SOMA Living November 2022

ART THAT TRANSFORMS It’s Saturday night at SOPAC, and Afro-Argentinian singer songwriter Raul Midón has just taken the stage. So I take a seat to listen. Early in his set, Midón performs a plangent, spare song for voice and guitar, his emotionally rich voice filling the theatre: Suddenly, I see the things I used to see so differently. I feel as if I’ve found a new reality. Suddenly, the noise outside my window is a symphony. A symphony of endless possibility, right in front of me… Suddenly. That’s when – out of left field – the big feelings kick in. I’m thinking of the reality of my aging parents; I’m reflecting on the fears and possibilities of this new position; I’m flooded with gratitude for the possibilities right in front of me. This is what live performance and creativity does: it demands we pay attention to our inner lives and emotions. It helps us connect with ourselves and others. SOMA offers many of these experiences. The SOMA Community Coalition on Race gathers people to listen, learn, and connect through Integrated Art Circles. Columbia High School’s Special Dance Company is a serious source of civic pride. Local creative impresarios like Mike Griot, Dana Spiatler, and Rich Engel bring unique cultural experiences to life. SOPAC offers hundreds transformative arts experiences, year-round. Visit our website to discover events and programs that will bring enriching experiences to you and your family www.sopacnow.org

SOPAC SOUTH ORANGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

don’t wait, buy tickets today!

GIANTS OF JAzz 23

HONORING RUFUS REId produced by john lee SAt, nOV 19

dArlinGSide Wed, nOV 9 PAUlA COle & SOPHie B. HAWkinS tHU, nOV 10 VAlerie SiMPSOn

CAbARET IN THE LOFT GinnA ClAire MASOn SUn, nOV 13 Kids ‘N Family Series BUBBleMAniA! SUn, nOV 20 HOt SArdineS HOlidAy StOMP tHU, deC 1

& FriendS Fri, nOV 11

SOPACnow.org (973) 313-2787

Visit SOPACnow.org/Covid-19 for all Covid-19 Precautions & Policies

Stephen Beaudoin is Executive Director of SOPAC, the South Orange Performing Arts Center, and a proud Maplewood resident. His twenty-plus year career focuses on democratizing art and fostering revolutionary creativity. He can be reached at stephen@sopacnow.org.

NOVEMBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 25

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