By Ilana Rapp
originally published: 08/15/2018
PHOTO: Almost Journey. l to r: Joseph Cumia - Guitar and Vocals, Billy MacQuarrie - Drums, Michael Ledesma - Vocals, Pat Rotolo - Bass and Vocals
I never in a million years would have thought about iPlay America in Freehold as being an event venue. To me, it's a place to ride bumper cars, have kids' birthday parties and play video games. Never been there.
Then I found out through my niece that YouTube personality Joey Graceffa will stop there as part of his Eden Tour. Hmmm, at iPlay America in Freehold, NJ? So I filed that info in my head and went about my business, totally forgetting about it...
Until late one night, last week, I heard on the radio station NJ 101.5 that Almost Journey, a Journey tribute band, was going to be performing there. Uh-uh, no way!
I knew my daughter would love to see this show, so I dialed into 101.5, played the trivia contest and much to my surprise, won two tickets!
My 10 year-old daughter and I arrived at 4:30 for the buffet. Yes, you read that right -- a buffet! We checked out the stage which was already set up, looked around a bit, then settled into our table seats to chow down.
Almost Journey came on with a bang. Just the way they should have in my opinion. They took over the stage and the room! The musicianship was captivating and the singer, Michael Ledesma, effortlessly made contact with the audience. People were drawn to the music.
During their break, Michael posed for pictures with the fans, making the experience for my daughter even more fun.
PHOTO: Anna, Michael Ledesma of Almost Journey, Samantha - iPlay America, Freehold, NJ, August 12, 2018
After break, the band broke out and did some not-Journey songs. This was refreshing as the energy was so raw and captivating and quite honestly, it was nice to hear them play something other than Journey.
My daughter wasn't the only kid there. Several other tweens gathered around the dance floor and literally danced the night away, going up to the stage and high-fiving the singer Michael during the performance!
The audience dancing up a storm at the Almost Journey concert at iPlay America.
Sitting at our table was Chet, Laura and their 9 year-old daughter, Samantha.
Samantha was singing along with the band so I was curious as to what she liked about the concert. "It's music from before my time. It's really cool. I like the food and the lighting."
Mom Laura chimed in, "It's nice to see younger generations enjoying 80s music and bands like this at an event center that kids can attend."
Interesting point, Laura! There are plenty of venues that will not allow under 18 or 21 years of age to enter. Not a problem at iPlay America!
Naturally, Dad Chet didn't want to be left out, "This is truly an event the entire family can enjoy."
Well, Chet, you weren't kidding! What a fun evening!
Can you guess which song the band played last? Pssst… see the video below!
Almost Journey is managed by Joseph Cumia, aka Brother Joe. http://www.notu2.com
Photos by Ilana Rapp
About the author:
Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things. She blogged on The Huffington Post and writes entertainment pieces for New Jersey Stage, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, GRAMMY.com, New Jersey Digest, NYCastings and Mupo Entertainment. She is a huge fan of the television show V. Ask her why her favorite number is 22. Follow Ilana on Twitter
@IlanaSpeaks22
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
