featured events
The Lonesome Pines
Thursday, January 22 at the Parlor
Hello and Happy New Year to our Volunteers and Sponsors!
We, here at Friends of Metuchen Arts, are so grateful for the generous support that you showed us for last year's Masquerade Gala that we are kicking off our Gala season with a special party just for you!
Please join us at the Parlor at Hailey's on January 22nd for our thank-you party, featuring live acoustic entertainment by The Lonesome Pines. Sponsors and volunteers receive a free drink – just RSVP to sosborn-jones@friendsofmetuchenarts.org so you'll be "on the list". You'll also be the first to know about this year's exciting gala theme! The bar area is open all night for drop-ins, and there will be 7 pm and 9 pm seating times in the parlor. Free admission for volunteers and sponsors. Please RSVP before January 15 so we know to expect you. This is an opportunity for us to thank you for your support and also for you to get into the party season!
The Lonesome Pines are a hometown favorite. Their influences include Alt-Country, Rock, Rockabilly, and traditional acoustic Americana. For this performance, The Pines will be playing stripped-down acoustic versions of their songs. Releases can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and most other major streaming services. Visit www.thelonesomepines.com.
Save the Date to party with FOMA!
- Steve Frank: songwriter, lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, harmonica
- Paul Caluori: harmony vocals, violin, mandolin, banjo, acoustic & electric guitar, luthier
- Steve Kaplan: pedal steel guitar, lead and rhythm guitar, harmony vocals
- Justin Hopkins: bass guitar
- Tim Shahady: drums and percussion
Lyndon Ji and Nikki Pet
Friday, January 23 at 7:30pm
Nikki Pet (clarinet) and Lyndon Ji (piano) offer an evening of Classical music for clarinet and piano, ranging from Weber's Grand Duo Concertant to Bernstein's unapologetically lyrical and jazz-inflected Sonata to young Australian-Chinese composer Sam Wu's filmic Glass Terminals. Both artists are current Doctor of Musical Arts candidates at the Yale School of Music and have performed extensively throughout the East Coast. They have previously trained at a number of renowned institutions, including The Juilliard School, University of Michigan, and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Please call Westerhoff School of Music and Art at (732) 548-8680 to reserve your spot. Limited Seating
Cutting Their Own Paths
Saturday, January 24 from 2–6pm
Experience the art of three renowned Metuchen artists: Joan Arteiter, Edith Pletzner and Helen M. Stummer in this exhibit sponsored by the combined resources of Basecamp Studio and Gallery and Friends of Metuchen Arts Gallery.
Guitarist Marel Hidalgo Organ Trio—Free Concert
Sunday, January 25 at 2 pm
Join us January 25 for this special Metuchen Jazz concert presenting the exceptionally young talented guitarist Marel Hidalgo and his group. Marel performs with Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor and organist Ana Petrova and the highly respected and recognized Byron Landham on drums. Marel began playing at age 4 and by age 6 had his own band performing a variety of music. When he heard the music of legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass, he decided to focus on becoming a jazz guitarist. Limited seating. Reservations on Eventbrite a must.
Improv for High School Students
Sunday, January 25 from 3:30–5pm
Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to get creative, build confidence, and laugh with friends? Join us for OutFront Metuchen’s High School Improv!
Our recent middle school improv sessions were a huge hit — the kids had an amazing time, made new friends, and left feeling more confident and connected. Now it’s the high schoolers’ turn!
📣 Important update: Our January session date has changed. New Date: Sunday, 1/25
⏰ Time: 3:30–5:00 PM
📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen
👉 Register here: https://linktr.ee/outfrontmetuchen
No experience needed — just come ready to play, imagine, and have fun. Bring a friend (or a few!) and jump into a supportive space where high schoolers can express themselves and try something new.
A huge thank you to the @friendsofmetuchenarts for their generous grant, which helps make programs like this possible for our community.
Come ready to say “yes, and…” to a great time!
Drawing Night at the Parlor
January 28, 6–9pm
Enjoy an evening of drawing with Friends! Bring your drawing materials and enjoy drink specials by the Parlor at Hailey’s. $20 cash at the door. No registration necessary.
The Parlor at Hailey’s
15 Station Place
Metuchen, NJ 08840
Gala 2026
March 7, 2026
Our committee, led by Shannon Osborn-Jones, is hard at work making Gala 2026 come to life!