Compiled by Nicholas Voltaggio:
Even with the arts and entertainment offerings available this weekend, it can feel difficult in good conscience to take advantage of leisure, as America faces the unprecedented reality of twin crises: One a new pandemic, one the manifestation of years of injustice and inequality.
If you’re anything like me, you may feel helpless and hopeless after George Floyd’s death, wanting to contribute to the urgent cause of racial justice but knowing how or where to start. But, as we have seen throughout our history as a people and as a nation, it is through the accumulation of small, individual efforts that change is made.
And it is only by recognizing our collective failures, and acknowledging the reality of persistent, systemic injustices, that we can embark on the road to change. If you want to help those advocating for justice, or, as I do, learn more about the realities of privilege and inequality, please consider visiting this link, a comprehensive list of resources for education and engagement compiled by the Obama Foundation.
This weekend and always, keep the victims of injustice in your hearts and minds, and offer support and love to those advocating for change. In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is heartening to see the best of our communities, when we recognize our shared humanity beyond the superficial confines of race, creed, or political affiliation.
Through all the pain and suffering our nation is enduring, hope persists – hope that we can put our beliefs into action and, embracing our unity, make some long overdue progress.
Please enjoy this weekend’s offerings.
Video: ‘I’m a Young Black Man,’ Keedron Bryant, age 12, from Florida.
RECURRING EVENTS:
The Mayo Performing Arts Center has partnered with film studios to stream independent films, for rental. A portion of rental revenues will help MPAC. Two films, both delving into remarkable true stories, are available, with more to come.
As hard as the Morris School District is working to perfect the virtual education experience, it’s difficult to replicate a field trip. Luckily for students and families, Grow It Green Morristown has created a virtual visit to its Urban Farm.
The Lab, a multimedia endeavor of Arts By The People, is offering high school students a chance to express themselves by creating either a one-minute video or a one-page poetry or prose composition. The theme: My World During the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Check out the latest virtual exhibit from Morris Arts, Vanishing Worlds.
Opera at Florham is posting videos of its past events, featuring young opera singers in 10 performances.
Take a virtual walking tour with the Morris County Tourism Bureau.
Catch an original short film, courtesy of the Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium and Black Maria Films — and try one of their healthy recipes for “dinner and a show” in the comfort of home.
Explore Isolation, a virtual exhibition of the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville, through June 24, 2020.
Dissonance, the Morris Museum’s virtual exhibition, looks at disorder and tension.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020:
Join the Morristown and Township Library for its 7 pm Book Lovers’ Circle, online via the free app GoToMeeting. The event is open to anyone who wants to share an appreciation of great books and newly released titles.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5:
The Mayo Performing Arts Center is back with another 12:30 pm concert, this time a Piano Battle, featuring musicians Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis.
At 7 pm, singer-songwriter Dave Nachnamoff performs on The Folk Project’s Acoustic Stayaway virtual program. Nachnamoff’s style encompasses folk-pop, jazz, blues, and rock.
Singer-songwriter Carla Ulbrich specializes in making people laugh. Check out her free concert series at 7:30 pm, on YouTube and Facebook.
More laughs–and PPE resources for frontline medical workers–are coming from National Lampoon, which streams a comedy show at 8 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. Host Harrison Greenbaum welcomes popular comedic guests, while raising funds for the COVID Foundation.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6:
Fresh off the release of her EP Classic, singer Brynn Stanley shares her silky stylings and girl-next-door charm from her living room, every week at 8 pm.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7:
The Folk Project presents Joe Guzzo’s Stayaway Sundays Show at 3 pm. Guzzo shares performances and interviews with Folk Project favorites.
