February 2025 ..................... Rutgers University–New Brunswick | |
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INDIGENOUS IDENTITIES:
HERE, NOW & ALWAYS
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The past melds with the present as Rutgers' Zimmerli Art Museum hosts Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always, described by museum officials as one of the largest, most comprehensive museum exhibitions of contemporary Native American art, featuring more than 100 works across a range of media, from beadwork and jewelry to video and painting. Guest curated by the late Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation who curated more than 30 exhibitions (the artist died January 24 at age 85), Indigenous Identities runs through December 21. Free. | |
EVENTS, PERFORMANCES, AND FILMS | |
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Windows of Understanding returns for 2025 with the theme Taking Care of the Planet and Each Other focusing on youth. Select non-profit organizations have been paired with young artist collectives to create original art installations addressing manifestations of wellness and climate change. The works will be displayed at venues throughout New Brunswick, Highland Park, Metuchen, Rahway, and South Plainfield through March 31. Free.
On February 6, celebrate Black History Month during SparkNight, the free monthly art party at the Zimmerli Art Museum. This month's party features performances, music, pop-up tours, and artmaking. Free.
Join the American Hungarian Foundation for a creative evening of Valentine's cookie decorating of traditional Mézeskalács on February 7. Each participant will make five cookies. Reserve your spot by calling 732.846.5777 or emailing info@ahfoundation.org. And on February 15, attend the Hungarian Artisan Market of 2025 with vendors including Hirs Sausage Market, The Chimney Cake Factory, and many more.
See Celia Vive: Musical Tribute to Celia Cruz performed by Lucrecia for an evening celebrating the life of Celia Cruz at the State Theatre New Jersey on February 8. Lucrecia is one of the most versatile Latin female vocalists working today, whose performances are characterized by her intensity and high energy in the tropical genre.
Rutgers' 4-day Career & Internship Mega Fair takes place at Sonny Werblin Recreation Center on our Busch Campus, February 11-14. Approximately 300 employers are expected to attend over four days. This event is open to all Rutgers students and alums. Free.
Are You Ready For It? On February 14, enjoy A Taylor Experience, recreating the magic of the Eras Tour in an unforgettable show starring Traci Marie as Taylor at the State Theatre New Jersey. This theatrical-style show is filled with everything you’d expect to see from the Eras Tour: choreography, multimedia visuals, costume changes, and audience participation.
On February 16, attend Dance With Me, a concert by the West Point Band, which traces its history back to fifers and drummers in Continental Army units during the time of the American Revolution. The concert, at Rutgers Nicholas Music Center, will feature vocal performances of Michael Bublé’s “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Sinatra in Love." No tickets required. Can't make it in person? Livestream the concert. Free.
New Jersey Ballet presents Masterworks in Motion, a performance featuring George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco and Tarantella, Jerome Robbins' In the Night, and Peter Martins' Hallelujah Junction. Experience Balanchine’s classic choreography, Robbins' elegant exploration of love through choreography, and the energy of Martins' dynamic ballet. February 22 at NBPAC.
Alfa Art Gallery presents "Beyond the Image: Unveiling Hidden Narratives,” a New Brunswick Art Salon Photography Exhibition, through March 31. This exhibition, available both in-person and virtually, displays photographs that contain deep, introspective themes to engage viewers. Free.
The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Craig Robinson, star of Mr. Robinson on NBC and Ghosted on Fox, and former public school teacher, February 20-23. Limited tickets remain.
On February 28, the Rutgers University Jazz Ensemble will pay tribute to the musical legacy of legendary saxophonist and composer John Coltrane when they present the program “A Love Supreme: The Spirit and Sound of John Coltrane’s Music” for big band and quintet, and Michael Philip Mossman’s “John Coltrane Suite.”
See Eddie B. at the State Theatre New Jersey on March 1. Eddie soared to new heights with his comical videos titled "What Teachers Really Want to Say." The videos sparked the attention of educators all over the country when they realized that they were not alone and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud.
Twice a week, Tavern on George, working with the New Brunswick Jazz Project, offers live jazz performances. On Tuesdays, emerging jazz artists take the stage. Then, on Thursdays, acclaimed jazz leaders perform. Free.
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LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, WEBINARS | |
Writers at Rutgers presents the first event of 2025 on February 6 with Roxane Gay, writer, editor, and professor. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Bad Feminist, Hunger, Difficult Women, and Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business. She is also the Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Free.
Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library presents a Black History Month presentation on Albert Einstein: Champion of Racial Justice with speakers Elizabeth Romanaux and Shirley Satterfield on February 8. Free.
Rutgers Center for Workplace Development presents A Brief Overview of Community Water Fluoridation, a webinar by Mary Beth Giacona, DDS, MPH, from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine on February 10. This talk will focus on the history of community fluoridation, its health benefits, and controversies surrounding it. Free.
The New Jersey State Policy Lab will be hosting a talk with Dr. Brian Bridges, the Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey, on February 12 at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Dr. Bridges will discuss trends in higher education's affordability, accessibility, and attainment in the Garden State and the challenges confronting assorted stakeholders. Free.
Rutgers' Eagleton Institute of Politics presents the Albert J. Lewitt Lecture Series, From Revolution to Practice: Congress in Action, on February 20. Join a panel of young staffers in a moderated discussion exploring the evolving role of Congress in shaping American democracy, followed by a conversation with Congresswoman Bonnie W. Coleman. Free.
On February 24, They Have Wars, We Have Poems features acclaimed writer and poet Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha for a reading from their forthcoming book, The Way Disabled People Love Each Other. At Douglass Student Center. Free.
Rutgers Center for Public Health Workforce Development offers more than 100 courses covering various occupational safety and health topics, including Asbestos and Lead, Hearing Conservation, and Hazardous Waste. Courses will be available online, in-person, and in hybrid formats.
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Koo Koo, a dance party for the senses, comes to NBPAC on February 23. Lifelong friends Bryan and Neil have toured the globe, delighting fans with their high-energy music, infectious positivity, and interactive live show.
Rutgers Community Arts registration for Summer 2025 is now open. Choose from programs in Art & Design, Concert Band, Dance, Filmmaking, Jazz, and Screenwriting. These intensive programs for middle and high school students provide foundational training for success in more advanced music, visual arts, and film studies.
On February 9, families are invited to drop in and get creative together at Art Together: Crossing Borders at the Zimmerli Museum. This month, teaching artist Tommy Peitz brings an art activity inspired by the current exhibition, "Crossing Borders: Geometric Abstraction 1960 to Now." Free.
There is something for everyone in the Rutgers Recreation Kids Learn to Swim program for Spring 2025. American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors teach various skills and strokes for children from 6 months to 17 years.
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Visit the new exhibition at the Cornelius Low House Museum in Piscataway, exploring Middlesex County’s deep sports heritage. Hometown Pride captures nearly 100 years of Middlesex sports history. It showcases sports memorabilia from local high schools, Rutgers, and Middlesex College, as well as collectible items from professional sports teams and individuals. In addition, a special event to bring the Hometown Pride exhibit to life with Hey Coach! — a special speaker series featuring some of the Middlesex County’s most accomplished coaches and legendary sports leaders.
On February 19, join Yoga In the Galleries for a unique experience of practicing yoga surrounded by beautiful art. Immerse yourself in the tranquil setting of the museum as you rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. All levels are welcome, whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi.
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One in 500 African Americans and one in 1,400 Latinos are born with Sickle Cell Disease. On February 23, former Rutgers football and NFL stars Devin and Jason McCourty invite you to donate blood at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and become an important part of the campaign to increase awareness, fundraising, and community support. Free.
Unity Square Community Center, a social justice and community organizing initiative of Catholic Charities in New Brunswick, will host a workshop on Understanding Immigration Law, on February 27. Free.
The New Brunswick Free Public Library, in partnership with United Way of Central Jersey and Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) at the Rutgers Business School, is a site for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering income tax filing assistance for taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 for tax year 2024. Free.
Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick is looking for friendly callers for a new program called Friendly Visits and Friendly Calls to help combat social isolation among seniors in the local community. Volunteers can choose times based on their availability and the preference of participants. Email for more info: mowvolunteer@gmail.com.
George Street Co-op presents Board Game Tuesdays at the Cafe. Come out and join in a game of chess, checkers, backgammon, Scrabble, or Uno, or bring a different game with you to play. All ages are welcome. Free.
Rutgers' John Heldrich Center for Workforce Development has launched an initiative to train those 18 and older with reliable transportation to be a Certified Home Health Aide. The training includes skill development and covers topics such as patient care, nutrition, and safety protocols. Free.
The New Brunswick Department of Human and Community Services will be hosting a coat drive to collect new or gently used coats. Drop-off locations are Civic Square, 25 Kirkpatrick Street, and The Dignity Center, Memorial Stadium, Joyce Kilmer Avenue.
Keep our community healthy! COVID-19 testing and vaccines are available in various locations throughout New Brunswick. Free.
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