Fun Things to Do in New Jersey This January: Art, Concerts and More

Check out this month's stellar shows and astounding art exhibitions.

"Dragons and Mythical Beasts" on stage
The Olivier Award–winning Dragons and Mythical Beasts is bringing its magic to NJ. Photo courtesy of State Theatre New Jersey

Looking for fun this January? Check out these events and activities happening all over New Jersey.

Please note that all schedules are subject to change; visit each venue’s website for more information.

Art

Cristina de Gennaro
All month long
The Hunterdon Art Museum is exhibiting the drawings of Cristina de Gennaro, with compositions inspired by and depicting the desert floors of New Mexico. De Gennaro says she framed her work depicting sagebrush, weeds and parched soil to be decentered, claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; General admission $5-$7. Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton. hunterdonartmuseum.org

Nigerian-Cameroonian artist Samuel Fosso’s current exhibition is comprised of self-portraits. Photo courtesy of Samuel Fosso

Samuel Fosso: Affirmative Acts
Thru Jan 29
Samuel Fosso is a Nigerian-Cameroonian artist and photographer whose current exhibition is composed of self-portraits. Fosso makes statements on identity and consumption through fashion, makeup and visual references to pop culture and African history. Tuesday-Saturday, hours vary. Art on Hulfish, Princeton. artmuseum.princeton.edu

Comedy

Headshot of comedian

Jimmy Shubert is performing at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club this month. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Shubert

Jimmy Shubert
Jan 20-21
Jimmy Shubert is a true comedic veteran, having performed on stage since the early 1980s. He’s also had recurring roles on The King of Queens and Entourage. Now Shubert is bringing his everyman observations to Uncle Vinnie’s. 9 pm; $25-$56. Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club, Point Pleasant Beach. unclevinniescomedyclub.com

Vic DiBitetto
Jan 21
Vic DiBitetto, the “Donkey of Comedy,” has amassed hundreds of millions of views across his social media channels for his outlandish observational humor. He’s looking to make some more memories and share some laughs with an audience in Newton. 8 pm; $44-$59. The Newton Theatre, Newton. skypac.org

Music

Eric Rachmany of Rebelution is embarking on a solo tour, with a stop in Asbury Park. Photo courtesy of the Stone Pony

Eric Rachmany
Jan 20
San Francisco native Eric Rachmany is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the Grammy-nominated reggae rock band Rebelution. Now, he’s hitting the road on a solo tour to perform acoustic covers and versions of some of Rebelution’s biggest hits. 7 pm; $29-$35. The Stone Pony, Asbury Park. stoneponyonline.com

Joe Bataan
Jan 28
Legendary New York Latin soul artist Joe Bataan was born and raised in Spanish Harlem, surrounded by diverse cultural and musical influences. His music has blended a multitude of genres for nearly 60 years, including soul, disco, funk and hip-hop. 8 pm; $25. White Eagle Hall, Jersey City. whiteeaglehalljc.com

Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Jan 28
Formed in Colorado in 1986, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are a rock band that combines elements of other genres such as blues, folk, country, funk and jazz. Their most well-known work is their 1993 album Sister Sweetly, which has gone platinum in the US. 8 pm; $49-$74. The Newton Theatre, Newton. skypac.org

Special Events

Performers in "Stomp"

Global phenomenon Stomp is stopping in Morristown this month. Photo courtesy of Steve McNicholas

Stomp
Jan 7
Originally premiering in the United Kingdom in 1991, Stomp has since become a global phenomenon, making various TV appearances and performing at live events and celebrations all over the world. This explosive and unique show avoids conventional percussion instruments, instead using everyday objects to create rhythm. 3 and 8 pm; $49-$89. Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown. mayoarts.org

The iconic Monster Jam will put on four shows over the course of three days at the Prudential Center. Photo courtesy of Prudential Center

Monster Jam
Jan 27-29
Prudential Center is hosting Monster Jam over the final weekend of the month. This action-packed, supersized monster-truck event features races, skill and freestyle competitions, and fearless drivers. Make a pit stop in Newark for an evening of cool tricks and sick flips! Showtimes vary; $20-$110. Prudential Center, Newark. prucenter.com

Stage

"Dragons and Mythical Beasts" on stage

See an Olivier Award–winning show in New Brunswick. Photo courtesy of State Theatre New Jersey

Dragons and Mythical Beasts
Jan 15
Dragons and Mythical Beasts, the magical, Olivier Award–nominated show from London’s West End, is coming to the Garden State. Bring the whole family to get up close and personal with mesmerizing creatures. 1 & 5 pm; $19-$54. State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick. stnj.org

Living & Breathing
Opens Jan 28
From Texas playwright Mando Alvarado and director Rebecca Martinez, this play centers on an art piece that is a living Latino behaving as a statue. The statements behind the piece affect a diverse group of three friends. Showtimes vary; $30-$60. Two River Theater, Red Bank. tworivertheater.org

Mark Evans
Jan 29
Mark Evans is a Welsh actor, singer and dancer with theatrical credits like Waitress, Wicked and The Book of Mormon under his belt. Now, he’s bringing his solo cabaret show, Hide and Seek, in New Jersey. 7 pm; $30. South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange. sopacnow.org

Benefits

ART OF Salsa and Bachata
Jan 21
Part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s ART OF events series, this event teaches participants how to dance salsa and bachata. The event is going to have an expert instructor and a DJ for a party after the lesson to test out what you’ve learned. There’s also going to be drinks and food, and proceeds support “smART kids,” the Arts Council’s arts enrichment program for underprivileged middle school students. 7-11 pm; $125. Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton. artscouncilofprinceton.org

The Chili Run
Jan 29
This 2-mile run/walk in Pitman benefits the HEADstrong Foundation. Each runner receives a complimentary t-shirt, a serving of chili and a beer. Vegetarian chili is also available. The event culminates with a post-run party that includes a DJ and an ugly sweater competition. 10 am; $40. Carolina Blue, Pitman. gooddayforarun.com


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