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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/07/2026

Terry Barber is an "Internationally acclaimed" vocalist who has graced stages such as The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, The kennedy Center and more and his recent project called "Mercury" will now grace the stage of The Brook Arts Center, otherwise known as "The Brook,"  in Bound Brook, NJ on May 15 at 8 p.m. for a one night only engagement. 





 



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.




Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.




Light Opera of New Jersey to Hold Auditions for New LONJ Youth Ensemble

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) will hold auditions in June for the newly created LONJ Youth Ensemble, part of the company's new Youth in Arts programming initiative.




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.











 

EVENT PREVIEWS

NJPAC

NJPAC presents a Spring Season of Jazz

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a Spring Season of Jazz with free monthly jazz jams at Clement's Place and two special concert events inside the Victoria Theater. This series, running from September through June, is co-presented by NJPAC's Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University–Newark's Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS). Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners' minds.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.



Bruce

Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will launch their Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour across the country this spring, kicking off at Minneapolis' Target Center on March 31. The 20-date run will feature 19 arena shows, including several local shows in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.



The

The Lovin' Spoonful to Perform in Newton

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Lovin' Spoonful will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. They were America's answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard's top-10 charts virtually overnight.



Adelphi

Adelphi Orchestra to present "Soaring Melodies" in NJ and NYC

(RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- The Adelphi Orchestra, under the direction of Kyunghun Kim, presents Soaring Melodies, an inspiring program of classical masterworks to be performed on May 8 in NJ and May 16, 2026 in NYC.












LATEST COLUMNS


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/07/2026

Terry Barber is an "Internationally acclaimed" vocalist who has graced stages such as The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, The kennedy Center and more and his recent project called "Mercury" will now grace the stage of The Brook Arts Center, otherwise known as "The Brook,"  in Bound Brook, NJ on May 15 at 8 p.m. for a one night only engagement. 




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 5/4/26

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 Teen Idle, Rich Lancia, Somebody Club, Suede Aces, and Exit Eleven. Plus a look back at "Songs for the Moon" by The Porchistas.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/02/2026

Due to a death in the family, the "Sound Bites" weekly column has ben postponed for this week. However, the listings of live music and entertainment are enclosed; we shall return on Thursday May 7 which happens to be the same day as the monthly "Rock On Radio" Happy Hour at the Nottingham Tavern located at 9 Mercer Street in Hamilton Square, NJ with music by Carmen Marranco.




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


Outpost in the Burbs presents The Lone Bellow on Saturday

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Lone Bellow on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Eli Kollman will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.




WBGO Presents All That Jazz at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage featuring saxophonist Eric Darius on Saturday

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- WBGO Presents All That Jazz at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage featuring saxophonist Eric Darius on Saturday, May 9, 2026. With a trademark jump and crowd-captivating energy throughout his live show, the New Jersey born artist is breaking the mold of modern jazz. He will perform shows at 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.




MPAC presents The Doo Wop Project on Saturday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Doo Wop Project on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.




Sentimental Journey Big Band Takes the Stage at OCC's Grunin Center on May 17th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Enjoy the music of the Greatest Generation when the Sentimental Journey Big Band presents "It Might as Well Be Swing" at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Showtime is 3:00pm.




Sweet Honey in the Rock LIVE! at McCarter Theatre

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Sweet Honey in the Rock at McCarter Theatre on April 24, 2026.












LINKS

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