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Arts & Entertainment

Chris Harford Brings “Band of Changes” to Hopewell Theater

Eclectic performances and films are coming to Hopewell, NJ

Chris Harford brings his Band of Changes to the Hopewell Theater on Sat., Jan. 20 for a night of exciting rock and roll/folk music. Joining Harford will be notable musicians Dave Dreiwitz (Ween), Scott Metzger (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), and Joe Russo (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead).

Led by guitarist/songwriter Chris Harford, “Band of Changes” is a constantly evolving, consistently changing series of musical performances by a band that never plays the same songs in the same way twice. Chris Harford's music has been described as "beautiful, heart-wrenching and soulful," as well as "dark, rocking and dangerous."

The New Yorker described Harford as "...A singer, guitarist, and songwriter who rose through the local club scene in the nineteen-eighties, Harford operates in the free zone outside rock's usual categories. He has a foot in country, a hand in seventies rock, a toe in folk, a finger in post-punk. With his gruff but plaintive voice and his fondness for muddied-up guitars, he sometimes recalls Neil Young...". And according to National Public Radio, Harford’s music "has been described as 'beautiful, heart-rending and soulful,' as well as 'dark, rocking and dangerous'". The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets start at $20. Visit Hopewell Theater online to reserve your seat.

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Also coming to the Hopewell Theater:

Music

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Willie Nile

Sat., Jan. 27th at 8:00 p.m.

The New York Times called Willie Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” His 2016 album “World War Willie” appeared on numerous year-end top ten lists as did hid his live shows. As American Songwriter said "Nile cranks up the volume and tears into these tunes with the same hunger, passion and exuberance he displays in his legendary sweat-soaked shows." World War Willie was voted “Album Of The Year” by Twangville Magazine and the song Forever Wild was named “Coolest Song In The World” by Little Steven’s Underground Garage. Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” In the summer of 2017 Willie Nile released his 11th studio album Positively Bob – Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan to rave reviews. He is currently bringing his electrifying live show to audiences worldwide.

Charlie Hunter Trio featuring Silvana Estrada on Thurs., Feb. 1

With a career spanning 16 years and almost 20 albums, Charlie Hunter consistently ups his game as an innovative writer and bandleader. He has worked with the likes of Norah Jones, Mos Def, John Mayer, D’Angelo and countless others. He is widely considered the authority on the seven- and eight-string guitar, and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms. Critics have touted his genius technique, but it's his profound artistic sensibility that propels his original music. Hunter's signature style of writing and performing has secured his place as one of today's great guitarists.

At only 19, Silvana Estrada has been steadily developing her identity within the Mexican soundscape through her literary and musical creation. Her style is a mixture of Latin American sounds with "Mainstream Song". Her vocals echo the 'son jarocho' tradition of Mexican southeast combined with prose that navigates between contemporary Spanish-language poetry and Mexican music of the 20's - a uniquely rich sound, full of colors and stories, that rides the edge between tradition and modernity.

Films

Gods Own Country

Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor) works long hours on his family’s remote farm in the north of England. He numbs the daily frustration of his lonely existence with nightly binge-drinking at the local pub and casual sex. But when a handsome Romanian migrant worker (Alec Secareanu) arrives to take up temporary work on the family farm, Johnny suddenly finds himself having to deal with emotions he has never felt before. As they begin working closely together during lambing season, an intense relationship starts to form which could change Johnny’s life forever. Captivating and broodingly beautiful, God’s Own Country is the award winning debut feature from writer/director Francis Lee. Bracingly open hearted, this is a thrillingly romantic story set in the heart of rural Yorkshire. Both poignant and moving, this finely crafted British film features a host of standout performances, making it as an absolute must see.

Showing on Jan. 19, 21, 23, 24, 25

The Breadwinner

Based on the bestselling middle-grade novel by Deborah Ellis, and produced by Angelina Jolie, The Breadwinner is an animated feature film about eleven-year-old Parvana and her family set in 2001 in Kabul, Afghanistan. When her father is arrested without warning by the Talibans for being an intellectual, Parvana's mother is left alone to care for their three children. Banned from going out in public without a man, Parvana’s mother risks arrest as she travels to the local prison and demands her husband’s release, only to end up being beaten and turned away. As the family becomes desperate for food, Parvana cuts off her hair and disguises herself as a boy so that she can venture out in public and become the breadwinner for her family. As war encroaches on Kabul and with all the resolve she has left, Parvana treks to the prison and, with the help of a sympathetic Talib guard, works to free her father once and for all.

Showing on Jan. 26, Jan. 28, Jan. 30, Jan. 31.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.HopewellTheater.com or at the box office at 5 S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ. Box office can be reached by phone at 609-466-1964.

About Hopewell Theater

Hopewell Theater offers a range of unique cultural experiences, from independent film and live music to guest speakers, artists and performances. Patrons can dine-in on small plates from local restaurants or just come for the show. Film buffs will particularly enjoy a state-of-the-art movie theater in Hopewell, NJ with a dine-in menu. A landing spot, a launch pad, and an incubator, Hopewell Theater is also a place where artists can play, practice, perform or show their passion project on the big screen. The theater is available to rent, at both hourly and day-rates.

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