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Dan Pugach: Pushing the Big Band Forward to Feature More Original Music

by Jay Sweet
published 2025-03-01

From 1930 to 1945, big band jazz dominated the American music scene, shaping the cultural landscape of popular music. Though its prominence waned as small-group jazz styles gained popularity, the genre has endured, sustained by dedicated enthusiasts and an international audience. Today, many big band ensembles function as tribute bands, recreating the sounds of legendary orchestras. However, a collective of composers continues to push the genre forward with original works. Among those leading this effort is Israeli-born composer, bandleader, and drummer Dan Pugach.



WHATCo presents "Class of 2005: A Killer Reunion" for their annual murder mystery fundraiser

(KEARNY, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) annual murder mystery dinner theater experience returns with the original production of Class of 2005: A Killer Reunion, once again written by award-winning local playwright and author Allyssa Hynes. This year performances of this annual WHATCo fundraiser are Friday & Saturday, March 28 and 29 at the American Legion Post 99 (314 Belgrove Drive) in Kearny.



Award-winning Photographer Ron Tarver to Speak at Stockton University

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Award-winning photographer Ron Tarver is this year's speaker at Stockton University's annual Al Gold Memorial Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The lecture will begin at 2:30pm in the Campus Center Theater and is followed by a reception. Admission is free.



Dreams We Chase: A Virtual Author Talk with Novelist Jennifer Weiner

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Take part in a free, virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling novelist Jennifer Weiner on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Weiner will discuss the signature emotional depth of her books, including Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, Big Summer, The Breakaway, and the forthcoming The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits. The event begins at 7:00pm.








Players Guild of Leonia presents "The Normal Heart"

(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer weekends from March 21 through April 6, 2025. Larry Kramer's largely autobiographical play depicts the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City from 1981–1984. The production is directed by Claudia MacDermott.



State Theatre New Jersey presents Shamrock Tenors

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Shamrock Tenors on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 8:00pm. Ireland's most exciting new music sensation is performing at STNJ as part of the inaugural North American Tour.



Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Award Winners

(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has named Kean University student Tyler Sautner (Class of '25) and alumna Megan Tobias (Class of '19) as the winners of the 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards, named for longtime donors W. John Bauer and Nancy Boucher. Both winners received a cash prize and a one-day developmental reading of their plays with a professional cast and director.



Music Mountain Theatre presents the family favorite musical "Fiddler on the Roof"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents 16 performances of Fiddler on the Roof from February 28 through March 23, 2025. Rich with musical hits like "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," Fiddler on the Roof is the heart-warming story of life, love and laughter among fathers and daughters, husbands and wives.



Spin Doctors releases "Rock 'N' Roll Heaven"

'90s alt-rock icons the Spin Doctors have released "Rock 'N' Roll Heaven," the second single from their upcoming LP Face Full of Cake, out April 11, 2025 via Capitol Records. Born of vocalist Chris Barron's musings on a rock and roll afterlife, the song imagines Heaven as a place in the sky where the beer stays cold, the mics are new, the guitars are old and amps go up to eleven.