Grammy-Nominated Warren Vocalist Sets WAC Date

Rosanna Vitro and band set to perform April 27.

The Watchung Arts Center is proud to present the jazz vocal talents of Roseanna Vitro at 8 p.m. April 27. Vitro will be appearing with her RNP band that will feature songs from their 2012 Grammy-nominated album “The Music of Randy Newman.” The group was recognized by the Academy for their arrangements and renditions of Newman’s compositions through a confluent blend that mixes elements of jazz, blues, folk and country. Serving as backup for Vitro will be arranger and pianist Mark Soskin, bassist Dean Johnson, violinist Sara Caswell, and drummer Tim Horner. Songwriter Randy Newman has been writing popular music since 1968 during which time he won an Oscar for the best original song for the movie “Monster, Inc,” along with 5 Grammys and 2 …

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Sunday Reception for Watchung Hills Students' Art Show

Watchung Arts Center sets reception opening new show.

Watchung Hills Regional Students Artwork Featured in WAC Show

Sunday reception opens show featuring works by Warren students Olivia Hampton, Sruchika Sabu and Brianna Wu.

Once again the Watchung Arts Center in partnership with Watchung Hills Regional is bringing you a unique Art Exhibit “Emerging Artists” featuring recent winners of the DuCret school of Art competition along with other very talented WHRHS students. Students exhibiting include Annika Chan of Long Hill, Steve Dodge of Long Hill, Olivia Hampton of Warren, Sruchika Sabu of Warren; Joyce Samarina of Green Brook,  Erica Spinelli of Long Hill, and Brianna Wu of Warren.  The teachers of WHRHS will also be exhibiting along with their students showcasing an incredible variety of media and originality.   Teachers include: Vincent Colabella,10 years at WHRHS, teaches Photo I, Photo II, Photo III and Advanced Placement Conceptual Photography;  Joan …

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Gillette Vocalist Claims Second Place in Art Center's 'Idol' Competition

Watchung Arts Center's annual competition completes month-long talent showcase.

Alice Tuberty-Vaughan, of Gillette, was named the runner-up in the Watchung Arts Center's New Jersey Idol for 2013, Saturday, concluding a four-week competition for vocalists between 15 and 29 that started with a field of 20 semi-finalists. Saturday's finals included judging by audience members, who selected the three finalists after each performed a song. The three finalists—Tuberty-Vaughan, Freddie Bourne, of Union Beach, and Danielle Bellomo, of East Hanover—then performed again for judges Lisa Coppola, entertainment attorney Lou Takacs, Esq., and songwriter/producer/manager Mark D. Conklin. After deliberations, Bellomo claimed the top prize ($500 cash awarded by the WAC), with Tuberty-Vaughan winning second prize (a two-hour recording …

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Warren Vocalist Erica Kottler a Finalist for New Jersey's Next Idol

Art Center's annual competition finals set for Saturday.

Sometimes there's just not enough days to go around, but each week we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family or just take some time for yourself. Saturday night, make a date to join the fun at the Watchung Art Center's New Jersey Idol finals, where 10 performers from across the state—including Warren's Erica Kottler—will compete to win prizes including studio time, publicity and even a cash prize. All of the participants are between 15 and 29 years of age, and will be judged by a panel including recording artist Lisa Coppola, Entertainment Attorney Lou Takacs, and songwriter-producer-manager Mark D. Conklin—and the audience.  Mendham resident Jessie Villa won last year's competition.   This year's contest …

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Sketch or Paint Live Model at Watchung Arts Center

Those who wish to immerse themselves in portraying nude figure studylcan sign up for one or more sessions.

Sometimes there's just not enough days to go around, but each week we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family or just take some time for yourself. This week, you can put on your beret and tap your inner artist by signing up for four (or perhaps one) long pose figure sessions with artist Maryann Ficker at the Watchung Arts Center, 18 Stirling Road, in Watchung. Classes will feature one model maintaining the same pose for all four sessions. The long sessions are designed to provide artists enough time to complete a figure painting or detailed drawing. Open to all artists and is non-instructional. Ficker will be a facilitator during the classes, which can be taken as a four-session program or, if room is …

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Jazz, Improvables and NJ Idol on Tap at Watchung Arts Center

February and March offer many special programs and concerts.

Jazz, Improvables and NJ Idol on Tap at Watchung Arts Center

February and March offer many special programs and concerts.

Upcoming performances at the Watchung Arts Center include: Upper Gallery: Bindia Puri — Things People Do Lower Gallery: Ryan Bivens – Solo Show Watchung Arts Center is calling all artists to submit entries in all media for a month-long art exhibition in the Upper Gallery entitled: Things People Do — Your personal interpretation of what you have seen people do, from the mundane…to the extraordinary. All 2-D media accepted. See the Exhibitions page for more information. Friday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. “Jazz in the Gallery”: ImpresaRIO Concert: Rio Clemente, The Bishop of Jazz $18 in advance, $22 ($20 for WAC members, $10 for students) at the door The Center is fortunate to welcome back this master pianist. The audience will be treated to the energy …

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Test Your Vocal Talents at Art Center's NJ Idol Contest

Watchung Arts Center seeks entrants into annual contest.

The Watchung Arts Center announces open registration for the 2013 Vocal Competition NJ Idol. The NJ Idol vocal competition is open to New Jersey residents ages 15—29 years of age performing all genres of music such as folk, country, pop, classical, gospel and rock.  The mission of this event is to provide young  local talents a venue to perform and an avenue in which to further their careers.  A panel of judges will evaluate each contestant based on Singing, Musicality,  Appearance, and Stage Presence.  The winner will receive $500 and the two runner-ups will receive industry professional services prizes. Judges include industry professionals including: Mark D. Conklin, songwriter, producer, manager, and founder of Music City East, LLC; …

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Watchung Hills Teachers Join Art Center Workshops

Classes aimed at middle-school students focus on sculture, bead work.

Middle-school students hoping to be more creative in 2013 can get a start with one of the upcoming classes at the Watchung Art Center. The WAC has several classes planned for January and February for middle school students grades 6-8 encompassing scupture, bead work and pottery. The center's new 3-D Sculpture workshops will be taught by Watchung Hills Regional High School teachers, including Mrs.Truskowki, Joan Thomson, Nancy O’Reilly and Kate Griffin.  The workshops will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in January and February. The workshop classes include: Beads of Courage: Students create two bead bracelets, keeping one and donating the other to a child with cancer. Beads of Courage is a non-profit …

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