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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/3/25

by Danny Coleman

"Absolutely! It is a tribute to him but it is not a tribute band," began Bon Scott "79th Birthday Tribute" organizer John Jackson as he discussed this year's event, past history and more. "What we're trying to do is model this off like what the "Experience Hendrix" folks do with their "Red House" tour where they've got several guitar players that come and do various Jimi Hendrix songs but there is not one person who is being Jimi Hendrix. So, last year we had 16, this year we have about a dozen different singers who are all going to do one or two songs; their favorites. So, it's more of a celebration and that's why we do it on his birthday rather than like a tribute gig the way people have come to know them. Hopefully we'll do him justice, it will be hot, it will be loud but it will be fun, I promise."



 

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New Release Review - "F1"

Following the success of Top Gun: Maverick, the world's dads began to wonder if maybe they might next be gifted a similarly belated sequel to that other high octane Tom Cruise vehicle, Days of Thunder. Ironically, Maverick's director Joseph Kosinski has probably scuppered any chance of that happening, as his racing drama F1 is exactly the movie you imagine a Days of Thunder follow-up would be.



Newark Arts Celebrates a City Thriving Through Creativity and Culture

(NEWARK, NJ) -- On June 25, 2025, Newark Arts hosted its Annual Meeting and State of the Arts address at its ArtSpace gallery located at Vermella Broad Street, drawing together artists, cultural leaders, and community visionaries to celebrate Newark's flourishing creative sector. The evening was a powerful affirmation that the arts are not just surviving, but thriving, in New Jersey's largest city.



Jazz Concert at Trenton City Museum will Feature the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present a free jazz concert Friday, July 18, 2025 at the museum's Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Featuring world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Baione, the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience is the first group to perform in a series of jazz events leading up to the museum's 2026 TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition, in collaboration with the City of Trenton.



Art by Sydnei SmithJordan is Part of Exhibition in West Deptford

(WEST DEPTFORD, NJ) -- The vibrant, story-driven artwork of celebrated Cape May-area visual artist Sydnei SmithJordan will be part of the featured lineup in an exhibition at the Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford. Running July 1 to August 30, 2025, the dynamic show will include the work of SmithJordan — known for her unique pop fusion style oil paintings of historical figures and future newsmakers— alongside pieces by fellow artists Gloria Gammage Davis, Quinton Greene and Robyn Huber.



Montclair Township Declares 'Montclair Theater Day' Ahead of Vanguard Theater's Inaugural Festival

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Known for its vibrant and lively arts scene, the town of Montclair continues to find new and meaningful ways to celebrate creativity within its community. One of the town's newest initiatives includes the inaugural Montclair Theater Festival, presented by Vanguard Theater and The Essex County Board Of Commissioners. This eagerly anticipated event is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in Montclair's historic Fourth Ward.



Newark to Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Week July 7-13

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, the City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Advisory and Concerns Commission, Newark Pride, Inc, and other organizations and partners will hold Newark Pride Week from Monday, July 7, to Sunday, July 13, 2025.



Wharton Arts Announces New Lineup of Adult Programs

(BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) is excited to announce the launch of its 2025-26 season, featuring an expanded slate of classes designed specifically for adult learners. From group voice and movement classes to the Adult Harp Circle, CAFÉ Choir, and theater and ensemble performance opportunities, Wharton Arts invites adults of all experience levels to rediscover their passion—or discover a new one—through the power of the arts.



Mercer County Culture & Heritage Now Accepting Art and History Grant Applications

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Mercer County and the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission (MCC&HC) are now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY25)'s Local Arts Programs (LAP) Grant Program and History Re-Grant Program.



The Newton Theatre presents Tonight's the Night - a tribute to Rod Stewart

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Tonight's the Night - a tribute band that celebrates the music of Rod Stewart - will perform at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 8:00pm.



Hoboken's Sinatra Park to Host Concert by Freedy Johnson and Karyn Kuhl and the Gang

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Local events organizer, Geri Fallo, who retired last year, is inviting you to celebrate with her, as she embraces new and exciting endeavors. Come enjoy a free evening of music in Hoboken's Sinatra Park (525 Sinatra Drive) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The evening is presented by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs, and Geri Fallo. The event is free, and music starts at 6:30pm. Come early for the best seating.



Chatham Playhouse to Host 31st Annual Jersey Voices: One-Act Festival

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players (CCP) will host its 31st annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival with six performances between July 25 and August 3, 2025. This year's production will include eight original short plays written by New Jersey playwrights.



Geoffrey Doig-Marx's "Portraits in Color and Light" opens at the Gallery at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey - A Fusion of Comedy and Heart

(MADISON, NJ) -- New York-based artist, educator, choreographer, and self-described "Renaissance Man" Geoffrey Doig-Marx (GDM) brings his dynamic exhibition Portraits in Color and Light to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as the second art installation in the Theatre's 2025 Season. This striking collection of twenty-six original paintings debuts with the Theatre's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], running July 9–27. It's a pairing that promises a bold celebration of irreverence, reflection, and artistic energy.



Daily Edition 07-03-25

Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!



Six Flags Great Adventure presents Star-Spangled Nights July 4-5

(JACKSON, NJ) -- Celebrate America's birthday in spectacular style at Six Flags Great Adventure during Star-Spangled Nights presented by M&M'S®, a two-night Independence Day celebration filled with fireworks, live music, festive characters, and all-American fun.










EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

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John

John Lee & Friends

 Thursday, July 03, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960



Blues

Blues People with Special Guest: Jeff Levine

 Saturday, July 05, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087



Tuesday

Tuesday Night Book Club - Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

 Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:30pm
VIRTUAL



Straight

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

 Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631



Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody?

 Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901







LATEST FEATURES

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

Brick City Comedy Revue (Newark Pride Week Edition)
(NEWARK, NJ) -- A special edition of Brick City Comedy Revue for the 20th Annual Newark Pride Week will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Newark Local Beer. The lineup includes Eman El-Husseini, Brian Rabadeau, Alison Grillo, and musical guest The IZM. The special guest co-host is Alisha Day. Showtime is 8:00pm.



An Interview with Dan Kurtz of The New Deal

Formed in 1999, Toronto, Canada based trio The New Deal, is a pioneer in jam-based electronic music. The group was founded by remaining members Dan Kurtz (bass) and Jamie Shields (keys), along with Darren Shearer (drums) who left tND in 2011. Since its inception, tND has remained committed to its improvisational roots and has served as a model for other jamtronica bands bridging the gap between multiple music genres as well as the border between Canada and the United States.




Creativity Deep Dive: Class for Adults at Vivid Stage

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is offering a new creative class especially for adults over the last weekend in July. Creativity Deep Dive, taught by professor and playwright Phoebe Farber, is an opportunity for grown-ups to have the fun of exploring their own imaginations and creative potential. The class is offered from 10:00am-2:00pm on July 26 and 27; lunch will be provided.




"Summer Mosaic"

Suddenly, the galleries in the Garden State are suffused with sunshine. The big ball of fire in the sky has gotten down to business, and curators have been keen to pick pieces that reflect the effects of the rising mercury. Galerie Lucida in Red Bank — a favorite among Jersey City artists — launched a summer-themed show. In McGinley Square, the curators at Crema assembled their own crew for a visual commentary on the warm months; Project Greenville mounted a group show dedicated to representations of parks and greenspace; Drawing Rooms switched on an aesthetic equivalent of lightbox therapy with an exhibition that celebrated the color yellow. Art spaces have become tanning mirrors, capturing light and refracting rays toward our retinas.




New Jersey Ballet presents Icons of American Ballet at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- New Jersey Ballet returns to New Brunswick Performing Arts Center with Icons of American Ballet, a vibrant program celebrating groundbreaking choreographers who have shaped the identity of American dance. Performances will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00pm & Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00pm.




Two NJ Jazz Musicians Will Play with The Jazz Ambassadors in Morristown

Pianist Anthony Pocetti grew up in Hamilton, NJ, studying piano, "doing sort of traditional piano lessons. I have an uncle who was always encouraging me to get into the jazz thing. He gave me the (Miles Davis) Kind of Blue CD, and he knew that the jazz pianist Jim Ridl was living in Hamilton."




Asbury Lanes presents There, There - A Tribute to Radiohead

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Lanes presents There, There on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 8:00pm. They are the premier Radiohead tribute act, playing songs from throughout the band's iconic multi-decade catalogue.




The Beach Boys LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Beach Boys in concert in Ocean City, NJ on June 23, 2025.










EVENT PREVIEWS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

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or region of New Jersey click here.

Greenwood Gardens presents Music in the Garden Concert Series

(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Greenwood Gardens is thrilled to announce its upcoming Music in the Garden Concert Series. With performances in May, July, and September, the program is composed of outdoor concerts featuring jazz and classical music, as well as the Great American Songbook, set in an enchanted garden setting. Stone Mountain Properties of Short Hills is sponsoring the Series for the fourth year.


Classic American Tales presents "Tales at the Dormer House"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 12 through October 16, 2025, Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents "Tales at the Dormer House" in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories by American authors. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Cost is only $12.00, cash at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free.


East Lynne Theater Company to Host Annual Fundraising Gala at The Pier House

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May's award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company – now in its 45th year – will host a night of elegance, entertainment and generosity at its annual fundraising gala, held this year at La Mer Beachfront Resort's The Pier House, owned by longtime Cape May residents the Andy family, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.


Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park Unveils Lineup for 2025 Summer Season

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park returns this summer to the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located at Roosevelt Park, presenting three popular Broadway musicals: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, and Grease.


East Lynne Theater Company presents Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) – now in its 45th year–will present its first show of the company's Mainstage Season, Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," from June 19 to July 12, 2025 with a special performance to honor Veterans on June 27. The heartwarming love story features Liz Mattera, an East Lynne veteran, as Louise, and New York-based actor Xander Furman as Jack, with Mark Edward Lang (ELTC's "Possessing Harriet") directing and lush period costumes by NYC designer Travis Chinick.









LATEST COLUMNS

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/30/25

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Mark Parker, Average Blonde, Cold Weather Company, Dana Why, The Grip Weeds, and Todd Bailey. Plus a look back at "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice" by Ferocious Designs.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "My Place" by Des & the Swagmatics

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "My Place," the latest single from Des & the Swagmatics on Telegraph Hill Records.



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...6/26/25

"It was such a cool concept that I jumped at the chance when our record label / manager said, "I'd like you to do a second "Friends & Family" and it was like, "Hey!" Because, to be able to pick from some of the top and best bands of the late '60s and '70s, pick a song and lovingly and respectfully recreate it whether it's exactly the same or we play around with it a little bit is just such a cool idea and so much fun and I loved making the second one."


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