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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Half Bad" by Dave Vargo

By Bob Makin

originally published: 08/06/2021


Asbury Park singer-songwriter Dave Vargo soon plans to follow his latest single, “Half Bad,” with another tease to his third album due in fall. That will follow the 2016 debut LP, “Burning Through,” and 2019’s “Spaces in Between.” 

In the meantime, folks everywhere should listen to the optimistic COVID era anthem, which is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. 

As the Song of the Week, “Half Bad” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. Aug. 6 on “Radio Jersey” at www.ThePenguinRocks.com and anytime at this permanent link and here.

You also can check out Dave during his weekly 2forTuesday concerts, which he performs at 7 pm with a special guest on Facebook Live. His Aug. 10 guest is Bri & Matty. Other upcoming shows include Aug. 8, Wet Ticket Brewing, Rahway; Aug. 13, Palmer Square, Princeton; Aug. 15, Montclair Brewery; Aug. 17, 2forTuesday with Joanne Calabrese; Aug. 21, Pinelands Brewing, Little Egg Harbor; Aug. 24, 2forTuesday with The dt’s and Aug. 31 with Carol Crittenden. 

Dave also frequently plays for charities, especially those supported by Musicians on a Mission, where he is a board member. For more info, visit https://davevargomusic.com and follow him on Facebook @dvargomusic and Instagram @davevargomusic. 

PHOTO BY KENNY BIEBER  




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Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th

Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.

The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club

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(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th

MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Michael Allman Band - Matinee Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Michael Allman Band - Evening Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Joe Jackson + Band

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


Chris O'Leary Band

Thursday, July 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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