Open Mic, Bamboo Garden, 349-351 West Side Ave., (201) 780-5070. Every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Poets, singers and rappers are welcome. Great artists and great music. For more information, call and ask for Taylor.
Senior Yoga Classes, Grace Church, Second and Erie streets, (201) 659-2211. For seniors 65 and older. Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Eat & Be Eaten, CRRNJ Terminal, Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr., (201) 200-1000, www.lsc.org. A 4,000-square foot exhibition on predators and prey with plenty of living animals. Handicapped accessible. Opens Nov. 25. Since the Liberty Science Center is closed for two years for renovations, exhibits are being held at the CRRNJ.
Loew’s Jersey Theater Cleanup, 54 Journal Square, (201) 798-6055, www.loewsjersey.org. Volunteer with the Friends of the Loew’s every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as they clean and restore the historic Loew’s Jersey Theater. Work gloves, dust masks and other supplies are provided, as are refreshments and insurance. Tours for the public will also be conducted on Saturdays.
Poetry Workshop, Beechwood Café, 290 Grove St., (201) 915-9598, e-mail: guterl@blackstone.com. Free poetry workshop to practice the art of poetry, through reading and writing every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekly assignments are given by members, but beginners are welcome.
Movie Days, Heights Branch Library, 14 Zabriskie St., (201) 547-4556. Free movie every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Monster in Law
Dec. 8 – The Interpreter
Dec. 15 – A Very Long Engagement
Dec. 22 – Dear Frankie
Used Book Sale, Grace Church Van Vorst Parish Hall, 39 Erie St., (201) 795-9071. Every Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hardcover books are $1, soft-cover $0.50. Free books are also available every week. Book donations are accepted during sale hours. All proceeds go to the church.
Boxing, Jimmy Dupree’s Gym, 293 Martin Luther King Dr., (201) 547-5003. Open Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Register at site. Call for more information.
Waterbug Hotel, 7 Erie St., (201) 779-3624, www.thewaterbughotel.com. Spoken word with featured musicians. Every Thursday night at 10 p.m. No cover.
After School Recreation, Various Public Schools, Community Centers, YMCA and Armory, (201) 547-5003. This free program that runs after the school day has ended provides educational and recreational activities for children ages 8 to 13. Call for more information.
New Jersey Arts Annual: Crafts, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.org. Jersey City Museum will present an exhibition that goes beyond a mere survey of the state of craft in New Jersey. Questioning the artificial separation of high art and craft, the museum is organizing an exhibition of artists who choose deliberately to work with non-high art materials.
The Cypher Movement, Mangoville Restaurant, 349-351 West Side Ave., (201) 344-6102, www.cyphermovement.com. Open mic and poetry slam at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Cash prize for first place. Admission is $5.
Japanese Swordsmanship Society, Victory Hall Cultural Center, 186 Grand St., and Golden Door Charter School, 180 Ninth St., (201) 656-0117. Learn the old martial arts of Japan, Iaido and Naginata from masters, Tuesdays at Victory Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. and Fridays at Golden Door from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call for more information and fees.
Ice Skating, Pershing Field Skating Rink, Pershing Field, (201) 547-6886. Rink is open from November through March for all ages. Fee required. Skate rental and sharpening.
17-19
The Heist Project, Victory Hall Cultural Center, 186 Grand St., (201) 915-9911, www.arthouseproductions.org. A collage of still art, poetry, live theater and music exploring the value society places on its art and artists. In 1990, the theft of 13 works by artists such as Rembrandt, Degas and Vermeer from the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum in Boston, Mass. shocked the world. One man who claims to know where the art is being held poses this question to the FBI: Is it more important to punish someone for the crime or to get the art back? Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12. Call for reservations.
17-20
Hot 1 Baltimore, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Department of Music, Dance and Theatre stages Lanford Wilson’s “Hot l Baltimore,” directed by Anderson Johnson. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admissions are $6.
18
Thanksgiving Craft, Heights Branch Library, 14 Zabriskie St., (201) 547-4556. Holiday crafts for children at 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Limit of 30 children. Free.
19
Fall Bird Walk, Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Freedom Way, (201) 915-3409. Fall is the time when the birds start moving. Take a stroll in Liberty State Park from 10 a.m. to noon to see which birds are staying for the winter and which birds are headed south. Dress to be outside, and bring binoculars if you have them. Spaces are limited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more, call for special arrangements. Free. Pre-registration required.
20
Italian Comedy Tonight, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Four Sundays of Italian films from the 1950s and 1960s, produced in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Consulate of Italy in Newark and Casa Colombo in Jersey City. Tickets are $7. Call ahead to ext. 141 for reservations. Shows begin at 4 p.m.
25-26
Bright Eyes, Loew’s Jersey Theatre, 54 Journal Square, (201) 798-6055, www.loewsjersy.org. The acoustic rock band live in concert. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com.
29
Symphony of Winds and Percussion Concert, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Symphony of Winds and Percussion performs under the direction of Nicholas Cerrator in a concert presented by the University’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre, at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admission are $6.
1
The Art House, Victory Hall Cultural Center, 186 Grand St., www.arthouseproductions.org. Jersey City’s longest-running open mid performance series, with featured guests every month begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $3. December guest will be poet and teacher Maria Mazziotti Gillan.
Jazz Ensembles Concert, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Jazz Ensembles perform under the direction of Ed Joffe in a concert presented by the University’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre, at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admission are $6.
Dr. Martin Luther King Reading Circle, Library Conference Room, Second floor, St. Peter’s College, 2641 Kennedy Blvd., e-mail: mgraceffo@spc.edu. Begins at noon.
Craftastic: Adult Craft Workshop, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Time is getting short to finish those gifts. Give yourself a break by bringing your project to the museum to work in the company of friends. Share your response to October’s Mystery Craft Challenge. Free from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., but call ahead to ext. 112.
2
JC Fridays, www.jcfridays.com. A full day of free art, film, music, and performance events in Jersey City. Look online for events, locations and times.
3
Schola Cantorum on Hudson presents “Brass, Bells, and Voices: Christmas on the Hudson,” St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Parish, 57 Eighth St., Hoboken, N.J., 07030, (973) 449-8697, www.scholaonhudson.org. This spirited holiday concert spans a diverse body of works, including Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, selections by Gabrieli with brass, and music by contemporary American composer Libby Larsen, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors and students. Call or look online for tickets.
Holiday Party, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Visit family craft stations and make felt gingerbread people, German paper stars, and gift-wrapping accessories. Take a look at the gingerbread museum, enjoy cookies and cider, then purchase unusual holiday gifts. Free from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
4
Orchestra Concert, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Orchestra performs under the direction of Edward Raditz in a concert presented by the University’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre, at 3 p.m. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admission are $6.
5-20
The Emperor’s New Clothes, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Tempest Theatre Productions presents one vain emperor, one bossy empress, two dashing men, two dazzling women, two sprightly sprites, three sly weavers and a partridge in a pear tree – all up to 12 characters in search of a decent pair of pants. Recommended for all ages. The 90-minute program runs twice daily at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 5-7, 12-16, and 19-20, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 17. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Call (800) 475-5633 for reservations.
8
Hudson County Diary, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. A showcase of short film and video works by New Jersey City University students and alumni, curated by Urban Image, a collective of media artists based at the University. A reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program will run from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Q & A with artists will follow. Free.
8-9
Dances for December, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. The Kennedy Dancers Inner City Youth Junior Dance Company will spice things up with contemporary ballets that range from a Caribbean Silent Night to the traditional Ballet style in the Angel’s Dance. Performances occur on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. and on Dec. 9 at both 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for the 10 a.m. shows, $15 for the 7:30 p.m. show. Call (201) 659-2190 for reservations.
8-10
All in the Timing, Roy Irving Theatre, Dinneen Hall, first floor, St. Peter’s College, 2641 Kennedy Blvd., e-mail: omorgan@spc.edu. Argus Eyes performance at 5 p.m.
9
Percussion Ensemble Concert, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Percussion Ensemble performs under the direction of Gary Fink in a concert presented by the University’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre, at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admission are $6.
9-10
Classic Movies, Loew’s Jersey Theatre, 54 Journal Square, (201) 798-6055, www.loewsjersy.org. Call or look online for movie titles, exact times and ticket prices.
11
Choral Concert, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Choral Ensembles perform under the direction of Robert Prowse in a concert presented by the University’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre, at 3 p.m. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admission are $6.
12
Blood Drive, HCCC Student Lounge, 25 Journal Square, (201) 714-7143, www.hccc.edu. The HCCC Student Activities Office and NY/NJ Blood Services will co-sponsor a Blood Drive, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
17
For the Birds! , Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Freedom Way, (201) 915-3409. Make some tasty treats to take home and put outside to help our feathered friends make it through the cold days of winter. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Liberty State Park. Spaces are limited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more, call for special arrangements. Free from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration required.
5
The Art House, See listings on Dec. 1.
7
Winter Waterfowl Walk, Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Freedom Way, (201) 915-3409. Take a leisurely stroll along Liberty Walkway in search of winged winter visitors to the park. Possible species sightings may include ruddy ducks, mergansers, grebes, buffleheads and many more. Dress to be outside, and bring binoculars if you have them. Spaces are limited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more, call for special arrangements. Free from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration required.
19
Artist Slide Night: Outside Hudson County, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Organized by Patricia Dahlman, this slide night features artists working elsewhere in our state. Featured artists include: Anne Q. McKeown, Michiko Rupnow and Michael Dal Cerro. Interested artists may sign up for an “open mic” at the end of the evening. Bring five to 10 slides of your best work and give a five-minute talk about your methodology, process and philosophy. Come early to get on the list. Presentation begins at 6 p.m.
21
Papermaking, Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Freedom Way, (201) 915-3409. Liberty State Park staff will lead a hands-on workshop to create your own paper from used paper and natural materials. Spaces are limited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more, call for special arrangements. Free from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration required.
2
The Art House, See listings on Dec. 1.
4
Black Maria Film & Video Festival, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Since 1981, the Black Maria Film and Video Festival, an international juried competition and award tour, has been fulfilling its mission to advocate, exhibit and reward cutting edge works from independent film and video makers. The festival is known for its national public exhibition program, which features a variety of bold contemporary works drawn from the annual collection of 50 award-winning films and videos. Free at 6 p.m.
8
Dr. Martin Luther King Reading Circle, See listing on Dec. 1.
16
Artist Slide Night: NJCU Artists, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Organized by Mauro Altamura, Professor of Fine Art at New Jersey City University, this slide night will feature some of the stars of the university’s Master of Fine Arts Program as they present their latest works and ideas. Interested artists may sign up for an “open mic” at the end of the evening. Bring five to 10 slides of your best work and give a five-minute talk about your methodology, process and philosophy. Come early to get on the list. Presentation begins at 6 p.m.
23-26
Dangerous Liaisons, Margaret Williams Theatre, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., (201) 200-2000, www.njcu.edu. The NJCU Department of Music, Dance and Theatre presents Christopher Hampton’s “Dangerous Liaisons,” directed by Anderson Johnson. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $12; students, senior citizens, and group admissions are $6.
2
The Art House, See listings on Dec. 1.
3
JC Fridays, www.jcfridays.com. A full day of free art, film, music, and performance events in Jersey City. Look online for events, locations and times.
4
Winter Waterfowl Walk, See listing on Jan. 7.
16
Artist Slide Night: Painting, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. Paul Sharpe hosts an evening focusing on painting and featuring artists who use the concept of painting in varied ways. Featured artists include Gloria Garfinkel and Lee Whittier. Begins at 6 p.m.
18
Nature Discovery Day, Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Freedom Way, (201) 915-3409. What is a tree cookie? Which tree did that leaf come from? What animal left that track behind? Hands-on activity stations will allow you to answer these questions and more. Spaces are limited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of eight or more, call for special arrangements. Free from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration required.
19
Museum Chamber Music, Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303, www.jerseycitymuseum.com. A unique opportunity for community members of all ages to enjoy a diverse musical repertoire of chamber music performed by members of the Hudson Symphony Orchestra in the intimate Caroline L. Guarini Theater. Audience members are encouraged to be actively involved by participating in an artist Q&A. Free at 3 p.m. with museum admission.
19-31
Live Theater, Ellis Island, Audrey Zapp Dr., (212) 561-4500, www.statueofliberty.org. Live half-hour theatrical production that dramatizes the challenges of immigration both past and present will be presented seven times daily Monday through Sunday at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum through October. Reservations are recommended. Admission is $5. Handicapped accessible.
25
Schola Cantorum on Hudson presents “Mass,” St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Parish, 57 Eighth St., Hoboken, N.J. 07030, (973) 449-8697, www.scholaonhudson.org. The premier of New Jersey composer Randall Svane’s setting of the liturgy is featured on this program along with companion works of other composers. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors and students. Call or look online for tickets.