Here are some things to do nearby this summer so you don’t have to battle shore traffic…
Light Opera of New Jersey
The Light Opera of New Jersey performing The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
THEATER
The Dunellen Arts & Culture Commission is sponsoring a bus trip to see the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the South Orange Performing Arts Center on July 22. $60 for a light lunch, transportation to/from SOPAC and a theater ticket. Reservations are due by July 13. Registration form: https://www.facebook.com/events/196941217547774
Rockstar! Studios which just opened up its second location at the Arts Annex, is putting on its first community theater production, Neil Simon’s comedy “Rumors”. Performances are July 13 and 14 at 8pm. Tickets are $10. https://www.facebook.com/events/1068607053293324/
Have kids who would rather be IN the show rather than watch one? Rockstar! also offers improv troupe classes, Broadway kids program and a musical theatre program for teens. Rolling registration is available. http://www.rockstarmusicstudios.com
MUSIC
Love music? Rock out with the Dunellen Public Library on Wednesday nights at 6pm this summer to learn about NJ native musicians. Enjoy an entertaining video presentation, while munching on some light refreshments. FREE and open to the public. Presentations will be held on July 18 (Four Seasons), Aug. 1 (Lauryn Hill) and August 15 (Jon Bon Jovi). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jersey-rocks-tickets-47718179359
Dunellen Skylight Theater Productions (http://www.dunellenskylighttheatre.com) is not having a musical this summer. Instead, the theater organization is concentrating on fundraising efforts. For $5 you can see concerts in Washington Park as part of its Skylight at Twilight Series. Performances start at 7:30pm. – July 12: Twopenny Porters (Celtic); July 26th: Goodworks (Rock/Soul); August 2nd: Centennials (Indie Rock). In addition, DSTP will host two musical revues in August. The first revue, entitled “Anything You Can Do, Kids Can Do Better”, will include performers from ages 5-17 performing songs from musical theatre and will run August 17-19. The second revue, “Hey, That’s My Jam”, to be held August 24-26 will include performers 18 and older performing non-musical theatre songs. Tickets for the musical revues are $8 for senior citizens and students, and $10 for the general public.
DACC and the Dunellen Recreation Department’s Music in the Park series returns for its second year. Bring your chair, dancing shoes, and picnic basket to these three free concerts: Princesa (Latin-Pop) on Wednesday, July 25 at 7pm; Rockabilly Roadhouse (Rock-Swing) on Wednesday, August 1 at 7pm; and Exit Row Band (Classic Rock) on Saturday, September 15 at 6:30pm.
Like jazz? Or want to know more about jazz? Free jazz jams are held by the Somerset Jazz Consortium every Sunday afternoon (1-5pm) at Maggie Murray’s Pub House in the back room. Bring your instruments to join in or just sit and listen. http://maggiemurrayspubhouse.com
If punk rock, rockabilly, blues, prog rock, or even cabaret is more your speed, then head over to Roxy and Duke’s Roadhouse. Most events are $20 or under (If you buy tickets online, you will often save a few bucks). http://roxyanddukes.com/
ART
DACC’s second season of summer art camp for children ages 6 to 12 is currently going on. Registration is $100/week for lessons 3-5pm. The program is open to both Dunellen and non-Dunellen residents. https://www.facebook.com/events/336595813511471/
Inspire Art Gallery & Studio opened its doors in May (http://www.getinspiredart.com). The current show features Kelly Hess, a recent DHS graduate. In addition to checking out the art (most pieces ARE for sale), you can rent some time in the art studio for you to create in peace or sign up for a painting class. Check the website for more info.
Looking for materials for your new craft project or perhaps a vintage art piece? Then head over to 4 Guys Trading Post, the new antique and collectibles boutique on North Avenue. https://www.facebook.com/4GuysTradingPost/
DANCE
Nervous about all of those summer weddings you’ve been invited to and want to be more suave on the dance floor? Alma Montuno Latin Dance on North Avenue has salsa and bachata lessons for all ages and levels. The studio occasionally even has socials with live bands so that you can use your new skills IRL. http://almamontuno.com