 7 to 9 p.m.

Jazz in June: Lakecia Benjamin, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787.

See EVENTS, Page 10

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

Register by calling 609.394.4153 or register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Please register early. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.

Men’s Health: Take the Lead on the Path to Wellness

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Being proactive with your health helps you understand and manage common conditions. Join DR. CHARLES

POLOTTI, a board certified and fellowship trained urologist, and learn about the latest treatments for erectile dysfunction and prostate enlargement as well as guidelines for prostate cancer screening.

Understanding and Treating Epilepsy

Monday, June 10, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disease in the United States, but recognizing seizures and diagnosing a specific epilepsy syndrome can be difficult. Join DR. SIDRAH MAHMUD, a fellowship trained epileptologist, to learn what causes epilepsy, how it is diagnosed, and why not all seizures are symptoms of epilepsy. Dr. Mahmud will also discuss treatment options and when it might be time to add an epileptologist to your health care team.

Young saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin is celebrated for her unique blend of R&B, jazz, and funk. 7:30 p.m.

Thursday June 6

Princeton Farmers Market, Princeton Public Library, Hinds Plaza, 55 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonfarmersmarket.com. Weekly on Thursdays. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Khusro’s Qawwali, Institute for Advanced Study, Wolfensohn Hall, Einstein Drive. www. ias.edu. Ustaad Naseeruddin Saami and Saami Brothers present an evening of traditional Qawwali, the Sufi music form from South Asia. Register. Free. 5:30 p.m.

Yoga on the Lawn, Princeton University Art Museum, Lockhart Hall lawn, Princeton University campus. artmuseum.princeton.edu. Explore the healing benefits of yoga while you enjoy a beautiful summer evening. Be sure to bring your own mat. 5:30 p.m.

Flower Arranging with Cindy Olentine from Sprouts, Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road. www.princetonhistory.org. Join a local florist for an evening of floral design and arranging. Light refreshments served. Register. $85. 6 p.m.

25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Spanish Classical Dance, Music, and Song, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www. artscouncilofprinceton.org. Evening performance featuring guest artists Joel Rudin (Violist) and Wei-Yuh Christina Xie (Pianist). $10. 7 p.m.

Drawing Landscapes from the Collections | Watercolors: Landscape Composition, Princeton University Art Museum & Arts Council of Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu. This live art-making class is inspired by John Varley’s watercolor “Coast Scene.” Free session led by Barbara DiLorenzo via Zoom. Weekly on Thursdays with a different focus each session. 8 p.m.

Friday June 7

Dancing Under the Stars, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Members of Central Jersey Dance demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds on Hinds Plaza, weather permitting; or Community Room. Also June 21. 7 to 10 p.m.

25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Flamenco Dance, Song, and Music, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www. artscouncilofprinceton.org. Evening performance featuring guest artists Ivan Max (Flamenco guitarist) and Yuka Koyama (Flamenco vocalist). $10. 7 p.m.

Friday Night Folk Dance, Princeton Folk Dance, Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Street. www.princetonfolkdance.org. Lesson followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. $5. Weekly on Fridays. 8 p.m.

Angel Blue with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Soprano Angel Blue joins the Princeton Symphony Orchestra for a program of favorite arias. $50 to $150. 8 p.m.

Stomp, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. The international eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Also June 8. 8 p.m.

saTurday June 8

Foraging As Stewardship: The Mugwort Session, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Mountain Lakes Preserve, Mountain Avenue. www.fopos.org/getinvolved. Hands-on session learning about how we can forage for certain invasive species as an act of stewardship. Free. 10 a.m. to noon.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2024, Princeton Public Library, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Bring your knitting and crochet projects (and a chair). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lecture Recitals from the New School for Music Study, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Faculty present a series of three lecture recitals, in which they play and discuss historic repertoire for the piano. 2 to 3:30 p.m.

25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Studio Naming Celebration, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Celebration honoring Lisa Botalico’s 25 years as founder and instructor of the ACP’s longstanding Flamenco dance program with a public studio naming celebration of the Lisa Botalico Dance Studio. Free. 3 p.m.

Madison Quartet, Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts, Center for Modern Aging Princeton, 101 Poor Farm Road. www. princetonsummerchamberconcerts.org. Rehearsal demonstration and a performance of the 1st movement of Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden.” Register on CMA Princeton’s website. Free. 4 p.m.

Rich Seiner, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. www.smallworldcoffee.com. 70s pop, Latin grooves. 7 p.m.

The Music of Tina Turner, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Celebrate Tina Turner, the iconic “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” with this all-new, live concert presentation. $40 to $125. 7 p.m.

sunday June 9

Art of Cyanotype, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Join artist Jacqui Alexander for an afternoon of chemistry and creativity. Learn

all about the technique before trying your hand at creating cyanotype printed cloth napkins using your own found and gathered objects. Register. $50; $35 for children age 10 to 18 accompanied by an adult. 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Author: Kathleen Grissom, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. The New York Times bestselling author of “The Kitchen House” and “Glory Over Everything” discusses her latest novel “Crow Mary.” Tea and cookies will be served. 3 to 4 p.m.

Sonia de los Santos, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Collection of original songs sung in Spanish and English. $10 to $60. Preconcert family friendly activities from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. include an instrument petting zoo, toe-tap piano, and treats. 4 p.m.

35th Anniversary Gala, D&R Greenway, One Preservation Place. www.drgreenway.org. Presentation of the Donald B. Jones Conservation Award to Liz Cutler, and special recognition of future conservation leaders. Come dressed in garden party attire with outdoor shoes. Seasonal food, refreshing beverages, and handdipped ice cream served. Register. $100. 4 p.m.

Wednesday June 12

Lecture: Holly Korbey: “What is Citizenship?”, Princeton Public Library. Holly Korbey, journalist and author of “Building Better Citizens: A New Civics Education for All,” presents the second lecture of the “So You Think You Know Civics?” Series. Via Zoom. Register. 6 p.m.

Walnut Lane Film Festival 2024, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. This event showcases a selection of short films in a range of genres created by Princeton middle school students, organized and curated by students from Princeton High School. 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday June 13

Publishers Summer Book Buzz, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Publisher reps from Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Sourcebooks and Union Square & Co. share summer reading picks for adults. Mocktails and light refreshments will be served. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parking Lot Pop-Up Show: Blush Boy, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton. org. Performance by the high energy indie rock band based in Asbury Park. BYO seating. $5. 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Abeo Quartet, Princeton Festival, Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Quartet presents works by Schubert, Shostakovich, and Esmail. $40 to $65. 7 p.m.

Dracula, Princeton Summer Theater, Hamilton Murray Theater, Princeton University. www.princetonsummertheater.org. Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. $35. Continues Thursdays through Sundays through June 30. 8 p.m.

Friday June 14

Virtual Artist and Curators Conversation: Phoebe Cummings, Susannah Baker-Smith, and Susan Bright, Princeton University Art Museum. artmuseum.princeton.edu. Join the artist Phoebe Cummings, together with curators Susannah Baker-Smith and Susan Bright, for a virtual discussion of Cummings’ short films “Towards a Flower,” which are featured in the exhibition “’Don’t we touch each other just to prove we are still here?’: Photography and Touch,” on view at Art on Hulfish through August 4. Via Zoom. Register. Free. 2:30 p.m.

Così Fan Tutte, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Mozart’s beloved comic opera. $45 to $135. Also June 16 and 18. 7 p.m.

saTurday June 15

From Africa to the Americas: A Free Dance Workshop, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. ACP teaching artist Levi Guerrero introduces a variety of dance forms originating from West Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Free. Noon to 3 p.m.

Summer Reading Kickoff 2024, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Celebrate the start of summer reading 2024 - Adventure Begins at your Library. Stop by for fun activities and to pick up your summer reading log. 2 to 4 p.m.

Jon Caspi, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. www. smallworldcoffee.com. Singer-songwriter and Americana. 7 p.m.

Interwoven: American Repertory Ballet + PSO Strings, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. A program of dance works with a string ensemble conducted by Rossen Milanov. 7 p.m.

Tuesday June 18

Songwriters Circle and Open Mic, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. The Princeton Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association provides feedback and tips to help songwriters improve at this event that also includes an acoustic open mic. 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday June 19

Outreach: A Juneteenth Celebration!, Princeton Public Library & Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. Library staff share information about library resources and services, and the Voices of Princeton Project records memories and reflections on Juneteenth at the “Let Freedom Ring Booth.” 1 to 7 p.m.

Juneteenth Celebration Honoring Black Choral Music, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. Choral conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. of Westminster Choir College leads a choir drawn from the community and anchored by the Capital Singers of Trenton. $10 to $60. 7 p.m.

Thursday June 20

Story & Verse: Open Mic, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Evening of community-created entertainment in the form of storytelling and poetic open mic. All are welcome to tell a well-prepared story or perform their poetry. Performers should bring their own work of their choice for the theme “I was younger then.” Register. Free. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The Sebastians, Princeton Festival, Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Baroque ensemble performs three of J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg” concerti along with classic works by Telemann and Vivaldi. $60 to $100. 7 p.m.

Friday June 21

Empire Wild, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Genre-bending, Juilliard-trained classical crossover trio featuring two cellos, piano, and vocals. $20 to $75. 7 p.m.

saTurday June 22

Vintage Base Ball Game, Historical Society of Princeton, Greenway Meadows Park, 275 Rosedale Road. www.princetonhistory.org. The Flemington Neshanock and the Monmouth Furnace play a competitive match of bare-handed baseball, wearing period uniforms and using 1864 rules. Spectators are invited to take batting practice using authentic replicas of 19th century equipment. Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Night Under the Stars, Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road. www.princetonhistory.org. Celebration of local food, drink, and talent in support of HSP’s education programs. Craft cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music; lawn games, and more. Ages 21+ only. Register. $175 and up. 4 to 8 p.m. Dan Kassel, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. www.smallworldcoffee.com. Ethereal, percussive grooves. 7 p.m.

An Evening with Santino Fontana, Princeton Festival, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street. www.princetonsymphony.org. Tony Award-winning actor Santino Fontana offers an entertaining, cabaret-style evening. $35 to $120. 7 p.m.

sunday June 23

Ulysses Quartet, Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. www. princetonsummerchamberconcerts.org. Music by Fanny Mendelssohn, Tower, and Beethoven with commentary by Ruth Ochs, followed by a Masterclass by the quartet with local young musicians. Free tickets available one week prior to concert. 4 p.m.

Wednesday June 26

Film: “Crazy Rich Asians”, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. www.princetonlibrary.org. A Chinese-American professor travels to Singapore with her boyfriend and discovers that his is one of the country’s richest families. 2 p.m.

saTurday June 29

Red Cross Blood Drive, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Caruso, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street. Ambient loop guitarist. 7 p.m.