• By Mabel Pais

TOO BIG FOR ONE CITY.

TOO BIG FOR ONE WEEKEND.

THE FESTIVAL ONLY NEW JERSEY COULD CREATE:

NORTH TO SHORE June 2023

NJPAC produces first-of-its-kind celebration of music, technology, comedy, and film over three jam-packed weekends in June 2023

Watch the promo video – youtu.be/u8o8pcvbspA

With the astounding success of the first two weeks of the North to Shore Festival on which New Jersey embarked, Newark will continue and close the celebrations in the final week: June 21-25.

The NJPAC-produced June mega-festival continues to showcase theatricals, comedy performances, visual arts exhibits and workshops, hip hop concerts, spoken word poetry readings, dance performances, storytelling events, fashion shows, street fairs and more added to expanding calendar of events.

Hundreds of New Jersey artists will take center stage at more than 60 new events added to the lineup of the inaugural North to Shore Festival, the three-city, three-weekend summer celebration of the arts, film and tech slated for June 2023.

An extraordinarily diverse roster of artists who’ve built their creative careers in three of the state’s most iconic and culture-rich cities — Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City — will continue to perform thanks to grants from the North to Shore Festival.  This unprecedented festival is designed to illuminate the breadth of New Jersey’s cultural offerings and provide a unique window into the thriving arts scenes in each city.

Dozens of North to Shore grants have been awarded to artists and groups in each city to enable them to bring this spectacular tapestry to life on each weekend of the festival.

Listen to the announcements of the Governor & First Lady Tammy Murthy: youtu.be/yJtrwwZnJU0

Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy took the stage at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall, in March this year, alongside NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Asbury Park Mayor John Moor, and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small to announce the North to Shore Festival, an extraordinary three-city celebration of arts and technology launched on June 7.

This inaugural, month-long festival showcases the talent, diversity and creativity this great state has to offer. Hosted by three incredible and unique cities, Atlantic City (June 7–11), Asbury Park (June 14–18) and Newark (June 21–25), the North to Shore Festival brings together 50+ venues for an unprecedented celebration of Jersey-wide excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision for a festival worthy of the Garden State’s legacy in the arts and innovation.

“Today, we are thrilled to announce North to Shore — New Jersey’s first multi-city festival celebrating the very best of music, comedy, film, and technology,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

“This superstar event, held over three weekends in June, will attract folks from all over, creating another great reason for tourists to visit the Garden State as well as opportunities for local businesses in three of our iconic cities to shine. These festivals will generate economic activity and have a significant impact on our region and we look forward to shining a light on the diversity, creativity, and energy that makes New Jersey unique this summer.”

“Beyond our global superstar headliners, North to Shore will also showcase the headliners of tomorrow. From producers to artists, filmmakers to comedians, this month-long celebration will also serve as an opportunity to elevate dozens of local performers and talent,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We look forward to sharing New Jersey’s exceptional culture with the rest of the country and enjoying a festival that will undoubtedly be like no other.”

“What I love about it is that it’s a combination of the biggest names in entertainment and comedy and film,” (when speaking to ‘The New York Times’) said John Schreiber, president and chief executive of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, which is producing the festival, “but it’s also a chance to turn up the volume on the local folks I call the local heroes — the artists, the creators, the presenters, the producers — who work in these cities 365 days a year.”

Mr. Schrieber coaxes the reader,  “I know you’ll enjoy the performances by the artists you already know and love. But I urge you, while you’re with us, to explore an event or performance by a New Jersey artist you may not be familiar with yet. The talent in our state runs deep – and we hope this celebration of everything New Jersey will give you a perfect opportunity to see, and hear, that for yourself.” 

Newark (June 21- 25)

Partner Venues:

NJPAC, Prudential Hall

NJPAC, Victoria Theater

NJPAC, Chase Room

Prudential Center Arena

ODR

QXT

Swahili Village

Dutch’s

Bar Vanquish

6/21 – Santana – Prudential Center

Santana

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – Prudential Center Arena

When Santana shows up with that signature Latin-blues-rock groove, you know you’re in for an electrifying experience. 

6/21 + 6/22 – Halsey with Live String Ensemble – NJPAC – SOLD OUT!

Halsey with Live String Ensemble

Wednesday, June 21 and Thursday, June 22, 2023 – NJPAC, Prudential Hall

A special two-night only engagement to benefit arts programs and arts education across New Jersey.

6/22 – TechUnited:NJ BetterX Summit – NJPAC

Daymond John – A Better Future for All, Starts with Entrepreneurship

TechUnited: BetterX Summit

June 22, 2023 – NJPAC, Victoria Theater

Daymond John comes to North2Shore to share the philosophies and practices that have helped him in his continued success.

6/22 – Alanis Morissette with Special Guest Aimee Mann – Prudential Center 

Thursday, June 22, 2023 – Prudential Center Arena

Alt-rock goddess Alanis Morissette returns to New Jersey for an exclusive metro area performance with special guest Aimee Mann.

6/23 – Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes – NJPAC

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes 

Friday, June 23, 2023 – NJPAC, Victoria Theater

Straight from the Jersey Shore… get on your feet with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes!

 6/23 – Marisa Monte – NJPAC

Maris Monte

Friday, June 23, 2023 – NJPAC, Prudential Hall 

Experience multi-Latin GRAMMY® winner Marisa Monte’s sophisticated swirl of Brazilian pop, rock and samba.

6/24 – Bill Burr Live – Prudential Center

Bill Burr

Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Prudential Arena

American comedian, podcaster and actor Bill Burr is bringing his irreverent, self-deprecating brand of humor to the Garden State.

 6/24 – An Evening with Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan – NJPAC

Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan 

Saturday, June 24, 2023 – NJPAC, Prudential Hall

Join comedians Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan for an evening of conversation between two of the wittiest and most insightful voices in the biz.

6/25 – Ross Mathews: I Gotchu Gurl! An Evening of Standup Comedy – NJPAC

Ross Mathews

June 25, 2023 – Victoria Theater

The hilarious Ross Mathews joins North2Shore at the Victoria Theater June 25 for a night of storytelling, comedy + fun.

6/25 – An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour – NJPAC

Natalie Merchant

Sunday, June 25, 2023 – NJPAC, Prudential Hall 

Folk rock singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs mesmerizes audiences with her strong, clear voice, heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics + catchy melodies. This will be a very special performance with The Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS 

NIFF: 4/26/92 Screening: “4/26/92”

June 21, 2023 – City Plex

Newark International Film Festival screens “4/26/92”, an iconic film about the days leading up to the LA riots of 1992.

NIFF Lighting for Film and Television

June 22, 2023 – The Atrium @ 744 Broad Street

Learn how to light your set for film and television from professional lighting designers in the industry. 

NIFF Screening: DAME DASH STUDIOS

June 22, 2023 – City Plex

Dame Dash Studios premieres a new film at the Newark International Film Festival June 22.  

NIFF Special Screening

June 22, 2023 – City Plex 

Newark International Film Festival premiers a special screening with top Hollywood Talent. Secure your seat today! 

NIFF Acting Workshop with Tobias Truvillian

June 22, 2023 – Express Newark

Tobias Truvillian leads this workshop on the craft of acting and how to achieve your goals as a performer. 

Leading Men in Hollywood Panel

June 23, 2023

NIFF brings you a sit-down chat with Lance Gross, Jay Ellis, Tobias Truvillian, Larenz Tate, J. Alphonse Nicholson.

Leading Women in Hollywood Panel

June 24, 2023

Sit down with Hollywood’s Leading Ladies Michelle Mitchenor, Logan Browning, Eva Marcille, and Brandee Evans as part of NIFF at North2Shore. 

NIFF Acting Workshop with Wendy McKenzie

June 24, 2023 – Express Newark

Acting coach and entrepreneur Wendy McKenzie leads this informal acting workshop to talk about the what, who, how, and why of acting. 

From Hip Hop to Hollywood Celebrity Panel

June 24, 2023

Newark International Film Festival presents From Hip Hop to Hollywood with Dupre (DoItAll) Kelly, Redman, Ludacris + Lady London.

 ——————————————————————-

TechUnited:BetterX Summit

A part of the North to Shore Festival

Thursday, June 22, 2023

NJPAC, Newark, NJ

BetterX: Building a Better Future for All 

TechUnited’s BetterX programming was created to leverage technology, innovation, and regional strengths to solve our greatest challenges. 

BetterX programming marquee experiences are the startup challenges, which provide innovators with a cash prize, executive mentorship and connections, and brand exposure.

The BetterX Summit convenes local innovators & global leaders to inspire, grow, & build a better future for all.

BetterX Summit

Join the team for a summit focused on the best ways to inspire growth and innovation in New Jersey.

While you’ll have ample opportunities to network & pitch, the event agenda will focus on inspiring talks from global tech leaders, successful founders, and investors.

Watch the promo video – youtube.com/watch?v=Wqp5zNOcqFQ

AGENDA

12:30 PM | Check-In, Networking, & Startup Alley

Check-in and checkout the cool new startups building their tech right here in Newark.

1:30 PM | Welcome Remarks

TechUnited CEO Aaron Price shares the history of the TechUnited: NJ & the BetterX programs.

Aaron Price

CEO, TechUnited – Founder, Propelify

linkedin.com/in/arprice

1:45 PM | The Newark Advantage

Financial innovators share their predictions and calls to action for the future of financial security, democratization, & innovation.

Citi Medina

Founder, EQUAL SPACE

linkedin.com/in/medinaciti

Aaron Meyerson

Chief Innovation Economy Office & Director of Broadband, City of Newark

linkedin.com/in/aaron-meyerson

Kathy Naasz

Vice President Strategic Partnerships & Entrepreneurship NJII

linkedin.com/checkpoint/challengesV2/AQGCiTnTmc12hgAAAYi6eywRxCeLIw2CZGDjeMtAf_wJHdDrHDtQxWlCfbBlWb7WGiyQh7UxOv6_ZLTdFUWVphkGSvaHXeMbJw

2:15 PM | Solving Sustainability’s Biggest Challenges

Startups and big corporates alike are turning their attention to opportunities to reduce emissions & leverage clean energy in the supply chain. Dive into the challenges facing this industry, and how the tech community can help.

Faith Taylor

VP, Global Sustainability Officer, Kyndryl

President, Women@NJPAC

linkedin.com/in/faithlouisetaylor 

Dr. Shihab Kuran

CEO, Power Edison

linkedin.com/in/shihabkuran

2:45 PM | More than Mojo

From Diapers.com to Some Spider, Vinit has sold and grown business for over ten years. His newest venture, in partnership with household names like ARod, is the first ever licensed sports stock market. Find out why this new venture has the biggest upside yet, starting right here in New Jersey.

Aaron Price

CEO, TechUnited

Founder, Propelify

linkedin.com/in/arprice

Vinit Bharara

CEO & Founder, Mojo

linkedin.com/in/vinit-bharara-2302306

3:15 PM | What Opportunities 5G Connectivity Provides to Startups

Explore the potential market opportunities for startups created by the adoption and evolution of 5G. 

Massimo Peselli

Chief Revenue Officer, Verizon Business

linkedin.com/checkpoint/challengesV2/AQE2sTQMVcZlJAAAAYi6huwn886a1Qo4gN8aPLff8N6XzzfwMgvlHHWCdwB-C2Sz7npYVk9yvygcganK91rYaFT0gHrBzoXBog

3:45 PM | Technology’s Role in Growing your Business

How much do social media and business tech tools impact the way we do business, maintain relationships, and provide education? 

Vince Hudson

Head of NA Business Marketing, Meta

Marci Hopkins

Host, Creator & Executive Producer of Wake Up with Marci, Author

linkedin.com/in/talkshowhost

4:15 PM | Creating an Equitable Healthcare Future

This expert explains the importance of tech and innovation to build a more equitable healthcare workforce. 

Michellene Davis

Esq, President & CEO, National Medical Fellowships

4:45 PM | Emerging

Mecca Imani

Founder, GroTru 

Startup Showcase

Three startups will be presenting their pitch & sharing their entrepreneurial journeys.

Alex Simeon

Founder & CEO, MoneyUp

5:30 PM | Happy Hour

This happy hour is co-hosted with Women@NJPAC (njpac.org/support/women-at-njpac).

REGISTRATION

Registration is required to attend the FREE BetterX Summit.

Register at techunited.co/betterxsummit.

TICKETED PROGRAM

7:00 PM | Additional Ticketed Experience: Daymond John Keynote

TechUnited:BetterX Summit Keynote: Daymond John – A Better Future for All Starts with Entrepreneurship

After the BetterX Summit, get your ticket to the big finale – a keynote with Daymond John, star of Shark Tank! Purchase your tickets at ticketmaster.com/event/00005E69A5B71C5C

North2Shore:

For updates and new concert listings,

visit northtoshore.com

@north2shore

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Learn more at NJPAC.org.

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