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

“RITA’S DISHES”: This oil painting by Jeanne Chesterton is part of the 10th annual Points of View Art Show, on view August 23, 24, and 25 at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill in Stockton. An opening reception is on Friday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The first Points of View Art Show was in September 2014. Ten years later, Jeanne Chesterton and Ilene Rubin will host their 10th Points of View Art Show beginning with a reception on August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show continues Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. each day at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill, 33 Risler Street in Stockton.

Showcasing their art this year will be Chesterton and Rubin, along with artists Cheryl Bomba, Jill LeClair, Mike Mann, and Beth Schoenleber. All art is for sale.  more

Members of the Parent Teacher Organization at Johnson Park (JP) Elementary School recently collaborated with the Arts Council of Princeton and others on new artwork featuring the JP Pledge. Melissa Kuscin, left, and Lisa Peck of the Arts Council are shown painting the colorful mural in the cafeteria at the school.

Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) has been awarded a $288,890 grant by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA). This new level of annual support, which can be anticipated for three years, will enable GFS to maximize its role as a leading cultural institution in New Jersey. This funding will help support general operations, and bolster Grounds For Sculpture’s mission to be more accessible to a diverse array of New Jerseyans while presenting a strong calendar of programming, which includes arts, wellness, and horticultural experiences.

“We are honored to be among the cultural organizations that the State Council on the Arts has awarded this generous operational funding,” said Gary Schneider, executive director of Grounds For Sculpture. “The incredible support the state has contributed to the arts not only provides us vital resources to fulfill our mission, but also helps expand our offerings to engage with a broader, more diverse community.”  more

“MOMENT OF LIGHT”: The Crystal Springs Farm Award for a Work in the Style of the Pennsylvania Impressionists was given by Kathy and Ted Fernberger to Dot Bunn for her painting in the 2023 “Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.” This year’s show begins on September 21.

Honors and awards have been a component of the annual “Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill” for decades, recognizing some of the finest work by area artists, as well as honoring people important to the Phillips’ Mill Community Association and its patrons. This year’s show, the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill,” will be held at the historic Mill and online September 21 through October 27, and will feature a wide variety of awards. Art lovers interested in establishing new awards for this year’s show can do so now through August 25.

In addition to an Honored Artist and Signature Image artist, who are selected by the art show committee, a full roster of awards for works juried into the show are bestowed each year. Which works will receive these awards is determined by the art show’s panel of jurors and are funded by patrons of the show, individuals, businesses, and sometimes families who enjoy supporting the Mill, the show, and the artists in this unique way.  more

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Sons of David Crosby and Stephen Stills and others from the days of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young will perform at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on August 16.

State Theatre New Jersey presents “Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY)” on Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$59.

The concert features family members of the famed musicians, performing the CSNY repertoire. Featured are James Raymond (son of David Crosby), Chris Stills (son of Stephen Stills), Steve Postell (guitarist and musical director with David Crosby and The Immediate Family), Jeff Pevar (lead guitarist with David Crosby, Graham Nash, CSN, Phil Lesh), Steve DiStanislao (drums with David Crosby, David Gilmour), Michelle Wills (keyboardist with David Crosby), and Elijah Thomson (bass with Father John Misty).  more

François Suhr

Westrick Music Academy (WMA) has announced the appointment of Tyler Weakland and François Suhr as the new co-music directors of the Princeton Boychoir (PBC), effective immediately. This leadership model aims to enhance the educational experience and growth opportunities for all members of the Boychoir.

The transition follows the recent departure of Adam Good, who has served as the music director of PBC. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at WMA working with the talented singers in the Treble Choir and the Young Men’s Ensemble,” he said. “Their dedication and passion have been inspiring, and I will cherish the memories we made this year.”

Suhr and Weakland bring nearly 15 years of combined service to the organization. Suhr will conduct the newly structured Treble Choir, while Weakland will lead the Young Men’s Ensemble.  more

Lorna Courtney

McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical based on the 1990s cult-classic film. The show runs in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre from September 6-October 6.

This adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film’s screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.

The musical reunites Sarnak with director Trip Cullman (Broadway: Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) and choreographer Ellenore Scott (Broadway: Funny Girl) after their work on Sarnak’s The Lonely Few at McCarter earlier this year.  more

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“ON A COUNTRY ROAD”: This painting by Bill Jersey is part of “Surroundings,” his joint exhibition with Claudia Fouse Fountaine, on view August 8 through September 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Surroundings,” featuring works by Bill Jersey and Claudia Fouse Fountaine, August 8 through September 1. An opening reception is on Saturday, August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Their last exhibit together highlighted travels around the world and views of different countries; colorful as well as exotic. “Surroundings” brings the focus closer to home, to what we see around us every day. According to the artists, it turns out that can be as inspirational as anything else if we take the time to look carefully. more

“BANK BARN SHADOWS”: Paintings by Jacalyn Beam, whose work is shown here, are featured in “Timeless Art,” her joint exhibition with sculptor Ashby Saunders and painter Aurelia Nieves-Callwood, on view August 3 through September 8 at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts in New Hope, Pa. An opening reception is on Saturday, August 3 from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Timeless Art,” an exhibition of painting and sculpture by three accomplished artists, will be on view August 3 through September 8, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, at the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts in New Hope, Pa. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibition focuses on three artists, two of whom are over 80 years of age, who have continued to paint, sculpt, and create in their chosen medium.

Sculptor Ashby Saunders, from Upper Makefield, Pa., models clay and bronze into exuberant sculptures, often depicting movement. He has been fascinated by clay modeling since childhood. He began sculpting as an adult and studied for two years with sculptor George Anthonisen. Saunders continued to sculpt, while losing his peripheral vision, until he was 85. His work can be seen in public parks in Bucks County.  more