By Bob Makin
originally published: 03/14/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week, “On the Way There,” is the first single from Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Redbird’s forthcoming debut album,“Breaking Through,” the cover of which is pictured. PHOTO BY CHRISSY MARRONE
The first single from Jersey Shore roots-rock singer-songwriter Redbird’s forthcoming debut album is a tribute to a dearly departed band mate.
“On the Way There” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “On the Way There” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 14 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“This is by far the most emotional track on the entire album,” said Redbird, aka Danielle Marrone. “I wrote this song for one of my best friends, mentor and former band mates Steve Addeo, who we lost to suicide in 2002. For many years I suffered with guilt, always asking questions that had no answers. Pouring my grief into this song is one of the ways I dealt with it.
“I borrowed the title from one of Steve's lyrics,” she continued. “I keep it close and wear it on my skin in his handwriting. It is a constant reminder that there is always another way.”
Redbird played Steve’s Strat for the track, as well as acoustic guitar.
She was joined by Mick Chorba and Rob Martin of The Successful Failures respectively on bass and drums, while Greg McGarvey played electric and slide guitar. “Amazing” is how she described her studio band.
“Playing Steve's old Strat on this track was kind of a full circle way of remembrance,” she said. “Somehow Greg created this soul-wrenching layer to the song and poured the pure raw emotion I could only think of into notes. The only direction I gave him was ‘make it dirty.’”
This week, Redbird released her second single, “Undertow,” which she wrote with beloved singer-songwriter-guitarist Dave Vargo. The tune is a love letter to her home away from home, Asbury Park, where she recently played at Georgie’s Bar and Transparent Clinch Gallery.
Redbird will celebrate the release of “Breaking Through” on April 12 at Garden State Distillery. She also will play March 15 at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar, Ship Bottom; March 20, Al’s Airport Inn, Ewing; March 22, Portside Bar & Liquors, Port Monmouth; Match 26, The Bees Knees, Cape May; March 29, Blue Moon, South Amboy, with Greg McGarvey, and March 30, The Starving Artist, Stockton.
Redbird also often plays as a duo with Raven, aka Chrissy Marrone, Danielle’s wife. They go by the name Redbird & Raven. Chrissy also shot the photos for “Breaking Through” and the “Undertow” single.
For more about Redbird, visit redbirdflyingsolo.com.
When Danielle isn’t busy as Redbird, she serves on the board of the Pinelands Cultural Society, the nonprofit that runs Waretown’s fabled Albert Music Hall, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year with Danielle as president. This year, PCS is celebrating its 50th with a big anniversary show on April 26 at Albert Music Hall.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
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.
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 13-19, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 13-19, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
MORE NEWS
UCPAC presents Lez Zeppelin: The Song Remains The Same 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 21st
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- In honor of the 50th anniversary of the release of The Song Remains the Same, internationally acclaimed Lez Zeppelin — the all-female quartet known for delivering the most powerful and authentic Led Zeppelin experience and the only band personally endorsed by Jimmy Page himself — returns to Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) with a special concert celebrating the iconic 1976 film and its legendary soundtrack! The concert takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents the Matt O'Ree Band on January 23rd
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview
North Jersey Blues Society presents NJBS Showcase Series: Women in Blues on March 8th
UPCOMING SHOWS
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.
The Newton Theatre presents Queensrÿche
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Crys Matthews
Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young
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