Woodstock Tribute, Pink Floyd Hits, Holiday Shows Coming To Wayne University

WAYNE, NJ — From the sounds of Woodstock to Pink Floyd classics and holiday favorites, William Paterson University is bringing a variety of musical and theatrical performances to Wayne this fall.

The university's WP Presents Fall 2026 performing arts series runs through Dec. 16 at the Shea Center for Performing Arts, featuring nationally recognized musicians, tribute bands, a youth theater production, and several holiday concerts.

The series kicked off Saturday with Back to the Garden – 1969: The Woodstock Experience, a tribute to the legendary music festival featuring songs by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and other iconic performers.

Here's a look at the remaining performances:

- Nov. 13 — Jim Messina: The singer-songwriter and guitarist will perform songs spanning his decades-long career with Buffalo Springfield, Poco and Loggins & Messina. Audiences can expect classics including "For What It's Worth," "Crazy Love" and "Danny's Song."

- Nov. 15-16 — Layer the Walls Part 1: Turn of the Century: Presented by Grand Pistachio, this theatrical production explores immigration, discrimination and resilience in America between 1870 and 1909. Through puppetry, masks and live actors, the show follows an Irish immigrant working on the Brooklyn Bridge, two Italian brothers surviving the Blizzard of 1888 and Jewish teenagers participating in the 1909 garment workers' strike. The production is designed for ages 8 to 14 but is suitable for all ages.

- Nov. 21 — Heroes for Ghosts: The Pink Floyd tribute band will recreate the legendary group's music and atmosphere, performing selections from albums including The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall.

- Dec. 12 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party: The swing and jazz band will put its signature spin on holiday favorites, including New Orleans-inspired arrangements of "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

- Dec. 13 — Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas: The internationally acclaimed Irish music ensemble will combine traditional Celtic instrumentation, vocals and step dancing with holiday classics including "Silent Night," "The First Noel" and "Angels We Have Heard on High."

- Dec. 16 — Jessica Lynn's A Very Merry Classic Christmas: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the multimedia holiday production features Jessica Lynn and her family band alongside dancers, marching bands, choirs and special effects.

Attendees at the Dec. 16 performance are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Donations will be collected in the theater lobby.

All performances begin at 8 p.m., except for Layer the Walls, which begins at 4 p.m., and Cherish the Ladies, which starts at 3 p.m.

The Shea Center for Performing Arts is located on William Paterson University's campus at 300 Pompton Road in Wayne.

Ticket prices vary by performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wp-presents.org or call 973-720-2371.