West Windsor Arts has announced a schedule of exhibitions for the upcoming year, including its popular Off the Wall Juried Art Show, which is on display each year during their Holiday Market of unique items. These sister shows feature works of original art and handmade items for sale by local artists and artisans, just in time for the holiday season.

“Last year, a sizable number of artists sold their work during the Holiday Market and Art Show. We encourage artists who are looking not only to sell their work in a consignment-style format, but also to be part of a thriving network of artists and art enthusiasts to keep an eye on our upcoming event. We also host community-driven performances throughout the year, and sponsor an artist in residence once a year,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts.

“West Windsor Arts is committed to offering a variety of opportunities for artists of all types to display their works, and their talents, throughout the year,” added Green. “We have built an active community of local artists who have been able to elevate their careers while also enhancing the quality of our programming.” more

MUSIC AND PROJECTION: The first event in the annual Princeton University Concerts series will feature Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, performing against a background by visual artist Kevork Mourad, in “Home Within,” focusing in Syria’s history. (Photo by Piotr Poloczanski)

The Princeton University Concerts (PUC) 2024-25 Season will open on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium with the first event of the “Healing with Music” series. Making their PUC debuts, Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and visual artist Kevork Mourad will present Home Within, their production featuring original music by the clarinetist and live projected illustration depicting specific moments in Syria’s recent history.

They will also be joined by moderator Deborah Amos, international correspondent for National Public Radio and a Princeton University professor in Journalism, to discuss their work and war’s impact on our sense of “home.” Created in 2012 with the intention of raising awareness for Syrian refugees, Home Within has been performed across the world for over a decade as the conflict persists. Tickets are $25 general/$10 student. more

ONE NIGHT ONLY: “The Life and Music of George Michael” comes to State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on September 22.

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Life and Music of George Michael on Sunday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$89.

The new concert-style show chronicles the journey George Michael had with music and his fans while capturing the performance and sound of the musical sensation with concert style staging and lighting.

“Get ready to relive the magic of George Michael’s music in a way you’ve never experienced before,” said producer Ralph Schmidtke. “The Life and Music of George Michael will take fans on a captivating ride through the incredible legacy of this musical icon while listening to all the songs they have come to love over the years.” more

BACK AT RICHARDSON: Violinist Aubree Oliverson is the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra on the inaugural weekend of its 2024-25 season at Richardson Auditorium. Rossen Milanov conducts. (Photo by Nick Bayless)

On September 14-15, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) opens its 2024-25 season celebrating Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov’s 60th birthday. Violinist Aubree Oliverson makes her debut with the PSO as soloist in performances of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Also on the program are Gemma Peacocke’s Manta, performed with members of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98.

Milanov conducts the concerts on Saturday, September 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 15 at 4 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. He also hosts a 3 p.m. pre-concert talk, free to ticket holders, before the Sunday performance. more

EN FRANCAIS: Nasi Voutsas, left, and Bertrand Lesca in “L’Addition” by Tim Etchells, part of the “Seuls en Scene” French Theater Festival at Princeton University September 12 to 22. (Photo by Christophe Raynaud de Lage)

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, Department of French and Italian, and L’Avant-Scène will present the 13th edition of Seuls en Scène French Theater Festival from September 12 to 22 at venues across the University’s campus. Most performances and talks will be in French, some with English supertitles. All events are free and open to the public, however tickets are required for performances.

Seuls en Scène ushers in the 24th season of L’Avant-Scène, a French theater troupe of Princeton students. It also celebrates professional theatrical achievements from the past year: many of the invited artists to Seuls en Scène are prominent contributors to contemporary theater in France. The festival is organized by Florent Masse, professor of the practice in the Department of French and Italian and artistic director of L’Avant-Scène, and presented in collaboration with the 53rd Edition of Festival d’Automne in Paris and new partner Festival d’Avignon. more

“ANGEL OF THE GRASSLAND”: This photograph by Rebecca DePorte of Princeton was named Best in Show, non-professional, in the 2024 Mercer County Senior Art Show, on view through September 9 at The Conference Center at Mercer on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. 

A professional juror has selected the winners from 136 entries in this year’s Mercer County Senior Art Show, which is being held through September 9 at The Conference Center at Mercer on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. The exhibition can also be viewed at mercercounty.org.

Each year, the Mercer County Office on Aging and the Division of Culture and Heritage partner to produce the Mercer County Senior Art Show. All first-place winners from the County show will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, which will be held in October. more

“NOVEMBER LIGHT”: This oil painting by William Christine is part of “William Christine/YARD WORK,” on view September 5-29 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on September 7 from 5-8 p.m.

“William Christine/YARD WORK,” a solo exhibition featuring oil paintings and watercolors by Bethlehem, Pa.-based painter and teacher William Christine, will be on view September 5-29 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 7 from 5-8 p.m.

Christine received his MFA degree from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He has taught at Messiah College, De Sales University, and Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and Parsons School of Design in New York. In 2003 he was honored with a solo exhibition of his Grand Canyon paintings at the Allentown Art Museum. This is his first exhibit at SFA Gallery.

SFA Gallery is located at 10 Bridge Street in Frenchtown. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. and by appointment.

For more information, visit sfagallery.com or call (908) 268-1700.

“BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK”: This acrylic on canvas work by Linda Gilbert is featured in “Visions,” her solo exhibition on view September 6 through September 27 at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury.

The Cranbury Arts Council will present the paintings of Linda Gilbert in “Visions” September 6 through September 27 at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury.

Gilbert is the chairperson of the Gourgaud Gallery and has been a member of the Cranbury Arts Council since 2011. This is her fifth solo show, and the third solo show at the Gourgaud Gallery. more

“Pastel Perspectives: An Exploration of the Sourlands Mountain Region,” featuring paintings by Julia Doemland, will be on view at The Present Day Club, 72 Stockton Street. An opening reception is on Friday, September 6 from 5-7 p.m., and after that the exhibition will be open to the public every Friday from 12-5 p.m. through October 4.

New Jersey Arts Incubator (NJAI), a new arts nonprofit, is hosting its premier fundraiser, “Celebrate to Elevate,” on October 5 at 862 Route 518 in Montgomery Township. While the focus of the fundraiser is introducing NJAI and its mission to support the arts in the community, the event will also feature several prominent local artists, and present the launch of NJAI’s inaugural public art project, “Barn Quilts of Central Jersey.”

NJAI has a dual mission. First, to elevate working artists through the “incubation” of artist brand identity, business development, strategic relationships, and strengthening avenues of revenue so that working artists can thrive and continue to be vibrant contributors to their communities. Secondarily, the NJAI is committed to more directly elevating the arts in the community by hosting hands-on arts classes for a range of populations, from youth to adult amateurs, from high school portfolio preparation to programs for seniors.  more

COMING FROM SCOTLAND: The Tannahill Weavers mix traditional Celtic music with rock and roll, bringing the highland pipes into the mix. They will perform at Christ Congregation Church on Friday, September 20 at 8 p.m.

The Princeton Folk Music Society opens its 2024-25 season with the Scottish folk rock group The Tannahill Weavers, coming to Christ Congregation Church on Friday, September 20 at 8 p.m.

The band features a combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and three-part vocal harmonies. They are known for being the first Scottish folk group to incorporate an instrument long thought to be too loud to play with other traditional folk instruments: the highland pipes. more

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico comes to State Theatre New Jersey on Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m. Since the 1960s, the salsa orchestra has showcased the culture of Puerto Rico with more than 70 albums and numerous appearances. The six-piece band has earned a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award, among other honors. Tickets are $39-$229. The State Theatre is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit Stnj.org.

AMERICAN PIE AND MORE: Don McLean brings his “Starry Starry Night Tour” to New Brunswick on September 21.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Don McLean — Starry Starry Night Tour on Saturday, September 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $34-$89.

McLean is a Grammy Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). more

“ROSEDALE LAKE TREES”: This work by Susan Hockaday was featured in the Mercer County Photography 2022 exhibition. The entry day for this year’s exhibition is on Saturday, October 5 at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. The 2024 exhibition will be on view October 12 through December 1.

Photographers who live, work, or study in Mercer County are invited to enter up to two photographs for consideration in the juried Mercer County Photography 2024 exhibition. The juror for 2024 is Gary D. Saretzky. Entry day is in person on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, located in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. The exhibition prospectus, which includes entry forms, is available to download from www.ellarslie.org/mercer-county-photography-2024. The entry fee is $10 per item, payable by cash or check.

Mercer County Photography 2024 opens with a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, October 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. On view through November 24, the exhibition is a collaboration with the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage, through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.  more

FROM MANSION TO MUSEUM: Morven Museum & Garden’s panel discussion on the journey from a mansion to a museum will take place on September 12. Key figures in the three-phase restoration project were, from left, Project Director Emily Croll; Policy Advisor Carol Cronheim; Director of the New Jersey State Museum Leah Sloshberg; and President of the Board of Trustees Georgie Schley. (Photo courtesy of Morven Archive).

Morven Museum & Garden will host a panel discussion on the journey from a governor’s mansion to opening as a museum in 2004. The in-person and online event will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the museum, 55 Stockton Street.

The panel will feature speakers representing both private and public spheres, who were essential to preserving Morven as an educational space. The panelists will share the ins and outs of navigating state politics, researching and restoring an over 200-year-old house, and the challenges of getting support to preserve one of New Jersey’s most historic sites. more

This work by Irene Rubin is part of the 10th annual Points of View Art Show, on view August 24 and 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill in Stockton. An opening reception is on Friday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

“CONTAINER”: This painting by Larry Mitnick is part of “Progressions,” his joint exhibition with Alan Klawans, on view September 5 through October 6 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Progressions,” an exhibition showcasing the abstract work of illustrator/artist Alan Klawans and architect/painter Larry Mitnick, from September 5 through October 6. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

By using inventive techniques and forms, these artists continue to push the definition of contemporary abstract art.  more

By Wendy Greenberg

Margery Cuyler

Addy McBean is a math whiz and a problem solver. She “loves anything and everything to do with numbers, from counting her dog’s tail wags to guessing how many books are scattered by her mom’s bed or how many stars are in the sky,” according to the book jacket of Addy McBean, Numbers Queen.

Addy is one of latest characters created by Princeton author Margery Cuyler, who was inspired to write about a female math whiz after visiting a second-grade classroom and seeing how creatively math is taught today.

Addy McBean, Numbers Queen, released on July 23, is the latest of Cuyler’s books, and the first in a planned chapter book series for ages 7 and 8, published by Aladdin Quix, an imprint in the children’s publishing division at Simon & Schuster, A chapter book, said Cuyler, fills the gap between a picture book and novels for children over the age of 8. more

ONE-RING SPECTACLE: Cirque de Paris performs in a tent at Princeton MarketFair starting August 22. Among the major attractions is Reinaldo Monteiro, who performs his “Rola-Bola” act balancing boards stacked on cylinders.

Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione makes its Princeton area debut under the Big Top at MarketFair, 3535 U.S.1, from August 22 through September 1. The cast includes aerialists, jugglers, tightwire dancers, a twirling hula hooper, and clowns. Beyond the ring, audience members of all ages can get involved at a pre-show and intermission with activities and treats.

“When presented with the opportunity to host Cirque de Paris at MarketFair, we were both intrigued and thrilled to be the first city in New Jersey to offer these spectacular shows,” said Anthony Palino, general manager of MarketFair. “We’re proud to present this one-of-a-kind experience to our community, marking a notable and exciting chapter for MarketFair.” more

Mercer County’s 2nd Annual Fiesta Latina, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, in Mercer County Park’s Festival Grounds. The event will feature live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and more.

“Mercer County is enriched by our diversity, and the Latino community forms an integral part of our county and our culture,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “I’m thrilled for the Fiesta Latina to return this year. Open to all, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy lively music, dance, food, and fun.”

Hours of the festival are 12-7 p.m. both days. On Saturday, Grammy Award nominee and musician Toño Rosario will take the stage along with the salsa group Puerto Rican Power. The day’s celebration will be hosted by comedian Joey Vega, supplemented by a blend of sounds from DJ Ralph Mercado. On Sunday, the music stylings of cumbia, merengue, mariachi, and more will be heard. Headlining will be three-time Grammy salsa and Latin jazz composer and performer Jeremy Bosch, accompanied by Jose Tabares’ All Star Band. more

BACK ON STAGE: Emily Cordies-Maso is among the dancers who will be performing as part of American Repertory’s upcoming season, which includes works by Lar Lubovitch, Antony Tudor, Stephan Martinez, Luis Napoles, and Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel. (Photo by Harald Schrader)

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) has announced its 2024-2025 season, a celebration of classic repertoire alongside new works.

A founding resident company of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), ARB presents three programs of dance at its home venue with “Wonderment” in October 2024, the world premiere of Spirit of the Highlands in March 2025, and “Pasión” in May 2025. The Nutcracker will return for the holiday season in November and December 2024 in Princeton, Red Bank, Trenton, and New Brunswick. more