By Lauren Whelan’14, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Living in the New York Metropolitan Area, the Arts and Entertainment scene never seems to be in a lull. However, for the audience member who is looking to avoid the hassle heading into the city, the arts scene in New Jersey can prove to be equally exciting! Local venues such as Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark are hosts to some incredible performances. Whether the events are musical, dance, or other sorts of performances, the New Jersey arts scene truly deserves attention this season!

At the Mayo Performing Arts Center, located just outside the square in Morristown, New Jersey, musical performances rule the winter scene. On January 29^th, Lyle Lovett and John Hyatt will provide an evening of acoustic music, mainly of the country genre. A performance by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will rock Morristown on January 31^st. Southside Johnny, a native New Jersey resident, began his career along side one of the other great New Jersey musicians- Bruce Springsteen. As their careers developed, the two up and coming artists shared song ideas to their band members. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes is surely a show any loyal fan of “The Boss” will not want to miss! For the audience member looking for a different sound, the next musical performance at Mayo Performing Arts Center, taking place on February 1^st, will feature music with an international flair- specifically Brazilian and Latino. Titled “Guitar Passions,” this show will feature Sharon Isbin, Stanley Jordan, and Romero Lubambo. Sharon Isbin is known for her multiple Grammy Awards and incredible talent on the classical guitar. Stanley Jordan, also a Grammy nominee, has performed all around the world, and his wide array of musical genres attracts many listeners. Romero Lubambo brings his Brazilian heritage through his guitar music, which is known for its authenticity. With the combination of these three extraordinary musicians, this guitar spectacular is sure to astound the Northern New Jersey crowd.

The variety of performances is immense at the world class New Jersey Performing Arts center in Newark. On January 30^th, “Hezekiah Walker and Friends (Starring Marvin Sapp),” a vocal performance with a religious theme, will take the stage featuring  gospel music by the singing preachers. This unique performance is bound to be an event gospel enthusiasts will want to see. Switching tones, the next performance on January 31^st will fill the audience with laughter as comedian Chris Tucker takes the stage. Along with other humorists, Chris Tucker will be stopping at NJPAC as a part of his nationwide tour. Known most recently for his role in Silver Linings Playbook, Chris Tucker’s comedic performances have been a complete hit thus far. To round out the full array of performances on schedule, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will be performing at NJPAC on February 8^th.  Titled “Music of the Americas,” the show will feature musical styles native to all of the Americas- from the classic songs of the United States to Latin American sounds from South America. An international experience, the performance is well suited for all audiences.

Within the Newark Academy arts scene, musician Coleman Hughes has been traveling once again this year to perform at the Grammy Awards. Amid the excitement of the awards season, however, New Jersey Arts still attract audiences everywhere. With such incredible performances approaching in the New Jersey theaters, a trip to New York is surely not the only way to experience the arts this season. Among the many venues, the local Mayo Performing Arts Center and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center have schedules of events that are sure to impress all audiences. By staying on this side of the Hudson to enjoy the arts this season, you will not be disappointed!