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  • Another Night of Acapella Harmony: Doo Wop Explosion II

    Our celebration of doo wop acappella harmony at the Pollak Theatre is back by popular demand. Born on the street corners of urban America, rhythm & blues and doo wop singing reached its peak in the 1950’s, but still has a strong following today.  While doo wop singing began as an African American art form, by the late 1950’s it was enjoyed by singers of all races.  Doo wop harmony in its purist form is acappella (without instruments or musical tracks). 

    We’ve again assembled some of the top acappella doo wop vocal groups from NYC to Washington DC.  Headlining the concert will be R&B and Doo Wop favorites, Pookie Hudson’s Spaniels along with Vito & the Salutations.   The Spaniels are known for the 1956 million seller, “Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight,” a song that defined the whole doo wop era.  The current group backed lead singer Pookie Hudson before his passing in 2006 and continues the Spaniels’ tradition of superb doo wop harmony.  Originating on the streets of Brooklyn, Vito & the Salutations scored regional hits in the early 1960’s with their recordings of “Gloria,” “Unchained Melody” and “Your Way”.  Rick Anthony has been handling most of the group’s leads for the past 15 years, as the original Vito is no longer with them.  The group also contains long time member, Shelly Buchansky, who sang on “Unchained Melody” and many of their other hits.  While both Pookie Hudson’s Spaniels and Vito & the Salutations almost always sing with bands, we’ve persuaded both to do this concert acappella, harking back to their early days singing on the street corners. Returning from our last acappella concert are two of the groups that excel every time they perform.  The Philadelphia acappella group Quiet Storm remains one of the areas’ top vocal groups.  Re-MemberThen did a fabulous job last time, on their own set and backing Larry Chance.  New to the concert this year are A Perfect Blend and the Copians.  A Perfect Blend is a great acappella group from Philadelphia who have been singing since 1990, and had previously won the talent contest on the nationally syndicated “Showtime At The Apollo” TV show.  The Copians  are made up of former members of other standout Philly acappella groups.  Enjoy another night of Doo Wop Acappella Harmony.

    [This line up is subject to change]

    A “Meet & Greet” Reception will be held prior to the concert for those holding Golden Seat Tickets.

  • Jody Joseph “4 Common Threads; One Heartstring”

    Tickets on sale July 1

    September 9 & 10
    First act at 7:15pm. Main event at 8pm | Lauren K. Woods Theatre

    A rare,
    intimate performance by Jody Joseph celebrating the styles of Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Carly Simon, and Bette Midler, with a featured performance as Jody herself. This show is up front and personal, riveting, witty and real. The ensemble will be comprised of 9 local talented musicians.

    A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Jody’s”Heartstrings” program.
    (Please note this is a rental event and gift certificates and ticket vouchers are not valid on this event)

  • One Last Waltz

    Tickets on sale July 1.  Glen Burtnik,
    Salvatore Boyd, Bob Burger & Arne Wendt, performing as The Band. Together
    they will be joined on stage by both local and national talent. Recreating not
    only the music but the celebration, camaraderie and talent that took over the
    stage November 25th back in 1976. The Band’s style of writing and music has
    influenced so many artists, bands and songwriters, from the Grateful Dead and
    The Beatles to Elvis Costello and Pink Floyd to our own local artists,
    throughout the years and continue to do so. This cast will bring you to your
    feet and take you back in time. A wise man once said it’s better to burn out
    than fade away, and on Thanksgiving Day of 1976, one of the best live acts of
    the rock era went out in a blaze of glory.     Special Guests include: Vini Lopez, Matt Wade, Bruce Gassman, Puggy Derosa, Emily Grove, Tommy LaBella, Sonny Kenn, StringBean, Fred Scribner, Kate Taylor, Arlan Fieles & more to be announced!

    (This is a rental event and gift certificates and ticket vouchers are not valid for this event) 

  • Best of the Eagles

    BEST OF
    THE EAGLES (BOTE) to perform HOTEL CALIFORNIA in its entirety!

    The BEST OF THE EAGLES (BOTE) “The Eagles Tribute Band” was established in 2012 with veteran New Jersey musicians. BOTE plays the music of The Eagles, who have sold over 150 million albums worldwide, drawn from their entire career which includes the Joe Walsh years. At the upcoming 2+ hour Pollak show, BOTE will perform the Eagles mega-hit album Hotel California in it’s entirety as well as many more Eagles hits, nuggets and fan faves. The Hotel California album sold over 32 million copies worldwide and contained such classic Eagles songs as “New Kid In Town”, “Life In The Fast Lane”, “Victim of Love”, “The Last Resort” and of course “Hotel California”.

    Gold Circle seating includes an after show meet and greet with refreshments.
    (Please note this is a rental event and gift certificates and ticket vouchers are not valid on this event)

  • Koresh Dance Company

    In its 25th year, Koresh Dance Company presents Classic KORESH, a selection of favorites drawn from the company’s quarter century of innovative work. These repertoire classics include interpretations of Classical compositions by Bach, Beethoven, and Ravel, from the rolling strains of “Moonlight Sonata” to the trumpeting processions of “Bolero.” Moments of tenderness and grace alternate with humor and brash force on this tour of highlights drawn from over 60 existing works by Artistic Director Ronen Koresh. As a unique feature of our anniversary program, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 will feature in a newly commissioned work, “23: Deconstructing Mozart,” a collaborative initiative driven by Koresh and multi-media artist Paul Miller, a.k.a. DJ Spooky. 

    There will be a post show Q&A with members of the company.      

  • BRAVO AMICI – FUNDRAISER FOR AUTISM SPEAKS

    Presented in partnership with Autism Speaks NJ, this special concert presentation held on World Autism Awareness Day will feature Geoff Sewell, founder of the classical crossover opera band Amici Forever and his cast of exceptionally talented Broadway performers singing favorite pieces from well-known musicals, operas and popular music. From classic opera favorites like La Traviata’s Brindisi to Phantom’s All I Ask of You and crowd pleasers like That’s Amore, audiences will delight in the uplifting performance by the gifted vocalists of Bravo Amici. The concert will also feature a special video presentation of Sewell’s song Heal Me co-written by his wife Simone and featuring daughters Olivia and Sienna (who has autism) highlighting the message that autism is treatable. This event will be held in conjunction with the Art+Autism gallery exhibition opening reception featuring juried work by artists with Autism. Proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks NJ. 

  • ORCHESTRA OF ST. PETER BY THE SEA – GRAND OPERA MOMENTS

    Reverend Alphonse Stephenson and the Orchestra of Saint Peter by the Sea return to celebrate the Bravo/Brava moments that make Opera grand in a wonderful evening of beautiful arias and dramatic moments. Both the seasoned opera aficionado and the musically curious will find a thrilling AND thoroughly fun experience with this great orchestra, promising young singers, and Father Alphonse!

  • Where The Piano Is The Main Attraction

    In this concert showcasing the very best of piano music, a cast of young all-star piano prodigies including: CHARLIE LIU, TAKSH GUPTA and NICHOLAS BUDNY will showcase their incredible talent. Their collective credits include winning Steinway competitions and Golden Key Awards, appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres & Oprah Winfrey shows, and performing for luminaries such as Queen Rania of Jordan & Bono of U2. The second half of the show will feature STORMIN’ NORMAN SELDIN. In his nearly 50 year music career, singer/songwriter keyboardist Seldin has performed at almost every live performance venue out there and is also credited as one of the originators of the Sound of Asbury Park. He will perform solo & with VANCE VILLASTRIGO on DUELING PIANOS. From Bach to Rock & Jazz to Ragtime – the keys will sizzle from start to finish!

  • Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea


    A limited number of artist tickets for this concert have just been released!! They are available on a first come first serve basis.

    An annual holiday tradition, the ever lovable and charismatic
    Father Alphonse Stevenson     returns to conduct the Orchestra of St. Peter by
    the Sea for their 26th concert of carols and seasonal favorites.  There’s simply no better way to start the
    holiday season than to spend a special evening with Father Alphonse, his
    42-piece orchestra and distinguished vocalists as he provides humorous and
    personal anecdotes amidst a program of holiday classics and carols. Be sure to
    get your tickets early for this annual sell out!

  • Sweet Honey in the Rock

    With a new album #LoveInEvolution released early this year, Grammy Award-winning female African-American a cappella group founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973, endlessly continues to evolve and cultivate the rich textures of African American musical traditions. Currently consisting of members Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, ASL interpreter Shirley Childress, and featured musician Romeir Mendez on upright acoustic bass and electric bass, the group possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. The group’s collective voice, often accompanied by hand percussion instruments and bass, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms. Sign Language Interpretation is provided for this event