SOPAC announces a diverse December lineup featuring comedy, jazz, R&B and more

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) kicks off the holiday season with a series of performances in December. Performances range from local comedy and college choir concerts to swinging jazz, soulful R&B and groundbreaking Americana.

Kicking off on December 4 is “Laughs in the Loft: Home for the Holidays,” the latest installment of comedian and curator Joe Larson’s comedy series featuring stand-up talent from the South Orange-Maplewood area and beyond.

There are also plenty of holiday concerts, with Seton Hall University’s annual winter concert on Dec. 5, The Hot Sardines’ “Holiday Stomp” jazz show on Dec. 6, and Broadway native and South Orange native Mandy Gonzalez performing seasonal favorites in ‘Home for the holidays’ on December 8.

“I am so excited to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends in my hometown at SOPAC,” said Gonzalez. “The holidays in SOMA are absolutely magical: the lights, decorations and free parking meters really put you in the holiday mood!”

R&B fans are in for a treat on December 14 when Valerie Simpson, one half of the legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, returns to SOPAC with an evening of Motown classics. Americana lovers won’t want to miss Nefesh Mountain when the groundbreaking ensemble brings their “Love & Light Tour” to the main stage on December 15.

For more information, including ticket details, click here.

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Generative AI was used to create an early draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.