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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

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue

Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue

(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!

bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Kinderhook

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Jeffrey Gaines

Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Deadgrass

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


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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