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PHOTOS from The Wag's 25th Anniversary and Album Release at The Strand

NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS


By John Posada


originally published: 03/28/2023


PHOTOS from The Wag

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag celebrated the band's 25th anniversary and the release of their latest album, Blue Bottles and Copper Coins, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at The Strand in Lakewood.  Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Based in Monmouth County, The Wag includes Brian Ostering and his wife Alicia Van Sant, Don Lee, and Joshua Van Ness.  Together, they bring a Beatles/60s British Invasion vibe to the Jersey Shore with catchy original songs and covers like the album's first single, "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'".

Special guests for the night included performances by fellow New Jersey artists Lisa Bouchelle and Morningside Lane.

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

In an interview with New Jersey Stage, Brian Ostering explained the album title. "I have this list of album names that I’ve come up with over the years, and Blue Bottles and Copper Coins was on that list.  I always liked how it sounded, and I thought that the meaning behind it was pretty cool.  A long time ago, blue bottles were put outside homes to ward off evil spirits and copper was thought to be used for protection and good luck.  Besides the alliteration of the album name, I also like the meaning behind it.  Ward off the bad with some good luck!"

The complete interview with Brian Ostering can be read here. In addition to talking about the new album, he talks about the history of the band (good times and bad), what it's like to be in a band with his wife, The Wag's special relationship to The Strand venue, and thoughts on heading back to England for the band's first shows there since 2015.



 





When asked what he's most proud of over the last 25 years of the band, Brian said, "I can’t believe it!  It only feels like a few years with Don and Joshua.  It definitely doesn’t feel like 25 years of The Wag!  I’m most proud of the good that we’ve helped contribute to.  I’m proud of the money we helped raise for charities, the food and toys that we’ve helped collect for those in need.  I’m also proud of us for pushing on after tragedy struck.  That wasn’t easy and it’s still a struggle, at times.  I’m also proud to see us playing bigger venues, touring different countries, and still maintaining our humility and gratefulness for everything we achieve.  I’m proud each time we put a smile on someone’s face.  Being in a band is like riding a roller coaster; there are ups and downs, but the overall ride is thrilling!  I truly enjoy it all."

Here are more photos from the night.

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

PHOTOS from The Wag

For more on The Wag, visit their website at www.thewagband.com

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.



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EVENT CALENDAR

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: theatre


Click here for full description

Happy Together 2023

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


Click here for full description

Get the Led Out

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music


Click here for full description

Fran Cosmo - Former Lead Singer of Boston

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: music


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Chucho Valdés & Paquito D'Rivera Reunion

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music


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Jessica Kirson

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)
One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
category: comedy


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August at twenty-two and Stay Behind – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 7:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: film


Click here for full description

The Ledbetters and Superunknown: Tributes to Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam

Friday, June 09, 2023 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


Click here for full description



For more event listings, click here





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