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The Weeklings Look Towards Abbey Road And Need Your Help

By Gary Wien

originally published: 04/19/2016


One of the most intriguing bands in New Jersey to debut in recent years is one that looks to the past for its future.  Known as The Weeklings, the band plays Beatles-inspired music that comes from actual songs written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison (but never released by the band) along with their own original songs written in the Beatlesque style. The result is something new that feels like you've known it all along.  The band is getting ready to record their second album - one which will take the Beatles sound to a new level with the recording done in Abbey Road Studios.

The Weeklings consist of Glen Burtnik, Bob Burger, John Merjave, and Joe Bellia.  The four are otherwise known as Lefty Weekling, Zeek Weekling, Rocky Weekling, and Smokestack Weekling.  For years, they have played together during Glen's special Beatles shows which performed entire albums note for note or his 60s shows.  They've been headlining venues throughout the country as well as performing at The Fest For Beatles Fans.  In other words, they've got the chemistry, the experience, and the reputation among the Beatles community to take this far.  Now they're hoping fans can help them reach that goal.

They've set up a GoFundMe campaign to help defray the costs of bringing everyone to London.  They've got two days of studio time already booked for June 8-9.  There they will be recording their next album with vintage 60s equipment in the same room where The Beatles cut their albums.  The entire album will be recorded live, the old school way.

Rewards range from mp3 downloads of their album ($15) to a t-shirt/autographed LP/mp3 download package ($50) to that package enhanced with a 24x36 vinyl poster of the "Monophonic" album cover mounted and signed by the band and the artist ($100) to a cameo appearance in a Weeklings video ($200) all the way up to 2 hours in the NJ studio and lunch with the band ($500) to dinner with the band for 2 people ($1,500) and even having The Weekling play live in your house or a venue of your choice ($2,500).

For more on the band visit www.weeklings.com




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About the author:

Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


EVENT PREVIEWS

(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday

Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I

Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC

(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.

Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Carole King Celebration with Alice Leon

Saturday, June 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Ben Folds in Concert with New Jersey Symphony

Sunday, June 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


Chicago

Sunday, June 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Arjun

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
Morristown, NJ


"The Antoinette Montague Experience: Here's to the Ladies Who Swing and Bling" as part of North to Shore

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ



 

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