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New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.





 



New Jersey Symphony announces 2025–26 season summer concerts and events

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony has announced a slate of summer programming for the 2025–26 season, with concerts and events across four communities: Florham Park, Jersey City, Newark, and Princeton. The summer programs feature outdoor and indoor orchestral performances, the annual Edward T. Cone Composition Institute concert in Princeton, free chamber music in Jersey City's public libraries, and the inaugural Jersey City Music & Arts Festival.




Cousin Brucie Presents Herman's Hermits and Tommy James LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of a concert at PNC Bank Arts Center on May 28, 2026 starring Herman's Hermits featuring Peter Noone and Tommy James and the Shondells.




Wicked Cool Records announces "Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1"

Wicked Cool Records has announced Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 (September 11) a new tribute album celebrating the music and enduring influence of Jesse Malin. In the 90s, Malin fronted the band D Generation, and leading the album's rollout is a version of their anthem "Too Loose," by Dave Hill's band, Valley Lodge.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Junky Eyes" by Greg Amici

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Junky Eyes," the latest video from Central Jersey-based singer-songwriter Greg Amici's 2025 solo debut LP, "Tragicomic."











 

EVENT PREVIEWS

MPAC

MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.



McCarter

McCarter Theatre Center presents Jazz in June

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Jazz in June, a five-performance series in McCarter's Berlind Theatre, featuring leading voices in contemporary jazz, global traditions, and family-friendly musical storytelling.



Telegraph

Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.



Sergio

Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey

Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.



Carteret

Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.












LATEST COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Junky Eyes" by Greg Amici

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Junky Eyes," the latest video from Central Jersey-based singer-songwriter Greg Amici's 2025 solo debut LP, "Tragicomic."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 06/04/2026

"I am absolutely wonderful," laughed the always gracious and warm Bill Medley. "How are you doing? We're out here doing our thing, enjoying it, having a ball. I can't figure it out; well I know why people are showing up, they want to hear those songs." 




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/1/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Songbird, Allison Strong, Hexagon Cat, Sleep Station, and Lily Vakili. Plus a look back at "Everything Explodes" by Joshua Van Ness.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas








FEATURES


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).




PHOTOS from 2026 Bobfest

(RED BANK, NJ) -- This year's BobFest, Pat Guadagno's annual tribute to Bob Dylan around Bob's birthday, took place at The Vogel on May 28, 2026. John Cruz, Steve Delopoulos, Pat Guadagno, Renee Maskin, Rob Paparozzi, and Anne Hills took part playing his tunes in a Nashville styled in the round setup. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.




Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey

Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.




PHOTOS from Be5D at Asbury Lanes on 5/22/26

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Be5D is a band that presents cosmic dance music inspired by the Grateful Dead's exploratory improvisational approach. On May 22, 2026, BE5D performed at Asbury Lanes and photographer Chris Paul was on hand to take photos.












LINKS

* The Penguin Rocks - a special music site presented by NJ Stage
* Classical Music
* Music Organizations in New Jersey
* Venues & Performing Arts Centers