By Roger Costa
@NJPAC
The annual TD James MoodyJazz Festival is in full swing at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, featuring the best in world jazz music.
On Friday, November 22nd at 7:30pm, The John Pizzarelli Trio will pay homage to Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, led by Guitarist John Pizzarelli, the iconic star of the Great American Songbook and the unique, seductive tunes of Grammy winner vocalist Catherine Russell. On Saturday, the 23rd, powerhouse jazz director Christian McBride and his big band will host an evening of pure classic, energized jazz with special top appearances such as Lisa Fischer, Philip Bailey, and Dianne Reeves. These voices will certainly make it a historical jazz celebration. Tickets start at $49. INFO: https://www.njpac.org/series/james-moody-jazz-festival/
@Cinema Village
Featuring the best in contemporary African diaspora themed cinematic experiences, including shorts, documentary and award-winning feature films, African Diaspora International Film Festival returns to NYC hosting events and film screenings at multiple venues, including the iconic indie art-house Cinema Village, located at 22 East 12th Street, Manhattan, November 29-December 15. Among the Premieres this year, the Brazilian film “Power Alley” directed by Lillah Halla will have its Gala Screen followed by a conversation with the director on Thursday, December 5th. The film follows the challenges of a talented young Afro-Brazilian athlete and was a Cannes Film Festival Semaine de la Critique selection. Other titles include the Belgium drama “Amal”, Lazaro Ramos’ “Executive Order”, Dian Burlis’ highly emotional Olympic doc “Breaking Boundaries” and South African thriller “Good Mourning” directed by Morokwe Kaizer Mokgobu. The Festival will also hold a James Baldwin centennial celebration. INFO: https://nyadiff.org/
@The Joyce Theater
Ringing in time for the Holidays, The Joyce Theater (175 8th Avenue, corner of 19th Street) brings the electrifying new show A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday, conceived by acclaimed director/choreographer Caleb Teicher and his dedicated collaborators, Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes, Nathan Bugh, and Eyal Vilner. Starting December 3rd and performing thru the 15th audiences will experience a celebratory social dance experience where the spirit of the Holidays comes in fueled with joy and incomparable soul-energy, as well as featuring live music by Eyal Vilner Big Band. Tickets start at $10. INFO: https://www.joyce.org/performances/134/a-joyce-theater-production/a-very-sw-ng-out-holiday
@MoMA
The annual best of the year series The Contenders continues thru January featuring the most important cinematic works of 2024.
The Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street hosts in-person live conversations with filmmakers and stars of the productions selected. The line-up includes Sundance sensation “A Real Pain” with director/actor Jesse Eisenberg in person on Friday, November 22, Venice award-winning Brazilian political drama “I’m Still Here” starring Fernanda Torres on November 23, Italian historical thriller “Vermiglio” on November 25 and the vibrant Irish hip hop tale “Kneecap” which is seeking an Oscar nomination for its country in the Best International Film category. Tickets $12. INFO: https://www.moma.org/calendar/film/5762
@Prudential Center
Mariah Carey is coming to Prudential Center in Newark on December 13 at 7:30pm. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her legendary album ‘Merry Christmas’ and its record-shattering single “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”, the tour concert will feature the global superstar’s timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, promising an unforgettable festive experience. Tickets start at $59. INFO: https://www.prucenter.com/events/mariah-carey
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