Pictured: Producer Eric Schultz interviews Samuel Pott, artistic director of Nimbus Dance

It’s December, and the State of the Arts team is deep into production.

Throughout the year, we talk to creative people and visit fascinating places around New Jersey in preparation for future episodes of State of the Arts. Here are just a few of the stories coming up in 2025!

Singer/songwriter and legendary guitarist Richard Thompson, as seen through the State of the Arts camera monitor during sound check

Singer/songwriter and legendary guitarist Richard Thompson, as seen through the State of the Arts camera monitor during sound check

On November 30, producer Bob Szuter and crew were at the Tabernacle in Mt. Tabor, NJ for a rare solo performance by Richard Thompson, who started his career as the lead guitarist and singer for the folk rock group Fairport Convention. He’s just one of the world talents drawn to the all-volunteer, Victorian-era meeting house for its remarkable acoustics and devoted audiences. Look for this story in March.

The Tabernacle is located in a residential neighborhood of Mt. Tabor, NJ

The Tabernacle is located in a residential neighborhood of Mt. Tabor, NJ

Last weekend, producer Jessica Dotson and her crew were at the Purépecha Unalachtigo Ranch in Bridgeton, NJ for a story about the recent Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures exhibition at Stockton University Art Gallery. She met up with Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto, one of the artists involved. Find out more on the State of the Arts episode airing February 19!

Videographer Jack Stawowcyzk checks a shot at the Purépecha Unalachtigo Ranch in Bridgeton

Videographer Jack Stawowcyzk checks a shot at the Purépecha Unalachtigo Ranch in Bridgeton

One of the rising talents at Nimbus Dance is Tamir Rios, a native of Jersey City. Now, artistic director Sam Pott has cast him as a lead in The Firebird, a new story ballet set to Stravinsky’s classic score, with the music performed live in a special collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony. It premieres in March. Producers Eric Schultz and Nate Reininga began following the process in November, and our behind the scenes “making of” The Firebird will air in April.

The Firebird cast in a Nimbus Dance rehearsal, November 2024 (Tamir Rios in center)

The Firebird cast in a Nimbus Dance rehearsal, November 2024 (Tamir Rios in center)

And—in case you missed it, I encourage you to check out our newest episode on NJ PBS, with three new stories!

Jason Strother and Amanda Cachia stand together in the exhibition space for Smoke and Mirrors at the Zimmerli Art Museum. They are at a table touching textile artworks with their hands and smiling.

From “Artists Creating Access“—Producer Jason Strother with curator Amanda Cachia at Smoke & Mirrors, the Zimmerli Art Museum’s exhibition exploring accessibility through the arts

 

From “Lawrence Ciarallo: Beyond the Studio“—an artist considers the impact of gentrification in Jersey City and the legacy of social justice warriors

 

From “Social Justice through Spoken Word“—Poet Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024) at the Dodge Poetry Festival at NJPAC, October 19, 2024

In the Dodge Poetry Festival story, there was a brief shot of the revered poet Nikki Giovanni at one of her last public book signings (above). She died at age 81 on December 9, 2024. At the festival, her fans formed a long line winding through the lobby, just to come close to her effervescent presence.

Wishing you the best from all of us here at State of the Arts. Go find the art you need to keep the season bright!