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
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
Award-Winning Rockland Jazz Composer Takes New Live Album to Paramus
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Popular local jazz act The Peter Furlan Project host their New Jersey album release party for their freshly revealed Live At Maureen's Jazz Cellar at Bergen Community College's Ciccone Theater on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Vivid Stage presents Old Friends: A Cabaret with Charles Thomas
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center in Summit, will present Old Friends, a cabaret featuring vocalist Charles Thomas and pianist Rick Knutsen on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke on Friday April 24, 2026 at 7:30pm. The singer-songwriter merges evocative folk, melodic pop, with an edgier roots rock sensibility.
MPAC presents The String Queens on April 24th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! The String Queens come to Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Sweet Honey in the Rock Brings 50+ Years of Music and Message to McCarter Theatre Center
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Sweet Honey in the Rock, the GRAMMY-nominated vocal ensemble celebrating more than 50 years of artistry, returns to McCarter Theatre Center on Friday, April 24, 2026 with its signature blend of socially conscious and spiritually uplifting music. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller of Old 97's
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Rhett is a revered singer-songwriter known for his more than three decades fronting the popular rock band Old 97's who were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Americana Awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to CarteretPAC on April 25th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Get the Led Out to Perform Three Nights at Scottish Rite Auditorium
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents three nights of Get the Led Out from April 23-25, 2026. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, the band has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage.
The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE
(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Shea Center for Performing Arts. In the long rich history of Family Groups in American Roots Music, this family has a special place. When these singers, songwriters and extraordinary live performers come together, magic happens. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Sold-Out Cabaret Returns: The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret Comes to Lincroft on April 25th
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- After selling out 200 seats in just days, The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret returns for a special encore performance Saturday, April 25, 2026 at The Earth Room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County. Created and performed by PJ Casbar and Tom McCormack, the show blends original music, musical-theater favorites, and modern pop into a character-driven cabaret evening that moves between humor, storytelling, and moments of theatrical surprise. Showtime is 7:30pm.
