5 fun things to do in Morris County this weekend
Morris County and the state are making the most of the last days of summer. Avoid Labor Day traffic and check out these concerts, picnics, music festivals and performances close to home.
Historic Speedwell looks at the NJ industry which produces Applejack. "Jersey Lightning: A Story of Booze, Apples, and Local Industry'' will spotlight Jersey Lightning, the colloquial term for the alcohol Applejack that has been produced in New Jersey for centuries. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown. Tickets: $4, seniors (65 and up); $3, children (4 to 16); children under 4 admitted free. More information: www.morrisparks.net or 973-285-6550
Cirque brings 'Varekei' to Newark. The largest theatrical producer in the world is presenting "Varekai," which is one of its most lush shows ever, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 29 to 31, at the Prudential Center in Newark. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m Saturday; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. Tickets: $40 to $145. More information: 973-757-6000 or www.prucenter.com
Chris Hillman of the Byrds playing Whippany: Hillman's 53-year musical career includes tenures with three groundbreaking country/roots bands: the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and the Desert Rose Band. Hillman is joined by longtime musical collaborator Pedersen, another alumnus of the Desert Rose Band, who has worked with artists from Ringo Starr to Emmylou Harris. 7 p.m. Sunday, August 31. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Ukrainian American Cultural Center, 60 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany. Tickets: $27 in advance, $29 day of show; VIP seating, first five rows, $30 in advance, $32 day of show if still available; $5 for ages 13 through 17; free for ages 12 and under. More information: 973-585-7175 or www.splatterconcerts.com
Folk and acoustic music festival:Uke New Jersey, a 2-day celebration of the ukuele, returns to the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship under the sponsorship of the Folk Project this weekend. "Uke New Jersey, Too," as this year's festival is called, features live performances, music workshops (for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels), and a screening of the documentary "Mighty Uke." On-site food vendors. Hours: 8 to 11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $15 (Friday only), $65 (all day Saturday only), $25 (Saturday evening concert only), $75 (both days). Free for children age 12 and under registered with parents or guardians. More information: 908-229-1214, concerts@folkproject.org and www.folkproject.org.
"UKE NEW JERSEY" SCHEDULE
Friday, August 29
7:30 p.m. – Screening of documentary "Mighty Uke"
8:45 p.m. – Uncle Zac
9:30 p.m. – Jim & Liz Beloff
10:05 p.m. – The Stringbusters
(Pete and Maura Kennedy)
Saturday, Aug. 30
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. – Workshops, open mic and jams
7:30 p.m. – Honor Finegan
8 p.m. – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
9:30 p.m. – Jim & Liz Beloff
10:05 p.m. – Stuart Fuchs
Bike and Walk Morristown presents annual picnic
. Cycle or walk to the lawn at the Vail Mansion this weekend for Bike and Walk Morristown's annual summer picnic. The Music.Picnic.Art party takes place
from 7 to 9 p.m; bike rides take place the last Friday of each month
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Admission is free. More information:
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