TRIO WITH A TWIST: Most people are unfamiliar with the baryton, a 17th- and-18th-century string instrument that is the focus of a performance by the Valencia Baryton Project on February 27 at Trinity Church. (Photo by Greg Kindred)

On Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m., music of the baryton will be showcased at a concert by the Valencia Baryton Project at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. The concert is part of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s new chamber music series.

The baryton is an ancient and little-known 17th- and 18th-century string instrument, a cross between the viol da gamba and lirone, with 10 resonating and plucked srings down its back. The baryton gives the traditional string trio an entirely new dimension. The Project’s trio consists of Matthew Baker on baryton with violist Brett Walfish and cellist Ismar Gomes.  more

“Seeing the Big Picture: An Experimental Film Series organized by Princeton University Professor Christopher Harris features 16mm analog films by internationally celebrated experimental filmmakers working at the forefront of artists’ films in a variety of idiosyncratic forms, using handmade methods and unconventional materials.

This series of nine screenings running through April 14 at the James Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau Street, includes Learning to Be Human, a special program showcasing rare 16mm educational films from the late ’60s and early ’70s on loan from the Harvard Film Archive. Each screening is followed by an in-person conversation with the visiting artist.

Screenings are February 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 17, and 31; and April 7 and 14 at 8 p.m. Admission is free. more

YOUNG SOLOISTS: Westminster Conservatory piano students Divya Streekumar, left, and Amanda Wu are featured in a program by the Westminster Community Orchestra of February 23.

Ruth Ochs leads the the Westminster Community Orchestra in a program on Sunday, February 23 at 3 p.m. in a program titled “Winterlude,” in Hillman Hall, in the Cullen Center, on the Westminster campus, Walnut Lane.

The concert will feature Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major and Borodin’s Overture to Prince Igor, as well as the second-place winners of the Westminster Conservatory Piano Concerto competition. Amanda Wu will perform the first movement from Haydn’s Concerto in D Major; Divya Sreekumar will perform the second and third movements from Bach’s Concerto in F Minor. more

EDUCATED COMEDY: Eddie B. brings the Teachers Only Comedy Tour 25 to State Theatre New Jersey on March 1.

State Theatre New Jersey presents “Eddie B. — Teachers Only Comedy Tour 25” on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m.

In a matter of hours after Eddie B., the teacher comedian, created a series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say” educators all over the country realized that they were not alone, and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud.  more

THREE CHOREOGRAPHERS: Jerome Robbins “In the Night” is on a program that also includes works by George Balanchine and Peter Martins, to be presented by the New Jersey Ballet at two programs on February 22.

On Saturday, February 22, New Jersey Ballet will present “Masterworks in Motion” at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), with two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The program features George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Tarantella, Jerome Robbins’ In the Night and Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction.

“This program highlights the beauty, innovation and versatility of ballet,” said Artistic Director Maria Kowroski., a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. “From Balanchine’s neoclassical precision to Robbins’ emotional depth and Martins’ contemporary energy, these works showcase the full range of the art form. It is an honor for our dancers to share these masterpieces with audiences.” more

Fans of the full-length classic ballet are in luck. New York City Ballet’s production by Peter Martins is at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater February 19-March 2, and the Philadelphia Ballet’s version by Angel Corella is at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music March 6-16. Both productions take their cue from the original, choreographed in 1877 by Marius Petipa. Shown here is New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns, with dancers in the company. (Photo by Erin Baiano)

The Garden Theatre and YWCA Princeton are hosting another free screening to commemorate Black History Month on Sunday, February 16 at 11 a.m.

A new restoration of Alma’s Rainbow will be screened at the Garden, 160 Nassau Street. Dominique Jean-Louis, the Chief Historian of the Center for Brooklyn History at the Brooklyn Public Library, will lead a post-film discussion.

Alma’s Rainbow is one of the first feature films to be written, produced, and directed by an African American woman – Ayoka Chenzira. It is a coming-of-age picture about Rainbow Gold, a Brooklyn teenager who searches for meaning as she confronts her newfound feelings for boys, unrealistic beauty standards, and the fundamental question of women’s autonomy over their own bodies. The film is a significant contribution to ’90s independent Black cinema and remains relevant in contemporary discussions. more

STAND-UP GUY: Tracy Morgan brings his comedy act to State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on Saturday, February 22.

State Theatre New Jersey and The Stress Factory Comedy Club present Tracy Morgan on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$69.

In May 2024, Paramount+ announced that Morgan will star in the upcoming half-hour comedy series CRUTCH, set in the world of CBS’ hit comedy The Neighborhood. The series centers on Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, a Harlem widower whose empty nest plans are put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.

In August 2023, Morgan released his latest standup special for Max titled Tracy Morgan: Takin’ It Too Far. Known for starring on seven seasons of NBC’s 30 Rock, Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as Tracy Jordan, the unpredictable star of “Liz Lemon’s” hit variety show, TGS with Tracy Jordan. Morgan received an Emmy nomination in the Supporting Actor category for his work on the show and was nominated multiple years for the Supporting Actor NAACP Image Award.  more

“STILL LIFE”: This work by Howard Humbert is part of “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real,” on view at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., February 15 through July 27.

The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., celebrates the legacy of Bucks County art collector Lewis Tanner Moore in a new exhibition on collecting Black art, “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real.” Moore (1953-2024) championed the work of Black artists throughout his life, challenging arts institutions to prioritize diversity in their collecting and exhibition practices.

On view from February 15 through July 27, “Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real” includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, and works on paper by 35 artists from the collections of Moore and Michener Art Museum. more

“WINDOWS AND MIRRORS”: This oil painting by Richa Palle of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North was awarded first place in the painting category in the 12th annual Youth Art Exhibition at Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa.

Local artists of the future were honored at the 12th annual Youth Art Exhibition awards ceremony at Phillips’ Mill on January 25. One hundred and forty-nine works of art representing 147 student artists from 24 Pennsylvania and New Jersey high schools were reviewed by esteemed artist Freda Williams, who selected first, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions from five categories of work — painting, works on paper, photography, 3-dimensional work, and digital art. A Best in Show was also announced and a People’s Choice award — voted on by visitors to the gallery — will be announced at the close of the exhibition. The show runs through February 16.

Best In Show was awarded to Kathryn Sweeney of Council Rock High School North in Newtown, Pa., for her colored pencil drawing, Silent Sound. In her juror’s comments, Williams said she was “deeply impressed with the image’s overall presentation.” She marveled at the skill applied to making such a complex picture with colored pencil adding “The medium was extremely well and effectively handled. The detail speaks of the attention required to achieve the end result and the perspective was unusual.” more

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) announces that the fourth annual Princeton Porchfest will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 12 to 6 p.m. Applications for performers and porch hosts are due by February 13.

Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues. Local performers play 45-minute sets throughout town during this day-long celebration of music, art, and Princeton hospitality. Last year’s event attracted thousands of music lovers. more

“MEMBERS EXHIBITION”: This work by Jill Mudge is featured in the current exhibition on view at Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell through March 2.

Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography in Hopewell presents its “Members Exhibition” through March 2.

The exhibition features works by the member artists Rebecca DePorte, Hopewell; Jill Mudge, Pennington,; Nanci Hellmuth, Bensalem, Pa., Charles Miller, Ringoes; Philip “Dutch” Bagley, Elkins Park, Pa.; Martin Schwartz, Cranbury; Joel Blum, East Windsor; John Stritzinger, Elkins Park, Pa.; Barbara Warren, Yardley, Pa.; David Ackerman, Hopewell; and Bennett Povlow, Elkins Park , Pa.  more

Princeton University Library (PUL) opens a new exhibition in the Milberg Gallery at Firestone Library on February 19.

“The Most Formidable Weapon Against Errors: The Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection & the Age of Reason” celebrates the collecting achievements of Sid Lapidus, Class of 1959. Lapidus has dedicated many years to the acquisition of rare books that trace the emergence of Enlightenment ideas and their influence on politics, medicine, and society, creating a powerful tool for understanding the concepts that have shaped modern American society.

The exhibition is curated by Steven A. Knowlton, librarian for history and African American studies at Princeton University Library. According to Knowlton, “This exhibition showcases Sid’s careful curation of a collection that meaningfully addresses the questions of human liberty in the Age of Reason, and by extension, includes interesting works on medicine and science. Sid was also very considerate in how he donated his collection, placing books with libraries where they would best complement and extend collections to promote research. The exhibition also includes a number of items on loan from these institutions.” more

AERIAL PERFORMANCE: At McCarter Theatre, a world premiere by choreographer Rebecca Lazier and sculptor Janet Echelman is on, and above, the stage February 7 and 8.

Noli Timere, which is Latin for “be not afraid,” is a world premiere spectacle coming to McCarter’s Berlind Theatre for three performances February 7 and 8. The production is the result of a five-year collaboration between choreographer and Princeton University Professor Rebecca Lazier and sculptor Janet Echelman.

Presented in partnership with the University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this aerial performance fuses contemporary dance, avant-garde circus, and large-scale sculpture “to explore the fragile interconnectedness of our world,” according to a press release. Set to an original score by French Canadian composer Jorane, the piece features eight multidisciplinary performers soaring up to 25 feet in the air within the net sculpture. more

CHORAL CONDUCTOR: Donald Nally is now the head of choral studies for Westminster Choir College of Rider University. (Photo by Charles Grove)

Donald Nally ’87 has been named director of choral studies for Westminster Choir College of Rider University. The three-time Grammy Award winner joined the full-time faculty this fall as conductor of the Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir and head of the graduate conducting program.

In his new role, he will guide undergraduate and graduate students and help set the trajectory for the College’s choral ensembles. He will continue to work with graduate conducting students in the Master of Music program. Nally studied with Joseph Flummerfelt and earned his Master of Music degree from Westminster Choir College. more

In a concert sponsored by Princeton University Concerts (PUC), the Takács String Quartet and pianist Sir Stephen Hough will come to Richardson Auditorium to perform a program of music by Beethoven, Brahams, and Hough on Thursday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m.

This will be Hough’s long-awaited PUC debut and the Takács String Quartet’s 10th PUC concert. The program features Beethoven’s String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1; Brahms’ Quintet in F Minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 34; and Hough’s Les Six Rencontres, which he wrote specifically for the Takács Quartet. Part of the ensemble’s 50th anniversary season, the artists are bringing this program only to PUC and to The Royal Conservatory in Toronto. more

INTRIGUE AND MORE: J.B. Priestley’s “Dangerous Corner” is on stage at ActorsNET in Morrisville, Pa., through February 16. Pictured are actors Nicholas Pecht and Alyssa Capel.

ActorsNET presents J. B. Priestley’s thought-provoking drama Dangerous Corner, running through February 16 at the Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa. Described as “a masterful exploration of time, truth, and the consequences of our choices,” the drama, which is one of Priestley’s “time plays,” invites audiences on a journey of revelation and intrigue.

“This ‘time play’ focuses on the fact that all our actions and choices have a ripple effect on those around us, like tossing a stone into a pond,” said Director Cat Milone. “Sometimes, if the stone lands differently, even ever-so-slightly, the impact could ripple out in an entirely different way and change the course of our lives and those around us. I think that’s something we can all relate to. Everyone has a moment in their lives where they think, ‘if only this one small thing had been different, I might not be where I am today.’” more

Renée Fleming
(Photo by Andrew Eccles)

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced that soprano Renée Fleming will perform at the 2025 Princeton Festival on Saturday, June 7 in a concert led by music director Rossen Milanov.

Fleming’s appearance is part of the annual festival’s opening weekend. This year’s event, on the grounds of Morven Museum and Garden, runs June 6-21.

“Renée Fleming is an extraordinary artist, beloved by audiences around the world,” said PSO Executive Director Marc Uys. “It is a singular honor to present her at the Princeton Festival. Hearing her voice in the intimate setting of our Festival pavilion, surrounded by the beautiful gardens and summer evening sky, will be pure magic.” more

CALLING ALL SWIFTIES: Traci Marie stars in a live show that pays tribute to Taylor Swift’s recent tour, at State Theatre New Jersey on February 14.

State Theatre New Jersey presents “Are Your Ready For It? A Taylor Experience Starring Traci Marie,” paying tribute to Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour on Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$49.

The show features a live band tribute to the most successful tour in music history. Swift has been ranked by Billboard as one of the greatest artists of all time, alongside other legends like the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. Swift has proven herself as a music icon, being the first and only artist to win a Grammy for Album of the Year four years in a row. more

“I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD”: Works by Clifford Ward are coming to Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton May 18 through January 11, 2026. A “Prologue” exhibition is on view at Artworks Trenton now through April 12.

This spring, Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton will present “Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me a World,” an exhibition guest curated by Noah Smalls, in the Museum Building from May 18 through January 11, 2026. Spanning over a decade of creative work, much of which was created at Clifford Ward’s studio on the GFS campus, this exhibition presents a rich tapestry of themes and concepts in his expansive practice. Ward is inspired by a diverse array of cultural influences, including contributions from the African diaspora, Australian Aboriginal people, and Native American and Maori cultures.

His work often explores geometry, Cubism, mythology, and anthropomorphism. Together, these myriad influences, themes and concepts transcend temporal and geographical confines, resonating with the collective human experience. more

“THE FLOWER SHOW”: This work by local artist Catherine J. Martzloff is featured in “Held Together,” her solo exhibition on view at the Nassau Club through June 5. An opening reception is on Sunday, February 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.

“Held Together” featuring works by local artist Catherine J. Martzloff, is on view at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, through June 5. The exhibition explores themes of resilience, renewal, and the beauty found in piecing life’s fragments back together.

“Held Together” features still lifes and reassembled compositions, blending vibrant hues with familiar objects — pitchers, bowls, and vessels — transformed through layered brushstrokes and unexpected color pairings. These paintings honor the quiet strength required to mend life’s pieces and celebrate the potential for fresh beginnings. more

Isles, Inc., a community development and environmental organization, has announced a request for proposals (RFP) for artists to design and complete an innovative mural project in Trenton’s Old Trenton Neighborhood. The project aims to transform a vacant lot at Perry and Montgomery streets into an engaging community space through public art.

The selected artist or team will create a mural on a 20-foot wide by 8-foot-high freestanding structure. The project, budgeted between $2,500-$3,000, emphasizes community engagement and seeks to uplift the neighborhood through creative expression.

“This mural project represents our ongoing commitment to revitalizing Trenton’s neighborhoods through arts and community engagement,” said Tyquan Benton, project manager at Isles. “We’re looking for artists who can not only create compelling visual art but also engage with community members in the creative process.” more

Dan Aubrey

The life and loves of noted ninth century beauty Annette Savage will be the topic of a talk on Saturday, February 9, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Titled “Le Jeu de l’Amour,” the program, led by journalist and writer Dan Aubrey, will explore how Napoleon’s brother and former King of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte, and his American mistress, Annette Savage, found passion and pain in the Trenton and Bordentown region of New Jersey.

Savage was 18 when she met Bonaparte. He had fled Europe following Napoleon’s defeat and arrived in her native Philadelphia. The year was 1818. Savage accompanied Bonaparte when he moved to the Trenton/Bordentown region to build his Point Breeze mansion and estate.

The couple became the parents of two daughters. The eldest, Pauline, was killed in an accident in 1823 and is buried at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in downtown Trenton. She was later recognized as a member of French royalty. Although Bonaparte ended the romantic liaison with Savage, he continued to support and communicate with her until his death in 1844. Savage died in 1865.  more