NEWARK - The UniverSoul Circus nearly filled the 40-foot-tall big top Wednesday, June 16 despite cloudy weather at their new stand at the former Lincoln Motel site on Broad Street.

The 17 year-old Atlanta-based UniverSoul Circus' tent was previously set up off the southwestern corner of Irvine Turner Boulevard and Spruce Street. Circus administrators however jumped at the opportunity when the lot bordering NJTransit's Broad Street Station and near Interstate 280 and N.J. Route 21/McCarter Highway became available.

The Newark Bears have occasionally used this lot for overflow parking and performers say this year's UniverSoul venue is more convenient for commuters.

"This seems like a more stable location," said Randall Jackson, one of the circus' high steppers. "It's easier for people to get to."

NEWARK - Young actors from across New Jersey will present a fresh take on Jonathan Larson's Tony Award-winning musical, "Rent," this summer in the annual summer musical collaboration between the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the New Jersey Youth Theatre.

This year's summer performance will open at NJPAC's Victoria Theater on July 16 and will run for nine performances through July 25, before touring to the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, NJ.

NEWARK - Those who wish to take part in this year's Portugal Day events now through June 13 - as unveiled during City Hall's June 5 flag raising ceremony - will see both new and familiar elements from previous celebrations.

For example, the annual parade will march west on Ferry Street from Magazine Street to Peter Francisco Park by Penn Station on June 13 at 3 p.m. Portuguese Continental Credit Union founder Manuel Parente will be this year's grand marshal.

Retired 2003 Stanley Cup New Jersey Devils champion Grant Marshall will be trading in his hockey stick for a golf club on Monday, June 28 to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity Newark.

Marshall, who won the Stanley Cup with the Devils and the Dallas Stars, will be the surprise guest star for a lucky four-some at the annual golf outing, to be held at Glen Ridge Country Club, 555 Ridgewood Ave. in Glen Ridge. Lunch is at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m.