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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

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Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.

Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.

bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday

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(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.
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(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone. 

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(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.

The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).
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(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


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Wednesday, August 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Morristown, NJ


Dead On Live – Bob Weir Tribute

Thursday, August 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
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Mi Gente Live - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
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Buddy Guy

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
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Kat Riggins And Her Blues Revival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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