By Rosemary Conte
originally published: 07/23/2017
I met Elaine Silver in the early 80s, when she was being lauded as Queen of the New Jersey Folk Singers. I was the Clubdate Queen. And the man who introduced us was The Jazz Poet (The late, esteemed Charlie Mosler.) We were a mixed bag of established performers…and simpatico…busy at work in traditional and non-traditional spaces and events.
We were, at the heart of us, all free spirits. One among us was already a consummate business person who seemed to know how to get what she wanted. Among local musical artists of that time Elaine Silver was atypical. She knew how to network before I even learned the word. From her first CD to her recent 20th, her career was played out among audiences at colleges, festivals, churches and coffee houses. She was the recipient of the Garden State Music Award for Outstanding Folk Performer, and was featured nationally on The Wisdom Channel.
Besides playing in clubs in North America and Europe, Elaine appeared in concert with Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Suzanne Vega, and more of the folk world’s brightest stars. I’d say in the business of music, and especially as a woman in the 80s, Elaine was ahead of her time. I always admired that she was in full control of her business.
In the 90s, this songwriting woman with the strong, clear, voice of an angel, who sang a cappella or accompanied herself on guitar, found her way into the world of philosophy, new thought, and metaphysics taking the music with her. And in that new world, she worked with best-selling authors Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Neale Donald Walsch and Marianne Williamson. Alan Cohen, author of inspirational books, hired Elaine to provide music for his workshops and special events.
Today, the Jersey Girl lives in West Palm Beach, and Sarasota, FL, but each summer she comes North for her Northeast Coast tour. While here, Elaine performs in house concerts, and fills in for ministers at New Thought Centers such as Unity, Centers for Spiritual Living, Unitarian Churches and others. A year from now, she says she will have completed ministerial study in the Church of Science of Mind. As a minister, as in all her career, spiritual leadership will be fused with her songwriting and live performance; her metaphysical musical ministry.
Elaine has established her music marketing name of Silver Stream Music and the Silver Stream of Consciousness. Through the years, as I have counseled students in their music careers, Elaine Silver has been the best example I know of a solo artist who put it all together and has managed her career like the business any career should be. Go to her live performance, watch her interact with a crowd, see what she does with merchandise, study her publicity, and visit her extensive website. It’s an education. And there, you will find the history and philosophy of Faeireland.
Elaine says, “A Faerie Movement is flourishing all over the world! By surrendering to the joys of believing in magic, you’re invited to open your heart and mind and to acknowledge the divinity in yourself and others. Our thoughts and words can and do make a difference.” You can take the Faerie Pledge at Elaine’s website, and know that “This is a vehicle for each of us to take a stand for infinite possibility and goodness.”
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming for what seems like a few seconds, when it turned out to be five or ten minutes? “This altered state of consciousness is a calling to Faerieland,” says Elaine. Meditation is important in Faerieland. Learn how you can become a Faerie, and choose your own fantasy Faerie name at her website.
She visited me recently bearing lunch and her new CD, “Goddess Guide Us.” After chicken salad sandwiches and catching up, we exchanged recordings. We have something very powerful in common: Similar paths toward what Deepak Chopra calls “the field of pure potentiality,” or an altered state of consciousness. In my world, it’s hypnosis; in Elaine’s, it’s “a calling to Faerieland.”
Your medical doctor won’t dismiss your practicing these meditative type modalities (as many physicians still do) if you refer to them as the relaxation response. We’re all using the same power like religion, but give it a different name.
You can see Elaine in NJ, as listed below. Other appearances are listed on her website: www.ElaineSilver.com
Greater Philadelphia Center For Spiritual Living;
Sun., July 23; 10:30am service.
www.cslphilly.org .
Morristown NJ Center for Conscious Living;
Sun., July 30; 10am service;
www.NewThoughtCCL.org
Lafayette, NJ, Unity of Sussex County;
Sun., August 13; 11am Service
www.unityofsussex.org.
Griffin House
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” —American Songwriter
Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJFLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJMulti-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. The band’s first three albums — their self-titled EP (1983), The Warning (1984) and Rage for Order (1986) — all hit gold status selling over 500,000 units each.
Jesse Cook
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Victoria Theater
1 Center Street, Newark, NJA global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJTwo iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
EVENT PREVIEWS
NJPAC presents Gregory Porter with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell
(NEWARK, NJ) -- With a voice that can fill a concert hall and make every listener feel personally embraced, Gregory Porter has become one of the most beloved artists in contemporary jazz. On Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm, the two-time GRAMMY® winner returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell for an evening of soulful expression, exquisite storytelling and remarkable vocal artistry, presented as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller who has been making records for over 20 years.
KANSAS to perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- One of classic rock's most iconic bands, KANSAS, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. A limited number of tickets remain.
NJPAC presents Jesse Cook on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Victoria Theater at 8:00pm. A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music's power to connect people across cultures and continents.
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.
