Seven For Seven: What To Do Around Town This Week

Every weekend, Patch will give you a guide as to the best events going on around town during the coming week, at least one for every single day. This next week there is everything from Afro-Jazz music to a screening of Twilight. Of course, good ideas for what to do can always be found at DestinationMontclair, the Montclair Arts Council's one-stop shop for arts and entertainment information.

-- Sunday, August 1

     1) Check out the Afro-Jazz Project featuring Richard Reiter, perhaps the area's premiere drum circle facilitator, at the Van Vleck House and Gardens. Reiter, an Emmy Award winning composer, is a nationally known saxophonist and flutist, and has also led one of America's most critically acclaimed contemporary jazz groups. He present his seven-piece band in concert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the gardens. In case of rain the concert will be held the following Sunday. The cost is $10. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and a picnic. For reservations call 973-744-4752.

-- Monday, August 2

     1) Enter the contest just announced by DestinationMontclair.com so that you have a chance to win a special Weekend in Montclair. The special prize package includes two tickets to the Lyle Lovett and His Large Band concert on August 15 at The Wellmont Theatre and a two-night stay at the nearby Courtyard Marriott. Plus, you'll win a $250 shopping spree at Montclair shops and restaurants of your choice in Montclair Center, a pair of bike rentals from Diamond Cycle and a $25 Gift Certificate from the Montclair Art Museum Store. So what exactly are you waiting for? Enter here today!

-- Tuesday, August 3

    1) Enjoy a Young Adult Movie Afternoon at the Montclair Public Library. Lights, camera, action! Twilight! Enjoy the popular vampire saga on the big screen! There will be snacks and refreshments. Rated PG-13. Teens ages 13 and up. Film will be shown in the auditorium. For more information go here.

-- Wednesday, August 4

        1) Enjoy Family Night at the Turtle Back Zoo from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per person with free miniature train rides. Enjoy extended hours and dinner specials during these family nights that run every Wednesday night through August 25. For more information go here.

-- Thursday, August 5

     1) Enjoy Acoustic Showcase Night at Tierney's Tavern at 136-138 Valley Road. It's every Thursday night at 9 p.m.; the mic is open to anyone and everyone.

    2) Visit the Montclair Art Museum's exhibit Engaging Nature: American and Native American Artists (A.D. 1200 - 2004). This is the first exhibition ever presented by the Museum to integrate American and Native American art from the collection from all time periods and around a central theme. More than half of the nearly 40 works have never or rarely been displayed. See a review of the exhibit here. Just fyi: the Museum Galleries will be closed for construction Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8.

-- Friday, August 6

    1) Don't miss this Essex County free Summer Music concert series. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer at 7:30 p.m. This week the series features New York Rat Pack/Soul Be It at Brookdale Park.

-- Saturday, August 7

    1) Go shopping! Check out the Montclair Antique Center, a group shop of over 50 dealers on Church Street. Go by the Chef's Lab on Bloomfield Avenue, designed to quench any and all culinary curiosities and needs. And, of course, stop by the Montclair Farmers' Market that's on display from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walnut Street Train Station parking lot.