The Weekend: First Thursday Night (MFF Edition), Treats, Gospel Music, A Cappela and More!

Art, film, blues, rock, gospel and food — just a few of the things you can enjoy this first weekend in April!

We told you about Paul Barrère and Fred Tackett with opener Patrick Dyer Wolf at The Outpost tonight, America’s Roadshow At Yogi Berra Museum, and the Eat Ink: Book Signing & Food Demo with Chef Palmieri —but there’s more!

Here are other weekend highlights:

This month’s Free First Thursday Nights at Montclair Art Museum is a special Montclair Film Festival edition! Visitors will get a “Behind the scenes at the Montclair Film Festival” sneak peek of the 2014 Montclair Film Festival line-up with artistic director Thom Powers at 8 pm. You can also enjoy a Full-service bar with special First Thursday Night prices in partnership with Pig & Prince, Tours of the new exhibition Robert Smithson’s New Jersey will be offered every hour on the half hour, and much more!

Free First Thursday Nights
Thursday, April 3 from 5 pm – 9 pm
MAM, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042
Free

On Friday night, head upstairs at Tierney’s to see Lil’ Bastad, the “real deal in Funk, Soul, R&B, and Blues.” The tongue in cheek name is evidence of the winning humor and unique style that instantly connect their audiences with their music. This blues-based band was formed in 1999 through their musicianship and great love for the Blues, R&B and Funk. Lil’ Bastad combines “old school” styles with their own contemporary feel, to form a winning musical balance.

Lil’ Bastad
Friday, April 4 at 10 pm
Tierney’s Tavern, 136 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ
$10 cover

Also on Friday, you can go to Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza in Montclair to enjoy the music of Craig Mitchell, a local Soul, Blues and Funk guitarist, singer playing his first time at Ruthie’s. As usual, they’ll be serving up good pizza and BBQ. offers up good food. We suggest you try the Mac and Cheese.

Craig Mitchell at Ruthie’s BBQ
Friday, April 4 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza, 64 1/2 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042
BYO and no cover

Fans of Le Baker’s Dozen‘s delicious scones and muffins will want to head over to Williams-Sonoma in Montclair on Saturday, April 5, where owner Therese Baird will be baking some of her signature blueberry muffins and scones.

Le Baker’s Dozen Scone and Muffin Demo
Saturday, April 5 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Williams – Sonoma, 630 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ, 07043
Free

Congregation Beth Ahm in Verona will present a concert by the acclaimed Jewish a capella group Pizmon on Sunday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m. Comprised of students from Columbia University, Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, this outstanding group of young musicians is coming to CBA fresh off their successful European tour and will perform a mixed bag of songs ranging from folk to Yiddish classics to Israeli rock to liturgical music.

Pizmon
Sunday, April 6 at 1:30 pm
Congregation Beth Ahm, 56 Grove Avenue, Verona, NJ
Tickets are $10 in advance (by phone reservation or pick-up at the synagogue office) or $12 at the door.
For more information call the office at 973-239-0754

You can enjoy a Gospel Music Celebration at Grace Presbyterian Church in Montclair on Sunday, April 6. The worship service will feature the Grace Church Choir and Band directed by Dr. Charsie Sawyer, Professor of Music, Conductor, Calvin College Gospel Choir, Grand Rapids, Michigan.