By Gary Wien
originally published: 04/21/2016
Harry Chapin may have died 35 years ago, but his music and spirit live on. There are Harry Chapin fan communities on the internet, his strong legacy of activism and charitable work continued on by his family, and songs like “Cats In The Cradle” and “Taxi” are still played each day on radio stations around the world. And on Friday, May 13, the Chapin family will pay tribute to Harry’s songs along with their own originals at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (BergenPAC).
It’s always special when Tom, Steve, and Jen Chapin, along with The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily) get together on stage. The night is basically split between half of Harry Chapin songs and half of their own.
“We all kind of mix it up, overlap, and help each other out on different songs,” said Jen Chapin, Harry’s daughter. “But it’s fairly eclectic.”
It’s also a very interesting mix of music from the traditional folk of Tom Chapin to the jazz-infused sounds of Jen Chapin; the harmonies based Chapin Sisters to Steve Chapin, whose style might most closely resemble Harry’s.
While many in the audience might get chills hearing these songs - some that will be performed by many members of Harry Chapin’s actual band - Jen says that her father has been gone for so long that it’s a different experience for the family.
“This is more of a fun, professional challenge for us versus what the audience goes through,” explained Jen. “They may go through years without thinking of Harry. We’re trying to put together a show and do a great job. We’ve heard each other grow in these songs as musicians and it’s not quite work because the play is so mixed in. We have such a relaxed time backstage and in front. I think the chills have happened, but that’s not what we’re doing. We’re putting on a show.”
Songs in the show do change, but you can expect to hear many of the best loved hits like “Mr. Tanner” (usually done by Steve) or “Cats In The Cradle” (usually done by Tom). Jen’s cousin Lily usually performs “Shooting Star,” a song Jen sang for years and says is fun to perform.
“The songs that I do, I do them because they make sense for my musical perspective and I love them,” said Jen. “There’s a song we do called ‘Tangled Up Puppet’ which is kind of the daughter counterpoint to ‘Cats In The Cradle’ because it’s about having a teenaged girl. She’s in and out; one minute she’s hugging and the next she’s disgusted. I love to sing that song. It’s a very moving ballad. And I’m not sure if we’ll do it this time, but there’s a song about education and imagination called ‘Flowers Are Red’ that I love to do. We have a fun arrangement for that one.”
Normally, Jen performs her set with a trio that includes her husband Stephen Crump on bass and Jamie Fox on electric guitar, but her husband will be on tour in Europe so it’ll be her and Fox at BergenPAC. Jen mentions two songs of hers as the ones she’s most proud to contribute to the show.
“I have a song called ‘Let It Show’ which is the song that’s requested the most and that hits people almost immediately,” said Jen. “It’s a simple song, but there’s a challenge in singing it. It’s very engaging to perform; different lines in the lyrics take on different resonation depending on what’s going on in the world. That one feels good to play. And I have another song from my latest album which I’ve done at a few family shows. I play ‘Let It Show’ pretty much every time, but the others are up for grabs. But last time we played a song called ‘Gospel’ which is very much an anthem like a protest march. It celebrates social movement from the Civil Rights movement to Occupy Wall Street and Fight for 15. It’s political, but sort of optimistic. It has the big picture. It feels good to add that to the conversation as far as my father’s activist legacy.”
Jen has played a large role in keeping that activist legacy alive, having held a seat on the Board of Directors for Why Hunger (an organization started by Harry and Bill Ayres in 1975) for many years. The organization went through a key transition last year when Ayres left his position as Executive Director and Noreen Springstead took over.
“That was a crucial transition,” explained Jen. “It can be dangerous for non-profits to move beyond the founders. We’ve weathered some storms over the years — the most significant being when Harry passed. The organization, for me, is so powerful because we’re a grassroots support organization. We’re looking at what amazing innovations and wisdom exists in communities that are dealing with hunger and poverty themselves. And we’re connecting between hunger and food as a human right and nutrition, obesity, the diabetes epidemic, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and racial justice. It can sound overwhelming or confusing, but it’s actually empowering because you see that a lot of the issues are addressed by the same kind of solutions. And you can’t look at them in isolation.”
“We’re very much as we were from the beginning,” she added. “Why hunger? It’s asking a why question and looking systemically at the big picture and the root causes and building solutions from the grassroots up.”
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
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.
