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Wednesday December 1
Live Music
Blues Night and Jam, Cooper's Riverview Event Complex, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, 609-393-7300. www.coopersnj.com. Featuring classic blues standards and blues influenced rock tunes hosted by the house band: Lance Reichert, guitar; Jerry Monk, bass; and Joe Falcey, drums. Sign up to sit in with the band starts at 7 p.m. Amps provided. Vocalist please bring a mic. No cover charge. 7 to 10 p.m.
Art
Festival of Trees, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Annual juried collection of ornamental trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum's galleries. On view through January 9, 2022. Register for timed entry. $10. 10 a.m.
On Stage
A Very Electric Christmas, State Theater, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. www.stnj.org. America's Got Talent seminfinalists Lightware Theater puts on a Christmas show using electroluminescent technology. 7:30 p.m.
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 8 p.m.
Literati
Howdie-Skelp: Poems, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-497-1600. www.labyrinthbooks.com. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon discusses his 14th poetry collection, introduced by poet Michael Dickman. Hybrid event. Masks and proof of vaccination required for in-person attendance. Register for Crowdcast stream. 6 p.m.
Indoor Poetry Circle, Mercer County Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. www.mcl.org. Discussion on poems by Jorge Luis Borges, the Latin American poet and librarian who cultivated three genres: the essay, the poem, and the short story. Register. 6:30 p.m.
History
Hopewell Train Stations: History and Art, Hopewell Public Library, Hopewell Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell. www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org/programs.html#TrainStations. Doug Dixon of the Hopewell Valley History Project presents a visual history of the National Register-listed Hopewell and Pennington train stations, which were built in 1876. The talk celebrates both the history of the railroads in the Hopewell area, and the photographers and artists who captured these past moments for us. Chat with local artists Ken McIndoe and Jerry Cable, and the families of Sal Asaro and E. B. Walden before and after the event. Register. In-person or via Zoom. 7 p.m.
Lectures
Christian Globalism at Home, Department of Religion, Princeton University. religion.princeton.edu. Virtual talk by Hillary Kaell, assistant professor of anthropology and religion at McGill University. Her bok, "Christian Globalism at Home: Child Sponsorship in the United States," was published by Princeton University Press in 2020. Register for Zoom access. Free. 4:30 p.m.
For Seniors
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Princeton Senior Resource Center. www.princetonsenior.org. "Moving the Millions," a virtual presentation from the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. Register. $10. 1 p.m.
Business Meetings
2021 New Jersey Non-Profit Virtual Conference, Center for Non-Profits. www.njnonprofits.org. Theme of "Together Toward a Better Normal." Keynote by Tiffany A. Manuel, president and CEO of TheCaseMade on "Breaking New Ground: Building Stronger Public Will to Support Our Work." Networking and breakout sessions covering advocacy, marketing, diversity and equity, leadership, the new work environment, and other timely topics. Register. $60; $40 members. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Engage 2021, Princeton University. innovation.princeton.edu. Innovation and entrepreneurship conference bringing together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry, government, and stakeholders to accelerate the real-world impact of timely research and innovation. Held online. Register. Free. 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Thursday December 2
On Stage
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 8 p.m.
Literati
The Shape of Sex: Nonbinary Gender from Genesis to the Renaissance, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-497-1600. www.labyrinthbooks.com. Leah DeVun, associate professor of history at Rutgers, discusses her new book with Roland Betancourt, professor of art history at the University of California Irvine. Hybrid event. Masks and proof of vaccination required for in-person attendance. Register for Crowdcast stream. 6 p.m.
Benefit Galas
Winter Garden Party, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Fire pits, twinkle lights, hot beverages, hearty hors d'oeuvres, and access to the museum's galleries. Dress for the weather. Register. $125. 6 p.m.
Wellness
Wellness Walk, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. www.groundsforsculpture.org. Walk the gardens, stretch, and relax while enjoying time with others. Register. $20 includes park admission. 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Lectures
Legal, Financial, and Ethical Care Planning for Caregivers, RWJ University Hospital Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, 609-584-5900. www.rwjbh.org/hamilton. For those caring for seniors with long-term illnesses, this conference will address various legal and medical instructions, the role of a financial adviser, and ethical issues surrounding decision making for care. Refreshments served. Register. 5 to 7:30 p.m.
A Civil War Christmas, Mercer County Library. www.mcl.org. Presentation, accompanied by a slideshow, discusses the experiences of the Civil War soldier during the Christmas seasons of 1861 - 1865. The program also discusses how Christmas was celebrated in the Civil War period on the home-front and the many differences in relation to how the holiday is celebrated today. Led by historical reenactor, lecturer, and tour guide Michael Jesberger. Register to hopeprogs@mcl.org for link. 7 p.m.
Business Meetings
Networking, BNI Growth By Referral, Skillman, 877-264-0500. www.bninjpa.org. Meeting takes place online. Call the BNI Office or the chapter president to attend. 7 a.m.
Networking, BNI Top Flight, Town Diner, 431 Route 130, East Windsor, 609-443-8222. www.bninjpa.org. 7 a.m.
2021 New Jersey Non-Profit Virtual Conference, Center for Non-Profits. www.njnonprofits.org. Theme of "Together Toward a Better Normal." Networking and breakout sessions covering advocacy, marketing, diversity and equity, leadership, the new work environment, and other timely topics. Closing panel discussion on "Doing Good Better." Register. $60; $40 members. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Engage 2021, Princeton University. innovation.princeton.edu. Innovation and entrepreneurship conference bringing together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry, government, and stakeholders to accelerate the real-world impact of timely research and innovation. Held online. Register. Free. 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Win Customers with Your Website, Princeton SCORE. princeton.score.org. Jessica Baldwin, co-founder of website platform Cardsetter, discusses the critical role your website plays in your online marketing strategy; the features and tools you'll need to execute your plan; how to get everything working together to achieve your goals; and how to set your website up to attract, engage, and convert your ideal customers. Free webinar. Register. 2 p.m.
Business Leadership Awards Gala, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, TPC Jasna Polana, 8 Lawrenceville Road, Princeton, 609-924-1776. www.princetonmercerchamber.org. Honoring business leader of the year Adam Lenkowsky, accepting on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb; community leader of the year Drew Dyson of Princeton Senior Resource Center; entrepreneur of the year Christian B. Amato of CMA; and innovator of the year Merodie A. Hancock of Thomas Edison State University. 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Friday December 3
Folk Music
Rosanne Cash, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. The singer-songwriter's "She Remembers Everything" tour features a collection of songs that reckon with a flawed and intricate world. 8 p.m.
Live Music
Just Us, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington, 609-737-4465. www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. Rock. 4 to 7 p.m.
World Music
Roadmap to Healing for the Soul, Westminster Choir College, Cavalla Room, Bart Luedeke Center, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 609-896-7775. www.rider.edu/arts. Explore the ever-evolving genre of Gospel music with Dr. Braxton Shelley and his gospel group, Testimony, in a live concert and talk-back. Register. Free. 7 p.m.
On Stage
Prelude to a Carol: Dickens Creates a Christmas Classic, Historic Experience, Kingston Presbyterian Church, 4565 Route 27, Kingston, 267-652-1776. www.HistoricExperience.com/Prelude. Charles Dickens shares a behind-the-scenes tale of his adventures and inspirations in creating "A Christmas Carol." Peyton Dixon portrays Dickens in this one-person show. $25. 7 p.m.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Actors' NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Ken Ludwig comedy based on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic. $24. 8 p.m.
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. Opening night. $25 to $85. 8 p.m.
33 Variations, Kelsey Theater, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, 609-570-3333. www.kelseyatmccc.org. A music scholar facing her own health and relationship problems delves into the mystery of why Beethoven spent four years of his life writing 33 variations of an uninspired waltz. $20. 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. Charles Dickens' holiday classic. $25. 8 p.m.
Anastasia, State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 1-800-255-3476. www.stnj.org. Inspired by the film, travel from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. $40 to $98. 8 p.m.
House Tours
Christmas at the Mansion, Kuser Mansion, 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton. rides on a holiday express train, walks through Santa’s Village and workshop, a petting zoo, photo sessions with Santa, the Jersey Valley Model Railroad Club display, and tours of the period decorated Victorian-era Kuser Mansion. Free. 5 to 8 p.m.
Lectures
The Coffin Shop: Life and Death at Sea During the Great Famine, Fund for Irish Studies, Princeton University. fis.princeton.edu. Presented by Cian McMahon. Introduced by Paul Muldoon. Zoom webinar. Register. Free. 4:30 p.m.
Socials
Indoor Drum Circle, Lawrence Library, 2451 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence, 609-883-8292. www.mcl.org. Facilitated by Ange Chianese. All levels of experience welcome. Register. 3 p.m.
Holiday Chocolate Walk, Downtown Bordentown Association, Bordentown City. www.downtownbordentown.com. Purchase a passport for $5, then stroll downtown Bordentown City and receive a chocolate treat from participating businesses. Once you've gotten your passport stamped by at least 10 businesses, you will be eligible for a drawing that will award gift certificates to three lucky winners. 5 to 8 p.m.
Business Meetings
Networking, BNI Driven, Robbinsville, 877-264-0500. www.bninjpa.org. Meeting takes place online. Call the BNI Office or the chapter president to attend. 7 a.m.
JobSeekers, Professional Service Group of Mercer County. www.psgofmercercounty.org. Alex Freund builds on psychological concepts to share practical, expert tips that you can use in interviews to give you an edge over other candidates. 9:45 a.m. to noon.
Saturday December 4
Classical Music
Friends Virtual Concert, South Brunswick Public Library. sbpl.libnet.info/event/5531704. Flutist Lisa Hansen and violinist Dylan Hamme present a duo recital that spans the 17th century to the present. Register. Free. 2 p.m.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Westminster Choir College, Gill Memorial Chapel, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 609-896-7775. www.rider.edu/arts. The Westminster Concert Bell Choir performs seasonal favorites conducted by Kathleen Ebling Shaw. Register. $20. 4 p.m.
Sing for Joy, Princeton Boychoir, Westrick Music Academy. www.westrickmusic.org/upcoming. Video stream featuring the Apprentice Choir, Treble Choir, and Young Men's Ensemble. Music from Handel to Broadway and a premiere of a new work by senior member of the PBC, Barron Brothers. Led by PBC music director Fred Meads. Register. $15. 7 p.m.
The Passinge Mesures, Edward T. Cone Concert Series, Wolfensohn Hall, Institute for Advanced Study, Einstein Drive, Princeton. www.ias.edu/air. Born in Tehran and raised in the United States, Mahan Esfahani is one of the most acclaimed harpsichordists in the world today. Concert includes new and old works and highlights intricate and virtuosic compositions by two titans of Elizabethan music, John Bull and William Byrd. Register. Free. Livestream available. 8 p.m.
Bad Hombres, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington, 609-737-4465. www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. R&B/alternative/contemporary. 4 to 7 p.m.
Darla Rich Jazz, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.smallworldcoffee.com. Free. 6 p.m.
Pop Music
One of the Girls: The Words and Music of Jerry Herman, Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA, 215-862-2121. www.buckscountyplayhouse.org. Jerry Herman tribute by cabaret artist Klea Blackhurst. Directed by Mark Waldrop, with musical direction by Michael Rice, who will be leading the Pocket Change Trio. $45. 8 p.m.
Art
Holiday Art Exhibit and Boutique, Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography Gallery, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell. www.gallery14.org. First day for holiday exhibit by the gallery's member artists. Fine art photographs both on the walls and in the artist's bins along with many smaller gift items including calendars, note cards, purses, scarves, and jewelry accessories that can make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers as well as items from the "Water Color Women of Gallery 14." Through December 18. Noon.
Opening Reception, Plainsboro Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. www.plainsborolibrary.org. Opening reception and artist talk in conjunction with an exhibit by Chanika Svetvilas featuring 50 oversized charcoal drawings and collages from a collection created during the pandemic and titled "What I Have Learned (Fill in the Blank.)" On view through January 26. 1 to 3 p.m.
Annual Member Show, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-8777. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Opening reception for the yearly show highlighting members' work. Charles Viera's master class artists exhibit their work in the lower gallery. Free. 3 to 5 p.m.
Dance
The Nutcracker, Roxey Ballet, New Hope Eagle Fire House, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope, PA. Clara and her friends lead an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Sensory-friendly performance. 1 p.m.
On Stage
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 2 and 8 p.m.
33 Variations, Kelsey Theater, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, 609-570-3333. www.kelseyatmccc.org. A music scholar facing her own health and relationship problems delves into the mystery of why Beethoven spent four years of his life writing 33 variations of an uninspired waltz. $20. 2 and 8 p.m.
Anastasia, State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 1-800-255-3476. www.stnj.org. Inspired by the film, travel from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. $40 to $98. 2 and 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. Charles Dickens' holiday classic. $25. 3 and 8 p.m.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Actors' NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Ken Ludwig comedy based on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic. $24. 8 p.m.
Family Theater
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Literati
A Christmas Carol Community Read-Aloud, McCarter Theater, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.princetonlibrary.org. People of all ages and reading abilities are invited to register for a slot to participate in the reading of Charles Dickens' beloved Victorian masterpiece. Register. 2 p.m.
Poets at the Library: A Tribute to Chirstopher Bursk, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.princetonlibrary.org. Guest readers Hayden Saunier and Gerry LaFemina give voice to Christopher Bursk's final collection, "With Aeneas in a Time of Plague." Via Zoom. Register. 3 p.m.
Craft Fairs
Off the Wall Holiday Art Market, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. www.westwindsorarts.org. Art lovers can explore handcrafted items by local artisans in the areas of apothecary, ceramics/potter, fiber/textile, glass items, jewelry, journals/note cards, and more. Also at Whole World Arts in MarketFair through December 24. 1 to 5 p.m.
Farm Markets
West Windsor Community Farmers' Market, Vaughn Drive Lot, 877 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction. www.wwcfm.org. Sixteen farms and 15 artisan food makers including beer, tea, bread, pickles, and more. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
History
Clara Barton’s 200th Birthday, Bordentown Historical Society, Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown. Outdoor exhibit celebrating Clara Barton's many accomplishments, refreshments, activities for kids, Clara Barton themed items, and more. 11 a.m.
House Tours
Holiday Walkabout, Mill Hill Society, Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. www.trentonmillhill.org. Holiday house tour focused primarily on the first-floor room that faces the street, the exterior of the home, and for some, an area in front of the home where guests can relax, mingle, and enjoy refreshments. Register. Start at Artworks. $20. Noon to 5 p.m.
Christmas at the Mansion, Kuser Mansion, 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton. rides on a holiday express train, walks through Santa’s Village and workshop, a petting zoo, photo sessions with Santa, the Jersey Valley Model Railroad Club display, and tours of the period decorated Victorian-era Kuser Mansion. Free. 5 to 8 p.m.
Socials
Holiday Wreath Workshop, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. www.bhwp.org. Follow a step-by-step demonstration and hands-on instruction to make a festive holiday wreath out of natural materials and native plants, including juniper, white pine and holly. For ages 14 and up. Register. $65 includes all materials. 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Cash Bingo, Incarnation-St. James, 1545 Pennington Road, Ewing. Bingo starts at 6:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Business Meetings
Mid-Day Toastmasters Club, , 908-421-6151. 4139.toastmastersclubs.org. Nonprofit dedicated to effective oral communication and leadership development. Meeting via Zoom. Visit tinyurl.com/zoomwithjim. 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Sunday December 5
Classical Music
My Spirit Rejoices, Princeton University Chapel. chapel.princeton.edu. Advent concert featuring the university's Chapel Choir and organist Eric Plutz. Free. 2:30 p.m.
J'Nai Bridges, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Performance by the American mezzo-soprano and rising opera star. 3 p.m.
Sing for Joy, Princeton Boychoir, Westrick Music Academy. www.westrickmusic.org/upcoming. Video stream featuring the Apprentice Choir, Treble Choir, and Young Men's Ensemble. Music from Handel to Broadway and a premiere of a new work by senior member of the PBC, Barron Brothers. Led by PBC music director Fred Meads. Register. $15. 3 p.m.
Classical Christmas, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Patriots Theatre in the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. www.capitalphilharmonic.org. Seasonal favorites hosted by guest soprano Gianine Campbell and conducted by Daniel Spalding. Accompanied by Brett Miller on organ and Bob Egan on piano. 4 p.m.
Classic Christmas, New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra, War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. www.capitalphilharmonic.org. Lambertville soprano Gianine Campbell joins the full orchestra for holiday favorites. 4 p.m.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Westminster Choir College, Gill Memorial Chapel, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 609-896-7775. www.rider.edu/arts. The Westminster Concert Bell Choir performs seasonal favorites conducted by Kathleen Ebling Shaw. Register. $20. 4 p.m.
Grand Reopening Concert, Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro. www.bravuraphil.org. Works by Berg, Prokofiev, Ravel, Tchaicovsky, and a holiday audience sing-along. Featuring winners of the 2021 young artists concerto competition. Register. $15 to $30. 7 p.m.
Live Music
Miles Coulahan & Fiona Carlee, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington, 609-737-4465. www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. Jazz with vocals. 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Art
From Carrousel du Louvre to Lambertville, DeBogat Fine Art Gallery, 5 Lambert Lane, Lambertville, 609-397-5855. www.debogat.com. Meet artist Elena Bogatyr, visiting from France for a special exhibit. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Artist Meet and Greet, Gallery 14 Fine Art Photography Gallery, 14 Mercer Street, Hopewell. www.gallery14.org. Artist meet and greet in conjunction with the gallery's holiday art exhibit and boutique. 1 to 3 p.m.
Dance
The Nutcracker, Roxey Ballet, New Hope Eagle Fire House, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope, PA. Clara and her friends lead an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Sensory-friendly performance. 1 p.m.
On Stage
Anastasia, State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 1-800-255-3476. www.stnj.org. Inspired by the film, travel from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. $40 to $98. 1 and 7 p.m.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Actors' NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Ken Ludwig comedy based on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic. $24. 2 p.m.
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 2 and 7 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, Music Mountain Theater, 1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. Charles Dickens' holiday classic. $25. 3 p.m.
Shopping News
Holiday Open House, Friends of the Ewing Library, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, 609-882-3148. www.mcl.org. Holiday books and other seasonal items for sale in the lobby area. Boutique open through December 18. 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday December 6
Classical Music
Handel's Messiah, Princeton University Chapel. chapel.princeton.edu. Community sing-along led by conductor Nicole Aldrich with Eric Plutz on organ. Bring a score or borrow one at the door. $5. 7:30 p.m.
Art
Open Call Exhibit, Gourgaud Gallery, 23A North Main Street, Cranbury. www.cranburyartscouncil.org. First day for 12th annual exhibit featuring a variety of themes and mediums. On view through December 28. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Good Causes
Virtual Information Session, CASA for Children of Mercer & Burlington Counties. www.casamb.org. Information on the non-profit organization that recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers who speak up in Family Court for the best interests of children that have been removed from their families due to abuse and/or neglect and placed in the foster care system. Register by email to jduffy@casamercer.org. 11 a.m.
Comedy
Jersey Jokers, Lewis Center for the Arts, Wallace Theater, Princeton University. arts.princeton.edu. Maysoon Zayid's "Art of Standup" students perform. Featuring Princeton students Harshini Abbaraju, Mohamed Alghondakly, Jeremy Bernius, Daniel Drake, Benjamin Graham, Jenni Lawson, Asher Muldoon, Rosemary Paulson, and Fernanda Romo Herrera Ibarrola. Maysoon Zayid is an actress, comedian, writer, and disability advocate. Register. Free. 7 p.m.
Business Meetings
Starting a Small Business Part 2: Validation and Operation, Princeton SCORE. princeton.score.org. Part 2 of this interactive webinar covers decisions that need to be made when validating a business idea and operating a small business. Led by Amulya Garga. Register. 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday December 7
On Stage
What the Constitution Means to Me, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Direct from Broadway, this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Starring Cassie Beck. 7:30 p.m.
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 8 p.m.
Literati
LLL Presents: Stephen Roberts & Jack Hartman, Labyrinth Books & Princeton Public Library, 609-497-1600. www.labyrinthbooks.com. The journalist Cokie Roberts was an inspiration and a role model for innumerable women and girls. Stephen Roberts, her husband and the author of "Cokie - A Life Well Lived," and Jack Hartman, her grandson and a sophomore at Princeton University, present a multi-generational livestream in her honor. Register. 7 p.m.
Wellness
Mindfulness and Holiday Stress, Mercer County Library. www.mcl.org. For many people, the holidays can be a time of additional stress compounded by relationships, monetary concerns and social obligations. Practicing mindfulness- experiencing the present moment without judgment – can help you manage stress and improve your quality of life. Join Carolyn Schindewolf, health educator with Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness, for a discussion and practice on using mindfulness to stop brain chatter and habitual reactions, improve mood and energy, increase focus and mental clarity, and deepen your enjoyment and appreciation of life. Register to hopeprogs@mcl.org for link to program. 3 p.m.
Lectures
AI Ethics: The Case for Including Animals, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. spia.princeton.edu. Talk by Peter Singer, professor of bioethics in the University Center for Human Values, Princeton University. Via Zoom. Register. 12:30 p.m.
China's Gilded Age, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. spia.princeton.edu. Talk by Yuen Yuen Ang, political scientist and China scholar, University of Michigan, and author, "China's Gilded Age." Via Zoom. Register. 4:30 p.m.
Shopping News
From Pearl Harbor to Christmas During the War Years, Ewing Library, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, 609-882-3148. www.mcl.org. Presented by Madge Powis, Garden State Storytellers. December 7, 1941, marks the fateful day the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting base on the island of Oahu. The shocking offensive left 2,403 dead and more than 1,000 wounded. Hear the moving, personal stories behind these facts, and also learn how Christmas was celebrated after the United States joined World War 2. Register to ewprogs@mcl.org. 7 to 4 p.m.
Business Meetings
Edge Business Networking, Investor's Bank, 2300 Route 33, Robbinsville. www.edgenetworking.org. Networking. Presentation by Chris Padogin of Padogin Construction Company. 7:30 a.m.
How to Plan Your Website, Princeton SCORE. princeton.score.org. Jessica Baldwin, co-founder of website platform Cardsetter, discusses keys to a successful website including defining your audience, setting your website's goals, determining key functionality and features, planning content, and getting accounts and logins in order. Free webinar. Register. 6:30 p.m.
JobSeekers sites.google.com/site/njjobseekers. Virtual meeting for those seeking employment. Visit website for GoTo Meeting link. 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday December 8
Classical Music
Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols, Princeton University Chapel. chapel.princeton.edu. Service of readings and music of the season featuring the Chapel Choir, Glee Club, and a cappella groups. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Live Music
Blues Night and Jam, Cooper's Riverview Event Complex, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, 609-393-7300. www.coopersnj.com. Featuring classic blues standards and blues influenced rock tunes hosted by the house band: Lance Reichert, guitar; Jerry Monk, bass; and Joe Falcey, drums. Sign up to sit in with the band starts at 7 p.m. Amps provided. Vocalist please bring a mic. No cover charge. 7 to 10 p.m.
World Music
Carols of Many Nations, Princeton Theological Seminary, Quadrangle, Mercer Street, Princeton. www.ptsem.edu. Abbreviated outdoor version of the traditional concert with scripture lessons read in many of the languages represented by the Princeton Seminary community and carols from around the world. Free. Weather permitting. 8 p.m.
Art
Festival of Trees, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Annual juried collection of ornamental trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum's galleries. On view through January 9, 2022. Register for timed entry. $10. 10 a.m.
On Stage
What the Constitution Means to Me, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Direct from Broadway, this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Starring Cassie Beck. 7:30 p.m.
It's Only a Play, George Street Playhouse, Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. Comedy by late playwright Terrence McNally set at a Broadway opening night party. $25 to $85. 8 p.m.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze, State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 1-800-255-3476. www.stnj.org. Combination of Broadway musical and cirque extravaganza includes classic Christmas, Chanukah, and Thanksgiving songs as well as original music. $40 to $98. 8 p.m.
Literati
LLL Presents: Personal Limits, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-497-1600. www.labyrinthbooks.com. To launch her new book, "Magical Habits," Princeton English and American studies professor Monica Huerta hosts a virtual conversation series about contemporary experiments in personal writing. Session #3 is a conversation with Dan-El Padilla Peralta, professor of classics at Princeton, on "The Personal Voice and the Future of Academic Disciplines." Virtual event. Register. 6 p.m.
Conversation: Olga Ulturgasheva and Simon Morrison, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.princetonlibrary.org. The researcher, author and visiting professor discusses her research on climate change, Indigenous voice and ice dependent worlds in the Circumpolar North with her Princeton colleague Simon Morrison. Register. 7 p.m.
Health
Side Effects of Cancer Therapies, Mercer County Library. www.mcl.org. Drs. Maqsood Amjad and Philip A. Pancari, from Astera Cancer Care, address the toxicities and side effects of cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, target treatments, and oral cancer drugs. Participants learn what to look for with these therapies and how to lessen these toxicities. Register to hopeprogs@mcl.org for link to program. 6:30 p.m.
For Teens
What Do You Say?, Princeton Learning Cooperative, 609-851-2522. Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, authors of the best-seller, "The Self-Driven Child," discuss topics from their new book, "What Do You Say?: Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home." Via Zoom. Register through EventBrite. Donations welcome. 6:30 to 8 p.m.
For Seniors
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Princeton Senior Resource Center. www.princetonsenior.org. Virtual tour of the largest motorcycle museum in the world, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. Register. $10. 1 p.m.
Business Meetings
Open Interview Day, Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic, 252 County Road 601, Belle Mead. www.carrierclinic.org. A wide variety of positions in patient care and support services roles are available, including residential counselors, mental health technicians, registered nurses, social workers and school staff. No appointment required. Wear a mask. Vaccination required for all positions. 9 a.m. to noon.
Women in Business Holiday Networking, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, 609-924-1776. www.princetonmercerchamber.org. Kick off the holiday season with networking in virtual breakout rooms and share festive Zoom fashion. Register. $25; $15 members. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
