By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/10/2021
Veteran indie-rocking singer-songwriter Tom Kanach and his crackerjack band — bassist-producer-engineer Joe Rowley, drummer Steve Buzbee, and guitarists Pete Wood and Johnny Rao are the Makin Waves Song of the Week with the new single “If.” PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM KANACH
The loss of COVID has been devastating to families who just want to spend a little time together, especially during the holidays.
But some good as come out of the bad, including the new Tom Kanach single, “If,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week, the video for which makes its media premiere here:
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “If” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com.
“‘If’ is a song about loss,” Tom said. “My Dad died of COVID, and although we loved each other, we had a complex relationship. I was thinking about how I wish things could've been different, and I wrote ‘If.’”
The powerfully forlorn Lennonesque jangle ‘n’ funk tune is one of several the prolific band will premiere live on Dec. 11 at The Saint in Asbury Park in anticipation of a forthcoming album, Tom’s fourth since 2017.
The Saint gig also is the debut of new guitarist Johnny Rao (Sylvain Sylvain, David Johansen) as a full member of a band that includes bassist-producer-engineer Joe Rowley, drummer Steve Buzbee, and guitarist Pete Wood (Dramarama).
Last time the band played The Saint on Aug. 14, they were joined on stage for a blistering set of old punk nuggets by Jersey-raised music industry legend Matt Pinfield. Here’s what Matt had to say about the band after that show:
“New Jersey has always been a hotbed for some of the greatest musical talent that this country has to offer. From the Four Seasons to Springsteen to My Chemical Romance, some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll of all time was born in the Garden State.
“This brings me to one of my favorite new bands from my old stomping grounds, the Tom Kanach Band. I knew Tom’s talent from one of his first bands that I supported, Well Of Souls, who were a powerful fixture on the Jersey Shore. But it is his new band that has gotten me excited about the Jersey scene once again.
“Tom’s love for all things music led to early brushes with greatness on the international punk scene, where he forged lasting friendships with the legendary Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys, and Brian James of the Damned and Lords Of The New Church. Those early longterm relationships connect the dots to Tom’s current band, as the great guitarist from Dramarama, Peter Wood, is now in both bands. Speaking of East Coast legends, the latest addition to the group is later New York Dolls/original David Johansen lead guitarist Johnny Rao, who brings his undeniable rock swagger to the band and their incredible live performances. Tom’s right hand is the super talented bassist/co-writer/producer/engineer Joe Rowley, who has been a mainstay on the Jersey scene working with many artists in all those capacities. The lineup is rounded out by rock-solid drummer and percussionist Steve Buzbee, who used to play with former members of UK band The Wonder Stuff and has been a fixture on the NJ/NYC music scene.
“Tom’s songs come from an honest place, which inspires, and is evident in, the narrative of his lyrics about navigating life changes -- emotional, romantic, missteps — and digging down for his and the listener’s own personal strength. I suggest checking out his songs, EPs and creative video vision any way and anywhere you consume and enjoy music that moves you. And make sure to see the band live as well. The Tom Kanach Band will connect with you -- if you give them the chance.”
Unlike the previous sold-out Saint show, it hasn’t been announced whether Matt will make another appearance on Dec. 11. But joining them once again will be his old pals from New Brunswick’s Melody Bar: DJs Pete Santiago and Ed Wong. Also sharing the stage will be New Brunswick indie stalwarts The Fletchers.
For tickets and more info about Tom Kanach Band, visit www.tomkanach.com/shows.
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.
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.
