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.
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.
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
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
