"I started at the Art Center because of my father; he bought it for a dollar in 1997 because they were going to tear it down," she said with a tone of mild disbelief. "The people from the class of 1940 Neptune High School didn't want that to happen because it was their high school so they approached my father and asked him to make it an art center. So my father went and got grants and with the help of volunteers he was able to get it started and now there's dance and guitar rooms and every room has an artist in it but what wasn't here was music; so I said to my father that we needed film and music so that's when I started Cafe Artiste."
"This is my baby, I wanted to bring original music here, I am the director of special events for the center so I started by bringing in a movie on the Saturday after Thanksgiving; a sing along and then we had some film shows but music is what I love. So I thought; what can I do and why not start showcasing songwriters? A friend of mine was with me as I was sitting around deciding what to call this and they said, "Well we don't want to call it the dining room; why not call it Cafe Artiste?"
So with the building secured and a background in music, film and a love of art; Rothstein continued to develop her plan and the room once used for meals to boot.
"There was a banister and windows and a chandelier; as I said, this whole building was bought for a dollar and all of the volunteers did the woodwork. That platform over there was a dining area but if you look at it that shouldn't be anything other than a stage. So I thought, OK for two months we're going to try doing original music and see what happens and then; OK how can we make it special so that the artists are treated with respect and the audience really listens? So that's why I thought about every little detail that would make that happen, even to the point where there is no crunchy food (laughs). When you have a vision, I believe that you stick with it just like my father did with this building; this building had snow on the first floor because it was supposed to be torn down and the roof was open but he had a vision. I had a vision as to how this ought to be and I said to the others, just trust me and that's basically how I got it started."
Janet paid attention to details that many may never notice as she set her vision into motion. Maybe it's a product of her sound engineering days or maybe it's just great instinct but the design is akin to layering music tracks so that each supports the other; noticeable only if removed.
"There was no original music here so I brought in film and decided to bring in original artists. We don't have prints of famous artists on the wall, we have original art. I decided to make it a show with five artists, only original music, every artist gets four or five songs and we give them an audience to listen. The chairs are arranged so that they all face the stage; you're sending a message to the people as soon as they walk in that the artist is the focus. There's no bar, no coffee grinder, we sell things on the side, everything is two dollars, everything is quiet, water is free but it's not about the food although we like to make money to support ourselves; we keep it a little more artisan. We serve coffee in a mug not a paper cup, so it is all about respect for the artist and to have created a room where their whole song gets heard. Artists like George Wirth and Frank Lombardi who write music that are stories; it would be a shame to miss part of their songs because what they and others do are create images and that's basically my passion. I'm a songwriter myself and I think, if I wanted to play my original music; how would I want it to be? That's what this is about, everything is designed to be quiet so that the music is heard."
"Our first show was July 11, 2017 and the first couple of months I had three artists but now five seems like a good number in case someone backs out; which has only happened twice and the one called me from the hospital with appendicitis and said she couldn't make it. So I put it out there that the artists are going to get respected and they consider it an honor to play here which is lovely because I want them to feel that way. We charge five dollars at the door just so we can cover our expenses and people can come as early as 5:30 p.m. for the sound check; everything is acoustic based, no drum sets. This is about their music and how they wrote it in its purest form."
Rothstein estimates that she's, "Read over 350 bios from more than 200 artists," because she believes that the audience should know a bit about who they are watching perform.
"I like to say something before each artist takes the stage, I ask them to send me a bio. If you go to see Billy Joel everyone knows about the band and knows about his life so I like to say something about the artists so you can connect with them; artists like Dave Vargo who has performed with so many people such as Whitney Houston. I wanted to make it a show, not just an open mic so I branded it, "Cafe Artiste The Listening Room" but I'm kind of the "Lone Ranger" out here because we haven't really advertised and it's acoustic based, no drums, I want it to be based on hearing the music and the melodies and the lyrics."
Now a year and a half in from its inception, the word is spreading and more and more people are sharing Janet's vision; as she and it continue to grow she stresses the importance of the venue's mission.
"There's an online form that the artists can use to sign up and I make sure that I check everyone out; not that I discriminate but that's how I determine the order of the show and I also mix up the styles of each performer. It took a while to get where we are now; at first it was just the artists paying the five bucks but I knew that if it I could get it out on social media that it would catch on. So once I have my five artists I promote the show on social media and I tell the artists that they can do four or maybe five songs or 15 minutes of their original music only; no cover material here. This is a chance for you to play your own music. Every time one of these artists gets up on stage and I look around during the event and everyone is engaged and I know that they got something out of it; I get a thrill and it makes me happy."
Not one to rest on her laurels, Rothstein is constantly seeking ways to enhance the experience for the audiences.
"We might have a professional dancer from downstairs come up and start a show, I like to shake things up; we may have a magician, a comedian, I don't know. Every artist gets video recorded, we shoot their performance but I'm doing this alone so I think I need to hire an intern because I have over 400 videos (laughs) but no matter what we do it's about promoting original music."
"I see this going into social media and promoting artists with live feeds, I see other acts coming in here and using this space for other nights; I think it's my calling card and it's a good thing to do for other artists. We've got requests to hold CD release parties here and I'm hoping that by the end of fall in 2019 to put together all of this audio and video and having something in a theater like a gala; sounds good right? I would like to have three cameras recording in here and make a live YouTube feed, possibly a recording studio if I can make it happen."
Part of the charm of the room is its links to the past. One such connection is a very large painting of the venue itself with an artist's depiction of the elder Rothstein in the foreground. Janet is quick to mention that many of the things in the venue were recycled; including this unique work of art as well as some of the interesting side/opening acts that the Cafe` has brought forth.
"Molly Johnson; that picture used to be a table and she turned it into a painting. Every week we have a live artist here; some paint the show and some paint during the show. We've had a rock 'n' roll doll maker, origami, fabric art, oils; something different because I don't want it to be boring and these aren't just average artists."
Some people have a knack for getting things done and obviously Rothstein is one of them. The fervor with which she attacks this project is incomparable and her accomplishments thus far should be rightfully lauded but like all else she strives to make it better and can not always do it alone.
"I've booked speakers like Oprah, I've had a recording studio, I've worked with David Geffen, I went on tour doing sound for Phoebe Snow but what I am is an organizer; I love to put things together. I like being healthy and I cherish every day, I value feeling good; if I'm at the club I want to be the DJ, I find it hard to go somewhere and just be there because I like to be involved and do things; it's a personality thing" and after taking a moment to laugh at herself she stated the obvious. "We ask for donations because we are looking to buy sound equipment because right now we are relying on the generosity of others. I'm so busy trying to get it to work, we could use some sponsors; I'm just so busy trying to get it up, running and ready to go; this is about people and their stories. We have a Cafe Artiste Go Fund Me page if anyone wants to help us with a donation and in turn help the artists as well."
Plans, plans and more plans are formulated but for the moment she is focused on creating the best possible experience she can once a week and watching it blossom.
"Right now I've only got Tuesdays covered, I figure if you do it and you do it well and do it consistently then the people will come. I've got performers asking to come back and I just think that the energy in this whole building is great; who knows where we will go from here!"
To discover more about the Jersey Shore Arts Center and Cafe` Artiste, please visitwww.jerseyshoreartscenter.org.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Alchemist & Barrister 28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Sat. 2 p.m. Gallery Talk w/ Diana Weymar and Nelson Hancock of "All That You Leave Behind." (FREE admission)
Sun. 2 p.m. Fiesta Del Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day). $10 (Suggested donation)
Artworks Trenton 19 Everett Alley Trenton
(609) 394-9436
Wed. 11 a.m. "Nicolette Print" Open Studio
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Gary Reed & Arturo
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi
Wed. 6 p.m. Cindy Ruenes Duo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room 19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. 10 p.m. Sir Xerri
Broken Goblet Brewing 1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dana Collins
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Kinky Quizzo
BT Restaurant & Tavern2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Fri. 9 p.m. Union
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Championship Bar 931 Chambers street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
fri. 6 p.m. "First Friday"
Mon. 8 p.m. "Art Chill Night"
Tuesday 8 p.m. "Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb
Chickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Fri. 9 p.m. Jim Delre Band
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays"
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
Classics Books and Gifts4 West Lafayette Street Trenton
(609) 394-8400
Sat. 2 p.m. Classic's Open Mic feat. Stacey Williams
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Laura Cheadle
Common Sense Brewing 102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651
Sat. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night
Continental Tavern 2 North Main Street Yardley, PA
(215) 493-9191
Thurs. 9 p.m. Brandon Warrick
Fri. 9 p.m. Acoustic Martin
Sat. 9 p.m. Sweet Willie Davis & Joey Rebel
Curly's at the Nest 1492 Woodbourne Road Levittown, PA
(267) 639-0707
Fri. 7 p.m. NannyDust
Sat. 7 p.m. Open Juke Box
Diamond's of Hamilton 661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Fri. (6 p.m.) The Swing of Things w/ Sofia Solimando (10 p.m.) DJ Frank Oliveti
Sat. 6 p.m. Tymes 2
Sun. 10 a.m. "Jazz Brunch"
Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cecil Middleton
Fri. 8 p.m. Angus
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski (9 p.m.) Gypsy Mother
Sun. 11 a.m. "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton
Mon. 8 p.m. Keith Lesnick Trio
Wed. 8 p.m. Melissa Wegfahrt
Freddies Tavern 12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
Fri. 9 p.m. In The Groove
Sat. 9 p.m. Jim Delre Band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Sing Along with Sculpture" w/ Seward Johnson
Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope 105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m.
Fri. (7:30 p.m.) Newtown School of Rock (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (4 p.m.) Newtown School of Rock (8:30 p.m.) Late Last Night (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Theater 5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Fri. 8 p.m. "This Really Happened..." Storytelling at Hopewell Theater feat. Andrew McGill, Robin Bady, Ian Steffe,`Kathryn Weidner. $19.73
Sat. (12 p.m.) Family Fun Concert w/ "Green Planet. $19.73/$24.73 (Includes $5 concession credit) (8 p.m.) Seamus Egan Project. $28.79, $32.52, $34.12
Hopewell United Methodist Church 20 Blackwell Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-0471
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn 15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Thurs. 6 p.m. Doris Spears feat. Phil Orr & More
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic/Karaoke
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Just Us
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Living The Dream
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Piano, Bass, Jazz
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Irish Rover Station House1033 Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA
(215) 970-5412
Sat. 9 p.m. The Dadz
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Matt Backes
Sat. 2 p.m. Jim Gaven
Sun. 2 p.m. Ronnie Brandt
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Ernie White Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
All shows 21+
Jake's Eatery 869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
Jimmy's Firestone American Grill 140 Route 130 South Bordentown
(609) 291-0200
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Bar Games and Trivia"
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Fri. 9 p.m. Billy Walton Band
Sat. (3 p.m.) Ben Davis (9:30 p.m.) Rainbow Fresh
Sun. 9:30 p.m. Dan Beaver Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Girls Night Out"
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Bay Nice
Sat. 9 p.m. Deep Release
Wed. 8 p.m. Drop the Beat Bingo
Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7 p.m. Jager Soprano
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ian Lander
Sun. 11 a.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. Brian Morris
Marcellos Coal Fired Restaurant & Pizza 206 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 298-8360
Sun. 10 a.m. "Blues Brunch"
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10 p.m. Beer Pong Night
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. "Karaoke Time" w/ Kirchner Entertainment
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Jersey WeedMan's Joint 322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 6 p.m. "420 Smoking Word"
Fri. 8:30 p.m. "420 Fire Friday"
Sun. 2 p.m. Sugar Magnolia Sundaze
Nook's PourHouse 2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 9 p.m. Uneverno
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Band
Ages 21+
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Deuces Wild
Open Arts PAC 146 Route 130 South Bordentown
(609) 424-3058
Sat. 7 p.m. "Tickle My Funny Bone Comedy Show" Hosted by ToppFlight, feat. Snacks and Redsnapper. Doors open at 6 p.m., $15 (advance)
Palermo's Of Hamilton 310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo
Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
River Cat Cafe` 142 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1008
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Jazz"
Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White
Salt Creek Grille 1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Keith Franklin
Sat. 8 p.m. Jackie Jones
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Rick Fiori Jazz Trio
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Sat. 8 p.m. Three Strands. $20
Sun. (3 p.m.) Taarka. $20 (7:30 p.m.) "My One and Only and Deva Troy" w/ Elena Marino. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Dice Band
Sat. 10 p.m. Nami Lane
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. One Flight Up
Sat. 9 p.m. Extreme measures
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Sat. 7 p.m. Maggs & Bud
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Session Jazz Night
Terhune Orchards330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Sun. 1 p.m. "Winery Sunday Music Series" Greg McGarvey
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Jon Savage & The Rockers
The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
The Dubliner 34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Gabriel Donohue
Sat. 7 p.m. Ray Coleman
Sun. 2 p.m. Thomas Johnston
The Five Four Bar & Grill 8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 547-5525
Fri. 9 p.m. Well Strung
Sat. 9:30 p.m. The Bambu Weasels
Wed. 7 p.m. "Lyrical Conundrums" w/ Cara & Righteous
The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. (5 p.m.) "Happy Hour with Prince" w/ DJ Darius the 1st (10 p.m.) Paper Shakers
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern 6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Sat. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Sat. 9:30 p.m. The Ess Gees
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dan Ward
Fri. 8 p.m. Stage Left
Sat. 8 p.m. Plush Duo
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. David Falcone
Sat. 9 p.m. Billy Walsh
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry Monk
All Shows 21+
Trenton Buzz 702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman
Trenton Coffee House and Records 750 Cass Street Trenton
(609) 379-0549
Fri. 7 p.m. "Electronic Winter" feat. The Weathered Underground meets Data_Wolf w/ special guest Dirty Old Robot
Trenton Social 449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday: "You Know My Steez" by Jimmy Giambrone
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri.10 p.m. Foxcats. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. New Pony. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. The Wood Vibrations
Wildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Williamsboy
Yardley Inn Restaurant & Bar 82 East Afton Avenue Yardley, PA
(215) 493-3800
Sat. 8 p.m. Mike Meade
About the author:
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary
(NEWTON, NJ) -- If you watched the film Song Sung Blue and realized you like more Neil Diamond songs that you thought you did, you should check out So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 29, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Air Supply on May 29th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Air Supply on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and heartfelt memories.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a tribute to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. They blend and layer the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere. Limited tickets remain.
Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai with special guest Animals As Leaders on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Prudential Center presents Sergio George: Festival "Ataca Sergo"
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Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest to Take Place May 29-31
(AUGUSTA, NJ) -- Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest — three unforgettable days and nights of Louisiana music, food, and fun — will take place May 29-31 at Sussex County Fairgrounds. From Cajun and Zydeco to Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel, and Jazz — the 2026 Crawfish Fest lineup features Grammy winners, Louisiana legends, and festival favorites lighting up the Main and Pavilion stages. Come for the day or stay and camp for the weekend.
New Jersey Symphony presents Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony presents Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert with legendary composer John Williams' GRAMMY®-nominated score performed live to the film. Led by conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos, performances take place May 29-31 in Red Bank, Newark, and New Brunswick.
2026 Jersey City Jazz Festival to Take Place May 29-31
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns in 2026 with its biggest event yet, inviting music fans of all ages to experience jazz from across the spectrum including straight-ahead, Latin jazz and more throughout an unforgettable three-day celebration. Presented by Exchange Place Alliance, the free event runs from Friday evening, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, offering sweeping views of lower Manhattan.
South Jersey Jazz Society's Concert on the Beach with the PJ Keiter Octet Set for June 5th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.
MORE EVENTS
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