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By Bob Makin

originally published: 03/17/2023 

Project 18, a local supergroup led by Dave Vargo, once again is the Makin Waves Song of the Week with their tune “You’re My Life” from their EP, “Pomona.” 

You can’t really wrong when your band consists of local favorites Dave Vargo on lead vocals and guitar, Jonathan Tea on lead vocals and keyboards, Arlan Feiles on organ, Dan Haase on bass, Kim Boyko on backing vocals, and Tim Pannella behind the drums, as well as the recording console. And that is the case with Project 18 and their EP, “Pomona.”

On behalf of newly recorded songwriters Jay Weiner and Scott Rubine, Dave organized the band and produced “Pomona” with Tim, the drummer, engineer and co-producer of his three solo LPs. The heartfelt track “You’re My Life” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “You’re My Life” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 17 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.

A studio-only project, the local supergroup doesn’t play out, but members are busy performing their own material or working with others. 

 

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The 2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year, Dave Vargo can be enjoyed March 17 at The Asbury hotel, Asbury Park, with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low and Sam Houseal Band; March 19, Pattenburg House, Asbury (Hunterdon County), with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low, and April 21, John & Peter’s, New Hope, with Mike Montrey Band. Dave’s weekly “2forTuesday” show on Facebook Live featuring him performing with a guest continues March 21 with Stella Mrowicki, March 28 with Mike Montali, and April 4 with a special third anniversary show. 

Multi-talented Arlan Feiles will play March 17 at Independence Brewing Co. in Austin as part of SXSW; April 8, Asbury Ocean Club; Asbury Park, and April 14 at Mesa Music Festival in Arizona. He expects to tour Europe again in the fall. 

Dan Haase is the bassist in Rachel Ana Dobken’s band, who currently are gigging throughout Austin for SXSW. He also plays with the cover band We Will Be Fine who frequently plays at the MJ’s restaurant chain throughout Central Jersey. 

Jonathan Tea, who will be releasing a solo single within the next couple of months, is the keyboardist and a vocalist in the country-rock band Hooper, the 2022 Makin Waves Best New Artist Award winner.  In support of their latest single, “Shot Down,” they will play May 7 at White Chapel Projects, Long Branch, and May 18, St. Laurent, Asbury Park. 

Tim Pannella, whose credits include The Front Bottoms, The Bouncing Souls, Brian Fallon, and The Parlor Mob, is always busy in his Central Jersey studio. Find out more at https://soundbetter.com/profiles/181100-tim-pannella. 

Visit Kim Boyko at https://instagram.com/kimboykomusic for upcoming activity. 

For more about 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.