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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/24/2026

by Danny Coleman

"Oh gosh, what would you like to know?" Responded Los Angeles based singer-songwriter and touring artist Paula Fong as she discussed the upcoming October 2 release of her first full-length album, "A Bird on the Wing."



 

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Korab Uka’s surreal feature The Hanged Man screens at the New Jersey Film Festival!

The Hanged Man screens online for 24 hours at the Fall 2026 New Jersey Film Festival on Sunday, September 27. Here is my interview with Director Korab Uka:



State Theatre New Jersey and The Stress Factory Comedy Club present Akaash Singh - Generational Triumph Tour on October 9th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and The Stress Factory Comedy Club present Akaash Singh: Generational Triumph Tour on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:00pm. Tickets start at $34.



Events at MPAC this October

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- This October, Mayo Performing Arts Center is your destination for Halloween thrills, family favorites, and can't-miss concerts. Get spooky with Ghostbusters in Concert and the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and enjoy family fun at Sesame Street Live! and Coco Live-To-Film Concert. Test your luck at Wheel of Fortune Live!, catch the national tour of the beloved musical Meredith Willson's The Music Man, and experience live music with The Commodores, The Mavericks & Friends, Buena Vista Orchestra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Vitamin String Quartet & Girl Named Tom and many more.



Princeton Public Library to Hold Annual Friends and Foundation Book Sale from October 9-11

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library Annual Book Sale will take place October 9-11, 2026 in the Community Room. One of the top used book sales in the region, this year's sale includes thousands of gently used books in a broad range of categories for readers of all ages and interests. Most books are priced at $4 and below, with some higher priced categories including art books, rare and collectible items.



Waves of Education's 6th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5K & Family Fun Event to Take Place in Clark

(CLARK, NJ) -- Waves of Education's 6th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5K & Family Fun Event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.



Bergen County Unveils Vision for Future of County Zoo

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Bergen County Parks Department has announced the completion of a new Storybook Master Plan outlining a long-term vision for the Bergen County Zoo, including new and expanded animal habitats, enhanced educational opportunities, and improvements designed to strengthen the visitor experience and advance animal care.



Vivid Stage and Vivia Font among 54 Theaters and Organizations from 30 Different States Confirmed to Participate in WOMEN+ ON THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY

(BURLINGTON, VT)) -- Jay Wahl, Executive Director of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Vermont, has announced the current list of 54 unique theaters and organizations – spread across 30 different states and representing nearly two-thirds of the United States – who are confirmed to host a reading or performance of Women+ on the Edge of Democracy, in partnership with The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. New Jersey is represented by Vivid Stage and Vivia Font.



East Brunswick Singer-Songwriter Kathleen Elle Wins Hard Rock Rising Competition at Hard Rock Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Approximately 90 artists entered the Atlantic City competition for of Hard Rock Rising, a new global music competition presented by Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola. Only nine were selected to perform across the local competition rounds. East Brunswick singer-songwriter Kathleen Elle advanced through two nights of live competition before being named the Atlantic City winner on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.



Lewis Center for the Arts' Princeton Atelier and The Toni Morrison Foundation present Now is the Time: Artists Go to Work II

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University and The Toni Morrison Foundation have curated a series of events and conversations that continues the dialogue begun last spring at the symposium, Now is the Time: Artists Go to Work, Toni Morrison's Atelier and the Importance of Artistic Convening and Collaboration. The series is rooted in Morrison's famous quote about challenging times, "This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair." The events take place from October 1-4, 2026 at various collaborating venues in New York City. All events are open to the public with tickets available through each of the venues.



Stephanie Trudeau's "Becoming Chavela" to be presented at Teatro Latea

(NEW YORK, NY) -- From October 23-25, 2026, Stephanie Trudeau's Becoming Chavela, the first ranchera musical celebrating the life, music, and legacy of legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, an iconic voice whose artistry and unforgettable presence continue to inspire generations, will play at Teatro Latea choreographed by Ana Leon Bella, and directed by Leonard Peters.



Paris Baguette Adds a Sweet-and-Spicy Twist to Halloween Lineup

(MOONACHIE, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- Paris Baguette is turning up the heat this Halloween with a wickedly delicious lineup of sweet-and-spicy treats, alongside seasonal favorites guests love. New this year, the Ghost Pepper Chocolate Marble Mochi Donut puts a fiery twist on rich, indulgent chocolate, while the Ghost Pepper Iced Hot Chocolate brings a cool and spicy spin to the classic cozy favorite. And the Halloween fun doesn't stop there—fan-favorite cakes, donuts and beverages are back and dressed to impress with ghoulish ghosts, creepy crawlers and gummy worms. It's a Halloween lineup that's equal parts spooky, sweet and seriously craveable.



Daily Edition 09-24-26

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!










FEATURED EVENTS

An Evening with Kenny G

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Superstar saxophonist Kenny G has been a staple in pop and contemporary jazz since the 1980s, with crossover hits such as “Songbird” that have made him a favorite of fans worldwide who love his expressive melodies and emotional solos.



 

Dolph Lundgren In Conversation

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

Fights Worth Fighting by Dolph Lundgren is a powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir from one of the most enduring icons of action cinema.


 

Beetlejuice

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ

“A JOYFUL, EBULLIENT ANTIDOTE TO REALITY!” — Rolling Stone 



 

Ailey II

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Pictured: Ailey II’s Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña. Photo by Nir Arieli.

 

CLUB MAC Back to School Night!

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ

Celebrate back-to-school season with a magical Kids Night Out inspired by Matilda! Kids will enjoy themed crafts, exciting games, pizza, drinks, snacks, and fun activities that spark imagination.

 

UB40: The Unstoppable Tour 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

The iconic British reggae band performs classics (“Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do”) alongside brand-new tracks from their new studio album.



 

An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act – This is the real thing.



 

Decade - A Neil Young Tribute

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Since 2015, Decade has continually performed the most authentic tribute to the music of Neil Young. John Hathaway’s dead on vocals, guitar and harmonica front a stellar band capable of covering any song or era from Neil’s sixty plus years as a recording artist. This is a band not to be missed.



 

Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ

Get ready to be rocked as Maximum Queen delivers the power and spectacle of Queen's legendary live performances at Algonquin's annual Fall fundraising concert. Featuring Martyn Jenkins as Freddie Mercury, this explosive tribute captures the band's iconic sound, theatricality, and energy with precision and passion-bringing anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" to life.

 

Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ

Get ready to be rocked as Maximum Queen delivers the power and spectacle of Queen's legendary live performances at Algonquin's annual Fall fundraising concert. Featuring Martyn Jenkins as Freddie Mercury, this explosive tribute captures the band's iconic sound, theatricality, and energy with precision and passion-bringing anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" to life.

 





EVENT PREVIEWS

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

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Gateway Playhouse presents "9 to 5: The Musical"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents the hit Broadway show 9 to 5: The Musical across two weekends from September 24 to October 4, 2026. The production brings the beloved workplace comedy to life with the added excitement of two talented casts sharing performances throughout the run.


Luna Stage presents "Hold These Truths"

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents Hold These Truths weekends from September 24 to October 18, 2026. It's a one man play starring Joel de la Fuente portraying 36 characters. The play, written by Jeanne Sakata, was inspired by the real story of civil rights pioneer Gordon Hirabayashi.


Art House Productions presents "RENT"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions present the organization's Fall mainstage production of RENT by Jonathan Larson weekends from September 24 to October 18, 2026. Experience the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that defined a generation. It is presented as part of Art House’'s 25th anniversary season.


StageWorks Theatre Group presents "Lizzie"

(POMPTON LAKES, NJ) -- Rage! Sex! Betrayal! BLOODY MURDER! Lizzie is a rock-show retelling of the bloody legend of America's first and favorite axe-wielding double-murderess and hometown girl, Lizzie Borden. StageWorks Theatre Group presents Lizzie with two casts weekends from September 24 to October 11, 2026.


Go On a Bilingual Summertime Adventure with Musician / Author Lucky Diaz on September 24th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man, for a virtual discussion on Thursday, September 24, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.







LATEST FEATURES

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

(HILLSIDE NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents the premiere production of Effa Loves Baseball by Pia Wilson, the recipient of the 2025/26 Liberty Live Commission, October 15-25, 2026 in Kean University's Enlow Recital Hall. Directed by marcus d. harvey, Effa Loves Baseball features Justin Walter Cook, Grant Kennedy Lewis, DeShawn Harold Mitchell, David Andrew Morton, Greg Alverez Reid, and Kerry Warren as Effa Manley.


(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act - This is the real thing.



(CRANFORD, NJ) -- Summer doesn’t have to end! Leave your troubles at the door and spend ninety minutes at a completely unhinged beach party... a Psycho Beach Party! CDC Theatre presents this hilarious send up of Gidget, Frankie and Annette beach party movies, with a dash of Hitchcock psychological suspense thrillers across two weekends from October 9-18, 2026.



Here is The Flesh People Fall 2026 New Jersey Film Festival Video Q+A with Writer/Director Keshav Srinivasan, Producer Silvia Chen, Lead Actors Jorge Carrión Álvarez and Louise Heller, Production Designer Yulanda Yo-Rong Shieh, Music Composer Vova Faust (a.k.a. Vladimir Edmond), sound designer Nick Long , and Festival Director Albert Nigrin. The Flesh People will be screening on Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Online for 24 Hours! 



(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Sixty seconds before the ball drops on a New Jersey diner packed with lodge brothers, lovesick teenagers, a tempestuous Hollywood couple, and a writers' group still arguing about a chicken, playwright and director Dan Maurer's newest work asks a simple question with complicated answers: what happens when you finally say the thing you've been holding back?







LATEST COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Mountain Walk" by The Beagles with Joy

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Mountain Walk," the third single from "Listen for a Moment," the new LP by The Beagles with Joy.


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/17/2026

"Yes, I'm in Montclair," said the incredible Lily Vakili as she talked about her two recent releases,her music and upcoming tour which kicks off on September 26 in Blairstown, NJ to support both. "Actually, "Oceans of Kansas" came out already; I'm still very much supporting and promoting that and it came out last year, that was a full LP and then this year, I released a live in studio EP called "Live Wire."


"Torn"

A crumpled-up piece of paper and a mangled sheet of metal have certain visual similarities. In both cases, rough circumstances have given strange new facets to machine-flattened material. That which was once uniform and controlled has been shot through with irregularity. It feels like a metaphor for life. A curator could put both pieces behind a vitrine and call that an exhibition.

* Events This Week in New Jersey

* This Week in Music

* This Week in Theatre

* Top 15 Most Read Stories from the Past Week

Daily Edition 09-24-26

Here is a look at the articles published yesterday. The Daily Edition comes out Monday through Friday with a recap of articles published Friday through Sunday on Mondays.



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