Here’s what’s in store at Hopewell Theater this December:
Friday, December 2
Lucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer-songwriter of rare talent, “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker) and “the troubadour laureate of modern city folk” (The Boston Globe). She has released eight critically acclaimed CDs, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the year by the Association for Independent Music.
HPL Wednesday Night Out: The Lenape and Their Ancestors in Hopewell Valley
Wednesday, December 7
American Indians have lived in the Hopewell area for at least 9,000 years. Volunteers and an intern have recently completed cataloging the approximately 2000 Indian artifacts in the Hopewell Museum collection. Through the study of these artifacts, together with other types of record, including historical sources, we are learning more about the ways of life of the people who lived here for so long.
This is a free event hosted by Hopewell Public Library at Hopewell Theater.
Friday, December 9
Pyrenesia is an acoustic swing quartet founded on the banks of the Delaware River, combining original compositions and singer-songwriter melodies with the Django Reinhardt-inspired tradition of gypsy jazz. Alex Radus is known as a “sultry crooner” (City Paper) and “master guitarist” (Courier News), but his songwriting takes center stage, pairing whimsical and poignant storytelling with a genre-bending mix of Americana, swing, blues, folk and more.
HOLIDAY SHOWS
Get into the holiday spirit this December at Hopewell Theater with four festive live events that will make the season merry.
James Maddock, Danielia Cotton, and Matt O’Ree Band will perform epic holiday-themed concerts across the month. Additionally, patrons can enjoy an evening of local talent at the theater’s final 2022 “Your Stage at Any Stage” curated open mic.
Saturday, December 10
James Maddock’s status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. He has performed with Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nile, Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors), and David Immergluck (Counting Crows). According to radio legend Vin Scelsa, Maddock’s “heartbreakingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted” music “touches the soul.”
Your Stage at Any Stage: Open Mic Hosted by Michelle Klein
Wednesday, December 14
Hopewell Theater’s popular performance showcase returns this December with a curated local lineup of short performances by artists from the area. Patrons are encouraged to support their neighbors and regional talent by attending this lighthearted and entertaining event as audience members.
This month’s show will feature a stand-up comedy act by James Christy, solo live music performances by Bill Ihling, Stephen Dijoseph, Nikolai Margulis, and Meg Russell, and band performances by Tiny Home and Cushetunk.
Danielia Cotton’s Home for the Holidays
Saturday, December 17
Danielia Cotton’s childhood was spent on the Sourland Mountain in Hopewell, NJ. Her mother and aunts were all professional vocalists, and music was in her blood.
Early on she began veering from the gospel and jazz/blues of her mother and aunts, finding greater allure in rock legends like AC/DC, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and Todd Rundgren, as well as soul and R&B royalty like Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway. Danielia Cotton has since shared the stage with the likes of Robert Cray, Bon Jovi, and Gregg Allman, and in 2010 she was named Lilith Fair’s OurStage Local Talent Winner for NYC.
Matt O’Ree Band: Rockin’ the Holidays
Friday, December 30
Over the past years, The Matt O’Ree Band has done what most area bands do. They’ve played their shows, developed their sound, released their records and very quietly built a massive fan base in the process. What makes this band different from all the others is that their local fan base includes Bruce Springsteen, David Bryan, and Steve Cropper, all of whom have volunteered to perform on the band’s album, Brotherhood.
HOLIDAY LOCAL ARTS FUND DRIVE
In addition to hosting the above holiday shows, Hopewell Theater is also raising funds for Artworks Trenton’s local arts and youth art programs.
Artworks Trenton is a professional arts organization that promotes artistic diversity and fosters creativity, learning, and appreciation of the arts. Their exhibitions, workshops, events, and public projects make art an accessible experience for all, building community among and between art students of all ages, professional and amateur artists, inner city and suburban residents, die-hard art fans and first time art appreciators.
Now through December 31, Hopewell Theater patrons will have the option to add a donation of $5.00 or more to their ticket purchase online or in person at the box office. There will also be an option to donate directly by visiting the Donation Drive webpage on Hopewell Theater’s website.
Thank you for your support, and happy holidays!
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