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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Bike in the Ocean" by Kevin Hill & Secret Sound

by Bob Makin

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Bike in the Ocean,"a single from "Day/Night," the new album by Kevin Hill & Secret Sound.



 

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2026 New Jersey International Film Festival begins this weekend!

​​​​​​​Here below is the line-up for the opening weekend of 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival which starts today Friday, May 29!  



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/28/2026

It has been said before that time travel was a pipe dream, impossible, a crazy Einstein theory but today, thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a growing consensus that it may be very possible but what if this space can prove it's not only possible but for a few hours now and it's quite probable?



PHOTOS from Joe Russo's Almost Dead at Stone Pony on May 22, 2026

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Joe Russo's Almost Dead performed at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on May 22, 2026 and photographer Chris Paul was there to take photos.



Jersey Arts TV: 'Sizwe Banzi is Dead' Revived at Crossroads Theatre Company

Sizwe Banzi Is Dead. Not to worry, that is simply the title of the latest show running at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. Set during South Africa’s apartheid era, the play follows a man faced with an impossible choice: disappear under the weight of an oppressive system—or reinvent himself in order to survive. What ensues is a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about identity, survival and ingenuity.










EVENT PREVIEWS

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Comedian Russell Peters to Return to NJPAC in May

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Russell Peters returns with an all-new world tour, entitled the Relax World Tour, making a stop in Newark, at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 8:00pm.


New Jersey Symphony presents Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony presents Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert with legendary composer John Williams' GRAMMY®-nominated score performed live to the film. Led by conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos, performances take place May 29-31 in Red Bank, Newark, and New Brunswick.


2026 Jersey City Jazz Festival to Take Place May 29-31

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns in 2026 with its biggest event yet, inviting music fans of all ages to experience jazz from across the spectrum including straight-ahead, Latin jazz and more throughout an unforgettable three-day celebration. Presented by Exchange Place Alliance, the free event runs from Friday evening, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, offering sweeping views of lower Manhattan.


The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary

(NEWTON, NJ) -- If you watched the film Song Sung Blue and realized you like more Neil Diamond songs that you thought you did, you should check out So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 29, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.


Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Game of Tiaras"

(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Game of Tiaras on May 29-30, 2026 at Harmony Hall at Gloucester Township. Showtime is 7:00pm each night. Prepare for a hilarious royal showdown in Game of Tiaras!







LATEST FEATURES

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

Jersey Arts TV: 'Sizwe Banzi is Dead' Revived at Crossroads Theatre Company
Sizwe Banzi Is Dead. Not to worry, that is simply the title of the latest show running at Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick. Set during South Africa’s apartheid era, the play follows a man faced with an impossible choice: disappear under the weight of an oppressive system—or reinvent himself in order to survive. What ensues is a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about identity, survival and ingenuity.



Moving feature What We Dreamed of Then screens at the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival on May 31

It is rare for a film to capture a major social issue and equally rare for a film to burrow its way into audiences’ hearts. What We Dreamed of When does both and on a budget that wouldn’t even cover lunch on a Hollywood film set.




Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.




Terrific animation Godzilla’s Day Off screens at the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival on May 30!

I loved the introduction to the short animated film Godzilla's Day Off by Myra Sito Velasquez. It was very retro and fun. I love, love, love this style of animation, it's very South Park which is the reason I was so drawn to this piece. It's very nostalgic for me as my dad was always watching South Park when I was growing up #cartman #godzillabuiltlikecartman #southparkxgodzilla #cartmansdayoff.




THEATRE REVIEW: 'Private Lives' Brings Comedy and Passion to Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opens its 2026 season with Private Lives by Noël Coward. The play is a comedy filled with many funny moments as two couples seek to enjoy loving relationships on their honeymoons. Complications occur as the story develops the characters through witty dialog, passionate moments, and physical comedy. STNJ is in top form with their presentation of this play.




Arrival from Sweden LIVE! at UCPAC

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Arrival from Sweden at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on May 16, 2026.




2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Video Q+A

Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, leads a Q+A with Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Lead Actor Taylor Lhamon and Director Vincent Turturro. Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms will be screened on May 29, 2026.




2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Interview with Counterfeit Kids Director/Writer James Sclafani!

Here is Festival Director Al Nigrin’s interview with Counterfeit Kids Director/Writer James Sclafani! Counterfeit Kids screens at the New Jersey International Film Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026.










UPCOMING EVENTS

Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan

Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




LATEST COLUMNS
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Shine" by Princeton singer-songwriter Helen O'Shea. The song from Helen's latest album, "Songs in the Key O," features E Street Band backing vocalist Michelle Moore.



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/21/2026

"I'm enjoying the beautiful weather here in Florida, I live in Orlando. I used to live in Nashville for about six years but I'm originally from Transylvania, Romania," said an excited Alex Kilroy as he happily discussed the release of his album "Break My Chains," his classical training, Vince Gill and more.



This Week in Comedy: May 19-25, 2026

Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from May 19 to May 25, 2026. New Jersey Stage compiles this list from comedy clubs, casinos, and performing arts centers


* 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

Daily Edition 05-28-26

Here is a look at the articles published on Thursday. The Daily Edition will be back on Monday with a recap of the articles published over the weekend.


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