Arts & Entertainment
The Weekender: A Princess Show and a Spring Concert
Plenty of warm-weather activities to engage in around town this weekend
The Tour de Montclair and Gipsy Kings concert are finally here, but they’re not the only reasons to stay local this weekend. There’s a slew of brilliant fundraising events (Porchistas & BBQ anyone?) ... plus loads of outdoor activities to soak in the spring weather.
Need examples? How about dancing, drumming and bears! (not at the same time of course) or the sure-to-be entertaining Gay May Benefit Concert on Church Street.
There’s really too much to list in a paragraph folks, so please check out the details below, and then Get Out!
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—The Princess Show
Where/When: Westminster Arts Center, 499 Franklin S., Bloomfield. Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m.
Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why Go: A musical for the whole family studded with comedy. The Princess Show tells the story of an evil magician who steals three princesses from their fairy tales, who must work together to return to their kingdoms.
Pricing: $10 general, $8 students/seniors 973-677-0631.
—Mel-O-Chords presents “It Might as Well be Spring”
Where/When: Westminster Arts Center, 499 Bloomfield Ave. Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m.
Why Go: The Montclair Operetta Club presents the Mel-O-Chords, who promise to delight audiences with a spring concert covering various musical genres.
Pricing: General admission $20, seniors/students with ID $15. Bloomfield College students $4.
—Rock & Comedy Fundraiser at DLV Lounge
Where/When: DLV Lounge, 300 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Friday May 13 at 8 p.m.
Why Go: The Porchistas are hosting a fundraiser to help raise money for their personal assistant/ videographer/photographer whose camera was stolen. Help Hannah get a new camera while enjoying music, laughs, beers and BBQ. In addition to the Porchistas set, the line-up includes The Micks, Black Water and comedienne Rachel Butera MC'ing through the night.
Pricing: $5 cover—$2 Pabst Blue Ribbons, $5 well shot and a beer.
—Live Jazz at Insani-Tea
Where/When: Insani-Tea, 570 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Friday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Local Jazz musicians, The Paolo Cantarella Group set the mood for a laid back hang at this delightfully chill tea house.
Pricing: Free, tips for musicians appreciated.
—Anime Screening for Teens
Where/When: Sugee! 107 Watchung Ave., Montclair. Friday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Why Go: Another fun night at Sugee with a screening of the movie Summer Wars, rated PG.
Pricing: $5, refreshments included.
—Pizza Making Workshop
Where/When: Whole Foods, 701 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Friday, May 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm
Why Go: The chefs at Whole Foods know their stuff, now let them show your kids in a pizza making workshop.
Pricing: $10, sign up at customer service or call 973-746-5110.
—Music for May in Montclair
Where/When: Montclair High School Auditorium, 100 Chestnut St., Montclair. Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: The Montclair Community Band treats you to a spring concert.
Pricing: Free.
—Gipsy Kings at the Wellmont
Where/When: Wellmont Theater, 7 Seymour St., Montclair. Saturday, May 14. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Why Go: I dare you not to fall in love, dance and make a musical fool of yourself at a Gipsy Kings Show. This multi-talented band from France combines Spanish Gypsy music with Rumba, throaty vocals and a dose of swagger—not to be missed.
Pricing: $35 to $85, buy tickets here.
—Yard Sale Fundraiser
Where/When: Watchung Cooperative Nursery School, 71 Mt Hebron Rd., Upper Montclair. Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why Go: This huge annual yard sale raises money for the Watchung Co-op Preschool. Multiple families contribute all manner of household goods, toys, clothing, furniture, electronics and more. Rain or shine!
Pricing: Free.
—Bear Awareness Day at the Zoo
Where/When: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange. Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m.
Why Go: Join Black Bear twin sisters, Jelly and Jam, for a fun day at the zoo. Learn all about bears from around the world.
Pricing: $10 adults, $7 children and seniors. Free to children under 2 yrs.
—Anderson Park Historic Walking Tour
Where/When: Anderson Park, Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair. Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Why Go: Discover how this Olmsted-designed Essex County Park was created a century ago and how it has influenced the rest of Montclair. Meet at the boulder at the park’s northeast entrance east of N. Mountain Ave. Light rain does not cancel but heavy rain means the event would be rescheduled to Sunday, May 15.
Pricing: Free.
—Author Jim Lepore at Watchung Booksellers.
Where/When: Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield St., Montclair. Saturday, May 14 at 1 p.m.
Why Go: Jim Lepore is back with his 3rd novel: Sons and Princes
Pricing: Free.
—Dance of the Decades fundraiser
Where/When: Arthur Murray Dance Center, 365 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Saturday, May 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Montclair resident Kyle Tevlin continues her mission to raise $5000 for The Hunger Project. You can join the effort by spending an evening dancing to hits spanning the 60s 70s 80s and 90s. It’s BYOB but food will be served. For more info on the event go here.
Pricing: $25, call for group discounts.
—9th Annual Tour de Montclair
Where/When: Brookdale Park, Grove Street and Watchung Ave., Montclair. Sunday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m., event at 10 a.m.
Why Go: “Bikes and Feet on Every Street” is this year’s theme with a selection of bike and walk routes for all levels and ages—plus music and games make this Montclair event even more festive.
Pricing: Register online for a discounted rate and to receive a 2011 Tour Tee Shirt. $15 per person, $40 per family (up to 5 riders/walkers).
—Gay May Day
Where/When: Church St. and S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Sunday, May 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Get down with some live music from local bands at this benefit concert sponsored by the MHS Gay Straight Alliance. Yummy baked goods will also be for sale with proceeds benefitting the Ali Forney Center—a homeless shelter and support group for homeless LGBT youth in New York City.
Pricing: Free, donations accepted.
—Art Show for a Cause
Where/When: Brassworks on Grove, 105 Grove St., Montclair. Sunday, May 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: This Art show/fundraiser will feature art work from professional and student artists. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of education and human rights and involve the local community. All the proceeds go to benefit the Montclair High Girl's Learn International Club and their partner school in India.
Pricing: $5 suggested donation.
—Spiritual Drumming for Families
Where/When: Van Vleck House and Gardens, 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair. Sunday, May 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Take advantage of an event that actually encourages your kids to make some noise! This very affordable drumming workshop is great for all ages and uses the gorgeous Van Vleck Gardens as a backdrop. Drums and percussion instruments are available or bring your own.
Pricing: $5 per person.
—Sisters on the Runway Charity
Where/When: Bangz Salon and Wellness Spa, 23 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Sunday, May 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: Sisters on the Runway is a non-profit based in Montclair that focuses on raising awareness for victims of domestic violence. This special charity event will donate proceeds to the Hackensack-based Shelter Our Sisters. Guests will enjoy music, food, raffles and of course, a fashion show.
Pricing: Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. For Tickets, please contact Heather Hammerling at Heather.Hammerling@yahoo.com, Lena Englestein at LenaEnglestein@gmail.com, or Nadia Morehand at NadiaMorehand@yahoo.com.
