New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 


The World Is His Oyster


By Gary Wien

originally published: 04/23/2014




Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




EVENT PREVIEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. This is a unique experience that puts the audience in control.
MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Popular entertainer Tony Danza brings his Standards and Stories concert to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

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.
State Theatre New Jersey presents

State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'N Roll Revival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm. The evening features performances by Jay and the Americans, The Grass Roots, The Lovin' Spoonful, and The Brooklyn Bridge.
Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Actor, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi will blend comedy, storytelling and jazz for a performance at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

(WASHINGTON, NJ) -- With country music and line dancing kicking all day, it'll be a family friendly fun-filled day of dancing, dancing and more dancing when Washington (Warren County) hosts Boots in the Borough on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The free event, which will take place in Downtown Washington from 11:00am to 7:00pm, is the first of its kind in the region.
Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing (FSVH) will host its annual Rock the Foundation benefit concert at the Westfield Armory from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. This signature event brings together music, community, and purpose to support veterans in need of safe, stable housing.
Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. They are the most authentic British Invasion experience this  side of the Atlantic.  Limited tickets remain.
Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

(VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis Rock Fest 2026 takes place Saturday, April 18th at The Landis Theater in Vineland. Get ready for a full night of original music, hard-hitting rock, and nonstop energy. Showtime is 7:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS








 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info