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As part of the yearlong celebration marking RVCC’s 50th Anniversary, the public is invited to a Community Day, Saturday, September 22, from 2-6 p.m., at the College’s Branchburg campus. Hosted by the Planetarium, RVCCArts and the Workforce Development department, the day will include a music festival, laser shows, and an art exhibition.

RVCC Cosmetology students also will provide free hand and arm massages, and participants will have the opportunity to win giveaways or services at Protégé, the College’s working salon and spa, by taking a spin on a Wheel of Beauty. In addition, a racecar will be parked near the front entrance of the College, offering car enthusiasts the chance to take photos and chat about the industry with the driver, as well as learn about RVCC’s Automotive program.

Most of the Community Day events are free of charge.

The Planetarium will host free screenings of a 15-minute laser show, repeated every half-hour, from 2-5:30 p.m. Recommended for audiences ages 6-12, the program will feature songs from the Planetarium’s Laser Kids show, such as the Pokémon theme song and “Everything is Awesome” from the LEGO Movie. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory, located next to the Planetarium, also will be open and hands-on activities will be available in and around the Planetarium. For additional information about Planetarium programs, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

As part of the Community Day celebration, members of the public will get a chance to witness the talent of the College’s Visual Arts faculty during the Art Faculty Exhibition. The show, featuring work representing a wide range of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, video, graphic design, digital media, interior design and photography, is on display in RVCC’s Art Gallery. For additional information about the exhibition, contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department, 908-218-8876.

The Aiken & Friends Fest—the highlight of the Community Day—will be held outdoors in RVCC’s center Courtyard. There is no charge for the entertainment, and guests will be treated to four sets of live music by such artists and groups as Jo Stones & Phil Swanson, MSG Acoustic Blues Trio, Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, and Session Americana. The Festival also will include a drop-in Pickers Tent where local musicians are invited to play together. In addition, the Festival will feature local craft venders and activities for children. Food also will be available.

Aiken & Friends Fest has been coastal Virginia’s premier music festival for the past 13 years, featuring national, regional and local artists and songwriters all performing original music. Those planning to come and enjoy the music at RVCC are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. For additional information, call 908-725-3420 or visit www.rvccArts.org.

For fans of Aiken & Friends, the Community Day activities are just part of the musicians’ appearances with RVCCArts that weekend. The Aiken and Friends Fest will kick off Friday, September 21, at 7 p.m., with a Songwriters-in-the-Round event in the College’s Edward Nash Theatre. The program will feature Mike Aiken, Sally Jaye and Brian Ashley Jones performing their original works and talking about their writing and what inspires them. The trio recently offered this program as part of the “In the Round” series at The Bluebird Café in Nashville. Tickets to the evening cost $20 per person.

In addition, local musicians interested in honing their craft are invited to attend one of three, concurrent, 60-minute workshops in guitar playing, songwriting, and indie music promotion on Saturday, September 22, at noon. Admission to a workshop is $10 per person. The workshops will be held in the Theatre.

The Festival will end on a high-note with Tall Tales & Troubadours, a concert by singer/songwriter Mike Aiken. The artist is known for his signature blend of Americana, country and roots music. Tickets to the evening performance in the Theatre cost $20 per person. A weekend pass for $30 includes admission to both concerts and the workshop of one’s choice. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org.

About RVCC

Ranked by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a 1,000-seat Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2018

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #18