• By Mabel Pais

The Morristown Performing Arts Center (MPAC) this winter in February continues to offer a great lineup from comics to classic sounds to eye-popping, finger-popping shows.

Ticketed MPAC events:

Forever Motown

Friday, February 2 at 8 pm

All of your favorite Motown hits on one stage in one night! Featuring G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners, Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of ‘The Temptations’ and Traci Robinson, former lead singer of ‘The Marvelettes.’

Tracy Morgan

Saturday, February 3 at 8 pm

Tracy Morgan is one of the most well-respected comedians in his field, known for his award-winning role on ‘30 Rock,’ as well as ‘Saturday Night Live,’  Morgan presents a night of unfiltered comedy as only he can deliver!

Mature Audiences only. LIMITED TICKETS

Get the Led Out

Friday, February 9 at 8 pm

From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, ‘Get the Led Out’ recreates the music of legendary supergroup Led Zeppelin with attention to detail and nuance that captures the essence of the band’s hallowed discography.

Anthony Rodia: Totally Relatable Tour

Saturday, February 10 at 8 pm

Anthony Rodia’s comedy is refreshingly genuine, quick witted and totally relatable! A first-generation Italian American from Westchester, Rodia has quickly gained a rabid following with over 900,000 social media followers and over 22 million views of his YouTube videos. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a social media rant.

LIMITED TICKETS

Dionne Warwick

Friday, February 16 at 8 pm

Six-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick has more than 75 hit songs and has sold over 100 million records. Warwick’s hits include ‘Don’t Make Me Over,’ ‘Walk on By,’ ‘Say a Little Prayer,’ ‘A House is Not a Home,’ ‘Alfie,’ ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Déjà Vu,’ among countless others.

LIMITED TICKETS

Dena Blizzard’s ‘I Love You,’ ‘Get Away From Me’

Thursday, February 22 at 7:30 pm

Dena Blizzard’s new show is a three-generation multi-media comedy show about finding the funny in life’s transitions, with Dena’s son, Dean, live on stage, and her mom, Diana, via Zoom.  Whether it’s becoming a widow at 75, empty nesting and divorcing at 50, or trying to act like a grown-up at 23….there’s plenty to laugh (or cry) about. ‘I Love You,’ ‘Get Away from Me’ is perfect for anyone starting over, going through some stuff or just wants everyone to GET AWAY FROM HER!

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Friday, February 23 at 8 pm

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is the critically acclaimed concert-style theatre show that tells the story of two young boys from Queens who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo. Using video projection and a full band, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a moving and powerful event featuring all your favorite hits such as ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ ‘Homeward Bound,’ ‘The Boxer” and many more.

LIMITED TICKETS

The Gazillion Bubble Show

Sunday, February 25 at 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm

Prepare to be amazed by the world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show! This mind-blowing show combines the beauty of bubble artistry, the wonders of soapy science, and interactive fun for the whole family. With mesmerizing bubble magic, immersive lights and lasers and high-energy music, it’s a spellbinding experience for all ages. Debuting for the first time at MPAC, the show promises unimaginable fun for the whole family. Featuring the incredible award-winning artist Deni Yang, this unique blend of art, science, and entertainment has become an international phenomenon with a worldwide following. Don’t miss the spectacular celebration of bubbles, science, and family fun at the Gazillion Bubble Show!

LIMITED TICKETS to 2 pm show

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CELEBRATING  BLACK HISTORY MONTH

• By Mabel Pais

Honoring Black History Month, Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA), a non-profit volunteer arts organization founded in Morris County that champions Black art excellence, returns with its third major exhibition at the Mayo Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC) Art Upstairs and Starlight Galleries.

In its continued partnership with MPAC, ATA presents ‘Traditions and Transitions: Historical to Contemporary Perspectives in Black Art.’  The exhibit which opened on January 17 runs until March 3.

‘Traditions and Transitions : Historical to Contemporary Perspectives in Black Art’ is an exhibit of art that reflects a traditional approach in genre and subject matter and also art that steps beyond prescribed media and representational styles of expression. A range which involves still life, portrait, landscape, and fiber art, as well as the optical art, abstract expressionistic and non-objective styles, among others.

The exhibit features approximately 50 selected works of art by over 30 artists. The artists range from emerging new artists to well established and known artists.

“Art in the Atrium brings to MPAC a refreshing exhibit of artists both locally and nationally known,” says curator Nette Forne Thomas, the exhibit’s curator. “The art in the exhibit, ‘Traditions and Transitions’ ranges from broad and diverse styles showcasing expressions from the learned academic approach to the more experimentally creative. This array of art provides a rewarding and eclectic experience in keeping with ATA functioning as a motivating source for artists and art patrons.“

HOURS OPEN

Artwork displayed at MPAC is available for purchase. The galleries are open prior to MPAC events, Tuesdays from 12 pm to 2 pm, and by appointment. Private group tours are also available. To make an appointment, call 973-539-0345, ext. 6587.

Click here for additional information about Art in the Atrium.

Click here for additional information on the MPAC exhibit.

Art in the Atrium

Art in the Atrium, Inc. (ATA) is a Black-led, non-profit, culture-keeping institution founded in Morristown, New Jersey in 1991, that is committed to the celebration and advancement of Black culture. ATA supports and invests in black fine art by established and emerging artists by giving them visibility and a creative space to breathe.

Since its founding, in addition to its exhibits, ATA has provided unique arts education programming that includes The ATA STEAM Academy and a scholarship program for promising BIPOC arts students majoring in fine art.  For more information on the Art in the Atrium, visit artintheatrium.org, follow ATA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @artintheatrium, or email hello@artintheatrium.org.

The Mayo Arts Performing Center (MPAC)

Learn more at mayoarts.org. 

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)