Events This Week in New Jersey: September 3-10, 2024

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from September 3-10, 2024 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Music, Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Community, Event Listings.

Send press releases to [email protected] to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Click here for more information on our event pages. Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Thursday, September 5 – Premiere Stages to Present World Premiere of “Diversion” by Scott Organ. (UNION, NJ) — Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the New Jersey Premiere of Scott Organ’s Diversion September 5-22, 2024 in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Selected as the winner of the 2023 Premiere Play Festival, it involves a group of devoted and hard working nurses in an ICU unit see their world turned upside down when it is discovered that someone is diverting (stealing) medicine on the unit.

Friday, September 6 – 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival to Take Place September 6 through October 18. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — The 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between September 6 to October 18, 2024. Twenty-one films will have their New Jersey or Area Premieres at the festival, which will be a hybrid of in-person screenings at Rutgers University and titles available via video on demand. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. In addition to the screenings, electronic music artist Jim Haynes will be doing an audio-visual concert on Friday, October 18 at 7:00pm.

Casting Announced for the World Premiere of “Empire Records: The Musical” at McCarter Theatre. (PRINCETON, NJ) — McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical based on the beloved 1990s cult-classic film. This dynamic adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film’s screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is set to capture the hearts of audiences with dynamic and defiant characters, throwback nostalgia, and an electrifying soundtrack. Empire Records: The Musical is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner. It will run September 6 – October 6, 2024 in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre.

Friday, September 6 – Vivid Stage’s Improv Team, The Flip Side, to Open Their 30th Season. (SUMMIT, NJ) — This is the 30th Anniversary season for Vivid Stage, celebrating decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. During the season, the company will present thirty performances of different kinds, in locations all over the region. The first of these performances will be The Flip Side, the house improv team of Vivid Stage, which will perform at the Madison Community Arts Center on Friday, September 6, 2024. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Friday, September 6 – Romantic Comedy Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts opens the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival!. In Shaun Seneviratne’s Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts, Ben Santhanaraj journeys to Sri Lanka to rekindle his relationship with Suzanne Hopper, an American NGO worker, after a long separation. But when Suzanne’s boss demands she work during their vacation, their love is tested by a dilemma: desire versus duty. As Suzanne struggles with the responsibilities of her job, Ben tries everything to revive their intimacy, leading to candid conversations and chaotic twists as New Year’s Eve – and Ben’s departure – looms ahead.

Friday, September 6 – Nicole Atkins Returns to New Jersey Roots at Outpost in the Burbs. For some people, navigating the future can be a daunting task. But New Jersey native Nicole Atkins identified her path in the direction of music and performing early in her life.

Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Americana Women. (AVENEL, NJ) — Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Americana Women with performances on September 6-7, 2024 (both nights at 7:30pm.) Americana Women is a 4 piece folk band from New York City.  Featuring exceptional singer/multi-instrumentalists, they are distinguished by their tight harmonies, sizzling solos, and passion for bringing more female artists to the spotlight.

Friday, September 6 – New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2024 Video Overview. The New Jersey Film Festival returns to Rutgers University September 6th – October 18th for the Fall 2024 season! Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the Festival, provides a video overview of the films being showcased via EBTV.

Friday, September 6 – Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts Video Filmmaker Q+A for the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival!. Here is the New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2024 Video Filmmaker Q+A with Ben and Suzanne Director Shaun Seneviratne, Lead Actor Anastasia Olowin, Festival Judge Anran Li, and Festival Director Al Nigrin:

Saturday, September 7 – Touching documentary A Girl Can Touch the Sky screens at the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival on September 7!. A Girl Can Touch the Sky, by Ravinol Chambers, is an immersive documentary that takes the audience deep into the culture and sometimes obtrusive gender roles across India. Chambers who was once a monk in the city of Vrindavan, India helps to shine a lot on the situations that are most pressing to many girls in the villages of India. As he and a crew travel down the west coast of India, they hope to raise awareness about the difficulties girls in the area have in accessing education. The documentary provides a manifold of interviews that discuss the education topic for girls from different points of view. Chambers shows a plethora of conflicting opinions that help the viewer become entrenched in the complex culture of India. We see disappointed fathers, hopeful girls, and educators speak on the matter at hand.

Saturday, September 7 – The Vogel presents Veronica Swift. (RED BANK, NJ) — The Vogel presents Veronica Swift on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:30pm. Her new eponymously titled album, her third for Mack Avenue Records, is a masterful coming-out story. On her previous albums, Confessions (2019) and This Bitter Earth (2021), she ascended to the upper echelon of early 21st century jazz singers because of her virtuosic brilliance, interpretive ingenuity, bracing songwriting, and keen arrangements. Simply put, Swift is not only one of the most dazzling singers to emerge in her generation, she’s one of the most versatile.

Saturday, September 7 – The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Sugar Mountain. (TUCKERTON, NJ) — The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Sugar Mountain, celebrating the genius of Neil Young, on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:30pm. Sugar Mountain brings together an ensemble of veteran musicians from the New Jersey music scene who faithfully replicate the songs of one of our era’s most prolific and beloved singer/songwriters, Neil Young.

Sunday, September 8 – bergenPAC presents Mike Super – Magic & Illusion. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Mike Super – Magic & Illusion on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 4:00pm. Here’s your chance to see the America’s Got Talent finalist live on stage!

Sunday, September 8 – Informative feature documentary A.P. Giannini screens at the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival on Sunday, September 8!. A.P. Giannini is an insightful documentary that tells the incredible true story of Amadeo Peter Giannini, the son of Italian immigrants in San Francisco, the man who revolutionized the world of finance by lending money to low-income workers and migrants during the worst economic crises of all times. He embraced the idea of ethical finance, fighting against usury and speculation. Here is my interview with A.P. Giannini Co-Directors Valentina Signorelli and Cecilia Zoppelletto:

Sunday, September 8 – 3 Amazing short documentaries screen at the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival!. Legacy, and who gets to tell what stories, is a question that has long been asked by historians, anthropologists, and most importantly, artists. Three artists address this question head-on through their various films screening at the Fall 2024 New Jersey Film Festival: Rough Blazing Star (by Christopher Wiersema), Joey Skaggs: Stop BioPEEP (by Judy Drosd & Joey Skaggs), and WHAT IS HAPPENING? ART IN THE LIFE OF GERTIE FROELICH (by Marieli Frohlich).

MUSIC

Wednesday, September 4 – Howard Jones, ABC, and Haircut 100 to play at Wellmont Theater. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — New wave and alternative pop fans rejoice! Howard Jones and ABC will be hitting stages across North America this summer with special guest Haircut 100. The show will feature a dazzling array of beloved hit songs, sure to delight any 80s alternative music fan. The event is made even more special by the return of Haircut 100, who will be playing to North American audiences for the first time in 40+ years with their original band line-up. The tour comes to the Wellmont Theatre on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Thursday, September 5 – Blues at Berlin with Debra Devi, Danielia Cotton, and The Outcrops. (NEW YORK, NY) — Catch three exciting, critically acclaimed blues/rock artists at Berlin Under A in New York City on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 7:00pm-10:00pm. The lineup includes Debra Devi, Danielia Cotton, and The Outcrops.

Friday, September 6 – +LIVE+, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soul Asylum to Perform in Holmdel. (HOLMDEL, NJ) — +LIVE+ and Stone Temple Pilots are teaming up for the Jubilee Tour, a co-headline tour produced by Live Nation. The 19-city run includes a show at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on Friday, September 6, 2024. Soul Asylum will be joining them on the bill that night.

Friday, September 6 – Nicole Atkins announces East Coast Tour including shows in NJ and Philly. After opening several shows for Stevie Nicks and The Mavericks over the past year, Nicole Atkins has just announced a brief East Coast run of shows with her band for this fall. Tickets are on sale now. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run. Dates include September 6th at Outpost in the Burbs (Montclair, NJ), September 11th at 118 North (Philadelphia, PA), and September 12th at the Wonder Bar (Asbury Park, NJ).

Friday, September 6 – Rock Out with the Rave On! Duo Outdoors at the Bay Head Express Reading Center. (BAY HEAD, NJ) — Ready for a late summer blast from the past? The Ocean County Library’s Bay Head Express will host the Rave On! Duo in a unique outdoor setting at Bay Head Borough Hall on Friday, September 6, 2024. Showtime is 6:00pm.

Saturday, September 7 – The Weight Band to Perform at the Sherman Theater. (STROUDSBURG, PA) — The Weight Band, featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band is headed to the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday, September 7, 2024 Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Saturday, September 7 – Rosie’s Cafe Concerts presents Mike Montrey Band at Belmar Arts Center. (BELMAR, NJ) — On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Rosie’s Café Concerts will present the Mike Montrey Band in its first appearance at Rosie’s Café for the release of “Love, Time & Mortality”. Singer-songwriter Juliana Frangella will opens the night with a special acoustic performance.

Saturday, September 7 – Fiesta Latina Returns to Mercer County in September. (TRENTON, NJ) — Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, the Board of County Commissioners, the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H), and the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends Organization (TPRCFO), are excited to announce Mercer’s 2nd Annual Fiesta Latina. This celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will run for two days (September 7-8, 2024) and feature live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and more.

Saturday, September 7 – Jane’s Addiction, Love and Rockets to Play Shows in Atlantic City and NYC. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) — After kicking off their incredible 2024 tour on August 9th, rock and roll legends Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets performed to a sold-out crowd in Los Angeles on August 13th. The two bring their tour to the local area with shows in Atlantic City (Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena) on Saturday, September 7th and New York City (The Rooftop at Pier 17) on September 10th and 11th.

Monday, September 9 – Prudential Center presents Kacey Musgraves with Father John Misty and Nickel Creek. Seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves has announced her long-awaited return to the stage with her 2024 “Deeper Well World Tour” promoted by AEG Presents. The headline world tour kicks off this spring in Dublin with stops in Europe and the UK, followed by the North American leg commencing on September 4th in State College, PA. This is the most extensive live tour of Kacey’s career, playing major cities across the U.S. including a date at Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, September 9, 2024 with Father John Misty and Nickel Creek as supporting acts.

Tuesday, September 10 – Dashboard Confessional to Kick Off Fall Tour 2024 at Stone Pony. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) — Dashboard Confessional, announced their Fall Tour 2024 featuring special guests BOYS LIKE GIRLS and Taylor Acorn. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-city tour kicks off on Tuesday, September 10 at Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park making stops across the U.S. in New York, Los Angeles, Houston and more before wrapping up in Irving, TX at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on October 27.

Tuesday, September 10 – Stone Pony Summer Stage presents Dashboard Confessional. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) — Dashboard Confessional, announced their 2024 Fall tour featuring special guests BOYS LIKE GIRLS and Taylor Acorn. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-city tour kicks off on September 10 at Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ, making stops across the U.S. in New York, Los Angeles, Houston and more before wrapping up in Irving, TX, at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on October 27.

THEATRE

Jersey Arts Podcast: Surflight Sings in Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road. Even those who don’t know the name Hoagy Carmichael certainly know his songs. The composer behind “Heart and Soul,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “The Nearness of You,” and “Stardust” is celebrated through the musical “Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road.”

Music Mountain Theatre presents “The Scarlet Pimpernel”. (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — Music Mountain Theatre presents The Scarlet Pimpernel, the swashbuckling adventure based on the novel by Baroness Orczy, over a three-weekend run from August 23 to September 8, 2024. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a colorful window into 18th-century French and British history.

National Alliance for Musical Theatre Announces Grant Recipients for 2023-2024 Frank Young Fund Production & Development Projects + Impact & Exploration Initiatives. (NEW YORK, NY) — The National Alliance for Musical Theatre has announced the 12 Award Recipients for the 2023-2024 Frank Young Fund for New Musicals Project Development & Production Grants and the 7 Award Recipients for the 2024-2025 Impact & Exploration Fund.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”. (MADISON, NJ) — Long before Bridgerton sparked desires and ignited our screens, a young, new writer set the hearts of England ablaze with the deep longing of her compelling characters. Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility tells the captivating tale of the Dashwood sisters as they attempt to navigate financial strife, would-be suitors, and the rigid edicts of English society following the death of their father. Jessica Swale’s elegant stage adaptation of this beloved classic overflows with humor and style. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present Sense and Sensibility at their F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from September 4-22, 2024.

NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of “The Other American” by D.W. Gregory. (LONG BRANCH, NJ) — New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will continue its 27th season with the World Premiere of The Other American by D.W. Gregory (Radium Girls) , directed by James Glossman. Inspired by a true story, the play is set in Paris in 1952. The production runs from September 5-29, 2024.

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents “9 To 5 The Musical”. (PITMAN, NJ) — The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents 9 To 5 The Musical weekends throughout September 2024. Based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, it features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Spark Theatre Festival NYC Returns in September. (NEW YORK, NY) — Emerging Artists Theatre’s Spark Theatre Festival NYC returns September 9–29, 2024 at The Chain Theatre in midtown. Over 60 workshop presentations will premiere during the 3-week festival including new musicals, dance, solo shows, sketch comedy, drag/burlesque, and plays.

COMEDY

Friday, September 6 – The Newton Theatre presents Vic DiBitetto. (NEWTON, NJ) — His pace is frenetic. He holds no hostages. He says what you are thinking but are afraid to say out loud. The bottom line is this: Wear adult diapers if you are going to see Vic DiBitetto perform live. The popular comedian returns to The Newton Theatre on Thursday, September 5 at 8:00pm and Friday, September 6, 2024 at 8:00pm.

DANCE

Friday, September 6 – West Windsor Arts presents Dancing in the Dark with Shira Hofmekler. (PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) — West Windsor Arts presents Dancing in the Dark with NYC transplant and WWAC Teaching Artist Shira Hofmekler on Friday, September 6, 2024. She is bringing the beautiful practice of pressure free dance to our community with this event, which runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Admission is $5.

COMMUNITY

Saturday, September 7 – Face the Unknown with Collectus Obscurium at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Science and technology are enabling investigators of paranormal activity to clarify its presence and implications for humankind as never before. Join Collectus Obscurium for “A Glimpse Beyond: An Afternoon of Paranormal Discussion” at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Saturday, September 7 – Mercer County Master Gardeners To Hold Annual Insect Festival. (HOPEWELL TWP, NJ) — Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County announced the 2024 Annual Insect Festival for Saturday, September 7, at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township. The festival will be held from 11:00am to 2:00pm, rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available. Through fun, hands-on activities, visitors will learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how they create the biological foundation for all terrestrial ecosystems.

Monday, September 9 – The Theater Project to Hold Annual Golf Outing on September 9th. (KENILWORTH, NJ) — The Theater Project will hold its Annual Golf Outing on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ. Participants will enjoy an exciting round of golf with breakfast and lunch providing opportunities to relax and socialize.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, September 3 @ 8:00pm – Tuesday Night Record Club – The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers at Monmouth University – The Great Hall, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

Wednesday, September 4 @ 7:00pm – Tony Mart Classic Rock Guitar Tribute at Atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza, Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City

Thursday, September 5 @ 12:30pm – WP Midday Artist Series Calliope Brass Quintet at William Paterson University – Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne

Thursday, September 5 @ 7:30pm – Premiere Stages presents “Diversion” at Premiere Stages – Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Friday, September 6 @ 7:00pm – Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM! at NJ Film Festival, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick

Friday, September 6 @ 7:00pm – TONY MART ALLSTARS / Red at Somers Point Beach, Morrow Beach, 800 Bay Avenue, Somers Point

Friday, September 6 @ 7:30pm – Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton

Friday, September 6 @ 7:30pm – Americana Women at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

Friday, September 6 @ 8:00pm – The Flip Side – Improv by Vivid Stage at Madison Community Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison

Friday, September 6 @ 8:00pm – Premiere Stages presents “Diversion” at Premiere Stages – Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Friday, September 6 @ 8:00pm – Nicole Atkins at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair

Friday, September 6 @ 8:00pm – Paul Weller at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Saturday, September 7 @ 12:00am – A Girl Can Touch The Sky – Online for 24 Hours Only! at NJ Film Festival, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick

Saturday, September 7 @ 3:00pm – Premiere Stages presents “Diversion” at Premiere Stages – Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30pm – MD Keep the Faith Fundraiser at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30pm – Veronica Swift at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30pm – Sugar Mountain – Celebrating the Genius of Neil Young at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30pm – Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, September 7 @ 7:30pm – Americana Women at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

Saturday, September 7 @ 8:00pm – Premiere Stages presents “Diversion” at Premiere Stages – Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Saturday, September 7 @ 8:00pm – Broadway Night: Set Rudetsky Live! with Sierra Boggess at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

Sunday, September 8 @ 2:00pm – Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton

Sunday, September 8 @ 3:00pm – Premiere Stages presents “Diversion” at Premiere Stages – Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Sunday, September 8 @ 4:00pm – Mike Super – Magic & Illusion at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Sunday, September 8 @ 5:00pm – Rough Blazing Star & A.P. Giannini – Bank to the future – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5PM! at NJ Film Festival, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick

Tuesday, September 10 @ 7:30pm – Tuesday Night Book Club – Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird at VIRTUAL

 

The Theater Project to Hold Annual Golf Outing on September 9th

(KENILWORTH, NJ) — The Theater Project will hold its Annual Golf Outing on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ. Participants will enjoy an exciting round of golf with breakfast and lunch providing opportunities to relax and socialize.

 

Face the Unknown with Collectus Obscurium at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Science and technology are enabling investigators of paranormal activity to clarify its presence and implications for humankind as never before. Join Collectus Obscurium for “A Glimpse Beyond: An Afternoon of Paranormal Discussion” at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The event begins at 2:00pm.