5 Events for the 4th of July
Friends, this year we have the rarest of summer holidays: the Fourth of July Wednesday. That magical holiday that happens smack-dab in the middle of the week, meaning that we sort of have TWO Fourth of July weekends...and sort of have neither. Well, we're celebrating this odd limbo-zone of patriotic commemoration with five great summery events you can take in the first week of July, that run the gamut of the arts in New Jersey. Amidst the fireworks near you, consider these activities for week-of-Independence Day outing:
Steve Tobin: Aerial Roots at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton: Tobin's work commemorates the opening of GFS' new 7-acre wildflower meadow, and the stirring root-like quality of his work is awe-inspiring in its scale and has a sense of majestic grace. Grounds for Sculpture is a wonderful place to spend a beautiful day, and this new exhibition, open now through August 12, is a great example of both the excellent art on view and the gorgeous outdoor landscape.
Diana Krall at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove: The Canadian Jazz songstress (and Mrs. Elvis Costello) plays Ocean Grove's acoustically awesome auditorium. There's a series of great big-band and patriotic music guests all week long, as well. If you've never seen a performance in this venue: GO! The way the sound wraps around you at all points of the auditorium is humbling and amazing.
Comedy of Errors presented by Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Convent Station: A little outdoor Shakespeare is a pretty perfect way to spend a summer's night, and the Greek Theatre at the College of St. Elizabeth is a lovely setting. The Comedy of Errors is a great big, brassy and baudy classic laugh-fest with maybe the greatest chase sequence in the history of written theater, and this family-friendly production is a great introduction to the bard's work.
Antique and Folk Art Sale at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May: Cold Spring Village is a mecca for lovers of crafts and history; this antique showcase is full of dozens of different vendors displaying their wares, and a big-band concert on Saturday, July 8 at 2pm.
Toylanders at Noyes Hammonton Gallery in Hammonton: This larger-than-life collection of childhood nostalgia explores whimsy, adventure, and the nature of playtime. It's a great way to spend a day with your kids, finding your own kid-at-heart, and forging the connection between a love of play and art.
All of us here at Jersey Arts wish you a great Independence Day weekend(s), art lovers; now, get out there and see something you love!
