New Jersey turns 350 years old in 2014! 
New Jersey's rich heritage, unique resources and resilient, determined people are what make this state the place we're proud to call home. NJ350 is a year-long statewide celebration of what makes New Jersey special. Throughout 2014, MPAC and its partner organizations will honor the state's 350 year legacy, following the official state themes of “Liberty, Diversity and Innovation.”

MPAC will focus on what we specialize in most — the unique contributions that the artistic community has contributed to the state. This will include concerts featuring Jersey-based artists, visual art displays, education programs, outdoor concerts and a lecture series:

Current activities and schedule:

June 24 – August 5: Music Beyond Borders
This year’s free outdoor world music concert series on the Morristown Green returns beginning June 24 and runs every other Tuesday through August 5. This year’s series will feature NJ-based NJ-based artists who reflect the diversity of the population of our state. Click here for more details.

April 17-June 3: Essex Watercolor Club: Celebrating New Jersey's Beauty: New Jersey’s oldest watercolor organization presents an exhibit showcasing some of the state's most scenic spots.

June 4-July 15: Pastel Society of New Jersey: Artists participating in this show submitted artwork inspired by life in New Jersey, commemorating the 350th Anniversary of our great Garden State, and the show includes landscapes, still life, portraits and abstracts in the medium of dry pastels.

March 4- March 18: Student Art Cover contest display: 
This year's student Art Cover contest centered on the theme of NJ350. Students were asked to create visual art based on the themes of Liberty, Diversity and Innovation. The winning choices will be featured on MPAC program books in the Spring. The students' artwork will be hung in the Art Upstairs Gallery in March. Click here to read the press release.

MPAC's NJ 350 kicks off with Southside Johnny

On Friday, January 31, Jersey rocker Southside Johnny kicked off MPAC's NJ350 celebration. Not only did Southside perform his trademark mix of blues and rock, but prior to the concert, he signed pastel artwork of him created by New Jersey artist Judith Leeds. The artwork is currently on display in the theatre's Art Upstairs Gallery and available for purchase.

Through March 4: The New Jersey Watercolor Society presents its annual associate members show, celebrating the theme New Jersey’s 350th birthday, at the Art Upstairs Gallery at Mayo Performing Arts Center, January 21, 2014 – March 3, 2014.

Feb 22: Sarah Chang Offers her NJ350 Best Wishes!
International violin sensation Sarah Chang grew up in New Jersey. Now this Jersey girl comes home to dazzle with her virtuoso skills that have won her worldwide acclaim.

Feb 23: New Jersey Ballet with NJ Youth Symphony
In the first of a two-program salute to NJ350, NJ Ballet in tandem with the celebrated NJ Youth Symphony honors NJ composers James P. Johnson and Jerome Kern. The program brings to life the sights, sounds and rhythms of our state with all new musical arrangements, new choreography from Ray Mercer and Earl Mosley, and the rich  full sound of a 40-piece orchestra of brilliant young musicians. CLICK HERE TO READ A REVIEW OF THE CONCERT

March 9: Hanover Wind Symphony
As a special tribute to the Garden State, in honor of New Jersey's 350th anniversary, the HWS will perform the Congress Hall March, which was written by John Philip Sousa for the Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May.  Click here to see the program

March 15: New Jersey Ballet with Jazz House Kids – Jazz, Jazz, Jazz
In the second of a two-program salute to NJ350, NJ Ballet and award-winning musicians of Jazz House Kids honor Jersey jazz greats Wayne Shorter, Christian McBride, Count Basie and more. The program showcases the heritage of America’s original musical art form with new musical arrangements, and world premieres from Ray Mercer, Earl Mosley and Matthew Rushing. MORE INFO

Coming Soon:
Additional events will be added throughout 2014. Look for more information coming soon on additional concerts and other special events to be added throughout 2014!