Community Calendar

This July, Sō Percussion's annual Summer Institute fills two weeks on the Princeton University campus — and spills out into town. From July 5–19, the Sō Percussion Summer Institute (SōSI) brings together emerging composers and percussionists from across the country for an intensive residency with the members of Sō Percussion and guest faculty.

Throughout those two weeks, participants perform a series of concerts at venues across Princeton, all free and open to anyone who wants to come.

Now in its 18th year, SōSI has become one of the country's most distinctive programs for young musicians working at the edges of classical, contemporary, and experimental music. More than 375 alumni have passed through since the program launched in 2009. This summer's guest composition faculty include Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang and Gemma Peacocke, alongside guest artists including percussionists Megan Arns, Ji Hye Jung, Kendall Williams, and Matt Evans. This year's participants come from conservatories and universities across the country — a full list is available at sopercussion.com/education/summer-institute.

On July 18th, SoSI participants will be performing all around the town of Princeton for a Day of Sonic Exploration.

11 AM · Princeton Record Exchange (20 South Tulane St, Princeton).
12 PM · Princeton Public Library (65 Witherspoon St) – Ji Hye Jung and Sō Percussion
1 PM · Hinds Plaza (Outside of the public library) – Kendall Williams and the SōSI Steel Band
3 PM · Labyrinth Books (122 Nassau St) – Music of percussionist Matt Evans, a SōSI alum from the very
first year, and the SōSI Aquatic House Band
7:30 PM · Lee Hall, SōSI Composers Concert: Music of David Lang and Gemma Peacocke

Journey with Ariel, a young mermaid longing to explore the human world, as she defies her father, King Triton, to follow her dreams. Alongside her beloved friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, Ariel must face the cunning sea witch Ursula and make the ultimate choice between love and freedom. Filled with unforgettable songs like Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Kiss the Girl, this enchanting musical is perfect for the whole family. With stunning costumes, captivating choreography, and dazzling sets, this production brings the underwater magic of Disney to life like never before. Don’t miss this timeless tale of courage, love, and self-discovery!

Fri. July 10 & 17, 2026 at 8pm 
Sat. July 18 at 8pm                                                                             
Matinee performances:
Sat. July 11 & 18 at 2pm                                                                                                               
Sun. July 12 & 19 at 2pm

BRICK – Looking for a relaxing afternoon of music? Fred Lehotay and the Ragtimers will perform at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Join this popular quartet for a sentimental journey through the Roaring Twenties with classic ragtime songs that are upbeat and timeless. Sing along or tap your toes while the band whisks you away with patriotic songs, Jazz Age melodies, and rollicking ragtime tunes.

The Ragtimers have been introducing this music to new generations since 1968. The current band lineup includes bassist Gary Nokes, guitarist Bob Estler, banjoist Tom Rittenhouse, and bandleader/alto saxophonist Fred Lehotay.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/RagtimeBrick, call 732-477-4513, or stop by the branch at 301 Chambers Bridge Road.

Have a great time for a really good cause at the Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company's 100th annual fundraiser -- the oldest and largest carnival in the Poconos -- featuring thrilling midway rides for all ages, Wednesday night fireworks, nightly live music, games along the midway and under the big top, nightly cash bingo, raffles, the annual Beef Roast on Saturday night, and fair food for every appetite.

Admission and parking are free.

Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36" & taller) are $50 on site or online before 5 pm Mon., July 13 for $25 (+ nominal ticketing fee).

Ride tickets are also available on the midway for $1.50 each, 20/$32 or 50/$62 + 1 free ride. ($2 cash discount. Rides take multiple tickets each.)

Specials: Rides are only 1 ticket each on Wednesday and reduced by 1 ticket each on Thursday.

Visit the website for coupon savings on rides and event updates.

Midway hours: 6-11 pm Monday - Friday and 5-11 pm Saturday

More information: 866-666-3247 or DreamlandAmusements.com
https://dreamlandamusements.com/upcoming-events-amusement-carnival/pocono-mountain-carnival/

Grounds For Sculpture partners with Third Way Cultural Alliance to present Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, and Jamaaladeen Tacuma.

The evening will feature new music from the legendary Marshall Allen from Sun Ra Arkestra and avant-garde bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Allen and Tacuma will debut new music from Allen’s unreleased album 101: An Audio Odyssey, within Salvador Jiménez-Flores’s exhibition Raíces & Resistencias. The evening will ebb and flow between live performances and intimate conversation with the musicians and artist, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, discussing the importance of creative freedom, moderated by Nicole Sweeney of WRTI radio. Cash bar with light bites available at the Van Gogh Cafe. Cafe closes at 9:30PM.

Exclusive first copies of 101: An Audio Odyssey are available for purchase with your ticket and will be on sale at the event. Please note, copies of the album are limited, pre-orders are encouraged. No cameras or recordings are allowed. Guests are welcome to explore the gardens before the program.

Eric Jacobsen conductor
Steven Mackey institute director and host
New Jersey Symphony

Witness the future of classical music in-the-making as the New Jersey Symphony performs works by four emerging composers selected for the Edward T. Cone Composition Institute. Institute Director Steven Mackey hosts the culminating concert, as Eric Jacobsen takes the podium.

For more information on the New Jersey Symphony Edward T. Cone Composition Institute, visit njsymphony.org/institute.

Journey with Ariel, a young mermaid longing to explore the human world, as she defies her father, King Triton, to follow her dreams. Alongside her beloved friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, Ariel must face the cunning sea witch Ursula and make the ultimate choice between love and freedom. Filled with unforgettable songs like Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Kiss the Girl, this enchanting musical is perfect for the whole family. With stunning costumes, captivating choreography, and dazzling sets, this production brings the underwater magic of Disney to life like never before. Don’t miss this timeless tale of courage, love, and self-discovery!

Fri. July 10 & 17, 2026 at 8pm 
Sat. July 18 at 8pm                                                                             

Matinee performances:

Sat. July 11 & 18 at 2pm                                                                                                               

Sun. July 12 & 19 at 2pm

Journey with Ariel, a young mermaid longing to explore the human world, as she defies her father, King Triton, to follow her dreams. Alongside her beloved friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, Ariel must face the cunning sea witch Ursula and make the ultimate choice between love and freedom. Filled with unforgettable songs like Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Kiss the Girl, this enchanting musical is perfect for the whole family. With stunning costumes, captivating choreography, and dazzling sets, this production brings the underwater magic of Disney to life like never before. Don’t miss this timeless tale of courage, love, and self-discovery!

Fri. July 10 & 17, 2026 at 8pm 
Sat. July 18 at 8pm                                                                             
Matinee performances:
Sat. July 11 & 18 at 2pm                                                                                                               
Sun. July 12 & 19 at 2pm

The Gallery at Mercer County Community College is hosting the Mercer County Artists Exhibition through July 1 .

This annual juried exhibition showcases the remarkable talent thriving within our local community. Each year, artists who live, work, or study in Mercer County are invited to submit their work for a chance to be featured at the West Windsor Campus Gallery and receive several distinguished honors, including Best in Show, Juror's Choice, and the prestigious Mercer County Culture and Heritage Commission Purchase Award.

This year's event drew nearly 200 submissions, with 30 pieces by 27 distinct artists selected for display. The works are a vibrant and dynamic mix of size and media, ranging from traditional painting and drawing, to printmaking, ceramic and other mixed media works, highlighting the diverse voices and creative depth of Mercer County's artistic community.

Sponsors are the Mercer County Culture and Heritage Commission and Blick Art Materials. The 2026 juror was Elizabeth Massa.

The exhibit can be viewed during the Gallery's regular hours:

Monday/Wednesday 12:00PM - 6:00PM

Tuesday/Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Friday 12:00PM - 4:00PM

The Gallery at Mercer County Community College is hosting the Mercer County Artists Exhibition through July 1 .

This annual juried exhibition showcases the remarkable talent thriving within our local community. Each year, artists who live, work, or study in Mercer County are invited to submit their work for a chance to be featured at the West Windsor Campus Gallery and receive several distinguished honors, including Best in Show, Juror's Choice, and the prestigious Mercer County Culture and Heritage Commission Purchase Award.

This year's event drew nearly 200 submissions, with 30 pieces by 27 distinct artists selected for display. The works are a vibrant and dynamic mix of size and media, ranging from traditional painting and drawing, to printmaking, ceramic and other mixed media works, highlighting the diverse voices and creative depth of Mercer County's artistic community.

Sponsors are the Mercer County Culture and Heritage Commission and Blick Art Materials. The 2026 juror was Elizabeth Massa.

The exhibit can be viewed during the Gallery's regular hours:

Monday/Wednesday 12:00PM - 6:00PM

Tuesday/Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Friday 12:00PM - 4:00PM