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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "You're My Life" by Project 18 feat. Dave Vargo

By Bob Makin

originally published: 03/17/2023

Project 18, a local supergroup led by Dave Vargo, once again is the Makin Waves Song of the Week with their tune “You’re My Life” from their EP, “Pomona.” 

You can’t really wrong when your band consists of local favorites Dave Vargo on lead vocals and guitar, Jonathan Tea on lead vocals and keyboards, Arlan Feiles on organ, Dan Haase on bass, Kim Boyko on backing vocals, and Tim Pannella behind the drums, as well as the recording console. And that is the case with Project 18 and their EP, “Pomona.”

On behalf of newly recorded songwriters Jay Weiner and Scott Rubine, Dave organized the band and produced “Pomona” with Tim, the drummer, engineer and co-producer of his three solo LPs. The heartfelt track “You’re My Life” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “You’re My Life” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 17 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.

A studio-only project, the local supergroup doesn’t play out, but members are busy performing their own material or working with others. 




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The 2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year, Dave Vargo can be enjoyed March 17 at The Asbury hotel, Asbury Park, with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low and Sam Houseal Band; March 19, Pattenburg House, Asbury (Hunterdon County), with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low, and April 21, John & Peter’s, New Hope, with Mike Montrey Band. Dave’s weekly “2forTuesday” show on Facebook Live featuring him performing with a guest continues March 21 with Stella Mrowicki, March 28 with Mike Montali, and April 4 with a special third anniversary show. 

Multi-talented Arlan Feiles will play March 17 at Independence Brewing Co. in Austin as part of SXSW; April 8, Asbury Ocean Club; Asbury Park, and April 14 at Mesa Music Festival in Arizona. He expects to tour Europe again in the fall. 

Dan Haase is the bassist in Rachel Ana Dobken’s band, who currently are gigging throughout Austin for SXSW. He also plays with the cover band We Will Be Fine who frequently plays at the MJ’s restaurant chain throughout Central Jersey. 

Jonathan Tea, who will be releasing a solo single within the next couple of months, is the keyboardist and a vocalist in the country-rock band Hooper, the 2022 Makin Waves Best New Artist Award winner.  In support of their latest single, “Shot Down,” they will play May 7 at White Chapel Projects, Long Branch, and May 18, St. Laurent, Asbury Park. 

Tim Pannella, whose credits include The Front Bottoms, The Bouncing Souls, Brian Fallon, and The Parlor Mob, is always busy in his Central Jersey studio. Find out more at https://soundbetter.com/profiles/181100-tim-pannella

Visit Kim Boyko at https://instagram.com/kimboykomusic for upcoming activity. 

For more about Project 18, visit https://davevargomusic.com.




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Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Country Icon Trace Adkins in September

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Trace Adkins will bring his 30th Anniversary Tour to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, September 18, 2026, for one night only. The show is part of Adkins' nationwide headline tour celebrating 30 years of chart-topping hits and powerhouse live performances. Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 22nd

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

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(CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour to Play Shows in NY/NJ/PA

Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour to Play Shows in NY/NJ/PA

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Grammy® nominated, platinum-selling artist, Five For Fighting (aka John Ondrasik) will bring his ever popular Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour back out on the road this September and October. There are several shows coming to the local area including two in New Jersey: Sunday, September 20 at The Newton Theatre and Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at The Vogel in Red Bank.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Sunday, September 13, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Lou Antonucci - "You, Me, & Harry" Celebrating The Music of Harry Chapin​

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Will Hoge

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


The Rascals 60th Anniversary Tour

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Trace Adkins

Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ