(BELMAR, NJ) — The 4th issue of New Jersey Stage features a cover story on Pat Guadagno and his annual BobFest show which celebrates Bob Dylan’s birthday every year. This year’s theme is an appropriate one, spotlighting Dylan songs about war and peace. New Jersey Stage talks with Pat about this year’s show and how BobFest grew to this point.
Issue highlights includes a feature on Hit Her with the Skates, a new musical coming to Hamilton Stage in Rahway. This is a pre-New York developmental run for a play which has its sights on Broadway. Written by Christine Rea and Rick Briskin, a husband/wife team from Hawthorne, NJ, the play follows a 29 year old rock star who finds herself face to face with her 12 year old self during a crisis of confidence.
The issue contains film reviews of The Lost City of Z and Free Fire. On a more local level, there’s a feature on Bruber, a web series that follows an Uber driver around on his travels throughout New Jersey introducing us to the zany passengers that come in and out of his Prius.
We catch up with singer-songwriter Victoria Williams who was diagnosed with MS in the early 90s and hit hard with medical bills. Bands like Pearl Jam and Soul Asylum covered her songs on a compilation called “Sweet Relief: A Benefit For Victoria Williams” which ultimately spawned the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Decades later, both Victoria and Sweet Relief are doing fine.
Our featured music video of the month is “Bones” by Fairmont. There are also plenty of music videos in this month's Sights and Sounds of Note column and in the latest Bongo Boy TV show. Speaking of columns, we have new columns by Jeff Crespi, Rosemary Conte, and Bob Makin.
For all this and more, visit www.njartsmag.com and pick up your free copy of the magazine. New Jersey Stage is designed like a traditional magazine, but with the interactive features (audio, video, links) of the web. It is readable on any PC, tablet, or smart phone.
