Jan-Feb 2022 Digital Program - SOPAC by SOPAC

Yo u r T i c k e t To L i v e M u s i c & M o r e

www.SOPACnow.org | (973) 313-2787 January-February 2022 Program

“ SOPAC’s spectacular sound design left the material nearly sumptuous.”

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VACCINES REQUIRED

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TOUCHLESS TICKETING

SANITIZING STATIONS

ANTI-VIRAL CLEANING

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For all current Covid-19 Precautions & Policies, visit SOPACnow.org/Covid-19.

January-February 2022 Program

ANTI-VIRAL CLEANING

welcome. We Care About Your Safety SOPAC is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our community. Our current Covid-19 Policies & Precautions can be reviewed at SOPACnow.org/Covid-19. Please know our Covid-19 webpage will be amended as policy updates are made and ticket holders will be notified of any changes right away. SOPAC is guided by CDC guidelines and the state of New Jersey for our policies in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the health of our audiences, staff, volunteers, artists and their production teams.

As of September 1, 2021, all SOPAC patrons must be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine, and must show proof of vaccination along with Government ID to enter. If a patron is not vaccinated, they must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time. All patrons are required to wear masks at all times while inside the venue. This includes children older than 2.

a message from the executive director Dear Friends, Though it is now mid-winter, and the days are short, the sun is shining forth at SOPAC as we rejoice in the reopening of the Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall and a return to live performances. There is no way to understate what a challenging journey it’s been for the past two years. Covid closure, then a devastating flood certainly made us step up to the plate and stretched our resources. We won’t be finished with our renovations until the permanent carpeting comes in and we hope it will be by the end of March or beginning of April. Blame the supply chain. For now, we will be content with our temporary carpet and an open theatre. And great artists on the stage! We have a Winter-Spring season chock full of wonderful performances. You’ll see some familiar faces, but we also have lots of exciting artists new to our stage this season. Check out Kindred The Family Soul, Red Baraat Festival of Colors, The Bad Plus, DakhaBrakha and more. You won’t be disappointed, and you just might find a new favorite to follow. Make this the season of new beginnings. Thank you to the many, many donors who sustained us, and continue to do so, through this difficult time. Without support from so many our doors might be closed right now. The unflagging generosity of our community has lifted us beyond words. We are filled with excitement that we are “back in business!” Be well.

Dee Billia Executive Director, South Orange Performing Arts Center

Light [+ Sound] By Patrick Hilaire

Curated by Jeremy Moss On Display: February 1 – 28, 2022 Reception: Thursday, February 17 from 5-8PM

More information: www.SOPACnow.org/Gallery-Exhibition 2

MAKING AN IMPACT

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF ESSEX COUNTY Claudine Baptiste 973.854.9770 l cbaptiste@bankwithbcb.com www.BCB.Bank l 1.800.680.6872

A Sincere Thank You to our Major Funders With a heartfelt thank you, SOPAC acknowledges the generous government, foundation, and corporate support received throughout both the COVID-19 pandemic and our mainstage closure due to damage from Hurricane Ida. The following funders helped SOPAC launch virtual events, continue its Dance and Music Residencies, and ensure SOPAC may continue to truly redefine a great arts experience.

The Orange Orphan Society E.J. Grassmann Trust

The Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation Union Foundation

The Hyde & Watson Foundation Fannie & Morris Sklaw Foundation George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust

* *

Lakota Holdings Mountain Ridge Country Club

* * Denotes in-kind contributions.

South Orange Frame Shop

* *

Reflects funding as of December 31, 2021.

A Message from the Chair We waited nearly two years (yes, it was that long) to reopen the Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall at SOPAC. Our intimate 439-seat mainstage theatre has superb acoustics, sight lines, and seating. Audiences remark that attending a performance in Leitner Hall is like hearing their favorite artists right in their own living room. Artists who play SOPAC are thrilled with the intimate setting because it generates a powerful energy loop between artist and audience. We are SO excited to welcome you back to SOPAC. Our journey to reopen was only made possible by the tireless efforts of our Executive Director Dee Billia and her remarkable staff. How remarkable? Well, imagine this scenario. After readying the theater to reopen after being dark for 18 months due to COVID-19, we were hit by Hurricane Ida a mere 8 days before we opened our doors. The storm surge left our lobby underwater and ruined our stage. That was September 1st. Dee and the staff spent the next five months remediating and renovating the entire house so now we have a brand-new stage, new flooring, and a fresh look that we are excited to share with you. I also want to thank our sage Board of Governors for rolling up their sleeves and leading us through the crisis. During our 23 month “break” the board has brought in Cinema Lab to operate the movie theater. Cinema Lab is a phenomenal community partner bringing South Orange first-run Hollywood blockbusters and the best independent films. The board and staff have also worked hand-in-hand to mastermind a new strategic plan that will act as our true north star for years to come. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank you. We were able to reopen only through the generosity of our patrons. We are grateful to you. SOPAC is SO back! Onward,

Paul Bartick Chair, SOPAC Board of Governors 6

POWERFULLY APPLAUDING THE ARTS American Express® is committed to supporting experiences that move us, whether it’s virtually or center stage at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

Congratulations to SOPAC and the honorees

Rev. Dr Terry Richardson & Lady NaDeen Richarson, and the First Baptist Church of South Orange

Finding inspiration is important. At M&T Bank, we understand how important the arts are to a vibrant community. That’s why we offer our time, energy and resources to support artists of all kinds, and encourage others to do the same. Learn more at mtb.com.

M&T Bank is proud to support the SOPAC 2021 Gala.

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The Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall

Gangstagrass Saturday, February 5 Blending Bluegrass and HipHop may seem like an unlikely recipe for success, but don’t tell that to Rench, the mastermind behind the Emmy nominated outfit Gangstagrass. “There are a lot more people out there with Jay-Z and Johnny Cash on their playlists than you think,” says Rench. Gangstagrass initially formed in 2006 and started to see its music reaching a wider audience when the band’s song “Long Hard Times to Come,” was selected to be the opening theme song of the acclaimed television show “Justified” on FX in early 2010. Over the years, the group has recorded six studio albums plus a live album that was released in 2019 titled Pocket Full Of Fire: Gangstagrass Live. The group was a contestant on season 16 of “America’s Got Talent.” The AGT host Terry Crews described the group’s sound as “hee-haw hip-hop.” That blend is exactly what Rench was going for when he assembled the group more than a decade ago. Rench told the AGT panel: “I wanted to create a band like this to play for America and bring a message that Americans can find common ground and get over some of the divisions that we’ve been experiencing and come together.” Back when he was in grade school, recess was a time for breakdancing on cardboard to RUN-DMC. But at home, his parents were playing Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash records on the stereo. That musical mash up made a lasting impression on Rench. After settling in Brooklyn, Rench started recording Hip-Hop MCs at Rench Audio Studios, his home studio. The rappers may have thought their sessions were finished, but Rench continued to experiment, combining the vocal tracks with samples of Bluegrass, Blues and Electronic beats. The result was a genre demolishing blitz called Rench Presents: Gangstagrass. When it became available as a free download on the internet, people took notice fast. It started with a positive mention on the influential blog BoingBoing.net. The acclaim earned Gangstagrass hundreds of thousands of downloads 12

and an intense underground buzz was created. But that wasn’t the end of it. The executives at FX Network also liked what they heard and licensed a Gangstagrass track for use on a commercial for their new Western crime series “Justified,” starring Timothy Olyphant. Eventually, they asked Rench to create an original theme song for the show. The result was “Long Hard Times To Come.” The song earned Gangstagrass an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

An Evening of Love Songs with Ms. Lisa Fischer Thursday, February 10 From foot-stomping rockers to delicate ballads, this astonishing Gospel and Soul artist is capable of infinite emotion. “Lisa Fischer in concert is addictive,” says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Every performance is so enriching, so exciting, so transcendent that you want more. With remarkable vocal range and vocabulary, Fischer can sing Soul, Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Pop, Folk and Classical with equal facility and authority. She often mixes styles in the same song, sometimes in the same vocal line. Her approach tends to be intimate, artful and almost meditative, accompanied by her interpretive dancing, but she also can cut loose and funk with fierceness and rock with abandon.” After four decades of featured background singing with icons like Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner and Nine Inch Nails, Fischer set out to take center stage with her own humble, heartfelt song. The 2013 Oscar-winning film “Twenty Feet from Stardom” altered the course of Fischer’s musical journey by telling her story with clips of her legendary duets with Sting or with Mick Jagger on “Gimme Shelter.” The documentary left audiences eager to see and hear more, so Fischer took the chance to set out on her own, reinventing classic songs with her co-conspirators JC Maillard and Grand Baton. Their organic fusion of Caribbean Psychedelic Soul and jazzy Progressive Rock ignited Lisa’s flexibility and freedom of expression, awakening her lifelong desire to make music that heals but still rocks the house. 13

Pop Matters called Fischer a “song goddess” and “sorceress.” When asked by the outlet if performing on stage takes her somewhere else, Fischer said: “It really does. It takes me within myself, but at the same time, in all spaces, in everything that exists. It just feels like a universe where you can color, and you can dream and every second is potent and every second feels like forever.” While Fischer’s range is legendary, her greatest gift is the ability to reach the hearts of her listeners. Raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, she emerged from New York’s fervent studio scene in the early 1980s, sang for two decades with legendary vocalist Luther Vandross, and released So Intense, earning her first Best R&B Performance Grammy Award with “How Can I Ease The Pain.” She joined the Rolling Stones for their 1989 Steel Wheels tour and continued to grace their stage for the next 26 years. Fischer’s passion for constant growth and experimentation with different styles invited recent collaborations with Jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, Eric Krasno, Talib Kweli, Billy Childs and YoYo Ma, the BBC Proms / Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Anna Deavere Smith’s “Notes from the Field” for HBO, and especially her full evening program The Classic Lisa Fischer with Grand Baton and Seattle Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony and the National Philharmonic. With spiritual truth-telling as her compass and loving kindness as her guide, Fischer continues her creative journey — destination unknown.

An Evening with Lucy Kaplansky/ Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Friday, February 11 Lucy Kaplansky started out singing in Chicago Folk music clubs as a teenager. Then, barely out of high school, Kaplansky took off for New York City. There she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers — Suzanne Vega, Steve Forbert, The Roches and others. With a beautiful flair for harmony, Kaplansky was everyone’s favorite singing partner, but most often she found herself singing as a duo with Shawn Colvin. People envisioned big things for them; in fact, The New 14

York Times said it was “easy to predict stardom for her.” But then Kaplansky dropped it all. Convinced that her calling was in another direction, Kaplansky left music to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Upon completing her degree, Dr. Kaplansky took a job at a New York hospital working with chronically mentally ill adults and started a private practice. Yet she continued to sing. She harmonized on Colvin’s Grammy-winning “Steady On,” and Nanci Griffith’s “Lone Star State of Mind” and “Little Love Affairs.” Then, Kaplansky’s solo tapes got into the hands of Bob Feldman, president of Red House Records. He was blown away. She was back in the music business. Red House released The Tide in 1994 to rave reviews, and within six months she began touring. Following a string of award-winning albums, Kaplansky teamed with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell in 1998 to form supergroup Cry Cry Cry. In 2011, Kaplansky released an EP, Kaplansky Sings Kaplansky, featuring songs written by her father, famed University of Chicago mathematician Irving Kaplansky, including live performances of the two of them performing together in California. As for her legacy, not only has Kaplansky been described as “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker) and “the troubadour laureate of modern folk” (The Boston Globe), but her CD Ten Year Night is the #1 selling album of all time at Red House Records.

Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams are Americana royalty. He’s known as a passionate songwriter and skilled multi-instrumentalist. She has a knack for clear-toned harmonies. For years, Campbell was one of the most in-demand musicians and producers in Roots-Rock, backing up Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson and many more. His wife, Country and Blues singer Teresa Williams, has worked with Emmylou Harris and Mavis Staples. Eventually, Campbell and Williams combined their unique talents to create a new career as a musical duo. They have recorded two acclaimed albums. Their eponymous 2015 debut — released after seven years of playing in Levon Helm’s band and frequent guesting with Phil Lesh, Little Feat, 15

Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady — brought to the stage the crackling creative energy of a decades-long offstage union. Their 2017 release Contraband Love is a riskier slice of Americana. Campbell, who produced Contraband Love, says, “I wanted this record to be a progression, bigger than the first one. That’s all I knew. I wanted the songwriting to be deeper, the arrangements more interesting, the performances more dynamic. Specifically, how to get there, I didn’t know. I did know the songs were different. The subject matter was darker than anything else I’ve written.” Musically, Contraband Love revisits the Americana textures of the duo’s debut, deftly channeling Memphis, Chicago, the Delta and Appalachia with equal assurance. Contraband Love stands as a new, bolder chapter in a story that arose triumphantly joyous from loss. “When Levon died,” Williams says, “that put Larry into high gear. He’d already had his head set about making a record, but then it felt like a train took off! We just said, ‘life is short.’” Beyond recording music, Campbell and Williams were also the subject of an Amazon docuseries called It Was the Music, which followed the couple as they hit the road in search of musical nirvana.

Ryan Hamilton Saturday, February 12 This comedian is known for being delightfully funny. He’s notorious for his physical comedy — moving around the stage while acting out and mimicking those in his stories. His self-deprecating jokes are his trademark as is his wide smile and clean comedic style. As St. Louis magazine puts it “comedian Ryan Hamilton didn’t need to clean up his act. It’s just who he is.” “It wasn’t a conscious decision I made,” said Hamilton about being a clean comedian in an interview with The Interrobang. “But I was always naturally drawn to comedians who fall into that camp. It kind of chooses you more than you choose it.” A broadcast journalism major in college, Hamilton worked for an ad agency following graduation before getting into stand-up. The Brigham Young University-Idaho alumnus first went on tour after winning Sierra Mist’s America’s Next Great Comic in 2005 and has since been twice named a semi-finalist on “Last Comic Standing.” 16

Hamilton’s Netflix comedy special, Happy Face, has been reviewed as “the special you can’t watch enough times.” Its release in 2017 was followed by a wealth of television appearances and touring. Armed with the unique perspective of growing up in rural Idaho and then pivoting to become a favorite in the New York stand-up comedy scene, he’s one-of-a-kind. He’s been named one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch and his recent appearances include “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Conan,” as well as opening spots for Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan. The New York Times says of Hamilton “[he’s] one of the most reliably funny regulars at the Comedy Cellar, an observational comic who often riffs on the absurdity of his own wholesomeness.”

The James Hunter Six Friday, February 18 This Soul-Blues band from Essex, England has been touring and recording together for more than a decade. Their immediate, gritty sound provides the backing for their songwriter/guitar slinger namesake, whose weathered yet buttery smooth voice has made the group a critical favorite and a touring sensation. Given their intensity and virtuosity, no less than Allen Toussaint, Sharon Jones and Van Morrison have been counted as fans and shared stages with them. Over the span of 30 years, James Hunter has worked on the railway, busked in the streets of London, provided backup vocals and guitar for Van Morrison, written scores of original songs and recorded some of the most honest Rhythm & Soul albums of the last two decades. He’s also opened shows for Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Willie Nelson and Tom Petty. By 2006, Hunter was recognized with nominations for a Grammy Award (Best Traditional Blues Album) and an American Music Award (Best New/Emerging Artist). He and his band then hit the road for a decade of extensive touring and recorded critically-acclaimed studio albums — The Hard Way, Minute by Minute, Hold On!, and Whatever it Takes. By 2016, MOJO magazine had crowned him “The United Kingdom’s Greatest Soul Singer.” The band’s newest sublime offering, Nick of Time is a shining example of how a master songsmith can continually draw fresh water from a 17

bottomless well. In addition to the up-tempo, swinging R&B that has put The James Hunter Six on the map, Nick of Time explores so much more. Hunter has been called “as funky and soulful as Jackie Wilson or as silky smooth as Sam Cooke” (American Songwriter). The band has been praised for producing “tough old-school R&B with a bracing modernday kick” (Mother Jones) and for making listeners feel “like 60s Soul never stopped” (Daily News).

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Marcia Ball Sunday, February 19 Marcia Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician of The Year, has won worldwide fame and countless fans for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse Rhythm and Blues party every time she takes the stage. Her rollicking Texas boogies, swampy New Orleans ballads and grooveladen Gulf Coast Blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite. The New York Times says, “Marcia Ball plays two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.” The Houston Chronicle says simply, “she’s as perfect as an artist can be.” With her new album, Shine Bright, Ball put together the most musically substantial, hopeful, and uplifting set of songs of her five-decade career. Born in Orange, Texas in 1949 to a family whose female members all played piano, Ball grew up in the small town of Vinton, Louisiana. She began taking piano lessons at age five, playing old Tin Pan Alley and popular music tunes from her grandmother’s collection. But it wasn’t until she was 13 that Ball discovered the power of Soul music. One day in New Orleans in 1962, she sat amazed as Irma Thomas delivered the most spirited and moving performance the young teenager had ever seen. A few years later she attended Louisiana State University, where she played some of her very first gigs with a Blues-based rock band called Gum. In 1970, Ball set out for San Francisco. Her car broke down in Austin, and while waiting for repairs she fell in love with the city and decided to stay. It wasn’t long before she was performing in local clubs with a progressive Country band called Freda And The Firedogs. Around this time, she delved into the music of the great New Orleans piano players, 18

especially Professor Longhair. In 1974, Ball launched her solo career, playing clubs around Austin, Houston and Louisiana. She signed with Capitol Records in 1978, debuting with the Country-Rock album Circuit Queen. Creating and honing her own sound, she released six critically acclaimed titles during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1990, Ball — collaborating with Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton — recorded the hugely successful Dreams Come True. At the end of 1997, Marcia finished work on a similar “three divas of the Blues” project, this time in the distinguished company of Tracy Nelson and her longtime inspiration, Irma Thomas. The CD, Sing It!, was released in 1998 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Marcia Ball has appeared many times on national television, including the PBS special In Performance At The White House along with B.B. King and Della Reese, Austin City Limits and HBO’s “Treme.” Marcia also appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman” with The New Orleans Social Club, where she helped to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina. Altogether she holds ten Blues Music Awards, ten Living Blues Awards, and five Grammy Award nominations. She has been inducted into both the Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. Her songs paint vibrant musical pictures richly detailed with recognizable characters, regional flavors, universal themes, and colorful scenes. As her hometown Austin Chronicle says, “What’s not to like about Marcia Ball?”

Colin Quinn: The Last Best Hope Tour Friday, February 25 Comedian, actor and author Colin Quinn has become one of the most beloved voices in comedy, with a focus often on the roller coaster ride that American politics and culture has historically been. His beloved commentary on news headlines dates back to his popular 1990s run hosting Weekend Update on NBC’s iconic “Saturday Night Live” and as host of Comedy Central’s classic fan favorite series “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.” Quinn is a stand-up comedian from Brooklyn (okay, Park Slope). He’s been on Broadway with “Colin Quinn: An Irish Wake” and “Colin Quinn: 19

Long Story Short” (which garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination and is also an HBO special) and off-Broadway with his show “Colin Quinn: Unconstitutional” (available on Netflix) and “Colin Quinn: The New York Story,” directed by Jerry Seinfeld (also available on Netflix). Recent credits include “Trainwreck,” “Girls,” and his web series “Cop Show,” streaming now on LStudio.com. Quinn’s HBO Max special Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show premiered on November 12, 2020. Part documentary and part stand-up showcase, Quinn headlines and directs the hour, which was shot at a repurposed drive-in theater in Brooklyn during the pandemic with a socially distanced audience and a lineup of NYC comedy community staples. A time capsule of stand-up during the first year of the pandemic, Colin Quinn & Friends documents what live entertainment was like at that moment and how those conditions affected the art form. In addition to his special, Quinn released his new book Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the Fifty States on St Martin’s Press in September 2020. The book was included in NPR’s Favorite Books of 2020. Publishers Weekly writes “Quinn’s sardonic portrait of America in decline will resonate with readers suspicious of ideological stalwarts on both the right and the left.” And Booklist raved “For all 50 states Quinn pulls off the remarkable feat of being both very informative and thoroughly entertaining. This delightful read is highly recommended.” Overstated comes on the heels of his most recent one-man show, “Red State Blue State,” which premiered in January 2019 to rave reviews at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City. The New Yorker lauded the hour as “among Quinn’s funniest so far” and the New York Times lovingly described Quinn as a “barstool philosopher.” The show aired on CNN as the network’s first comedy special in May 2019 and is currently streaming on Netflix.

The Brit Pack Saturday, February 26 The Brit Pack is the most authentic British Invasion experience this side of the Atlantic. They are a supergroup of sorts, with an extensive repertoire spanning all the greatest decades of British musical output. They take their audiences on a journey through a dynamic blend of British classics known and loved by all, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Queen, The Police, The Who, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Eric Clapton, The Kinks, The Cure, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, The Clash, Eurythmics, Modern English, George Michael, Adele, Coldplay, Thin Lizzy and The Proclaimers. Formed in 2011 by British session musicians based in New York City, the group features the amazing talents of Matt Nakoa (vocals, guitar, keys), Mark Johnson (guitar, vocals), Bryan Percivall (bass) and Will Haywood Smith (drums). The accomplished band members have performed with artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Britney Spears, Chet Faker, Tom Rush and Mark Hudson, among many others. They have performed for company events at Google and YouTube and even arranged music for major television events like the Oscars. The Brit Pack delivers a show full of music from major names across the pond that’s at the same time familiar enough to make audiences feel right at home and high-energy enough to get the crowd on their feet. The Dublin Arts Council says, “the Brit Pack was FANTASTIC…they received more than one standing ovation, and [we] are still getting calls about how amazing they were. They were beyond expectations and were such nice people/easy to work with on top of everything. Such great vocals and musicianship, a great set list and audience engagement. Highly recommended, all the way around!”

2022 Jazz & Blues in the Loft The 2022 Jazz & Blues in the Loft series are dedicated to Lee Boswell-May, longtime curator of Jazz in the Loft. Lee will always be affectionately remembered for helping to “keep the music alive” in South Orange. Jazz in the Loft is curated and hosted by John Lee. Blues in the Loft is curated and hosted by Mike Griot.

Blues in the Loft

King Solomon Hicks Sunday, February 27 This 26-year-old musical phenom is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and composer. He started playing guitar at just six years old. Solomon won the 2021 Blues Music Awards for Best Emerging Artist for his 2020 CD release, Harlem on Provogue Records. He was WXPN’s “Artist To Watch” for August 2020. His original song “421 South Main” made the Top 20 Blues songs of 2020 on Spotify and the song “What the Devil Loves” gets daily spins on Sirius Bluesville Radio.

Alex Tea Sunday, April 24 Alex Tea is a Roots/Reggae songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. In addition to various original musical projects, Alex Tea has done backup vocal arrangement and recording with producers Pat Van Dyke, Victor Rice, Curumin, Klaus Sena, Jim the Boss, and Esteban Descalzo, and appeared on recordings by Saulo Duarte e a Unidade, Elliot Martin, Paula Cavalciuk, and Kika (Brazil), in addition to many others. Of his latest single Away, NJ.com says, “put this on your next mixtape with Beach House, Lana Del Rey and Low and you’ll lower your blood pressure by 30 points.” 22

jazz in the Loft

Ty Stephens Sunday, January 30 This “musichameleon” is an award-winning singer-songwriter, entertainer and recording artist. Stephens and his SoulJaazz bandmates show off their cooler side with Standard Tyme, focusing on songs that resonate in the form of retooled, re-grooved Standard favorites along with some originals. The SoulJaazz is currently made up of vocalist Ty Stephens, pianist Richard Cummings, Jr, guitarist Robert “R.T.” Taylor, drummer Tony Lewis and bassist Leo Traversa.

Mark Gross Quartet Sunday, February 6 Mark Gross credits his prolific sound to the rich appreciation for Gospel music that resounded through his parent’s home in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently Mark is the Director of Jazz Instruction at the NJPAC, a professor at Prins Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, Holland, and a part-time lecturer at the Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Freddie Hendrix Quartet Sunday, March 6 Freddie Hendrix has become one of the most in demand trumpeters in Jazz, and beyond. This accomplished composer, arranger and educator has worked with everyone from the Count Basie Orchestra to Alicia Keys. He also shares his knowledge and passion for the music having served as a faculty member at the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford, The New School and Jazz House Kids.

Roseanna Vitro Sunday, April 10 This Grammy-nominated artist is a world-renowned vocalist specializing in Jazz. In 2021, Roseanna announced her latest musical adventure, “Sing a Song of Bird,” featuring the music of alto saxophone icon, Charlie Parker. It is her 15th release, and it showcases her passion for expanding the Jazz repertoire with newly crafted lyrics, appealing to all audiences, rising to #20 in the USA and around the world on Jazz radio. 23

SOPAC Donors

March 2020 – December 2021

$50,000 and up

$5,000 to $9,999

New Jersey State Council on the Arts The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation Anthony & Jennifer Leitner

Anonymous Friends of SOPAC Dan Arrighi & Sam Joseph BCB Bank Seymour Beneroff Barbara G. Bornstein Carol & Larry Brodey Sara & Walter Clarke Samuel M. Convissor Coverys Joseph Crobak & Julie Phelan Paul & Catherine Desjardins Carol & Gerry Gardner Matt & Jennifer Glass Michael & Annette Grimaldi Randall Haase & Judy Rosenberg Andrew Hart Investors Foundation JACLO Dean & Emily Kameros PSEG Foundation Roseanna & John Zoubek

$20,000 to $49,999 Anonymous Friends of SOPAC E.J. Grassmann Trust Edrington Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation Frederick & Maureen Gammon The Hyde and Watson Foundation New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund New Jersey Economic Development Authority Orange Orphan Society Peter Shapiro & Bryna Linett Union Foundation

$10,000 to $19,999

$1,000 to $4,999

Anonymous Friends of SOPAC American Express Fannie and Morris Sklaw Foundation First Baptist Church of South Orange George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation M&T Bank New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism Terry & NaDeen Richardson Glen & Margaret Skar Spartan Capital Leo & Barbara Sender Carl & Marion Wolf

Anonymous Friends of SOPAC Laura Aden Air Group LLC Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group Carole Anzalone-Newman & Douglas Newman David & Joani Ascher Edward E. Ayuso II Roberta Baldwin Claudine Baptiste Paul Bartick Edward Becker Sue Becker & Faith Baum Patricia Bell John & Holly Benge David Beyth Virginia L. Billia The Breene-Peretsman Family Fund Steven & Milvia Burns The Chalom Family

Keesha Chavis Michael Choy & Shannon Moffett Donna Coallier Mindy Cohen & David Bershad Treasure & Rich Cohen Daniel Cohen Harold & Nomi Colton-Max John F. Culbertson Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Diane DePaolis & Michael Goldstein Elizabeth & Jeremy Dobrish The Dorfman/Gallick Family Matt & Bari Epstein Arden & Alan Epstein Rob Fallar & Salvatore Carosone Sanford & Zella Felzenberg Ford Foundation Myra Friedland Steven Friedlander & Sandra Kaplan Nancy Gallt & Craig Virden Robert & Mattye Gandel Garden Savings Federal Credit Union Kerry Giftos & Diana Hart Paul Goldman Eli & Risa Goldstein Mr. & Mrs. Charles Grantham Katherine & David Greenzang Donna & Michael Grohman Julie & Kevin Groob Suzanne & Joe Guariglia Jack Haberman Karen Hartshorn Hilton & James J. Hilton Kimberly & Milwood Hobbs Howard Gilman Foundation Investors Bank The Iris Family Howard & Margaret Jacobs Lowell & Lynn Jacobs Rod & Jana Jensen Genesia & Steven Kamen Michael & Marlene Karu Edward Kirtman & Risa Schifter

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$100 to $999 Anonymous Friends of SOPAC Elizabeth & Michael Aaron Hawley Abelow & Phillip Schmiedl Katherine Abrams & Jeremy Garber Jill & Brad Abramson Prof. Niso Abuaf Lauren Ackland & George Hayman Steve Adamczyk & Rita DiMatteo Adams Direct & Media Services Paul Adams Adamson Ramsey Homes William Adelson Jonathan Adler Debbie & Bob Adler Josh & Jessica Adler Thomas & Georgianna Aiken Dr. Ivan Ainyette Reginald L. Alexander Alger Candlelight Giving Program Jonathan Alper MaryAnn Alvine Edward Amster Linda & Roger Anderson Sheila Appel Norma F. Aronson Laurence Aronson Elliot & Claire Asarnow Allen & Charlotte Attenborough Jim & Laura Atwell Audio, Inc. Reba Auslander-Stevens Elizabeth Baatz Eileen Baer Cary & Fredi Baer Shana Baer Lisa Bahler & Fred Douglis Bruce Balbach Marsha & Bruce Baldinger Jay Banks & Harriet Sigerman Paul Baretsky & Joseph Gualtieri Joel & Cheryl Barkin Jessa Barnes Peggy & Alan Barnett Lester Barnett

Russell Barnhardt & Gary Odolecki Keith Barrand Kirk Barrett & Peg McBrien Joe & Bambi Barry Dr. Barry Levinson & Ms. Donna Ritter Irene & Joe Barutis Mutlu Bascillar & Steven Feldman Todd & Andrea Bates Alix and Kenna Baudin Jesse & Leslie Bayer Gordon & Kathy Bear Jack & Kathy Beard David Belian & Sonja Bradfield Dave & Diare Beni Fred & Sheree Bennett Taryn & Gavin Berelowitz Berkeley Tennis Club Mark & Susan Berkley Alice & Joseph Bernabe Judy Bernstein Gary Berson & Ronald Valdes Bob Bertrand & Esther Cohen Hamlet Bey & Deborah Yvonne Evans Jonthan Bien & Mari Yamasaki David A. Black & David M. Williams Andy & Debbi Black Leslie & Les Blatt Timothy Blixt Margo Bloom & Mark Seal Lisa & Richard Blumenfeld Ed Bobertz Scott Bonnet Thomas & Maureen Borkowski Amy Bortz & Paul Teitelbaum Gloria Boseman Kyle & Stacey Bossard Theresa Boulineau Andrew & Claire Boyarsky Linda Bradbury & Martin Wallad Geoffrey & Alexandra Braine Marlene & Barry Brandt Jennifer Brewer Sharon Brill Heather & Gregg Brochin Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Broussard Matthew Brown

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Marissa & Stephen Ryan Melanie & David Ryan Andrew and Jeanne Sachs Gary Sachs Brian Saluzzo Richard Salvas Barbara Salz & Travis Gering Charles Samons Daryl Savage & Christopher Fitzsimmons William & Rebecca Sawyer Sarah Scalet & Edward Hunter Deborah Legow Schatz Norma Schechner Stephanie & Alan Scher Mary Beth Scherer Jeffrey Schieli Leslie Schiffer Shayna Schmidt David Schnitzler & Chloe Cogen Elliot & Leona Schonberg Amy Schottland Bill & Teri Schrul Marilyn Schultz Mary Schwab David Schwartz Rachel Schwarz Marvin & Phoebe Schwinder Michael & Phyllis Scipio Philip & Lindsay Scott Marlene Scott George & Anne Scott Paula Scarpellini-Hocter Andrew & Elisabeth Scully Household Peter Seckel Joyce Segal Marianne & Stuart Sender Matt & Ann Servitto Timothy Sevener Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Soraya Shalforoosh & Yanni Yahiaoui Gary Shippy & April Glad Dotti, Amy & Steve Shtafman Nancy H. Sieffert Shana & Mark Siegel John & Beth Sikora M. Steven & Julie Silbermann Dan & Leslie Silver Doug & Carol Simon

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$50 to $99 Anonymous Friends of SOPAC Hanoi Acevedo Marc & Adelaide Ackerson Marlon I. Adams Steve Adelfio ADP Connie Alexis-Laona Mike Allen Sylvia Amato Amazon Smile Ellen & Joseph Amon Doug Angoff & Robin Greenberg Jamie Anthony Virginia J. Archibald Nathan Arnell & Heidi Hellring Alan & Lynne Ash Barbara Babbitt Vincent L. Bacchetta Mitchell Angelo Baculy Christine Bailey Christine Baker & Matthew Johnson Vicky Banach Moshe & Stephanie Baram John F. Barbetta Jeanne Barrett Jason Bates Donna Belfield Richard & Meredith Bell Barry Berg & Susan Cohen Janelle Berger Charles Bernard Debbi Bernstein Francis Bevan Howard Bialos Frances D. Bianco Blackbaud Giving Fund Ken Bledsoe Helen Blitz Andrew Bodner Larry Boni & Sharon Spaight Anthony Botti Faith & Ted Brancato Nina Bravman Dr. Bruce Brener

Cheryl Brenner Virginia Brown Richard Bruning & Karen Berger Mariella Bubnick Ron & Lois Buesser Josie Buffington Thomas Burden Jeffrey M. Burdett Anthony Buysse Bishop C A Vijya Campagne Michael & Danielle Campion Charles M. Carella Timothy Carey Matthew & Stephanie Carmel Katherine Carr Shawn Grain Carter Robert & Anne Cascone Mindy & Andy Catron James Cavanagh Lillie M. Chadwick Doris Chamberlain Beth Chernick Jeff & Liz Christian Gail Chmura Chubb Charitable Foundation Susan G. Cohen Judith A. Cohen Robert Cole Patrice Coleman Reed Connell Susan & Adrian Connolly Sanford & Carol Cooper Yvette Cormier Aleeda & Ron Crawley Mari D’Alessandro & Jim Lengeling Donna D’Amato Eva Deffenbaugh Shubhangi & Pallavi Degwekar Jonathan Delano Dena DeMarco Meredith Deupree Timothy & Robin Devaney Nancy Distel Linda Doering Joseph & Marnie Doubek John Downey Bill Drummond Bob Dudek Lisa Duffy William Dunnell

Regina & Alexander Dvorin Amy Eades William Eaves & Amma Osei Susan Eisenhauer Robin & Richard Ellis Richard Elwert Emerson Community School, Elaine Taitt, Daniele Washington, Ariana States, Cynthia Fuestes, Jan Stansbury Catherine & Mitchell Engelmeyer Amy Engel Judith Epps Robert & Judith Epstein Leonard & Ellen Epstein Kara Erhamza Fred Ertl & Elizabeth Kreutz Michael & Lisa Eskenazi Marylou & Irwin Facher Kevin & Mara-Lynn Fahey Theresa Fallon Damon Falzone Nancy Farrell Bob Finkle Diane Fish Jay Fleischauer Michael & Yolande Fleming Marie Folger Michael & Karen Fonte Richard Franco & Meg Persichetti Pamela & Robert Friedman Bruce Frigeri Neil Gabriel Debbie & Jonathan Gaelen Marcel Galang Carol Gallo Adam Gartenberg Sarah Garvey-Potvin Stacy & Eric Gerstein Lorraine Gibbons & Dana Longstreet Beth Gleason Gerald & Robin Gline Mathew Goin Ronnie & Larry Goland Alice Goldfarb Alan Jay Goldfarb Nancy Goldman Lee Goldman

Marc J. Goldman, DDS Charles & Lois Goldsmith Berit Goro Iris & Eric Green Jeffrey Greenberg Karin Greene Jill Greenspun Rob Gregson Linda Tensen Grimm Jay Grossman Michelle Gudema Nina Guercio Veda Gundanna Monica & Steven Hafif Amy & Eric Hains Laura & Andrew Halls Dana Hamilton Jill & Rick Hanifan Dr. Muhammad Hatim Kelly & Keily Hayes Hugh & Leslie Heller Cynthia Herbert Hervey & Jeanine Heriveaux John Herrick Steven Hespelt & Jacqueline Sterner Thomas N Heymann Emily Hoff Nan Honig Jessica Hooberman & Aaron Eads David & Stuart Hunter Kathleen Hunter Robert Iuliucci Jill S. Jackson Carole Jacobs Dr. Michael Jaffe Sunita Jaffrey Garry & Leslie Jenkins Joshua Johns Valerie Johnson Mavis L. Johnson Demetra Jones Greg Jones Rev. Joel Jordan Kim Joseph Deborah Kachel Kenneth Kaplan Craig & Tracey Keaveney Deborah Keller Lawrence & Nora Kenny John Kidd

The Kimple Family Ilisia & Steven Kissner Caral & Robert Klein Randy Kleinwaks Jasmine Bloch Krempels Frank & Maria Krupit Glenn & Robin Kubrak Ken Lain John Lapenta The Larkin Family Debra Lasowitz Barbara Laub & Dennis Percher Michael Lehrer & Holly Evans Elizabeth Leicht Richard Leister Rose Lerner Eve Levy & Michael Salvato Olivia Lewis-Chang & Michael Chang Shirley Lewis-Mosley Peter Lieber James Lisowski Lafayette Little-Avant Greg and Domenica Lord Michael & Lark Losardo The Loughran Family William J. Ludwig Chris & Jon MacQuilken Tom Mainart Helen Makarushka-Kolodiy Kathryn A. Maloney Jeffrey E. Mandel William & Lisa Mark William R. Marks Donald Mayer Lynn McFarlane Molly McKaughan Michael & Maria McKernan Robert & Lorraine Meares David Meinhard & Ellen Breger Marc & Marges Merriweather Phyllis Messinger & John Straus Greg Michales Mark Middleton Alfred & Eve Milanese Richard & Merle Milder Paul W. Millar Mark Miller & Shelley Sherer Dr. Brian Mirman Bridget L. Morton

Doris Moses Elizabeth & Harry Mugford Peter Nardelli Anne B. Ndiaye Thomas & Eileen Neri Louis Nesbitt Phil Nostrand James O’Brien Patricia O’Brien Susan O’Donnell Jane O’Hara Jeffrey Oliver Carlo Orrico Brian & Karen O’Toole Rich Ottenstroer Lisa Goldberg Ozer James Paddock Madhu Pai JoAnn Paralusz Frank & Diane Passucci Shailesh Patel Ronald & Mary Pellecchia Harriet Perlmutter David Peterson Ann Pineles Thomas & Randi Pirozzi Gina & Niko Plaitakis Brett & Aimee Promisel Michael Pulcinella Robin & Bob Rabinowitz The Radecki Family Jolly Raiss Jeffrey Rappaport Helene Reich Nell Reid Michelle Reo-Regan Richard Rew Nancy & Thomas Rich Patricia Weston Rivera Mary L. Robinson Brenda Rogers Dr. Allan Rosenberg Johnathan & Pamela Rosenbluth Henry Rosin Ellen & Hugh Ross Linda & Sean Ross Maria S. Rost Rebecca & Bruce Rounsavill Cathy Rowe Deborah Rowett

Andrew Ruffo & Richard Marfuggi Douglas Ruiz Kenneth Runne Susan Ryan Stephen & Laura Sacks Amy Sadeghi Nan M. Samons Concetta Scalise Jacqueline Schear Michael Schleifer Richard Schlesinger Robert Schmidlein & Patricia Carey Gail Schneider Catherine Schneider-Lewis & Peter Lewis Marc & Melissa Schwarz Daniel Segal Margaret Seip Margaret Sellers Larry & Danna Seltzer Harriet Sepinwall Monika Shanahan Bonnie J. Sharkey Stephen B. Shaw Lorraine Sherman Household Victoria Shpilsky Dale & Victoria Shuster Kenneth & Valerie Siegel Becky Sierp Stanley & Ellen Simon Beth Sklar-Baker & Jed Baker Valerie Slamka Peri Smilow & Budd Mishkin Don Smith Paula & Daniel Smith Betsy Smith Don Jay Smith Shari Sollender Victoria Somers Alexandra & Marie Somers Ellen Spano Ana & Scott Spick Stan & Inessa Spiegelman Faith Stallings Sue Starrett Dr. Lois R. Steinberg Adam & Raquel Stepan Liz Stephens Alan Stephenson & Joel Fotinos

Jon Stewart Lorraine Labonne-Storch Christine Strassman Sallie Stutz Adam Swart Lydia J. Tabak Albert Tartini Steven R. Taub Jay Tepper Darcy Tierney Don & Rosanne Tobey James Todd Jack Tomy David Topchik Han Tran Alan Trembulak John Trosky Sean Trotman Willie P. Troy Anthony Turi Sally Unsworth Anita J. Uotinen Kathleen & Nathan Valente Henry Van Handle Philip & Beth VanDusen Paula & Peter Vitale Louis Vogel Timothy & Fran Wagner Vibert A. Wailoo Jim & Margaret Walker Evan Wallach Danielle Walsman Teri Wayne Charles Washington George & Pat Weekes Elizabeth Wiech Rick Weinstock Lauren M. Wiesenthal Anne Weisholtz Lisa Weissbard & Valerie Oliva Elizabeth Welch Melanie West Keith Whelan Gary Wien Ben & Susan Williams Dawn Williams & James VanOosting Lillian Williams Susan Siegeltuch Witkin Suzanne Wolsten Matt & Margaret Woods

Rebecca Wood Susan Y. Wood David Woods Marie Wormell Gary Wygera Luiza Xavier Philip Yachmetz Jane Yata Anne Zablow Arthur & Rachel Zack Beth & David Zahorsky Peter & Ann Zauber Jeanne & Michael Zavada

In Honor Of Dr. Gerard Amsellem Dee Billia Ferdie & Royce Blackburn Larry Brodey Tracy Cate The Celtic Tenors Samuel M. Convissor Paul & Cathy Desjardins Sandra Dickerson Exhibitology Carol & Gerry Gardner Diana Hart Don Hoefig Hurricane Ida Recovery Jeremy Iris-Williams “Carrying the Torch” Summer Jones Robert & Wendy Lazarus Dyana Goldman & Gregg Lederman LMD from LMD Daisy Moyd Mark Murphy Mirabelle Ryan Leo & Barbara Sender The SOPAC Staff The Strollers Community Theater Company of Maplewood Marion Weinstein Wiener-Skowronek Rita Yohalem SOPAC’s commitment to keeping the arts alive and creating a safe space!

In Memory Of Robin Amster Ron Aronowitz Don Aslan Pat Barry Lee Boswell-May Marianna Helen Busher Dick Catlin Jessica Cleaves Mr. Zebedee Collins Grayce Coviello Barbara A. Deleget Roehl Empestan Moussa Fofana Jacquie Frydman TaQuanna Mone Green Doal W. & Minnie Hanson Milly & Herb Iris The Angel Josh Hugh & Ila Kittle Ret. 1SG & Mrs. William A. Laws Sr. Mary Mahon Meg Marlowe Cawas Motiwalla Sigrid C. Novak John Prine Margaret Rowe Nan Samons Rosemary Scarborough Jerry Silverstein Zeraline Dorthea Smith Verner Russell Somers Gregory E. Swann Nancy M. Tieger Gordon Tomea Sidney Trager Delores Wedlan Marion Weinstein Wiener-Skowronek

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The Order Pandang PaperMill Playhouse Papillon 25 Restaurant & Martini Bar Pet Wants Ramy Brook The Real Real Reservoir Restaurant Rodan + Fields The Rose Hammer Sacks Orthodontics Sadie’s SAP Scussell Farm Seton Hall University Seven Point Wellness Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Sirius XM Alan Sobel Somerset Patriots Sonny’s Bagels South Orange Frame Shop South Orange Maplewood Adult School Marty Steinberg Studio 509 Stumpy’s Hatchet House Tac Ops Tactical Laser Tag Taub Family Selections T-Mobile Tory Burch Foundation Turtle Back Zoo The Village Cinemas at SOPAC Walia Ethiopian Restaurant Wes Mingus Music Winspire [words] Bookstore Write Your Way Free Yoni Kreger Salon Zoological Society of New Jersey, Inc.

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