Monday, May 19, 2025
North to Shore Festival Returns This June in NJ; S.W.A.T. Sets Spinoff Series

Building on the momentum of two extraordinarily successful festivals in 2023 and 2024, Prudential North to Shore Festival will return in June 2025 with an expanded lineup that runs from June 14 through June 29. Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2023, this year’s festival returns with a special focus on comedy and music -- Laughs and Jams. In its first two years, the festival brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and has drawn a total audience of over 500,000 to more than 650 shows in 250 venues in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City, making it New Jersey’s largest summer arts festival. Prudential Financial returns as the festival’s title sponsor, as part of the Newark-based company’s celebration of its 150th anniversary.
Then, for two consecutive weeks, comedians of all stripes and musical acts will perform in venues across Asbury Park and Newark. At the same time, free community events will welcome festival-goers with a taste of the rich and varied arts and culture scene that thrives in each city. This year’s lineup will include Bleachers; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; Gregory Porter; Jack’s Manequinn; Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson; Josh Johnson; Lawrence; Natalia Lafourcade; Slightly Stoopid; Stone Temple Pilots; Streetlight Manifesto; The String Cheese Incident; Third Eye Blind; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and many others.
Here are the Newark events:
June 17: String Cheese Incident at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 18-20: Black Creative Economy Summit at Symphony Hall.
June 19: Natalia Lafourcade at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 20: Hot 97’s Summer Jam at Prudential Center. Lineup TBA.
June 20: Third Eye Blind, Stars at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 20: Two Funny Mamas featuring Sherri Shepherd and Kym Whitley at Victoria Theater at NJPAC.
June 21: Kumail Nanjiani at Victoria Theater at NJPAC.
June 22: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at Prudential Center.
June 22: Bassem Youssef at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 22: Bob Summer at NJPAC
June 23: Food Insecurity Panel at Chase Room at NJPAC.
June 26: Stone Temple Pilots, Parlor Mob at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 26: Newark International Film Festival: Tate Brothers Panel Discussion
June 27: Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, Pete Davidson at Prudential Center.
June 27: Joey Diaz at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 27: Nicole Byer at Victoria Theater at NJPAC.
June 27: New Jersey Symphony at Branch Brook Park. (free)
June 27: Sounds of the City: Felix Hernandez’s Rhythm Revue Dance Part at Chambers Plaza at NJPAC. (free)
June 27: Newark International Film Festival: Acting class with Tobias Truvillion.
June 27: Newark International Film Festival: “Hip Hop to Hollywood,” Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly & Friends.
June 28: L.L. Cool J’s Rock the Bell Festival at Prudential Center. Lineup TBA.
June 28: Josh Johnson at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 28: Rosebud Baker at Victoria Theater at NJPAC.
June 28: Sounds of the City: Big Daddy Kane at Chambers Plaza at NJPAC. (free)
June 28: Yogi Fest by Tye Daye at Lincoln Park.
June 28: Newark International Film Festival: Acting class with Morocco Omari.
June 28: Newark International Film Festival: Acting Class with Wendy McKenzie.
June 29: Gregory Porter at Prudential Hall at NJPAC.
June 29: Martin Amini at Victoria Theater at NJPAC.
June 29: Sounds of the City: Lettuce at Chambers Plaza at NJPAC. (free)
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) announced at LA Screenings a series order for S.W.A.T. Exiles, a new spinoff series starring Shemar Moore, who will reprise his role as Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. The new series expands the popular S.W.A.T. universe, underscores SPT's commitment to producing high-quality content and enhances the value of key intellectual property (IP) in the evolving television landscape.
SPT will produce and distribute the 10-episode series globally, focusing on finding the right homes and partners for these new stories to reach the passionate S.W.A.T. fanbase and attract new viewers. Development is currently underway with production scheduled to begin this summer in Los Angeles, preserving jobs for the 200-person local production crew who have been instrumental to the success of the original series for the last eight seasons.
Monday, November 04, 2024
Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas Schedule 2024; A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin at NJPAC

Good tidings Freeform brings, as the network celebrates the adored seasonal tradition of "25 Days of Christmas." The programming event returns to spread holiday cheer starting Sunday, December 1. A delightful collection of Christmas favorites is being offered to make spirits bright, including Home Alone, The Santa Clause trilogy and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Select airings of perennial favorite Home Alone will incorporate "pop-up" facts about the classic holiday movie. Jingle all the way with Disney family classics like Frozen, the Toy Story franchise and Disney's A Christmas Carol. Other holiday faves airing throughout the month include Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street (1994), Arthur Christmas, plus Rankin-Bass' beloved specials, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, plus much more! Plus, the merry lineup features a network premiere featuring the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, as well as Dashing Through the Snow (2023) and Santa's Little Helper (2015). View the full day by day schedule here.
Speaking of Home Alone..."A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin" is coming to a city near you this holiday season (November 30-December 15). Following a screening of Home Alone, there will be a Q&A with the star himself. Standing Ovations Live is putthing this together, including a visit to Newark, NJ at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) to present a special screening of the timeless classic Home Alone on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30pm. The star who brought Kevin McCallister to life, Macaulay Culkin, will be in Newark for a unique event that features an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A with Macaulay Culkin following the screening. You'll laugh, cry, do the Kevin Scream, dance like a mannequin and embrace the nostalgia of this endlessly quotable Christmas classic. So many scenes are seared like hot doorknobs into the public consciousness: "KEVIN!" "I made my family disappear." "Keep the change, ya filthy animal." Embrace the hilarity and heart of this holiday favorite. This event is perfect for fans of all ages, from those who grew up watching Home Alone to younger generations just discovering the beloved film.
Tickets are available for purchase online now. Tickets are also available by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722), or visiting the NJPAC Box Office. For those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Macaulay Culkin himself. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the ultimate holiday blast from the past, transporting you back to the '90s for an unforgettable experience!
Thursday, June 27, 2024
New Jersey's North to Shore Festival Brings Out the Stars; ABC's GMA Summer Concert Series 2024

New Jersey's North to Shore Festival, launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into three extraordinary weekends of performances, screenings, parties and conversations in three of the state's most iconic cities. Currently, the festival is in its Newark stage from June 23-30, with some big events happening this weekend. Comedians Zarna Garg and Gabriel Iglesias have comedy events this Friday (at NJPAC and Prudential Center, respectivley). On Sunday, Kevin Smith and Kevin Hart have comedy shows as well (also at NJPAC and Prudential Center, respectivley). Extending beyond June 30, A Conversation with Stephen Colbert & Paul Giamatti will happen on July 26 at NJPAC.
Hosted by Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark, the North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy's vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State's long legacy of innovation in the arts, film and technology. Alongside the first season’s headliners — which included Jersey-born pop diva Halsey, hip hop legends Eric B. & Rakim, classic rocker Santana, world-famous Latin songwriter Ricardo Arjona, Brazilian superstar Marisa Monte and R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan — the inaugural festival presented scores of concerts, film screenings, art exhibits and expert panel discussions on innovation in technology, climate-change, healthcare and business, as well as scores of performances and events, many of them free, featuring artists who make their creative home in New Jersey. Buy tickets to shows still available!
ABC News' Good Morning America announced the return of its Summer Concert Series. The 2024 summer series kicks off on Friday, July 19, with powerhouse acts joining throughout the summer from both GMA's Times Square Studios and in Central Park, including eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood, country sensation Kane Brown, six-time CMA Group of the Year recipients Old Dominion, multiplatinum rapper and producer G-Eazy, multiplatinum country star Megan Moroney, the electrifying duo SOFI TUKKER, and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning reggaeton artist Nicky Jam. Additionally, the five-time GRAMMY Award-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Green Day will perform in Central Park on Friday, July 26, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Dookie” and the 20th anniversary of their iconic smash hit “American Idiot.”
2024 Summer Concert Series Lineup, Sponsored by Wayfair:
July 19 – Kane Brown in Central Park (#KaneBrownOnGMA)
July 26 – Green Day in Central Park (#GreenDayOnGMA)
Aug. 2 – Carrie Underwood in Central Park (#CarrieUnderwoodOnGMA)
Aug. 9 – Nicky Jam in Central Park (#NickyJamOnGMA)
Aug. 16 – G-Eazy in “GMA”’s Times Square Studio (#GEazyOnGMA)
Aug. 23 – SOFI TUKKER in “GMA”’s Times Square Studio (#SOFITUKKERonGMA)
Aug. 30 – Megan Moroney in “GMA”’s Times Square Studio (#MeganMaroneyOnGMA)
Sept. 6 – Old Dominion in “GMA”’s Times Square Studio (#OldDominionOnGMA)
Monday, April 22, 2024
Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head Comedy Tour Expands Into June & July, Including at NJPAC; Comedy Central Orders Golden Axe

Comedian and TV star Hasan Minhaj is on tour for his comedy Off With His Head since September and the tour is expanding into June & July now with more venues and dates added. Hasan Minhaj is as fearless as ever in his entertaining new stand-up show. With his signature irreverent wit, he tackles controversy head-on — from politics to immigration to parenting. The Emmy and Peabody-winning comedian is best known for his Netflix series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. He previously served as a correspondent on The Daily Show with both Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah. His comedy specials Homecoming King and The King's Jester are currently on Netflix.
One of the new June additions is in New Jersey. Hasan Minhaj is returning to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ with this comedy night on Saturday, June 15 at 7PM. Tickets are now on sale. Don't miss your chance to experience this amazing comedy tour by purchasing tickets at NJPAC.org, calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. Not in the NJ/NY metro area, view other cities on Ticketmaster.
Comedy Central announced a 10-episode order of Golden Axe, a new animated series based on the popular Sega video game series, featuring a star-studded cast including Emmy(R) award winner Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre and Carl Tart. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television and Original Film. In a hilarious and loving homage to Sega's 1989 video game series, Golden Axe follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won't seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.
Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason, Brothers and Sisters) will play Gilius Thunderhead, a grumpy battle dwarf with exceptionally poor hygiene and a chip on his shoulder. Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest, Community) as Hampton Squib, a naive, inexperienced first time adventurer who has dreamt of questing his entire life. He hopes his can-do attitude can make up for his inability to actually do stuff. Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty, Interior Chinatown) as Tyris Flare, a fearsome battle sorceress, deadly in a fight and even deadlier with her sharp wit. Liam McIntyre (Spartacus, The Flash) as Ax Battler, a barbarian warrior with a strict code of honor and sweet golden retriever demeanor. His brawn outweighs his brains, but his heart outweighs his brawn. Carl Tart (Grand Crew, Star Trek: Lower Decks) as Chronos "Evil" Lait, originally from Golden Axe III, is a 100% badass humanoid panther. At least that's how Chronos describes himself. In reality he's uncomfortably cheesy and can't read a room. Fans can anticipate plenty of exciting cameos from the world of Golden Axe.
Monday, July 07, 2014
'60s Batman Now on IFC; Wayans Brothers to Reunite in NJ
As we mentioned on our 4th of July marathons story, Batman is now on IFC and aired in a 4th of July marathon on Friday (Holy Marathon!). The campy '60 series starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin is airing weekdays at 7:30am & 8am and again in the afternoon usually around 3:30pm and 4pm. The times vary, but you'll get four episodes every weekday, so check your listings for exact time. The series will also air on weekends, airing in a block format around 8-11am, with once again times varying. Batman joins the line-up of other comedies and series such as The Three Stooges, Malcolm in the Middle and original comedies like Portlandia and Maron. Upcoming new comedy Garfunkel and Oates premieres Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10. Garfunkel and Oates centers on the aspirations and misadventures of the female comedy-folk duo Riki Lindhome (Garfunkel) and Kate Micucci (Oates), and will spotlight the personal and professional lives of the duo whose career choices – singing satirical and sometimes dirty songs – leaves them with little in common with their peers, and no one but each other to turn to for support and understanding. Fred Savage is producing and directing. Stay with us for more on that and of course more on Batman on IFC. Batman was last on cable on The Hub and still airs on digital broadcast network MeTV.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) present The Wayans Brothers on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 8PM. Don't miss this only area performance when Hollywood's First Family of comedy, Keenen, Damon, Shawn and Marlon Wayans share one stage in an evening of hilarious stand-up comedy. Get your tickets now at NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722). The brothers have enjoyed success as directors, screenwriters, comedians and actors. Shawn, 43, and Marlon, 42, are best known for the sitcom The Wayans Bros., which aired from 1995-1999 on the WB. Keenen, 56 – the oldest of 10 siblings – and Damon, 54, created, wrote and starred in the Fox Network program In Living Color, which ran from 1990-1994. In addition, Damon Wayans wrapped five seasons of the ABC series My Wife and Kids, which he co-created and executive produced.
Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Friday, September 12
Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Year to Watch" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
As Vee arrives at Wilson Hall, she learns that performing arts boarding school might have more challenges than she thought; Demi vows to protect Vee from Van Helsings.
Vampirina: Teenage Vampire - "First Day of School" (Disney Channel, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Vee's plans to have an amazing first day of school are threatened by a dire warning from the Vampire Council; Demi continues his search for Van Helsings.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of September 8)
Friday, September 12
- Regina King (The Boondocks/Leap of Faith/227) - Watch Regina on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Michael Chiklis (Daddio) - Michael is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Drew Barrymore (Santa Clarita Diet) - Drew appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
- Kumail Nanjiani (Bless the Harts/Silicon Valley) - Kumail is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
- Domhnall Gleeson (The Paper) - Domhnall appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Emily Osment (Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage/Young Sheldon/Young & Hungry/Hannah Montana), Tien Tran (How I Met Your Father) and Vinny Thomas (Platonic) - Emily, Tien and Vinny are guests on a repeat of After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken/Community) - Ken talks about 99 to Beat on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Michael Urie (Shrinking/Krapopolis/Partners) - Michael talks about Broadway's Oh, Mary! and Shrinking on The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Zosia Mamet (Laid/Girls) - Zosia talks about Does This Make Me Funny? on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
- Emeril Lagasse (Emeril) - Sunny Anderson gets a big surprise from Drew – cooking with the legendary Emeril Lagasse on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Jennifer Aniston (Friends/Muddling Through/Ferris Bueller/Molloy) - Drew is chatting with Jennifer about the new season of The Morning Show, her kids cookbook, Cook with Clydeo, and her haircare line on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- Hannah Pilkes (Leanne) - Hannah is a guest on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:30am.
- Charlie Sheen (Anger Management/Two and a Half Men/Spin City) - Real Time with Bill Maher features a one-on-one interview with Charlie Sheen, actor and subject of the new two-part documentary aka Charlie Sheen on Netflix, and author of the new book The Book of Sheen: A Memoir at 10pm on HBO.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
08/26 - The Huckleberry Hound Show - The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray)
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