The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

White Eagle Hall hosts Jersey Fest on May 17th

originally published: 05/01/2025


(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey Fest, presented by Radio Garden State and Greetings From the Garden State, will shine a spotlight on the state's homegrown talent and flavors at White Eagle Hall on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The lineup features Connor Bracken & The Mother Leeds, Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones, and Reality Suite. It will be a night celebrating New Jersey's music, food, and community spirit — all while giving back.

Alongside the music, fans can feast on legendary Jersey eats from Rutt’s Hut and Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Too, plus enjoy a curated bar featuring local beers and spirits.

In true Jersey Fest spirit, it’s not just about the party — a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Jetty Rock Foundation, supporting coastal sustainability and community projects across the region.

“Jersey Fest is our love letter to the Garden State — it’s where music, food, and local pride come together,” says Mike Ham, founder of Radio Garden State. “We’re thrilled to team up with amazing partners and give back to the Jetty Rock Foundation.”

Tickets are available for purchase online. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm. White Eagle Hall is located at 337 Newark Ave in Jersey City, New Jersey. VIP ticketed guests will get something extra special — free tastings from acclaimed Chef Jamie Knott of Cellar 335, adding a gourmet touch to the night.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



A LOOK AT THE BANDS

Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band play Rock and Roll music and are based in Asbury Park. Guitarist Connor Bracken fronts the band that includes drummer Rich Seyffart, bassist TJ Haefner and guitarist Dee Dimeola.

Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones are a Jersey Shore-based Americana band, quickly creating a name for themselves in the folk music scene. Led by songwriter and front woman Emerson Woolf, the songs are often as playful and energetic as they are thoughtful and deeply personal. The Wishbones are comprised of Jason Portizo (multi-instrumentalist), Jen Lopes (lead guitar), and brothers Jacob Moore (bass) and Zack Moore (drums).

Reality Suite was formed in North Haledon by childhood friends Brian King (drums,) Antonio Valenti (bass,) and Joe Padula (guitars) – their ambitions have been to produce heavy, melodic rock. After several male and female vocalists, Kimmii Heart joined in 2013 establishing the definitive line-up known today worldwide.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make This World Stand Still" by Lisa Bouchelle feat. Amanda Shires

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Make This World Stand Still" from Trenton-bred roots/country songstress Lisa Bouchelle's forthcoming album, "Vandals, Thieves & Lovers."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 04/09/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 7-13, 2026




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 4/6/26





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Billy Ocean at Kean Stage on April 2, 2026.


Rolling Blackout releases "Fools Gold"




The Certs releases new single "Just For Show"




SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox




Vivid Stage presents Old Friends: A Cabaret with Charles Thomas






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


Bassist Martin Wind Adds Piano to His Gravity Trio for Area Performances




State Theatre presents Graham Nash in April




Outpost in the Burbs and Montclair Film presents the Music of John Prine: Film and Concert






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates