New Music Venues
Princeton Sound Kitchen
F-Plus, an innovative violin, clarinet, and percussion trio, performs new works by Princeton University graduate student composers Kennedy Taylor Dixon, Bobby Ge, Zoe Gorman, Soo Yeon Lyuh, Tom Morrison, Gemma Peacocke, and Cleek Schrey. Tuesday, September 12, 8 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning cellist Nick Photinos performs new works by Princeton University graduate student composers. Tuesday, October 10, 8 p.m.
Princeton University composition alumnus and current lecturer Tom Morrison presents a new work, “Train Dreams,” and the first of two Mixtape concerts in which various artists and ensembles perform new works by Princeton University graduate student composers. Tuesday, October 24, 8 p.m. Mixtape 2, Tuesday, November 14, 8 p.m.
The JACK Quartet, a New York group devoted to performing new compositions, presents two concerts of new works by Princeton University and faculty and graduate student composers. Tuesday and Wednesday, November 28 and 29, 8 p.m.
All performances take place in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall, Princeton University, and are free. www.princetonsoundkitchen.org.
Unruly Sounds
The annual new music event developed by area musician Mika Godbole returns to showcase the strong and varied artistry of local musicians and composers.
The 2023 edition includes works by graduate composers and Unruly Sounds first-timers Kennedy Dixon and Justin Wright, a study group featuring members of Sō Percussion and Princeton University Music Department Chair Dan Trueman collaborating with Philadelphia-based tap dancer Michael J. Love, and returning favorites duo alba par and Kendall Williams on steel pan.
Also appearing are local favorites Jacquie Kerrod on harp, Damsel (Beth Meyers and Monica Mugan), Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Dan Kassel collaborating with Daniel Johnson on tabla, and lastly, a “surprise” audience engagement segment.
The free event reflects a “desire to frame new music with a casual ambience to encourage accessibility and dialogue between composers and the community.” Thus, the event is planned in a manner that encourages audience members to walk around, sit and eat, and let children experience the music in a relaxed atmosphere. Hinds Plaza, Witherspoon Street, Princeton. (Rain location: Community Room, Princeton Public Library). Sunday, October 1, noon to 5 p.m.
Pop & International Music
McCarter Theater Center
“Patti Smith: Words and Music”: American (and New Jersey raised) music legend and poet shares spoken word, stories, and songs. $75 to $125. Saturday, September 23, 8 p.m.
“Once the Dust Settles Flowers Bloom”: Feminist Africanist Olivier Tarpaga gives voice and body to the refugees of the Sahel region, channeling their strength and beauty. $25 to $65. Friday, September 29, 8 p.m.
Fatoumata Diawara: The award-winning Malian singer-songwriter uses her talents and electric guitar to present a soulful evening of desert blues and Wassoulou folk music. Presented in association with Timbuktu Grooves: The Princeton African Music Festival. $25 to $65. Saturday, September 30, 8 p.m.
Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert: A big screen film presentation accompanied by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. $35 to $155. Wednesday, October 4, 7 p.m.
Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily: “Love in Exile”: A new work by a trio noted for improvisational jazz, multiple instruments, and ethereal voice. $25 to $55. Thursday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.
Madison McFerrin: The latest generation of a storied musical legacy brings dulcet tones and impeccable vibes to McCarter. $25 to $45. Saturday, October 14, 8 p.m.
Pink Martini, the band boasting over a dozen musicians, arrives to show off an international repertoire. $25 to $70. Friday, November 3, 8 p.m.
Davóne Tines: An avant-garde bass-baritone singer who defies convention of what it means to be “classical.” $35 to $55. Thursday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
“The Sound of (Black) Music”: An Afrofuturist take on a Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, with an electrifying group of more than 20 musicians and vocalists paying tribute to the rich, communal history of Black roots music. $25 to $90. Friday, November 17, 8 p.m.
Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret”: Two noted storytellers and entertainers perform their tongue-in-cheek two-man cabaret with a flair both bawdy and risqué. $25 to $85. Saturday, November 18, 8 p.m.
91 University Place, Princeton. 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org.
State Theater of New Jersey
Tommy Emmanuel: The noted Australian-born country singer and CGP (Certified Guitar Player) performs with guests musicians Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. $29 to $244. Friday, September 8, 8 p.m.
“Jennifer Peña, Chingonas con Coronas”: the Mexican-American pop singer, songwriter, and actress pays tribute to Latina artistry. $29 to $69. Friday, September 15, 8 p.m.
TUSK: The World’s #1 Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band. $25 to $59. Friday, September 22, 8 p.m.
“YES”: Classic Tales of the legendary rock music ban YES. $59 to $159. Saturday, September 30, 8 p.m.
Ben Folds What Matters Most Tour: an evening of pop piano and song. $39 to $138. Sunday, October 1, 8 p.m.
“Rock ‘N Roll Doo Wop Spectacular”: Featuring Chubby Checker, The Doo Wop Project, The Duprees, and Vinnie Medugno. $39 to $89. Saturday, October 14, 7 p.m.
La India: An evening with the Grammy-winning Latin singer/songwriter. $39 to $125. Saturday, October 21, 8 p.m.
The Head and The Heart with special guest, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors: The acclaimed Seattle band’s hit songs include “Rivers and Roads,” “Virginia,” “Honeybee,” “Lost in My Mind,” and “Down in the Valley.” Opening the show is Tennessee band Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. $40.50 to $136. Saturday, November 4, 8 p.m.
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-247-7200. www.stnj.org.
Jazz
Candlelight Lounge
The Trenton jazz spot hosts performances on Saturday afternoons from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. as follows: Philadelphia percussionist Rob Henderson and his Hfactor, September 9 ; Rockaway, New Jersey, keyboardist Leonieke; September 16: Trenton saxophonist James Stewart, September 23; and North Jersey jazz vocalist Carrie Jackson, September 30.
Veteran New York saxophonist Jerry Weldon, October 7; pianist Glenn Williams, October 14; Phillip Weborndoerfer, October 21; and New York City organist Akiko, October 28.
Philadelphia guitarist Brian Betz, November 4; keyboardist Bill Schilling, November 11; New York veteran baritone saxophonist Dave Schumacher, November 18; and Rob Henderson’s HFactor, November 25.
24 Passaic Street, Trenton. $20 cover and $10 minimum drink order, free buffet. www.candlelighteventsjazz.com.
Folk
Princeton Folk Music Society
The fall season of monthly Friday evening shows starts with the New England-based group Castlebay performing traditional American and Celtic music, September 15. Next up: Virginia-raised singer/songwriter Tret Fure, October 20, and the Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill, performing “upcycled Indi Irish folk,” November 17.
Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton. $5 to $25. All shows at 8 p.m. www.princetonfolk.org.
