South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) — Attraction in South Orange

It was a cold, wet, really gloomy Saturday. Until, after finding a decent parking spot, I passed the SOPAC entrance doors. Smiling faces, warm, cozy environment. Everyone of SOPAC stuff was very friendly and helpful. No confusion, no overcrowded spots. My seat was very close to the stage. Just sitting in anticipation of the beginning of the show in a very comfortable chair and seeping my hard earned bear (I've got a voucher for a complementary drink after submitting my survey) was a very pleasant experience. The John Pizzarell Trio... It was just stunning, non-stop bliss. Some compositions were familiar, but many came as a pleasant surprise. For example, I couldn't imagine a single acoustic guitar version of the "Last train home" by Pat Metheny Group possible. John performed it with flying colors. It was his beautiful version, but with all the respect to the original. Time flew by fast. At the end of the show, after standing ovations, musicians treated the audience with delicious extra. Driving home through nasty rain and wind was not a problem. Music was still in my head, and inspiration was in my heart. Thank you, SOPAC. Can't wait for the next visit in November - the Giants of Jazz. Boris Zlotsky. Proud...

Best ticket in the NY metro area last night at SOPAC for the South Orange International Blues Festival: Winter Edition! Gregory Burrus and friends put on a truly amazing show, kicking it off with Jersey's very own Billy Hector Band. Billy's loyal fans and friends turned up for more fender therapy from NJ's hardest working bluesman who was "balling the jack" and delivered more than a Spoonful. Mike Griot and Blues People special guest, Noe Socha, stole the show with his virtuoso skills on his steel guitar and harp. This man done a deal at the crossroads, no doubt about it! Blues People, just back from Memphis, followed with a powerful statement musically and topically from their debut album "Troubled Times". Griot, as his name implies, reminded all where this remarkable artistic tradition came from, and Kelton Cooper's guitar and vocals was rocking the church right there in the pews ! NYC based Axe Man and blues fans fav in Lyon France, Popa Chubby headlined the show like the kingsnake he is bringing his original take on the blues canon and tin pan alley. Over 3 hours of bona fide barrelhouse blues wrapped up with everyone joining Popa Chubby on stage for even more zuzu leaving the audience...

I saw Bob Mould at SOPAC with a group of friends and found the acoustics and sight lines in the venue to be perfect for the solo acoustic show. The strange thing about the venue is that it’s also a movie theater, though the movie theater is not where they have the performances.

They offer movie theater type food like popcorn and candy, but you can’t actually bring it into the theater venue. It’s a little strange, but it works. Inside the theater the lighting and the sound is excellent. I had no issues hearing the singer and didn’t leave with a ringing in my ear, even though I forgot my earplugs.

Did I mention that the place is tiny? There is a lower level that has old fashion movie style seating and then a mezzanine that has stadium seating. The only really bad part is that the seats appear to of been made for people about 5 foot tall. I am 6 foot and my friends are about 5‘8“ and all of us felt incredibly cramped in the seats. I was in the mezzanine and my knees clearly jutted out around the head of the person sitting in front of me and it was really awkward. Other than that, the show was fun and affordable and I would definitely...