May 6, 2025 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Shea Center for Performing Arts

An Evening with Roger McGuinn is a love for folk music – the music that took him to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Tambourine Man not only lived history, he made history with his fearless sense of experimentation. As the leader of the influential 60s group, The Byrds, he was on the leading edge, combining the rock beat of the Beatles with the folk sensibilities of Bob Dylan, to create the genre known as “folk-rock.” His groundbreaking work on The Byrds “Sweetheart Of The Rodeo” album, is widely credited with ushering in the genre of country rock. Roger’s solo career began in 1973 and has yielded 13 albums, a Grammy nomination, and extensive touring and performing for enthralled audiences ever since.  

Jim McGuinn (he changed his name later to Roger) began playing professionally at the age of 17. He was first recognized around the industry for his banjo and guitar playing ability. He began touring with the Chad Mitchell Trio which eventually led to his touring gig with Bobby Darin. When Bobby decided to take a break from performing live, he invited Jim to join him in New York city to work at the famed Brill Building as a songwriter for TM Music. It was there that he became Judy Collins’ musical director, helped Paul Simon record the demo for “Sound of Silence” and was very active in the recording business as the “go to” guy for 12-string guitar.

It was at this time that Roger became fascinated with “rocked up” folk music made popular by The Beatles.

The folk audience didn’t appreciate the combination of folk songs and a Beatle Beat but there was one musician that did. His name was Gene Clark. It was the beginning of a musical revolution. David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke joined the duo and history was about to be made. The Byrds were born!

Their first single was penned by Bob Dylan but when the group heard the demo, they weren’t too impressed. Jim had an idea on how to fix the folkie song. He had been an arranger in NYC, so adding a Bach type intro and a Beatle Beat took the song “Mr Tambourine Man” to the number one slot across the world.

Roger disbanded the BYRDS in 1973 to pursue his dream of being a folk singer like Pete Seeger. He says that the BYRDS were a nice detour on his way to his dream. He recorded five solo albums on Columbia Records. In 1978 he joined with Gene Clark and Chris Hillman for 3 albums on Capitol Records. In 1991 just after the BYRDS were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he recorded on Arista Records his acclaimed “Back From Rio” album with a host of friends, including Tom Petty, Elvis Costello , David Crosby, Chris Hillman and others. It was the last vinyl record in his catalogue.

In 1995 Roger became concerned the traditional folk songs were being lost. No one was recording the songs of over one hundred years ago, so he had an idea. He decided to post an original folk song with a live recording on his web page mcguinn.com each month. He hasn’t missed a month since November 1995. It is carried by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a public service.

Appleseed Records invited Roger to record some of his favorite folk songs with the vanguards of folk music: Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Jean Ritche, Josh White Jr and his guitar teacher Frank Hamilton and his wife Mary. The recording “Treasure From the Folk Den” received a Grammy nomination in 2002. He continues to record and release music on his independent label. When asked if he plans on retiring, he laughs, “What? Give up show-business? It’s called “playing music” and I’ve been playing since I was 14.

Tickets:
Gold Circle $59
Orchestra/Front Loge $49
Rear Loge/Accessible Seating $39 

May 7, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
online

During this virtual session, we will discuss all of the things you need to know about applying to William Paterson University’s graduate certificate or degree programs in:

• Director School Counseling Services (Certificate)
• Student Assistance Coordinator (Certificate)
• Professional Counseling- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MEd), and
• Professional Counseling- School Counseling (MEd)

Join a faculty member from the College of Education and a member of the Graduate Admission Team as they answer questions about the next steps you would need to take if you were considering applying for an upcoming semester.  We look forward to meeting you and helping you to meet your professional and academic goals.

Register Now! 

May 9, 2025 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Shea Center for Performing Arts

They say a man’s “soul” is his spiritual essence.  Life’s twists and turns can lift that soul high into the sky or send it crashing to the ground below.  Unfortunately, 2023 started with the latter for Will Downing, following the unexpected and soul-crushing loss of daughter Aron Siobhan Downing in January.  As a father, he was devastated…heartbroken.  As an artist, he sought solace and comfort through his craft…facing the hurt head-on and exploring multiple themes of love to begin the healing. Persevering through the pain Downing is poised to finish the year with his soul rising…literally!  The Prince of Sophisticated Soul is ready to share his 7- song masterclass in triumph over tragedy, Soul Rising! 

Celebrating an insane 35 years in the “bizness” and 27 Albums to his credit Will Downing will not be stopped!  Flexing on his international appeal, the lead single "What Part of My Love" shot to the top of the UK Soul Chart Top 30 and parked there.  Those who no longer listen to new releases as the collective work it was intended to be, should make an exception in this case.  Although not a "concept" album, the pieces of Soul Rising fit together beautifully as a single statement and should be enjoyed as such.  We all know the about the smoothness, but there's a brand-new kind of...dare I say..."Funkiness", that I think is here to stay!  

Make no mistake...Will Downing didn't forget the "smooth" that made the Man the Myth the Legend!  Nor did he abandon his world-famous knack for what he affectionately calls "interpretations" of classic hits.  

There will be no Sittin’ In session prior to this concert

Tickets:
Gold Circle $75
Orchestra/Front Loge $65
Rear Loge $55

May 12, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Shea Center for Performing Arts

The science of energy is as fun as it gets!

Jeff Boyer shows kids that energy is what makes our world work, through carefully laid out activities illustrating the laws and forces which govern the world around us. Jeff takes audiences on an exciting energy filled ride they’ll always remember. He brings kids right up on stage for interactive demonstrations that entertain and amaze!

The show is 45 minutes with no intermission. Curriculum guides are available upon request and meet Next Generation Science Standards, K-6.

General Admission: $12 (including fees)

May 12, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
online

During this virtual event, we will discuss all of the things you need to know about applying to William Paterson University’s graduate programs! We will be able to answer questions about our application and the next steps you would need to take if you were considering applying for an upcoming semester.

Register Now!