(LEFT) Joshua Van Ness (RIGHT) Jake Wildhorn
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has announced its 2024 Summer free concert and movie lineup. Events will take place outdoors at Vail Mansion Plaza and Pioneer Park by 1776 on the Green. Summer movies will be held at MPAC. This year's outdoor events will feature music ranging from salsa to hip hop to Bollywood.
MPAC Arts in the Community Free Summer Events 2024.
MPAC Music Student of the Month Recital - Wednesday, June 12 at 6:00pm; Vail Mansion Plaza. Students from Morris County schools honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month throughout this past season showcase their talents. Music Student of the Month sponsored by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
Joshua Van Ness - Wednesday, June 19 at 6:00pm; Vail Mansion Park. Singer songwriter, Joshua Van Ness, is both the working man’s musician and a true indie spirit, constantly pushing for the next creative level. His voice has a soulful, raspy quality which is often used to deliver earnest, conversational lyrics to his songs. His music echoes of the classics from decades ago, yet is driven by a desire to stay ahead of the trends. When on guitar, Van Ness employs a song first mentality, fortified by a strong sense of rhythm. Also an accomplished drummer, Joshua performs regularly with bands like The Wag, Remember Jones, The Bryan Hansen Band, Natalie Farrell and others. When he’s not in his home state of New Jersey, you may find Joshua touring anywhere in the US, UK, Canada and beyond. Some of the names that Joshua has opened for include, Woodstock legend, Richie Havens, Will Hoge, King’s X, Phillip Phillips, Gavin Degraw, The Motels, The Weeklings, Ben Folds, The Violent Fems, The Revivalists, Jefferson Starship, and many others.
Bollywood Dance Bash with DJ Arjun - Wednesday, July 10 at 6:00pm; Pioneer Park. DJ Arjun is one of DJUSA events’ most talented and seasoned DJ entertainers who has built an incredible reputation nationwide and internationally! With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Arjun’s top 2 key drivers of his success have always been people and passion. Arjun is a Queens, New York resident. Born in Mumbai, he is well known for his Bollywood and Top 40 dance music mix. DJ Arjun’s mission is to infuse all events with the energy and enthusiasm that can captivate the floors! Dance instruction will be provided by B2Z Dance School. Henna by Dhara Suvarnakar will be available, and appetizers from Mehndi will be available for purchase.
Salsa at Sunset with DJ KD - Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00pm; Pioneer Park. MPAC’s popular salsa dancing event returns featuring DJ KD providing the spirited sounds of salsa, merengue and more. Dance instruction from Daniel Herrera and Dreams Dance Studio.
Summer Soulful Dance Party with DJ Frank D - Wednesday, August 7 at 6:00pm; Pioneer Park. Morristown’s own, DJ Frank D delights local and international audiences with his expertise in mixing, blending and spinning every genre of music. His background is deeply rooted in hip-hop. He was spinning from the start of the hip-hop explosion. Since then, he has DJ’d for corporate, private and mobile events. His skillset ranges from turntable, controller, and Video DJing. His most notable skill is the ability to read his audience and customize the vibe to the demographic. You won’t want to miss him! A photo booth will be provided by El Photobooth.
Jake Wildhorn - Wednesday, August 21 at 6:00pm; Vail Mansion Plaza. Jake Wildhorn is a young Singer/Songwriter from North Salem NY. In 2022, Jake had a successful run of monthly shows at The Bitter End in New York City and opened for folk icon, Gordon Lightfoot on an extensive US Tour. He is an extremely skilled writer, producer and performer showcasing the talents he’s received from his mother and well-known Broadway singer, Linda Eder, and his father and composer, Frank Wildhorn. His music is a mix of Alternative Blues Rock and Acoustic Rock inspired by both modern and classic artists such as Don Henley, Rob Thomas, John Mayer, and Ed Sheeran. Jake’s latest album “12 Rounds” was released in 2023. He has also performed at numerous Northeast festivals last year including Musikfest in Bethlehem PA, Montauk Music Festival, Ocean City Fair, Putnam County Music Fest and others
Summer Movies at MPAC:
Wonka - Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30am. This fantasy musical based on the character from Roald Dahl's novel follows young Willy Wonka as he sets off on his dream to become the greatest chocolatier of all time. Timothée Chalamet stars. PG
Barbie - Tuesday, July 30 at 7:00pm. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling star in this blockbuster that finds Barbie and Ken leaving the seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land to discover the joys and perils of the real world. PG-13
Wish - Tuesday, August 13 at 10:30am. Young Asha’s wish sets her on a magical adventure in which she must summon the courage she never knew she had to defeat a ruthless ruler with designs on destroying everything she loves. PG
Bob Marley: One Love - Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00pm. This musical biopic of Bob Marley delves deep into the reggae superstar’s legacy and cultural influence while presenting the captivating journey of the man behind the music. PG-13
MPAC's free movies are general admission, first-come first-serve events. Tickets are not required, but you can RSVP to receive event reminders and more.
Rain sites TBD.
Summer Arts in the Community is sponsored by ADP.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
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