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 free family movies to urban charisma. 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 8

     1) Have a few laughs. Stop by Tierney's Tavern at 136-138 Valley Road at 8 p.m. to see Stage 4 Comedy.

     2) Register to win a Weekend in Montclair at DestinationMontclair.com. The special prize package includes 2 tickets to the Lyle Lovett and His Large Band concert at The Wellmont Theatre on August 15, a two-night stay at the nearby Courtyard Marriott, a pair of bike rentals from Diamond Cycle, and a $25 Gift Certificate from the Montclair Art Museum Store. Plus, you'll win a $250 shopping spree at Montclair shops and restaurants of your choice in Montclair Center!

-- Monday, August 9

        1) Every weekday starting August 9, Jazz House Kids will offer free Community Showcase concerts open to the public. All Showcases will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 13 Trinity Place in Montclair between 1:45 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the wonderfully talented young musicians of the Summer Jazz Workshop and their teachers will perform. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, the Showcases will feature special guest artists including alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist and Jazz House Kids creative director Christian McBride, drummer Billy Hart, and drummer Ulysses Owens.

      2) If you're willing to venture out of Montclair, take your kids to Ellis Island to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Barbie's "Dolls of the World Collection," featuring a large exhibit of dolls adorned in native costumes. The exhibit runs through Labor Day.

-- Tuesday, August 10

    1) Take a journey that explores traditional melodies and rhythms. World Music Magic combines community spirit, folklore, and urban charisma. Gina Ferrera's show in the auditorium at the Montclair Public Library at 12 p.m. features native West African instruments like the gyil (traditional xylophone), and mbira (Shona thumb piano) creating wondrous sounds that stimulate imaginations. Gina Ferrera is a Philadelphia-based artist whose passion for drumming began at age 10 and toured internationally with Leana Song, Kokolo Afrobeat, and many others. Ages 3 and up. Contact the library for registration information.

Wednesday, August 11

     1) Swing by the Montclair Public Library with your child for Creatable Edible Art, a workshop that teaches you how to make mosaic art out of snacks. For ages 4 to 9. Free, but registration required. Call 973-744-0500 ext. 2236. 

     2) Enjoy a movie as part of Clearview Cinema's Summer Kids' Club. Every Wednesday and Thursday morning, free family movies are played at local Clearview Cinemas. Free, but seating is based on availability.

     3) Wednesday nights are also family nights at the Turtle Back Zoo at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Check out all the animals. Reduced admission and dinner specials from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 973-731-5800 or see the Web site for more information.

-- Thursday, August 12

     1) Enjoy some good food while listening to Kevin Kiley & the Out Patients at 7 p.m. at Ruthie's Bar-B-Q and Pizza at 64 Chestnut Street.

     2) It's also Acoustic Showcase Night at 9 p.m. at Tierney's Tavern at 136-138 Valley Road.

     3) The Montclair Public Library's Popular Art and Photography Series continues with "Reflections & Contemplations" by Montclair-based artist Leonora Brooks. The exhibit will be on view in the Montclair Public Library Gallery during library hours from August 4 to 31. The public is invited to attend a reception for the artist on August 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-- Friday, August 13

     1) Check out Los Mas Valientes playing salsa, son, guaracha, and more—an outdoor summer salsa party—at Asana House at 127 Valley Road from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

     2) Eileen Duffy will discuss "The City and the City" by China Mieville at the 7 p.m. Beam Me Up Science Fiction Book Group at Watchung Booksellers at 54 Fairfield Street.

     3) The Garden State Concert Band will give a free concert—part of the Essex County SummerMusic series— at 7:30 p.m. at Kip's Castle, 22 Crestmont Drive. Bring a chair or a blanket.

-- Saturday, August 14

     1) Come out to hear Watchung Mountain Riders at 10 p.m. at Tierney's Tavern at 136-138 Valley Road.

     2) But first stop by Terra Tea Salon at 10 Church Street to hear Rainbow Fresh from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

     3) And don't forget the Montclair Farmers' Market from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walnut Street train station parking lot.