Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/03/2021
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Jason Didner, a Montclair based singer-songwriter has tapped into two of his passions to create a song and video he hopes will inspire people to take that hardest step – that first step out the front door – in pursuit of better mental and physical health during this pandemic and beyond.
And he had help. Jason asked for videos from people with interesting running/exercise stories and got contributions that exceeded his wildest imagination.
Barefoot Ted, a runner prominently featured in Christopher McDougall's renowned memoir, Born to Run, provided a stunning slow-motion video. Ted's style of running clips had captured Jason's imagination when they showed up in his Instagram feed over the past year.
Nita Sweeney, author of her own memoir Depression Hates a Moving Target, turned in a genuinely endearing clip of herself running alongside her dog Scarlet, sharing a powerful support network of outdoor exercise and canine companionship. Nita will world-premiere the video on her web site on Friday, May 7. For the first 24 hours, nitasweeney.com will be the only outlet showing the video.
Wheelchair ultramarathoner Julia Beckley submitted a breathtaking scene of her training on a Montana highway with her mom riding horseback behind her. Friends of Jason's submitted running clips as well, showcasing diversity of race, gender, age and geography.
"Two years ago I was at a crossroads," Jason said. "My physical and mental health were under profound stress. Years of insomnia culminated in a likely anxiety attack that landed me in the emergency room in the middle of the night. I considered seeing a psychiatrist to explore the possibility of a prescription. But first, I was willing to see if exercise could bring the balance I was lacking. That experiment worked. This song is a celebration of what I've learned."
The music reflects Jason's passion for rock, especially for his primary influence on guitar, the late Edward Van Halen. "I really wanted to honor Eddie's memory with the guitar solo and worked hard for precision in the fast passages," Jason said. He allowed himself to draw inspiration from the next generation of Van Halens as well. "Hearing Eddie's son Wolfgang record every instrument plus vocals inspired me to learn drums so I could record every instrument on this latest round of songs," he added.
Jason's wife Amy, a mental health blogger, co-wrote the lyrics and codirected the video. Amy and Jason often exercise together, along with their 10-year-old daughter. Their shared routine includes walks, strength training cardio boxing and use of treadmill and exercise bikes side by side.
"Run With My Troubles" adds to an album in progress, due for release this year, which focuses primarily on coping with mental health issues, including exercise, gratitude, recognizing hard-earned progress and self-compassion.
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Outpost In The Burbs’ Concert For Toni's Kitchen, Featuring Richard Thompson With Zara Phillips
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
Lamp (featuring Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski)
Thursday, December 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
Fred Tackett & Scott Sharrard (from Little Feat)
Friday, December 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band was formed in Brooklyn, NY in 2013. While they are a Grateful Dead cover band, they are known more for interpreting songs by the Dead rather than attempting to replicate the band's work.
NJPAC presents Gregory Porter with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell
(NEWARK, NJ) -- With a voice that can fill a concert hall and make every listener feel personally embraced, Gregory Porter has become one of the most beloved artists in contemporary jazz. On Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm, the two-time GRAMMY® winner returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell for an evening of soulful expression, exquisite storytelling and remarkable vocal artistry, presented as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller who has been making records for over 20 years.
KANSAS to perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- One of classic rock's most iconic bands, KANSAS, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. A limited number of tickets remain.
NJPAC presents Jesse Cook on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Victoria Theater at 8:00pm. A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music's power to connect people across cultures and continents.
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
