New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

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




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info






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

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Rhett is a revered singer-songwriter known for his more than three decades fronting the popular rock band Old 97's who were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Americana Awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to CarteretPAC on April 25th

Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to CarteretPAC on April 25th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm.
The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE

The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE

(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Shea Center for Performing Arts. In the long rich history of Family Groups in American Roots Music, this family has a special place. When these singers, songwriters and extraordinary live performers come together, magic happens. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Sold-Out Cabaret Returns: The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret Comes to Lincroft on April 25th

Sold-Out Cabaret Returns: The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret Comes to Lincroft on April 25th

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- After selling out 200 seats in just days, The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret returns for a special encore performance Saturday, April 25, 2026 at The Earth Room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County. Created and performed by PJ Casbar and Tom McCormack, the show blends original music, musical-theater favorites, and modern pop into a character-driven cabaret evening that moves between humor, storytelling, and moments of theatrical surprise. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Newton Theatre presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin - 55/50 TOUR

The Newton Theatre presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin - 55/50 TOUR

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin brings its 55/50 TOUR to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. The tour celebrates two groundbreaking albums - the 55th anniversary of Led Zeppelin IV and the 50th anniversary of Presence. This tour promises an unforgettable journey through the soundscapes that have influenced generations and continue to inspire.
João Bosco Quartet - 80th Birthday Celebration of Brazilian Music Legend João Bosco to take place at McCarter Theatre on April 25th

João Bosco Quartet - 80th Birthday Celebration of Brazilian Music Legend João Bosco to take place at McCarter Theatre on April 25th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the João Bosco Quartet in a special performance celebrating the legendary Brazilian artist's 80th birthday and more than five decades of groundbreaking music-making on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30pm. Presented in association with Brazil LAB, this performance celebrates João Bosco’s extraordinary career.
Albert Music Hall presents a Modern Country Music Show on Saturday

Albert Music Hall presents a Modern Country Music Show on Saturday

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On any given night at Albert Music Hall, audiences are more likely to hear early honky-tonk or the songs of Johnny Cash than the modern country sounds of artists like Luke Combs or Miranda Lambert. That will change on Saturday, April 25, 2026, when the Hall leans into the modern era with a special show dedicated to new country music.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada to close Kean Stage

Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada to close Kean Stage's 2025-2026 season

(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- An Evening with Eva Noblezada will close Kean Stage's 2025-2026 season on Sunday, April 26 at Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside. The two-time Tony Award nominee brings a set list full of class, quirkiness and heartbreak as she takes you on her personal journey of discovering a deep love for music and theatre. Enjoy songs from classic musicals that take you back in time, and pop hits reimagined as if they were set in a sexy smoky speakeasy. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Jazz Vespers Service at Burlington Quaker Meeting House to Feature Internationally Acclaimed Musicians Diane Monroe and Tony Miceli

Jazz Vespers Service at Burlington Quaker Meeting House to Feature Internationally Acclaimed Musicians Diane Monroe and Tony Miceli

(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- The historic Burlington Quaker Meeting House will come alive with the sound of jazz on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as internationally acclaimed violinist Diane Monroe and South Jersey native vibraphonist Tony Miceli headline a special Joyful Noise Jazz Vespers Service blending music, reflection, and community. Showtime is 3:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS








 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info