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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/16/2026

by Danny Coleman

Loss, we've all suffered it. Some of us more than others,some less and still yet there are those of us who've not had loss of any significance to this point. Loss, like anything else, is directly related to perspective. What may seem like a huge loss to one, is insignificant to another. People pass away, bad days do the same, they fade into the night or disappear at the bottom of one's favorite drink until they are swept away by the morning's sunrise and things are new. Some loss stays a bit longer, adding scars to our bodies until they become topographical maps of memories; reminders of what not to do or what we didn't do or should've done.



 

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Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.



Jersey Arts Podcast: Princeton Summer Theater Tackles Sam Shepard's 'True West'

If you're familiar with the notion of sibling rivalry, today's episode may be the one for you. Today, Gina is speaking with the cast and director of Princeton Summer Theater's production of 'True West.'



Wesley Pierre Debuts First Solo Exhibition "Catharsis" at IMUR Gallery

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- IMUR Gallery is currently presenting Catharsis, the first solo exhibition by New Jersey-based artist Wesley Pierre, on view through August 1, 2026. Through expressive portraiture, Catharsis explores identity as something fluid rather than fixed. Pierre's paintings capture moments of emotional transformation, inviting viewers to recognize aspects of their own experiences within the faces and gestures of his subjects.



Princeton Summer Theater to Hold Two Special Talkbacks on Espionage and the Women of Hitchcock

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater will present two special talkbacks this week after their productions of The 39 Steps. These two conversations will be about Espionage: Fiction and Reality with a Princeton fellow who held a 36 year long career with the Central Intelligence Agency and The Icon of the 1930s Dame + Hitchcock, with a Princeton University English professor.



Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.



Ruidosa Fest at Lincoln Center Returned to New York for its Largest Edition Yet

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Ruidosa Fest returned to Lincoln Center on Sunday, July 12, 2026, for its third consecutive New York edition, bringing together a full day of music, dialogue, learning, and collective celebration. With engaging panel discussions, artist conversations, a music production masterclass, literary programming, and a vibrant community gathering, the 2026 edition marked the festival's most successful Lincoln Center event to date.



Monmouth County Park System to Release Fall Parks & Programs Guide

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- This fall try your hand at Illustrating Bats, enjoy Crafternoons at Dorbrook, and embark on A Billion Years in 60 Minutes Nature Walk with the Monmouth County Park System. These are just some of the exciting programs offered by the Park System this upcoming season. Other offerings include Friday Night Game Night, Oktoberfest Traditions, and Creatures of the Night Wagon Rides. Check out the fall issue of the Park System’s Parks & Programs Guide for a complete listing of upcoming arts & crafts, nature, recreation and sports programs planned for September, October and November.



The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.



Vivid Stage Announces the Addition of Ciara Chanel and Joshua T. Crockett as New Resident Ensemble Members

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is thrilled to announce the addition of two new members to its Resident Acting Ensemble. Beginning with the 2026-2027 Season, Ciara Chanel and Joshua T. Crockett will join the acting company, which now includes thirteen members.










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SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.


Hear the Tales of a Migrant Heart with Reyna Grande Author Talk

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- In her ambitious new memoir, Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget, beloved bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival. Grande will discuss this and more during her virtual author talk on Thursday, July 16, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.


The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedians Landon Bryant & Mary Ryan Brown on July 16th

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Landon Bryant & Mary Ryan Brown on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Get ready for a night of big laughs and sharp Southern storytelling as they bring their Southern Nights Comedy Tour to the stage. Special guest Jamie Pappas will open the night.


Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.


James Rana to perform in Cape May for Classic American Tales on Thursday

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.







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Tab Benoit LIVE! on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of a Mardi Gras AC night on the Atlantic City boardwalk featuring Tab Benoit. The opening act was Sgt. Splendor featuring Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden.



CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.




State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.




New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.




MPAC is Celebrating Classic Artists This August

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Nostalgia takes center stage this August at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with tribute shows dedicated to the legendary music of Bob Weir & the Grateful Dead and the 1960s Woodstock era.




PHOTOS from "Shrek: The Musical" at Algonquin Arts Theatre

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting Shrek: The Musical, from July 11–26, 2026. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle brings everyone's favorite green ogre and his unlikely companions to the stage in a colorful adventure celebrating friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being true to yourself. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.










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Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




LATEST COLUMNS
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Body Cast," the latest video from the North Jersey dynamic duo Tiny Cities.



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/09/2026

"Very well; and you? We're hoping you can come to The Lizzie Rose on Friday July 31; come as our guest, come enjoy the racket, it's a wonderful room to play," laughed the always jovial Conrad Warre of the Boston based blues/rock band Bees Deluxe as he discussed that upcoming Tuckerton show, their stop at Jamey's House of Music, their upcoming new record, the International Blues Challenge and more.



Frank Hanavan: "Natural & Plus"

Frank Hanavan's Hoboken is wet. In his streetscapes, surfaces glisten. The sky is rarely glowering, but it does seem full; ready to have something to say, or wrapping up something that it is busy saying. The canopy of foliage that hangs over the streetcorners feels saturated with moisture. Even the shadows on the sidewalk are puddle blue. Businesses have their umbrellas open. A few people do, too.


* Events This Week in New Jersey

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DAILY EDITION

Daily Edition 07-15-26

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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