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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

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Mary Fahl

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Stray Cats

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Wilma

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
Morristown, NJ


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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