By Rosemary Conte
originally published: 10/04/2017
I was almost giddy to see and hear Don McLean at the Count Basie Theater, Red Bank, NJ on Sept. 28 -- another stellar show by Sammy Boyd Productions. Pure Prairie League, the show's opener, guaranteed I was in for a good time.
PPL brought pure country sound and texture. They delivered a perfect set of just the right length; you know that show biz adage, always leave 'em wanting more? These seasoned musicians did just that! They delivered impressive pure country chops with pitch-perfect vocals like those I've loved of The Eagles.
I mention The Eagles, one of my favorite bands, because jazz singer that I am, I hadn't listened to or seen many country/country rock artists earlier in my life. I knew of the name PPL, but never consciously listened to them. It’s another reminder of what great music a lot of people miss when they limit their listening to one music genre.
I see there is a quite large country music fan base in NJ, and especially in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. PPL's fans are a well-behaved, adoring audience that know the words to their songs and sing along. That evening brought a love-fest set to the vintage theater.
Don McLean is SOME songwriter. His band was large---and loud. I was glad when he performed a couple songs with sparse instrumental accompaniment. In sweet, coded remarks, he let us know that he was going to play all the songs we wanted to hear; his big hits. For me, that meant And I Love You So, American Pie, and Vincent. He played a good variety of country blues, country rock, and what I think is his forte, beautiful ballads. I grew weepy eyed during Vincent, because I know the Van Gogh story, and McLean's lyrics so perfectly explored the sad life of the tortured artist.
As for And I Love You So, I wanted to tell him that even though my main experience is as a jazz singer, I had performed the song probably a thousand times over nearly 50 years, because it is a gorgeous song with his signature sensitive, heart-felt lyric.
As expected, McLean brought down the house with American Pie, another perfect piece of songwriting. The audience was on its feet and singing with him in what seemed to be reverence and pure joy!
He and his band with impressive musicianship, have been traveling the world in one configuration or another for 50 years, he said. I first saw McLean in the '70s at the Club Bene Dinner Theater in Parlin, NJ. Pure Prairie League has been around for as long, both acts still busy touring.
I gotta say...Sammy Boyd knows how to book a perfect artist pairing to create a knock out show. Watch for more great shows he's got coming our way, including a Christmas Show at the Basie featuring Darlene Love with Remember Jones on Dec. 20.
Rosemary Conte, Matawan, NJ, is a popular singer, recording artist, voice coach, veteran writer, hypnosis therapist and counselor. She has been a nationally syndicated columnist, and her writing has been featured in NJ newspapers; a columnist in the Monmouth Arts Council newspaper; All Music Magazine which she founded and published; and the Aquarian Weekly. Her column Inside Music has appeared in NewJerseyStage.com and it’s eMag for 3 years. Email her at [email protected]. Find her on Linkedin, Google Plus, and Facebook, www.Facebook.com/RosemaryConte and www.Facebook.com/RosemaryConteSinger
Griffin House
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” —American Songwriter
Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJFLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJMulti-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. The band’s first three albums — their self-titled EP (1983), The Warning (1984) and Rage for Order (1986) — all hit gold status selling over 500,000 units each.
Jesse Cook
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Victoria Theater
1 Center Street, Newark, NJA global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJTwo iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.
