(CARTERET, NJ) -- New Jersey Hall of Fame members The Smithereens – Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, and Mike Mesaros – will perform at the Official Grand Opening of the brand new Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center. Also billed as their Homecoming, the concert takes place on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 8:00pm. Joining the band will be special guest vocalists Robin Wilson (of the Gin Blossoms) and Marshall Crenshaw. This marks the first time both will be splitting vocal duties with the band for an entire show. NJ Gov. Phil Murphy will be cutting the ribbon earlier in the day, officially kicking off the festivities.
The Smithereens’ renowned live shows and radio hits channel the essence of joy and heartbreak into hook-laden, three minute, pop songs, infused with a lifelong passion for rock ‘n’ roll! Founded in New Jersey in 1980, Jim Babjak (guitar,) Dennis Diken (drums,) and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret, and singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The Smithereens’ take no prisoners sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2500+ live shows. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Kurt Cobain, who counted The Smithereens as a major influence on Nirvana.
With the 2017 passing of Pat DiNizio, the surviving members decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy, using guest vocalists including Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms and Marshall Crenshaw. In 2019, The Smithereens were honored by the Grammy Museum/Newark and featured in the New Jersey Legends exhibit, and days later, were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, in the Performing Arts category.
Located in the center of the Arts District (46 Washington Avenue), the new Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center. serves as a destination for the performing arts, educational events, live entertainment, and community engagement. Situated on the site of the former Ritz Theatre, the venue itself is a multi-level, flexible space that boasts a main floor concert/comedy/entertainment space with theatre seating, a lower level comedy/jazz club with piano lounge, and a rooftop lounge.