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




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! 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

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. This is a unique experience that puts the audience in control.
MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Popular entertainer Tony Danza brings his Standards and Stories concert to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
State Theatre New Jersey presents

State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'N Roll Revival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm. The evening features performances by Jay and the Americans, The Grass Roots, The Lovin' Spoonful, and The Brooklyn Bridge.
Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Actor, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi will blend comedy, storytelling and jazz for a performance at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

(WASHINGTON, NJ) -- With country music and line dancing kicking all day, it'll be a family friendly fun-filled day of dancing, dancing and more dancing when Washington (Warren County) hosts Boots in the Borough on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The free event, which will take place in Downtown Washington from 11:00am to 7:00pm, is the first of its kind in the region.
Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing (FSVH) will host its annual Rock the Foundation benefit concert at the Westfield Armory from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. This signature event brings together music, community, and purpose to support veterans in need of safe, stable housing.
Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. They are the most authentic British Invasion experience this  side of the Atlantic.  Limited tickets remain.
Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

(VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis Rock Fest 2026 takes place Saturday, April 18th at The Landis Theater in Vineland. Get ready for a full night of original music, hard-hitting rock, and nonstop energy. Showtime is 7:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS








 

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