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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 03/26/2026

"We're home now for about a week until we start moving again," stated Selwyn Birchwood as he soaked up some home cookin' prior to hitting the road on March 20 in Delray Beach, Florida in support of his March 27 Alligator Records release called "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues." 





 



Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.




Gregory McLoughlin presents 300th Episode of "Thank God It's Monday" livestream

Armed with a bass, a kick drum, and a foot tambourine, Gregory McLoughlin has spent years turning parking lots, sidewalks, and small rooms into spaces for connection – offering one-on-one performances that feel more like conversations than concerts. On Monday, March 30, 2026, the New Jersey-based songwriter will mark a major milestone in that journey: the 300th episode of his weekly "TGIM" livestream (Thank God It's Monday).




Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades. A limited number of tickets remain for the show.




New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market Spring Fling Returns April 11–12

(EDISON, NJ) -- The New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market Spring Fling returns to the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison, New Jersey, on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026, bringing with it a two-day blowout of punk rock legends, hundreds of artists and makers, food trucks, live entertainment, tattoos, oddities, and community-driven fundraising on a scale that matches the event's outsized reputation.












FEATURES


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the ultimate ABBA tribute, touring through North America for the past 20 years. The audience and the press all agree that "This is the closest to ABBA you'll ever get!"




The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner

​(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Over the course of her twenty five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as "one of the most innovative songwriters working today" (Chicago Tribune).​




Avenel PAC presents 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons featuring Pat Guadagno, James Maddock & Lisa Bouchelle

(AVENEL, NJ) -- The dynamic trio of Pat Guadagno, James Maddock, and Lisa Bouchelle, accompanied by a powerhouse band of 'First Call' musicians, including Saturday Night Live drummer Shawn Pelton, come together to deliver 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons, a soulful and heartfelt celebration of the timeless catalog of one of American music's most influential pioneers. The show comes to the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:30pm.




Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.




Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Cafe on Sunday

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Café on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Join them for an evening of original music, dynamic performances and unforgettable live energy featuring Reina Williams & Patrick Bamburak, JStu and Michael Brett.












LINKS

  • The Penguin Rocks - a special music site presented by NJ Stage

  • Classical Music

  • Music Organizations in New Jersey

  • Venues & Performing Arts Centers







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    EVENT PREVIEWS

    (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.



    (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.



    (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents Lucius - A History Worth Repeating on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Matthews Theatre. Known for their engaging live performances and spell-binding harmonies, Grammy-nominated indie-pop band Lucius are a mesmerizing experience of mirrored kinship and honesty.



    (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The annual Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference & Showcase returns March 27–28, 2026, bringing two inspiring days of music, learning, and connection to historic Congress Hall and venues throughout downtown Cape May. Hosted in Congress Hall's Grand Ballroom and Harrison Conference Center, the 2026 conference continues its tradition of uniting songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals in one of the East Coast's most iconic seaside towns.



    (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Borgata Event Center presents Switchfoot on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain for the alternative rock band.












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