By Mabel Pais

The Mayo Performing Arts Center has launched a Creative Aging Arts program at the Cornerstone Adult Day Center in Morristown that will run through the end of June.

“MPAC thanks the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for providing the funding to launch this innovative and exciting new program in partnership with Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center to engage our senior population in activities that stimulate creativity and self-expression,” said Allison Larena President and CEO, MPAC.

MPAC Teaching Artist Dan Fenelon is working with senior citizens at the Cornerstone Adult Day Center in Morristown to create a mural using techniques they learn during 8-session residencies, which can accommodate up to 25 participants. Sessions are held twice a week for 90 minutes. The residencies are free of charge to both Cornerstone and its participants. The final mural will be installed and unveiled in early July.

The residency will enable participants to produce sophisticated artworks by learning how to create patterns and build complex shapes based on simple forms, and to enjoy a deep sense of relaxation as they become engrossed in the process. The final project will incorporate all the students’ artwork into a community-based collage that will be mounted at the Cornerstone facility.

“We are so pleased to once again partner with our friends at Mayo Performing Arts Center to bring positive and enlivening experiences to our clients,” Cornerstone CEO Patrice Picard shared. “We seek to keep our seniors engaged, stimulated and active.  Working with an artist to create something they’ll enjoy seeing on the walls every day is truly special!” 

While art making is the focus of the project, it will also include facilitation by Kadie Dempsey, Principal, Core Creative Placemaking. who will encourage participants to express their thoughts on the role of previous arts projects in their lives and what outcomes they hope to see in the finished product. Much like a quilting circle, the goal will be to work together towards a common goal while fostering a sense of shared purpose and encouraging storytelling by individuals in the group.

Cornerstone Social Adult Day Center:

Learn more at cornerstonefamilyprograms.org or call 973-326-7288.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

Learn more at mayoarts.org.

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CELEBRATE MPAC’S SEASON FINALE WITH CONCERTS AND FREE EVENTS

By Mabel Pais

A variety of concerts and free events end the entertainment season of the Mayo Arts Performing Center (MPAC) in June 2023. There are both ticketed and free events happening.

Ticketed MPAC events:

Matilda The Musical

Friday June 2-Sunday, June 4 

MPAC’s spring musical returns to the stage for its’ 9th annual production! MATILDA is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

NOTE: Matilda is a full-length musical, running approximately 2.5 hours, and is recommended for ages 6+.

Happy Together 2023

Friday, June 9 at 7:30 pm

An evening of hit after hit after hit that will have you heading home whistling the soundtrack of the 60s and 70s! Featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony (“Tears on My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out of My Head”), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (“Young Girl”), The Classics IV (“Spooky,” “Stormy”), The Vogues (“Turn Around, Look at Me,” “Five O’Clock World”) and The Cowsills (“Hair,” “The Rain, The Park & Other Things”).

Manhattan Comedy Night

Friday, June 16 at 8 pm

Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.

Almost Queen

Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 8 pm

The most authentic Queen live show since the days of Queen themselves! Donning genuine costumes, and featuring signature four-part harmonies, Almost Queen captures the energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience.

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Bruce Hornsby first rose to prominence with The Way It Is, his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album. The 13-time Grammy nominee has sold over 11 million albums, and he has performed on releases with over 100 artists including Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson, always seeking a unique and personal music path that sparks his creative interest.

Three Dog Night

Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 8 pm

Three Dog Night charted more Top 10 hits than any other music act from 1969-1974. Rock classics like “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One” crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity as a legendary rock band.

Rufus Wainwright: Folkocracy Tour

Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8 pm

One of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation, Rufus Wainwright performs music from his upcoming release ‘Folkocracy,’ in which he revisits his roots, of childhood summers spent at folk festivals and watching his famous family on stage. Featuring Lucy Wainwright Roche and Petra Haden on back-up vocals and a four-piece band, the ‘Folkocracy’ tour showcases Wainwright’s extraordinary vocal range and depth of interpretation. “Nobody sings quite like Rufus Wainwright” – The New Yorker

MPAC Arts in the Community Free Concerts:

Wednesday, June 14 at 6 pm

MPAC Music Student of the Month Recital:

Location: Vail Mansion Plaza

Students from Morris County schools honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month throughout this past season showcase their talents.

Wednesday, June 28 at 6 pm

John McDermott Band’s Sixties Rock & Roll Revue

Location: Pioneer Park

The John McDermott Band performs the iconic hits and music of the 1960s.

TICKETS

For tickets to one or more events, visit MayoArts.org, or call the box office at 973-539-8008. NOTE: All Programs Are Subject to Change.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

The Mayo Performing Arts Center 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. 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.

Connect with MPAC

The Mayo Performing Arts Center

100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960

Box office (973) 539-8008

Online: www.mayoarts.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayoPerformingArtsCenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayopac/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayoCenter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MayoCenter

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