By Bob Makin
originally published: 07/08/2022
Having charted at No. 87 on the UK iTune Rock Charts, Dave Vargo’s “Empty Space” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE VARGO
Beloved Asbury Park singer-songwriter Dave Vargo recently infiltrated the United Kingdom iTune Rock Chart with the achingly, hauntingly powerful “Empty Space” from his acclaimed third independent album, “Crooked Miles.”
While not quite as great an honor as charting across the pond, “Empty Space” also is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Empty Space” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on July 8 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you also can tune in any time at The Penguin or Mixcloud.
“‘Empty Space’ made it to No. 87 on the UK iTunes Rock chart!” Dave posted on Facebook. “I’m humbled, mystified, honored.”
“Empty Space” is not the first song by Dave to hit that chart.
In his most recent newsletter, he explained, “‘Crooked Miles’ has had three songs break 100 on the UK iTunes Rock Chart … ‘Half Bad’ No. 69 and ‘Nobody's Fault’ No. 41. Very unexpected but extremely appreciated! Radio play has been picking up across the country too.”
The first single from “Crooked Miles” released last summer, “Half Bad,” also was a Makin Waves Song of the Week, as was the second single, “Fault Lines,” in October and the impressive track “Heads and Hearts” upon the release of the album in May.
Dave will make his debut at White Chapel Projects in Long Branch on July 8. In addition to his tasty tunes, the evening will include yummy craft beers and the delicious talent of co-owner Marilyn Schlossbach, the culinary queen of Asbury’s Langosta Lounge.
Always a mover and shaker on his own and as a board member of the invaluable charitable efforts of Musicians on a Mission and Asbury Park Porchfest, Dave has been producing a second Facebook Live stream in the wake of the success of his free weekly “2forTuesday” jam featuring a special guest. However, the monthly “Not Quite Nashville” is a paid event both on FB and live in person at the beautiful Calgo Gardens in Freehold. Next up on Aug. 6, the mic will be shared with Brooklyn songstress Carolann Solebello.
“It’s sort of like the Tuesday shows except both songwriters are performing from the same place and trading songs,” Dave said. “Performers are typically local unless I can grab someone who is passing through on tour. I typically do them while the weather permits so probably until October. I haven't found an inside venue to use yet.”
Meanwhile, “2forTuesday” will continue at 7:30 pm with fellow Asbury tunesmith Colton Kayser, July 12; Jersey Shore beauty Gwynne Alden, July 19; Jersey native Phil Swanson, July 26; Asbury soul-folk great Arlan Feiles, Aug. 2, and British-born, NYC-based troubadour James Maddock, Aug. 9.
Other shows coming up for Dave include July 29, Tulip Tree Cafe, Freehold, and Aug. 5, The Soundbooth at The Asbury with The Cucumbers and Framing Dakota.
For more, visit www.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
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
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.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
