Prepare to be swept away by an extraordinary evening of acoustic brilliance featuring two musical legends – Glen Phillips and Shawn Mullins. These artists, each with their unique journey and captivating melodies, are coming together to create a musical experience that will resonate deep within your soul.
As she has so eloquently accomplished over the past 25 years, acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has used her art once again to traverse the uncharted waters of the past few years. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she affirms. Her eleventh album, Dark Enough to See the Stars, follows the profound antidote to trauma, Rifles & Rosary Beads, her 2018 collaborative work with wounded Iraq war veterans. It garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album, as well as a nomination for Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association. Publication of her first book, the illuminating Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, in 2021, brought her more praise. Brandi Carlile has said, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness. We need her voice in times like these more than we ever have.” The Associated Press called Gauthier “one of the best songwriters of her generation.”
Experience an extraordinary evening where art and music intertwine in a one-night-only concert featuring the brightest female singer-songwriters of the Jersey Shore, drawing inspiration from the captivating artworks of Nanci France-Vaz. Christine Elise, Pam McCoy, Mary McCrink, Laura Johnson, and Genevieve are among those featured in Vaz’s narrative figure paintings on exhibition this spring in the Pollak Gallery. These talented artists step out of the canvases to perform live in an evening celebrating female artistry and inspiration.
Joan Osborne and the Crash Test Dummies join forces for an unforgettable night of music. Osborne, a seven-time Grammy nominee and acclaimed by AllMusic.com as “the most gifted vocalist of her generation,” delivers soulful renditions of her timeless hits like One of Us, captivating audiences with her powerful performances. Meanwhile, alt-rock icons Crash Test Dummies, renowned for their platinum-certified sensation Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, amaze with their fusion of folk and blues, led by Brad Roberts’ unmistakable bass-baritone voice.
Experience an unforgettable night of music as the legendary Don McLean takes center stage for the Starry Starry Night Tour. Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1945, Don McLean’s musical journey began at a young age. Overcoming childhood asthma, McLean’s passion for music flourished as he explored folk music, recorded his first studio sessions, and eventually rose to international stardom with hits like “American Pie” and “Vincent.” In the 1970s, McLean became a major concert attraction, captivating audiences worldwide. His iconic song “American Pie” became a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the top songs of the 20th century. The Starry Starry Night Tour promises an evening filled with McLean’s classic hits, showcasing his extensive repertoire that spans folk, rock & roll, and timeless American classics. Don’t miss the chance to witness a music icon live on stage, celebrating over five decades of a remarkable career.
Distinguished NJ Songwriters Joe Rapolla and Joe D’Urso are back this year hosting the celebrated Songwriters by the Sea series at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre. What once started in a small coffee shop as an area for local songwriters has now grown into a series that features some of the top songwriters in the country. This year, the show features special guests Willie Nile and Emily Grove, as well as an opening set by student/artist Amani Lillian and Prof. George Wurzbach.
The Boxmasters make a triumphant return to Pollak Theatre, bringing their latest album, “Love & Hate In Desperate Places,” and their electrifying North American tour to the stage. With J.D. Andrew and Bud Thornton leading the charge, the album introduces Kirk McKim and Raymond Hardy to the lineup, adding new dimensions to their sound. Kirk, a seasoned guitarist, and Raymond, a powerhouse on bass, bring fresh energy to the band’s recordings.
Leonard Bernstein, renowned for his dynamic conducting and compositions like “West Side Story,” remains a towering figure in 20th-century music. Explore the fascinating intersection of Bernstein’s genius and the mind with Dr. Richard Kogan in a TED-like lecture and piano performance. Trained at Juilliard in piano and Harvard Medical School in psychiatry, Dr. Kogan, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Artistic Director of the Music and Medicine program at Weill Cornell Medical Center, offers a unique perspective.
Join us for a night of unforgettable folk music as The Wailin’ Jennys grace the stage at Pollak Theatre. From their humble beginnings in a tiny guitar shop to becoming one of today’s most beloved international folk acts, The Wailin’ Jennys have captured hearts around the world. Founding members Moody, Mehta, and Masse continue to impress with each critically acclaimed recording, elevating their music to new heights while thrilling audiences with their renowned live performances.
Monmouth University alumnus Stephen Friedland, known as Brute Force will perform a concert and participate in a Q & A with professor Ken Womack.
