A note from the Executive & Artistic Director, Heidi M. Sheridan, for September 2026.
Each month in my Director’s Note, I will highlight an upcoming show or two, discuss a current topic in the arts, or share some news about The Jay & Linda Grunin Center for the Arts as we move through our seasons.
Revolutionary War Music & History on Campus
The beginning of the fall semester at Ocean County College always brings a special feeling: new beginnings, cooler weather, bustling students, and opportunities for reflection. At the Jay & Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, as part of Ocean County College, we share those same feelings as we embark on another exciting fall season.
We have hit the ground running with a diverse lineup of performances designed to appeal to every audience. From doo-wop and jazz to theater, classical music, and hits from the 1980s, there is truly something for everyone. We hope you have found a performance that brings you joy.
As part of the ongoing celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, we are proud to welcome Bobby Horton on October 4th for a public show and on the 5th for educational programming. For decades, Horton has helped audiences connect with American history through music, bringing the sounds of the past to life through performances, educational programs, recordings, and documentary projects. His work has been featured in nineteen documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns, introducing millions of viewers to the music that accompanied some of the most significant moments in our nation’s history.
Horton is especially known for his extensive study of historic American music and the role songs played in everyday life during times of conflict, celebration, and change. Through careful research and engaging storytelling, he recreates the musical experiences of earlier generations, helping audiences better understand the people behind the history. His presentations offer a unique blend of music, culture, and historical context that appeals to history enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
While much of his work has explored music from the Civil War era, Horton will bring that same depth of knowledge and passion for historical interpretation to Patriot Songs of the American Revolution, exploring the music that inspired, entertained, and united Americans during the nation’s founding. The program will feature a variety of songs from the Revolutionary era, including “In Good Old Colony Times,” “The Liberty Song,” “Yankee Doodle,” and many others.
For this project, we have partnered with the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Ocean County College Foundation to provide meaningful educational engagement opportunities for both the community and Ocean County students. Under the guidance and planning of Grunin Center’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, Jaclyn Wood, Horton will present a special K-12 educational program.
Students from Jackson Township High School, the OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy, Cornerstone Homeschool, and day programs from Prime Time in Brick and Eatontown, as well as Community Options, will attend the performance.
Following the event, Horton will lead a musical workshop for students, discussing the art and craft of songwriting. He will explore how songs written during times of war often differed from the realities reflected in soldiers’ letters and personal accounts, providing unique insight into the relationship between music, history, and culture.
We are deeply grateful to the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Ocean County College Foundation for their support in making these educational and cultural opportunities possible.
Sources: Information regarding Bobby Horton’s professional background, documentary work, and historical music research was adapted from publicly available biographical materials from Bobby Horton and Early Music America