NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS
By Bob Makin

originally published: 02/03/2023

Project 18, featuring Monmouth County-based singer-songwriter Dave Vargo, has released a four-song EP, the opener of which, “In the Night,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

Monmouth County singer-songwriter Dave Vargo has followed up his impressive third LP, “Crooked Miles,” with a new all-star outfit called Project 18. 

Their strong debut EP, “Pomona,” opens with “In the Night,” a powerfully pretty lament of regret-filled sleep-depriving loneliness that is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “In the Night” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.

All four of the songs on “Pomona” were written by Jay Weiner and Scott Rubine, newcomers to the New Jersey music who enlisted Vargo to make their musical dreams a reality. To do so, Dave called upon his frequent producer-engineer-drummer Tim Pannella to co-produce the EP, lay down its drum tracks, and provide engineering and mastering skills. Together they assembled the crackerjack band of bassist Dan Haase, backing vocalist Kim Boyko, organist Arlan Feiles, and singer-songwriter Jonathan Tea, who sang lead and played keys on “Lucky Charm.”

 

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Project 18 has no plans to play out, but you can catch Dave live Feb. 18 opening for Ash & Eric at More Barn Studios, Stockton, as well as weekly on his “2forTuesdays” show at 7:30 pm on Facebook. Upcoming guests include Joel Shewmake, Feb. 7; The Black Ties, Feb. 14; Joseph Alton Miller, Feb.  21, and Anthony D’Amato, Feb. 28.

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

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com. 

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

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