November 1 & 2
Now entering our fourth year, the New Jersey Mystery, Crime & Horror Film Festival continues to thrive as a premier live event in Northern New Jersey.
This unique festival is dedicated to showcasing the best in independent cinema, with a sharp focus on Crime, Thriller, Mystery, and all forms of HORROR! Our programming spans a wide range of genres and subgenres, including crime fiction, true crime, psychological horror, slashers, supernatural tales, gore, vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, haunted houses, witches, mob/organized crime, heists, espionage, and beyond. Both fiction and nonfiction works are welcome and celebrated.
We’re especially proud to spotlight New Jersey-based talent with a dedicated programming block for homegrown filmmakers. Our commitment to local voices means we actively seek out and include as many NJ films and filmmakers as possible across the two-day festival. Contact Josh Nelson 973.362.5783 for more information.
Magician’s Lecture -David Jonathan
Thursday, Nov 6th at 8PM
David Jonathan has emerged as a star creator, having worked directly with the biggest companies in the industry to produce best-selling effects. His signature style is to mix mentalism & magic with relatable topics and engaging props. The effects he creates are always practical, innovative and easy to do.
David has has receive many accolades and awards, including Creator of The Year, Trick of The Year and Lecture of The Year.
David has also presented his critically acclaimed lecture to more than 100 clubs spanning 18 different countries across the globe.
Mark Zacharia is… “IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF…”
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH @ 7PM
Hypnotism, mentalism, magic and more. New Jersey Monthly magazine calls Mark Zacharia a "total bogglement."
With over 25 years of experience, Mark Zacharia is a seasoned entertainer whose unique blend of mentalism, magic, and hypnosis has captivated audiences nationwide. Whether he's performing for Fortune 500 companies, college campuses, intimate theaters, or private events, Mark delivers a show that’s as mind-bending as it is unforgettable.
His credits include appearances at top venues such as Mohegan Sun Casino, Monday Night Magic (New York's longest-running off-Broadway magic show), the Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater in Pennsylvania, Dickens Parlour Theatre in Delaware, Wizardz Magic Theater in Florida, South Street Magic and Grasso's Magic Theater in Pennsylvania, and New York’s Parlor of Mystery.
Prepare yourself for an evening filled with charm, grace, and astonishing talent as Mark Zacharia begins the process of reading — and blowing — your mind.
Tickets: $25 Adults, $20 for Seniors & Students.
November 22, at 8PM
Comedian Lou Perez returns to the Sparta Avenue Stage to preview his one-man show That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore: A Serious Show About Comedy.
Lou Perez is a comedian, producer, and the author of THAT JOKE ISN'T FUNNY ANYMORE: ON THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF COMEDY. You may have seen him on Gutfeld! , FOX News Primetime, One Nation with Brian Kilmeade, and Open to Debate with Michael Ian Black.
As a stand-up comedian, Lou has opened for Rob Schneider, Rich Vos, Jimmy Dore, Dave Smith, and toured the US and Canada with Scott Thompson. Lou has also produced live shows with Colin Quinn, the Icarus Festival, and the Rutherford Comedy Festival.
Lou hosted the stand-up show Uncle Lou's Safe Place in Los Angeles, performed at the Big Pine Comedy Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Punching Up Comedy at Freedom Fest, and co-created the political comedy podcast Unsafe Space. 18 and older-$25 for General Admission.
Comedy with Lou Perez
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 AT 7PM
GEM OF BRAZILIAN MAGIC
Bernardo Sedlacek is a leading figure among the new generation of Brazilian magicians. This “diamond” of modern magic both fascinates fellow magicians and amazes audiences around the world.
He began his journey into magic at the age of seven, finding time between school classes to immerse himself in the art of card magic. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Bernardo first explored the world of magic through books and later through extensive travels, seeking out the very best sources of magical knowledge worldwide.
Learning from some of the most renowned names in the art, he eventually joined them on stage, performing in countries such as Mexico, Italy, Uruguay, Spain, Australia, and Argentina. We are so thrilled to have Bernardo return to the Sparta Ave Stage for a return visit. Tickets $30 Adults, $25 for Seniors and Students.
January 19, 2026
RAN’D SHINE JANUARY 24, 2026 AT 7PM
Magician and comedian Ran’D Shine is known for performing “Real Magic for Real People” — no camera tricks, no actors, just pure, mind-bending entertainment. One of the most sought-after performers in the industry, Shine’s show is a high-energy blend of psychological illusion, sleight of hand, storytelling, and laugh-out-loud audience interaction.
His unique style has taken him to 27 countries, including performances for U.S. Navy bases in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. He has been named College Magician of the Year three times and has appeared on CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and BET.
Ran’D has also opened for Trevor Noah, performed at two presidential inaugurations, and continues to captivate audiences around the world. As one fan put it: “He’s much more than a magician — he’s charismatic, funny, and above all, a true entertainer.” Tickets $30 Adults/$25 Seniors & Students.
