A Night Out: Fun For Union County Grown-ups

School's Out. Those are two of the scariest words in a parents' vocabulary. Gone are the days when you could drop them off at school, head for the gym, meets friends for breakfast or just take some time for yourself. So as you wait for the kids to finish one activity and drive them to the next, scour these options for live theater, movies and other weekend diversions.

BONUS: Check out Patch later today, when we'll begin running the first installment of a weekly chart that highlights local bars and nightclubs where live music is played.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown

THIS WEEKEND: No shows this week.

NEXT WEEK: Tuesday night Steve Martin performs with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Yes, that Steve Martin. Some of you may remember Martin's standup and his banjo; all of you will be surprised at his real bluegrass chops (he was nominated for a Grammy award for his music). 

BOOK IT NOW: Fans of southern-fried rock can check out Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Wednesday, July 6. The former Allman Brothers Band guitarist leads his band through some screamin' rock tunes.

Check out njpac.org for details about these and other shows.

NJPAC, Newark

THIS WEEKEND: Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs through Sunday.

FREE MUSIC: If you want to enjoy happy hours, NJPAC's free outdoor concert series, Sounds of the Summer, sets up a soundstage on its Theater Square and hosts shows from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Next week, on Thursday, the eclectic collection of artists includes DJ Joey Mazza, a fixture on the NJ house-music scene; Newark native Badia Farha, specializes in her own hybrid of soul and R&B; NYC-based flutist, vocalist and songwriter Ragan Whiteside, and Spanglish Fly, and 11-piece band that mixes latin R&B with a Stax/Motown vibe.

Check out njpac.org for details about these and other shows.

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel

THIS WEEKEND: No shows this weekend.

BOOK IT NOW: In the continuing trend of Baby Boomer favorites hitting the stage after a protracted absence, Yes and Styx will share a bill of arty '70s hitmakers on Tuesday, July 5, filling the air with sound while the crowd reminisces about days gone by. A week later, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow will treat the crowd with their summer party tunes.

Check out centerholmdel.com for information.

South Orange Performing Arts Center

WEDNESDAYS IN THE PARK: Throughout July, SOPAC is sponsoring free outdoor concerts at Flood's Hill in South Orange. Bring a blanket, something to eat and drink and settle in for an evening of music under the stars. Wednesday features Matthew Friedman and Stiletto, performing the music of Billy Joel. Friedman is a musician, singer and performer known best for his role as "the Piano Man" in the First National Touring Company of Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's acclaimed musical, Movin' Out.  All shows start at 7:30 and will be moved to SOPAC in the event of rain.

BOOK IT NOW: On August 6, SOPAC is hosting a red-carpet extravaganza, hosted by Natural Life Entertainment, a black-tie masquerade affair that will feature great sounds and laughter from some of the hottest and funniest comedians.  A buffet & cocktails will be served.  Some proceeds will be donated to The Autism Society.

 Go to sopacnow.org for more details about all shows.

The Comedy Cove at Scotty's, Springfield

THIS WEEKEND: Joey Vega, featuring Failla and Kim Jonny

NEXT WEEKEND: TBA

Go to scottyssteakhouse.com for details about all shows.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison

THIS WEEKEND: The Misanthrope closes Sunday at the Theatre, on the campus of Drew University. The classic Moliere that skewers the affectations of polite society is directed by Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Bonnie Monte.

BOOK IT NOW: On the Theatre's Outdoor Stage, A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed through July 31.

 Click on shakespearenj.org for details.

Shanghai Jazz, Madison

THIS WEEKEND: At 6:30 and 8:30 Saturday, the Clifton Anderston Quartet, featuring Anderston, a trombonist who's performed with Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie and Paul Simon, among others; On Sunday, Shanghai Jazz Benefit Fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children) of Morris and Sussex County. Money raised from dinners will be donatedl to CASA to aid Children in Need. The Chihiro Yamanak Group, led by the acclaimed Japanese Pianist, who has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Ms. Yamanaka also was featured in our Save the Children Benefit to Aid the Littlest Victims of the Japanese Tragedy. No cover. Reservations required.

NEXT WEEK: From 7 to 9:30 Wednesday night, catch Nicki Parrott, vocalist/bassist for guitar icon Les Paul, who will be accompanied by Rossano Sportiello on piano.

BOOK IT NOW: Next weekend, Grammy-winning bandleader/saxman Paquito d'Rivera and Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi have assembled a band for a rare New Jersey reunion. Reservations required, with $20/person music charge.

For all shows, check for times and other details on shanghaijazz.com.

Stress Factory Comedy Club, New Brunswick

THIS WEEKEND: Joe Matarese, a regular guest on Comedy Central, The Late Show with David Letterman and Chelsea Lately. Two shows Friday and Saturday

BOOK IT NOW: Next Thursday, June 30, Richard Belzer, longtime comedian and regular on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, performs.

Check out stressfactory.com for more details. 

Wellmont Theatre, Montclair

THIS WEEKEND: No shows this week

BOOK IT NOW: Frampton Comes Alive, again, July 12. Fans of the '70 guitar hero will savor the old hits and check out his new music, all without the shoulder-length perm of past glories (ours and his); Fans of comedian Denis Leary and curmudgeonly ways will get big laughs from his "Thinning the Herd" show, which will also include some of comic pals. This show is scheduled for July 15.

Check out wellmonttheatre.com for more shows.  

ON THE BIG SCREEN:

CRANFORD

Bad Teacher (R); 11:05am, 1:05, 3:05, 5:05, 7:30, 9:15; The Tree of Life (PG-13); 11 am, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05; Midnight in Paris (PG-13); 11:30am,12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 7, 7:35, 9:15, 9:40; Bridesmaids (R); 11:45 am, 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 9:55

http://www.fandango.com/cranfordtheatre_aabty/theaterpage

MOUNTAINSIDE:  Bad Teacher (R); 11:15 am, 2 pm; 5 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:45 pm, 12:15 am; Cars 2 (G); 10:45 am, 1:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 7 pm, 10 pm, 12:30 am;  Cars 2 3D (G);  11:45 am,  2:3o,  5:15, 8, 10:45; Green Lantern (PG-13); 12:30, 3:15, 6,  9, 11:45; Green Lantern 3D (PG-13);  10 am, 1, 4, 6:45, 9:3o, 12:15 am; Mr. Popper's Penguins (PG);  11 am, 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:15; Super 8 (PG-13);  10:10am, 12:50, 3:30, 6:15, 9:15, 12 am; X-Men: First Class (PG-13); 10:20am, 1:15, 4:45, 8:15, 11:15; The Hangover Part II ,(R);  12:15, 2:45, 5:30, 8:30, 11;  Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG);  10:35 am, 12:45, 3, 5:45; Bridesmaids; 8:45, 11:35

http://www.fandango.com/amcloewsmountainside10_aaaug/theaterpage

SUMMIT

Green Lantern 3D (PG-13);  noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30,  10; Super 8 (PG-13); 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:10; X-Men: First Class (PG-13),  • 2 hr. 12 1, 4, 7, 9:50; The Hangover Part II (R);  1:15, 7:15; Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (PG); noon, 2:10, 4:30, 6:45, 9; Bridesmaids (R); 4:15, 9:40

http://www.fandango.com/clearviewbeaconhill5_aahjq/theaterpage

WESTFIELD

Cars 2 (G);  11:15 am, 1:50, 4:25, 7, 9:35; Cars 2 3D (G); 11:15 am, noon, 1:50, 2:30, 4:25, 5, 7, 7:25, 9:35, 10; Green Lantern 3D (PG-13); 12:10, 2:35, 5, 7:30, 9:55; Mr. Popper's Penguins (PG) 12:15, 2:25, 4:40, 7:15, 9:30; Super 8 (PG-13); 12:20, 2:40, 4:55, 7:35, 10; Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG); 12:30, 2:30, 4:45, 7:05, 9:15

http://www.fandango.com/rialtotheatreofwestfield_aabmg/theaterpage