AJC names Andrew Gross Director of New York regional office. July 29, 2026 - New York American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, has named Andrew Gross to be Director of its New York regional office. Gross joins AJC from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where he served as Director of International Innovation and Partnerships. In that role, he worked to establish economic relations, investment opportunities, and agreements from abroad to support the state's economic growth. "We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Gross as Regional Director of AJC New York. Andrew brings exceptional leadership, deep community relationships, and a strong commitment to AJC's mission," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "At a time when New York's Jewish communities navigate significant new challenges, I am confident that Andrew's experience and vision will strengthen our impact and advance our mission throughout the region." Gross also has extensive professional connections to Israel. In 2019, he was named by then-New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy as Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, where he oversaw the state's relations with Israel, including trade, culture, education, and investment. He previously served as Director of Political Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York, where he acted as the primary liaison to government officials, community organizations, think tanks, and industry executives. "I'm honored to lead AJC's efforts in the city with the world's largest Jewish population outside Israel," Gross said. "At a time when antisemitism has risen to alarming levels in New York and around the world, AJC's advocacy has never been more needed." Gross received a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University and is a member of the Councilor's Program at the Atlantic Council, a leading foreign policy think tank. American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, creating trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving. Through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries, empowering those in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies. For more, please visit www.ajc.org. More regional news.

Next chapter for NJ Rep: West End Arts Center will expand programming. June 1, 2026 By Mary Ann Bourbeau LONG BRANCH - New Jersey Repertory Company received a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to establish the West End Arts Center, an additional space for performances, as well as educational and community events. Established in 1997 by SuzAnne and Gabor Barabas, NJRep has been nationally recognized for its mission of staging only new works, many of which have gone on to be produced across the country and internationally. In 2016, the couple obtained a 28,000-square-foot elementary school just five minutes from the main stage. The building is being transformed in stages into a cultural center that will house additional performance spaces, an art cinema, an art museum, a rooftop café and residences for out-of-town actors and playwrights. When completed, the center, located at 132 West End Ave., will present a wide array of programs in acting, playwriting, art, sculpture, poetry, music and photography. "This grant allows us to expand our artistic home and deepen our connection to the community," said artistic director SuzAnne Barabas. "Our mainstage theater will continue to be devoted to world premieres while the West End Arts Center will allow us to support artists in new ways and offer a wider range of programming for audiences of all ages." Creative consultant Evan Bergman will spearhead programming at the West End Arts Center, presenting more than 45 events each year. The school's auditorium has been modernized with new seating, lighting and an updated sound system. The West End Arts Center now hosts a weekly reading series showcasing new plays and musicals in development, continuing its mission of nurturing new voices. On Monday, April 27, there will be a reading of "Advice" by playwright Brent Askari; Monday, May 11, will be a reading of Allan Staples' play, "Vigorish." Live music will be presented weekly, featuring Broadway performers, jazz artists and local talent. Check njrep.org for details. Programming for Kids The venue will also host free magic shows and family-friendly theatrical events. Initial programming includes puppet shows designed to spark imagination, encourage creativity, and introduce young audiences to the joy of storytelling through vibrant characters, music and interactive fun. At 2 p.m. April 26, Puppetonia presents "The Missing Magician." In this show, Lucky Duck wants to be a magician when he grows up and is eagerly awaiting a magic show from Mini Bunny the Magician - until Mini Bunny goes missing! Lucky Duck and Mr. Chris must put on their detective hats to find him. Along the way, they'll learn some magic tricks themselves. This show is 45 minutes long and is and aimed at children ages 1 to 8. At 2 p.m. Aug. 9, Puppetonia presents "Construction Party," in which Lucky Duck and his friend, a construction expert named Petey the Pig, learn about tools, building materials and safety on the job though a fun rendition of "The Three Little Pigs." This show is 45 minutes long and aimed at children ages 1-8. For both puppet shows, parents are required to stay with their children during the performances. Puppetonia crafts its shows to nurture social, thinking and motor skills and encourage self-expression among the children. "These puppet shows are interactive, so the performers have the opportunity to really engage with the children," said Bergman. "I grew up in New York City and my mom took us to puppet shows and children's theater. I was always enthralled with the puppet and marionette shows. I think they're quite special." At 11 a.m. May 16, NJ Rep teams up with the Classical Theatre of Harlem for "Fearless Creativity," an improv and theater games workshop for students 12 to 16. Explore classic games, build ensemble connections, increase confidence and discover the joy of performance. Classes run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and snacks are provided. This program is free, but class sizes are limited, so RSVPs are necessary. Visit njrep.org for details. "The West End Arts Center represents the next chapter for NJRep," said executive producer Gabor Barabas. "It will be a place where new plays are born, music is celebrated, families are welcomed, and young artists are inspired. We are deeply grateful to the state of New Jersey and the NJEDA for their support in helping us bring this vision to life." The article originally appeared in the April 16 - 22, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.

Capital Philharmonic receives grant for composer-in-residence program. MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, pictured here in a recent concert at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, learned this past December that they had secured a grant of nearly $191,000 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. (Photo by Andrew Wilkinson). By Anne Levin The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is ending its 2025-26 season on an upbeat note. The orchestra, which performs Sunday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, secured a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) late last year, to fund a composer-in-residence program as well as help with salaries for musicians and an expanded staff. The orchestra was one of 39 organizations throughout the state to get support under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, which was piloted in Newark and Atlantic City and now includes 31 municipalities. A total of $15 million was awarded "to support the revitalization of commercial corridors by community-focused arts and cultural organizations," according to the NJEDA website. Applying for the grant as a composer-in-residence program to build a bridge to classical music "follows our aim to make classical music accessible," said Jill Aguayo, the orchestra's executive director. "We want to try to bring in the Trenton audience." The success of the world premiere of "Oh God... Beautiful Machine" a collaboration of composer Vince di Mura and poet Yusef Komunyakaa last fall, led to the appointment of di Mura as composer-in-residence. Next fall, the orchestra will premiere his "Hotel Ritz." "It will be a kind of conversation between the orchestra and a Cuban band," said Aguayo. "It's about Ernest Hemingway at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and also in Cuba." Di Mura has been working with students from Foundation Academies in Trenton on the piece, which will involve several other choruses including the Capital Singers. "He met with the students last week and they gave him a lot of ideas," said Aguayo. "They are working on how to set text to music." An additional component of the composer-in-residence program is work by board member Joel Phillips, who has championed the Young Composers Initiative. "He's teaching 10 high school students from the area, giving them lessons once a week," said Aguayo. "At the end of November, we'll have a reading session with the orchestra playing the pieces they create. That's part of the grant." Meanwhile, the orchestra is getting closer to a decision on hiring a new music director. Joshua Gerson, the final candidate of the five in the running - culled from an initial 75 applicants - will conduct the upcoming concert. On the program, which pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the nation, are works by Aaron Copland, Antonin Dvorak, Chris Rogerson, and the winner of the Youth Concerto Competition. "After that, the search committee, which includes not just our orchestra members but outside conductors like Michael Pratt, will have several meetings," said Aguayo. "Then we may go back and have short interviews with each of the candidates. We're planning to made a recommendation to the board by mid-June." Filling the 1,800-seat Patriots Theater has been a continuing challenge for the orchestra. Aguayo is optimistic that audiences will grow in the future. Efforts are being made to make the experience more immersive, with art exhibits in the lobby, vendors, and a more social atmosphere. "We had a 30 percent increase this year over last at our New Year's Eve concert," said Aguayo. "And with cross-genre things like 'Hotel Ritz,' we will reach other audiences. We did it last year, and I know we will do it again." Visit capitalphilharmonic.org for ticket information.