Features | Princeton Magazine

Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 Season Opens September 9-10

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO’s) 2023-2024 Season opens September 9-10 with Princeton-based composer Sarah Kirkland Snider’s inspirational work Forward Into Light, inspired by women suffragists, and Henri Tomasi’s expressive Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, performed by 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant winner Steven Banks. William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, one of the first full-length works by a Black composer to be performed by a major U.S. orchestra, completes the program. more

The West Windsor Community Farmers Market Prepares for Fall Season

Voted one of New Jersey’s top-ranked farmers markets by the general public via American Farmland Trust, the West Windsor Community Farmers Market (WWCFM) is ready and excited for the return of fall in the Garden State. more

New Hope, Pa., Resident Writes Children’s Book

New Hope, Pa., resident Cheryl Olsten has crafted a story that weaves a narrative of inclusivity, ambition, and the power of following your heart.

Within the pages of Mimi and the Gold Baton (Greenleaf Book Group), to be released October 10, readers will follow Mimi, and undaunted and spirited mouse, as she embarks on a journey through a world that embraces and celebrates differences. Through her poignant pursuit of becoming a “mousetro,” Mimi discovers an unexpected orchestra symbolizing the harmonious coming together of musicians from all walks of life. more

Show of Modern Landscape Paintings at Green Building Center

Located in Lambertville, Green Building Center is a firm specializing in the most environmentally responsible materials and methods of building and design. Their space at 67 Bridge Street shares an array of these products and the showroom also displays the work of local artists. The current exhibit features contemporary landscape paintings by artist Michelle Farro. more

International Vintage Sounds from Musical Group Pink Martini

The acclaimed musical group Pink Martini will perform at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center on Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $90 and can be purchased online at ww.mccarter.org or by calling the Box Office at 609.258.2787. more

Fall Open House Days at The College of New Jersey

Come see why The College of New Jersey (TNCJ) has been ranked No. 1 during a scheduled open house day. The 2023 open houses will be held on Saturday, September 23, Sunday, October 15, and Saturday, November 18. Pre-registration is required at admissions.tcnj.edu/visit/lions-day-open-houses/. more

Cycle to Help Save the Sourland Mountains

Early bird registration fee for the Sourland Spectacular cycling event is ending soon. The early bird registration fee of $50 ends on Thursday, August 17. The regular adult registration will then become $65, so don’t delay and register today! more

“Cross Cultural Perspectives” at Newark Arts Festival 2023

The Newark Museum of Art and Newark Arts have announced that “Cross Cultural Perspectives” will be the signature exhibition of the 2023 Newark Arts Festival, a free, four-day celebration running September 27 through October 1. The exhibition opens on September 27 and features works by a roster of more than 90 New Jersey artists. It will be on view through October 29. more

“Liu Shiming: Life Gives Beauty Form” Sculpture Exhibit at Mason Gross School of the Arts

哪吒陶 [Nezha], Liu Shiming, 1980. Courtesy of the Liu Shiming Foundation.

The Liu Shiming Art Foundation (LSAF) and Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University have announced the opening of a new exhibition, “Liu Shiming: Life Gives Beauty Form.” The exhibit is on view through September 22 at Mason Gross School of the Arts, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. more

Bucks County Playhouse Launches “Stay and Play” Packages

With the 2023 summer season in full swing at Bucks County Playhouse, the iconic New Hope theater recently announced new partnerships to create travel packages with several area boutique hotels and inns.

The all-new “Stay and Play” packages are designed to provide an unforgettable experience for theater enthusiasts and visitors alike. The packages combine top-notch performances with luxurious accommodations, making for the perfect getaway in picturesque Bucks County, Pa. more

Take A Look Inside the Infant Program at Princeton Montessori School

Princeton Montessori School at 487 Cherry Valley Road is well-known for their excellent Infant program offerings. Operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., families are given the option to enroll their child at a minimum of three days per week with at least six hours per day. more

Mayor Mark Freda Hosts Julia Wall of Stuart Country Day School on Princeton Podcast

Head of School Julia Wall was the July 6 guest on Princeton Podcast, a show hosted by Princeton Mayor Mark Freda. With each episode featuring a who’s who of notable Princeton leaders, listeners get to know the influential figures that shape this vibrant historical community and whose contributions to local programs and services are helping to mold the future of Princeton. more

Battle of the Bonds at Princeton Garden Theatre

Get ready for an action-packed, back-to-back James Bond feature presented by Princeton Garden Theatre on Thursday August 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. With the purchase of the Double Feature ticket, patrons get access to both screenings. The evening will include a shaken, not stirred showing of From Russia with Love (1963) starring Sean Connery and The Living Daylights (1987) starring Timothy Dalton. Both films are entirely different interpretations of the classic James Bond role. more

Barn Art Show and Sale at Terhune Orchards

Based on the success of last year’s art show “Celebrating Old Trees,” Terhune Orchards’ Art Show and Sale will return September 9 through December 10 with the theme of barns. Barns of any kind, anywhere may be depicted in this art show. Furthermore, all media is accepted, so artists should not feel limited to painting or drawing. more

Disney Pixar’s “Coco in Concert”

On Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m., experience the Oscar-winning Disney Pixar classic Coco at McCarter Theatre Center. This unique showcase includes a screening of Coco accompanied by a live musical score. Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score will be performed and conducted by Esin Aydingoz. more

HomeFront Launches Annual Back-to-School Drive to Support Children Impacted by Poverty

As the 2023-24 school year approaches, HomeFront has announced its annual Back-to-School Drive that aims to provide children affected by poverty with school supplies and support for a successful start to the academic year.

The Back-to-School Drive runs through August 18. The program is a testament to HomeFront’s commitment to empowering the next generation to thrive and be prepared for their academic journey. more

“Clear the Shelters” Pet Adoption and Donation Campaign Returns

NBC10, Telemundo62, and NBC Sports Philadelphia are sponsoring their annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign for the ninth consecutive year, now through August 31. As part of the event, these news stations have partnered with local animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption and to help raise funds for Philadelphia’s greater animal welfare community. more

Voices Chorale NJ Summer Sing, Social, and Auditions

Voices Chorale NJ (VCNJ) invites all singers to attend an open summer sing featuring excerpts from the upcoming 2023-2024 repertoire including Saint-Saens’ Christmas Oratorioa and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. Scores will be provided, and light refreshments will be served.

It’s an opportunity for singers to practice sight-reading; meet the director, Dr. David A. McConnell; and learn some fascinating history and context about the compositions. Meet other singers and consider setting up an audition to join VCNJ. more

Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party at Princeton Shopping Center

On August 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., visit the Princeton Shopping Center for a Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party hosted by the Princeton Public Library.

The fun will begin at 6 p.m. with face painters, a scavenger hunt, and games on the lawn. Stop by a table hosted by Taim Mediterranean Kitchen and spin the wheel for some free samples of their award-winning falafel, hummus, za’atar pita, and tahini sauce. more

Steinert High School Student to Perform on National School of Rock AllStars Tour, Raise Funds for Teen Suicide Prevention

Dean Svecz, a 16-year-old resident of Hamilton Township and a vocal student at School of Rock Princeton (SoR), will be a member of the School of Rock AllStars, which is a touring ensemble of some of the top teen musicians from School of Rock franchises from across the country. Svecz and his AllStars bandmates will perform at venues across four midwestern states from July 31 through August 5 to support mental health awareness as well as raise funds for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). more

哪吒 陶 [Nezha], Liu Shiming, 1980. Courtesy of the Liu Shiming Foundation.

哪吒陶 [Nezha], Liu Shiming, 1980. Courtesy of the Liu Shiming Foundation.