By James "JPAT" Dalton
originally published: 06/27/2023
James Dalton, a performer and songwriter from New Jersey, is performing his show "Asbury Park & Me" at the Reykjavík Fringe Festival in Iceland. He will be blogging for NJ Stage from the festival. Click here for all of the blogs from his trip.
So here it is, my first morning here in Iceland, eyes opening in the bottom bunk of a hostel bed, sharing a room with a few fellow performers as well as some divers and an academic here for some sort of EU conference. The performers and I have landed in town, all of us having had a marathon yesterday that began on Sunday and muddled its lovely way through to the midnight sun of Tuesday through laughs, naps coffee and public transportation.
Either I am getting a little too old for this, or I am just out of practice, because there were quite a few times after landing in Iceland Monday morning, that I had to apologize and repeat my questions because the answers had already slipped out of me, or having to take the stairs and hills extra slow and deliberate.
Things were a little hectic before leaving because I had booked a lot of different shows and performances leading up to my flight, like literally.
Saturday evening, I was blessed with the opportunity to host a show I had pitched to Rachel Cohen of the Barn Theatre at Thompson Park in Lincroft, Storytellers In The Barn, which is exactly how it sounds, only the building lost power and so we had to make use off the natural acoustics and be open the big barn doors to allow the late summer light in there fill the space.
The following morning was Art In The Park in Bay Head, an annual event that has me playing sets of music in the gazebo of Bay Head’s Centennial Park, all throughout the day, and Sunday it was hot and slightly humid. Two very different shows back to back, before I had to race home, ditch the car, clean up the house, pack the suitcase and make my way to…dare I say it out loud…JFK Airport…from the beach in Jersey, on a Sunday afternoon…in the summer…ughecruygbuyfb…IYKYK
If you are lost on the above statement, just know that it means hours of travel before even getting to the airport, over three hours to be exact on several trains before the messy security and the overnight flight.
Anyway, I am here now and I have been having a wild time. The performers I’ve been palling around with are from a group called the Hairy Godmothers a d they are putting on a show called Disney in Drag:Once Upon a Parody (@thehairygodmothers) and Marcus Ryan (itsmarcusryan doing his “Eat, Pray, Laugh” show).
Fringe life, for the uninitiated is full of quick friendships, dozens of accents, plenty of jokes and a lot of love. Because Fringe theatre festivals are supposedly focused on arts and performances on the “fringes”, theaters rarely the big budget rich company sleeping in the fancy hotels being handled and catered to by the festival organizers. Everyone is huddled together in cheaper accommodations with cheaper food and drink, accents and vernacular are being dissected and celebrated, everyone’s got a show, a lot of silly, brilliant ideas and people sitting on early morning busses through Icelandic lunar landscapes or sharing barstool space while a drunken shirtless acrobat with rabbit ears on there head juggle swords dangerously close to the front tables become fast, best friends. Everyone is transient and everyone is included. “While you’re here, or while you’re Fringing, you’re family.”
I’m typing and it’s now 10:30am here in Reykjavik. I’ve got performances all week and they begin tonight. Asbury Park & Me, my little one person show has played Brighton, UK, NYC, Asbury Park and this week, another city. I thank New Jersey Stage for allowing me to keep this little diary. You’ll be getting sites, sounds, tastes, etc of Iceland, the Fringe and whatever else pops up.
If you are in country, please get in touch. Otherwise, I’ll post the week’s itinerary next. If you have questions, comments or even requests direct them to [email protected] or catch me over on Insta @jamesdaltonjr and @asburyparkandme
EVENT PREVIEWS
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
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.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
FEATURED EVENTS
