Dave Mooney & Viewers Like You are premiering a new single, “Hereafter,” with Makin Waves. The tune will be featured on a forthcoming EP and comp and can be heard live in Asbury Park on April 18 at Bond Street Basement and June 21 at The Asbury hotel. PHOTO COURTESY OF 3143 MANAGEMENT
This week also features New Jersey Jazz Society, Rachel Ana Dobken, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, The Stone Pony, The Wag, Jeff Crespi, Avenel Arts Center, Joker’s Republic, Pink Mexico, Black Flamingos, Lost Culture, The Campfire Flies, Karen Mansfield, Loudy Brown, Rock ’N Raise, Erniefest and 2019 Makin Waves Concert Series.
Dave Mooney & Viewers Like You have a new single, "Hereafter," from a forthcoming EP in the works with Adam Vaccarelli at Retro Media Studios in Red Bank for release by year’s end. The pop-edelic, philosophic, sitar-spiced track also is the first single from 3143 The Album: Vol 1, a compilation that the Spotswood-based singer-songwriter’s management company will release in June. Here is a premiere of “Hereafter”:
Mooney’s next EP follows the 2015 LP, Costumes and Crowns; the 2017 LP, It Came from Spotswood. , and last year’s EP, Snake Oil. Viewers Like You include keyboardist-guitarist-vocalist Lisa LoVell, drummer Anthony Flora and bassist-vocalist Justin Franco. They will be playing April 18 at Bond Street Basement in Asbury Park and June 21 at The Asbury hotel.
Hub City Music Festival returns with a full month of events to benefit Elijah’s Promise, a food justice and empowerment program based in New Brunswick. The fun will kick of April 2 at Zimmerli Art Museum with artistic DJ collective Sound in Color. April 3 will feature rapper Silent Knight and DJ Flygerian in The Yard. Barca City will explode April 4 with 3rDosage, Cook Thugless and DJ Mixmaster Nice. April 5 brings the Latin style of Swing Sabros to Gambino’s. Flycatcher, Conundrum and DJ Fullyphocus3D will be at Blackthorn on April 6. A fun children’s Art Together program will feature the music of Mr. Ray on April 7 back at the Zimmerli. Seed Burger will throw a birthday bash for Rutgers great Paul Robeson on April 9 with Naja Young, DJ Early and Kyle Jackson. April 10 will be busy with afternoon sets by Supreme Kyy and KNWLDG. That evening, Tacoria finally will get into the music game with Professor Caveman, Johnny Cola and Sundrop. The jazz of Emilio Guarino will swing on April 11 at Salt’s happy hour. At Hidden Grounds, The Genii Collective and Moter Heart Man will rock on April 12. April 14 brings Shred Flintstone, Marsoupial and Lesser Seamus to Ale ’N ’Wich. The Silent Knight All-Stars will rock The Yard with DJ Killgxxd on April 16.
April 18 will feature a Jazz Happy Hour at Delta’s with Germain Brito Jazz Trio. A Bad Boy Records Karaoke Night with local comic Alex Nicholas can be enjoyed April 19 at NJ Skate. An Elijah’s Promise Earth Day Celebration will be April 20 at Promise Garden with The Do Rights, NJ Skate Team and Boards for Bros. Also on April 20, Bad Blooms, New Brunswick Brass and Cold Weather Company will play a Cask Fest at Harvest Moon. DRKBXT and DJ Quinn will spin on April 23 at Spina Records. On April 24, Billz Egypt and Silent Knight will be at The Yard. Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a happy hour with harpist Bridget Knodel on April 25 at Due Mari. Jeff Linden & the Black Spot Society, Sad Lips and Sunbowl will rock Scarlet Pub on April 28. And the festival will draw to a close on April 30 with an “Bling on the Arts” Happy Hour featuring New Brunswick Vinyl Society at Fatto Americano.
In other Elijah’s Promise news, 5 percent of all proceeds on April 18 at Whole Foods in Bridgewater, Clark, Madison, Marlboro, Metuchen, Middletown, Morristown, Paramus, Ridgewood, and Wall will go to the food charity.
Named after the current movement of feminism, as well as its proximity to the ocean, Fourth Wave is a women-owned rehearsal studio, performance and visual art space, and community gathering place that will open soon on Asbury Avenue. Housed within a pre-war industrial building, Fourth Wave occupies 6,000 square-feet of loft space as unique and historic as Asbury Park itself. Owner April Centrone said she aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for free and creative expression.
Three large rehearsal rooms and one small one outfitted with music equipment will be available to rent hourly 24/7, along with 2,000 square feet of open space that also can be utilized for events. A multi-instrumentalist, board member of New York Arabic Orchestra, music therapist and instructor, Centrone said she wants to host music, dance, theater, poetry, open mics, children’s events, art exhibits, pop-up galleries, classes, workshops, talks, conferences, wedding receptions and other special events. The loft also has the potential to provide Asbury Park with round-the-clock work space, complete with Wi-Fi, spacious tables, cozy chairs, paper, pens, a coffee machine and other amenities. Centrone’s vision also is to provide special outreach programs and events, both in-house and city-wide, to foster creative expression among the local community and its youth.
“We wish to build connections with local public schools, churches and community centers throughout Asbury Park,” she said on Fourth Wave’s Facebook page.
A grand opening will be celebrated this summer and a launch party can be enjoyed April 11 at The Saint with performances by Pamela Flores, The Burns, Experiment 34 and more acts to be announced.
In 1968, Pluckemin resident Jack Stine had an idea. One of his favorite musical performers, jazz clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, just had died, and Stine wanted to honor him with a memorial concert. The first Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp was held that year, and two years later, Stine founded the New Jersey Jazz Society. On April 7, the 50th annual Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Morristown by the Jazz Society. Stine, who died last June at the age of 96, combined the first concert with a fundraiser and raised more than $3,000 for a scholarship in Russell’s name at Rutgers University. Now, the event raises money for scholarships at Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Rowan University, and William Paterson University, in addition to Rutgers. Best known for playing in Dixieland bands, Russell also was considered the first post-swing era modern performer on clarinet. An example of his modernist playing was a 1960s Impulse album called Ask Me Now, recorded in a pianoless quartet with valve trombonist Marshall Brown. His legacy will be celebrated at this year’s Stomp with music by Andy Farber and his Orchestra featuring special guests, vocalist Catherine Russell, multi-reedist Adrian Cunningham, and trumpeter Warren Vache. Vocalist Roseanna Vitro will be presented with this year’s Distinguished Musician Award, and jazz radio station WBGO 88.3FM will be honored as this year’s Jazz Advocate. A new feature will be performances by the New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
Rachel Ana Dobken -- or RAD for those of us who love her – will play one of the biggest shows of her burgeoning career on March 29 when she headlines the Stone Pony. Sharing the hot bill will be Des & the Swagmatics, Connor Bracken & the Mother Leeds Band and The Dead Ramblers. RAD will be doing a set with her band, playing guitar, drums, piano and singing, as well as a special end-of-the-night set with friends and lots of special guests. And in Asbury Park, you never know who is going to show up, especially at the Stone Pony.
Speaking of Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, the rockin' rootsy Asbury Park act have a really fun new video for their Telegraph Hill single, "Read on You," featuring two of my favorite spots in AP: Frank's Deli & Restaurants, one of my all-time favorite eateries, and the seminal Asbury Park Music Foundation. The clip tells the tale of a clumsy, awkward waiter whose emboldened by the band while he serves them to bring his crush to see them at APMF. The story line is funny and sweet, while the band rocks out to a high-energy tune. Bracken and his band also can be seen June 22 at Underground Arts in Philadelphia at the record release party for Hellings also with Mach 22.
In other Pony news, the legendary nightclub has teamed with Blackbird Presents to bring a customized one-stop-shop experience to music lovers of Asbury Park. Blackbird’s flagship boutique in downtown AP will host a satellite box office selling tickets to Stone Pony and Stone Pony Summer Stage concerts. Tickets to Asbury Park’s Wonder Bar, Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall also will be available. Ticket purchasers will receive a limited-edition co-branded drink koozie while supplies last. The retail shop and gallery also will sell Stone Pony merchandise and apparel.
Happy Birthday to photography great Jeff Crespi, who will celebrate with his annual bash at the Wonder Bar on April 8 with latewaves, Rare Futures, Pass Away and Milly. Crespi is the house photographer for the Wonder Bar, as well as the Stone Pony, Stone Pony Summer Stage and Convention Hall.
The Wag’s busy schedule will include a hot gig April 11 opening for The Motels at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. PHOTO BY JOE CULLITY
In support of their latest LP, We Carry On, The Wag will open for The Motels on April 11 at the Wonder Bar. Other upcoming shows for the busy band include March 30 at Fest for Beatles Fans in Jersey City; April 10, Middletown Library; April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15, Espresso Joe’s, Keyport; April 25, Lincroft Church; April 27, Monmouth County SPCA Dog Walk; April 28, Allaire State Park; May 15, Havana, New Hope; May 17; May 24 to 26, Abbey Road on the River; May 31, Oceanport Fair; June 8, Old Bridge Library; June 15, Tri-County Fair; June 24 and Aug. 12, Red Bank Dog Days; July, 29, Bradley Beach Gazebo; Aug. 24, Canal Day; Sept. 14, Clearwater Festival; Oct. 5, Matawan Day; Oct. 20, Red Bank Crop Walk, and Oct. 26, Café Improv, Princeton.
Avenel Performing Arts Center have posted a downloadable brochure that features their inaugural season in detail. The season will open April 10 with "Dixie's Tupperware Party," a hysterical comedy about a drag queen who literally sells Tupperware to the audience. The arts center schedule also will include: BariToned, featuring Joe Hager, Edward Miskie and Kyle Hines, and “I Hate Men – The Tough Broads & Loose Women of Musical Theatre,” April 24 and 25 and June 20 and 21; “Girls Night: The Musical,” April 26 to 28; the a cappella rock of FACE, May 2, 4 and 5; Matt Wolfe and Lainie Munro, May 3; Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, May 8 to 12; “The Italian Chicks,” featuring Maryann “Boom Bom” Maisano, Mary Dimino, Regina DeCicco, Gina Scarda and Tar Cannistraci, May 14, 15, 28 and 29; Kaki King, May 16 and 17; juggler Charles Peachock, May 18; “Will Martin Sings Dean Martin,” May 19 and 22; “Husky Panda” featuring Mike Delamont, May 23 to 26; “Housewives of Secaucus: A Suburban Travesty,” May 30 to June 2; mentalist-illusionist Wayne Hoffman, June 5 to 9; Penny Arcade, June 11 and 12; Alexandra Silber, June 13 and 14; Constantine Maroulis, June 15; “Comedy Night” with Johnny Lampert, James Goff and Andy Pitz, June 16; Hypnotist Dale K, June 18 and 19; “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical,” June 22; Jeremy Stolle, June 23; “Simply Streisand” featuring Carla Del Villaggio, June 25 and 26, and “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” June 27 to 30 and July 2, 3 and 5. The theater is at 150 Avenel St., but while still under construction, tickets are available at a temporary box office at 101 Main St. Tickets also can be obtained at boxoffice@avenelarts.com, 732-314-0500 and avenelarts.com/box-office/.
Ska-punk band Joker's Republic just released a cover of The Offspring's “The Kids Aren't Alright" to promote the release of a forthcoming full-length album Falling Behind, which will be reviewed here April 25. The track was produced concurrently with the album by Weilhouse Productions’ Ryan Weil (Backyard Superheroes, P-Funk North, Experiment 34) and was mastered by David Irish at Pot Of Gold Recording. Joker’s Republic will celebrate the release on April 27 at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch with Mephiskapheles, Backyard Superheroes and The Schwam.
Brooklyn indie rockers, Pink Mexico, just dumped their third LP, Dump, on Asbury Park-based Little Dickman Records. Described as Nirvana if they went through a surf-rock phase, Dump is a dark, psychotic, psychedelic journey somewhere between the affliction and addiction of disappointment. Pink Mexico will embark on a national tour in support of the effort that will bring them April 2 to The Saint with Shut Up and The Red Room. Other area tour dates include April 1, Trans Pecos, Brooklyn; April 3, Chameleon Club, Lancaster, Pa.; April 4, Slash Run, Washington, D.C.; April 5, Metro Gallery, Baltimore, with Teen Mortgage. Pink Mexico then will head from Richmond to Austin to Ohio with several stops in between.
Italian surf-rocker Surfer Joe U.S. Tour will include three area dates with Asbury Park-based Black Flamingos. PHOTO COURTESY OF HI-TIDE RECORDS
Asbury Park-based Hi-Tide Records are bringing their paisan, Surfer Joe, back over from Italy for shows March 30 at Asbury Park Yacht club; April 4 at Otto’s Shrunken Head, New York City, and April 7, Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse, Dunellen. Opening that show will be Jersey Shore surf-rock trio Lost Culture. Surfer Joe is touring in support of his latest record, Swell of Dwell. The Dionysus Records release showcases the traditional surf style ala the late, great Dick Dale.
Speaking of Lost Culture, the surf-rock trio are mixing a new EP that should be available relatively soon as a follow-up to last year’s six-song self-titled debut. In addition to Roxy & Duke’s, you also can hear them play both the new and the older tunes live on April 4 at Little Buddy Hideaway in Asbury Park with two bands from Baltimore, The Flying Faders and The Bali Lamas, and April 13 at The Chubby Pickle in Highlands with Judo Chop and DJ Devil Bat.
The Campfire Flies will celebrate the release of their acclaimed new album, Sparks Like Little Stars, March 31 at Fox and Crow in Jersey City with performances by DaveWeckerman of The Feelies. Acclaimed Hoboken writer Jack Silbert will serve as emcee. The songwriter’s dream sextet bring together some of New Jersey’s most acclaimed indie rockers: John and Toni Baumgartner and Ed Seifert of Speed The Plough, Deena Shoshkes and Jon Fried of The Cucumbers, and Matt Davis of The Thousand Pities. Each songwriter comes to the group with a long, rich history and collection of songs. Each had songs that never quite fit into their existing bands or saw their way into the world in just the right fashion, so here many of them are on Sparks. The Campfire Flies also will play June 8 at Outpost in the Burbs with singer-songwriter Amy Rigby.
Congrats to Karen Mansfield who has several of her songs from her album Thistle & Boon featured in the LGBT-friendly film Ripples of Water, which will premiere March 30 at gFlix Philadelphia Film Festival at Plays and Players Theater. Thistle & Boon was released last year to great acclaim. Ripples of Water is a love story about a gay couple that evolved out of a one-act play, which, in turn, evolved out of a monologue, both by A.J. Ciccotelli.
On his debut EP, I Quit College, young North Jersey rapper Loudy Brown takes an eclectic, refreshing approach to his music, which has been compared to Travis Scott, Trippie Redd, YFN Lucci and Meek Mill. A video is in the works, along with a follow-up recording project. See him live March 31 at The Saint and April 11 at Paper Box in Brooklyn.
Monmouth University in West Long Branch will hold its annual Rock ‘N Raise concert on April 5 to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Idle Wave, Oso Oso, Well Wisher and Sonic Blume will perform. The event, which is broadcast and streamed via the university’s television station, raises about $4,000. This year, it may raise a wee more because Idle Wave said they are donating sales of brand-new T-shirts.
Ernie Pulchny, the man behind the Ernieisokcool concert promotion, is dedicated to the local music scene. To celebrate that, as well as the anniversary of his first show, Erniefest will feature 15 bands on April 6 at Cianfano's in Elizabeth. Performers once again will be Idle Wave, plus This Year’s Comeback, Career Opportunities, Travelers of an Empty Mind, Back from Nothing, Entierralos, VX, Fuzzy Britches, Out of It, Freedom Town, Machines, Never Forget, Dumpweed, Nightmare in Wonderland, Nothing Like Tomorrow and EGG. All for only five bucks.
Here’s an update about the 2019 Makin Waves Concert Series. The Aquarian Weekly, Brighton Bar, Happy Mondays, Light of Day Foundation, Reg Santana Presents, Tito’s Vodka, and Wave Resort will present Makin Waves Festival May 17 to 19 at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch and May 20 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. In celebration of Makin Waves’ 31st anniversary, the fun will kick off May 17 with The Cryptkeeper Five, The Carousers, The Mighty John Caseys and Christine Mitchell. On May 18, Defiance Engine, Solace, Full on Empty, 19DRT, The X-men, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, The Ribeye Brothers, Tom Kanach, and Ezra Caspi will take the Brighton stage on behalf of Makin Waves.
The Third Annual Makin Waves Jam ‘n’ Groove Fest on May 19 will pay tribute to the 50th anniversaries of The Allman Brothers Band, The Meters and Little Feat with Secret Sound feat. Sal & Gene from Colossal Street Jam, plus Dogs in a Pile, Dark City Strings, The Inflatable Head, Fungkshui, Ten Foot Tall, Mike Montrey Band and Green Planet Band. In addition to their own materials they will be play such iconic tunes as “Statesboro Blues,” “Melissa,” “Hey Pocky Way,” “Spanish Moon,” “Done Somebody Wrong,” “Jessica,” “Cissy Strut,” “Skin It Back,” “One Way Out,” “Africa,” “Dixie Chicken,” “Elizabeth Reed,” “Ramblin’ Man,” “Time Loves a Hero,” “Hot’lanta,” “Just Kissed My Baby,” and “Whipping Post.” Makin Waves and the Brighton Bar would love to record the tribute songs and release them as a charitable album on Bandcamp to benefit a local environmental group. Anyone who would be willing to donate their time and equipment to record the songs can call 732-998-9339 or email makinwaves64@yahoo.com.
At the Brighton, Makin Waves Fest also will feature Tito’s Vodka drink specials, gourmet sliders from the Outslider food truck, chair massages, and promotional giveaways. Admission is $5 on May 17 and $10 on May 18 and 19. The Brighton shows are 18 and up.
On May 20, Makin Waves Fest will conclude when Happy Mondays presents Des & the Swagmatics, Taylor Tote Band and Nalani & Sarina in a free 21-and-up show that also will feature drink specials and promotional giveaways. Additional Makin Waves Fest sponsors are Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, AsburyMusic.com, Blowup Radio, Massage by Design, New Jersey Stage, The Outslider, The Pop Break, Radio Jersey, Rock on Radio and the Wonder Bar.
On Sept. 28, Makin Waves and Red Pants Productions will present “A 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Beatles’ Abbey Road” at Asbury Lanes featuring a performance of the iconic album from top to bottom by the Asbury All Star Abbey Road Band. The band will be directed by Brian Erickson of The Extensions, OneMore with Brian Erickson and Red Pants, and will feature members of Levy & the Oaks, Des & the Swagmatics, The Foes of Fern, The Vaughns, Dave Mooney & Viewers Like You and The Paper Jets. The bill will include Levy & the Oaks, Des & the Swagmatics and The Foes of Fern. Sponsors are The Aquarian Weekly, AsburyMusic.com, Asbury Park Music Foundation, Holdfast Records, MOGO Taco, New Jersey Stage, OneMore with Brian Erickson, Radio Jersey and Telegraph Hill Records. Tickets for the 16-and-up show are $12, $15 at the door. From each ticket, $2 will go to Asbury Park Music Foundation’s music education programs for at-risk inner-city youth, as will funds raised from their T-shirt sales and a silent auction for a $200 Beatles gift basket that will include Abbey Road memorabilia and a $50 Holdfast Records gift certificate.
A regional tour of groove and rap acts produced in conjunction with Garden State Hip Hop, the Rock-it Docket, Dadager Entertainment and more will feature Switch Mob, Green Knuckle Material, Chris Rockwell Collective, The Band Called FUSE, DBM, Mista Encore, Black Suburbia Music Group and others July 11 to 22 at FM Bar, Jersey City; Blackthorn, New Brunswick; Happy Mondays and other venues to be announced. Makin Waves will present mixed rap ‘n’ rock bills on Oct. 4 in Asbury Park and Oct. 5 in Jersey City with Experiment 34, Chris Rockwell, Chris Brown and more acts to be announced. And Tallie Fest, a female-empowerment festival in tribute to Tillie’s overlooked GF will take over Asbury Park and New Hope from Nov. 15 to 17 in conjunction with Brittney on Fire, Red Pants Productions and others. The festival is Makin Waves’ third annual benefit for Food for Thought, which provides free Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the hungry and the homeless, largely single mothers and their children. The benefit’s first two years raised nearly $3,000. Stay tuned for more details.
Bob Makin is the reporter for MyCentralJersey.com/entertainment and a former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him at makinwaves64@yahoo.com. And like Makin Waves at www.facebook.com/makinwavescolumn.
