Recognized the world over not only by their bold-face names, but especially by their superb talents, the artists headlining New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s 2016-17 season validate NJPAC as the state’s most diverse and artistically excellent performing arts center.
“Diversity is what we do. It’s our strong suit,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of the 19-year-old NJPAC. “With each season, the band-width of choices grows wider, so the word among audiences of any age, culture or taste is that they can always count on something special to be seen here, something that speaks to them. It’s not unusual for NJPAC, on a given weekend, to have all its spaces running on all cylinders. For instance, a magnificent dance company like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be in Prudential Hall, an intimate production like Carefree: Dancin’ with Fred & Ginger in the Victoria Theater, or an operatic star like Paulo Szot in the Chase Room. Even outdoors on Theater Square, thousands of people will gather for free concerts by Junior Marvin’s Wailers or Felix Hernandez’s Rhythm Revue Dance Party.”
While each artist stands alone as an accomplished performer, in many instances the stage is shared with others in unique pair-ups and groupings not seen in other venues.
“It’s like being invited to a dinner party with Grupo Niche, José Feliciano, Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Esperanza Spalding or Herbie Hancock – and meeting all their companions. It would be a night you’d never forget,” says David Rodriguez, NJPAC’s Executive Vice President and Executive Producer.
Thoughtful curation goes into the development of an original, irresistible program, according to Rodriguez. That’s why Natalie MacMaster will add her fiery fiddling to a concert by The Chieftains (March 5, 2017), and Get On Up: A James Brown Celebration (November 18) will gather founding members of the James Brown Band such as Fred Wesley and Robert “Mousey” Thompson with guest vocalists Sharon Jones, Bettye LaVette and Lee Fields, bassist Christian McBride and other friends.
Folk music legend Arlo Guthrie shares the spotlight with southern country and blues great Taj Mahal (March 3, 2017), while musicians of Buena Vista Social Club appear not only with Cuban song virtuoso Omara Portuondo, but alongside jazz luminaries Regina Carter and Anat Cohen (October 15).
“Smart programming also is informed by those who best know their art,” Rodriguez maintains, “and that’s why the Arts Center consults with extraordinary performers in planning a season.” NJPAC Jazz Advisor Christian McBride, a Grammy-winning bassist of international renown who plays a lead role each year in NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, has been joined by two new artistic advisors:
- Tap genius Savion Glover, NJPAC Dance Advisor, is the Newark-raised choreographer of the 10-time Tony-nominated Shuffle Along on Broadway. Theater-goers also know him as the rising star of The Tap Dance Kid and the choreographer and lead of Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk.
- Poet and spoken-word artist Patricia Smith, a record-setting slam champion and 2014 Guggenheim fellow, lends her expertise to NJPAC’s poetry programs, arts education, and special events aligned with the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival.
The full scope of programming in the 2016-17 season will be shared in a 6-part series on The Newark Times. Check out each post to know what you can expect from NJPAC this year.
