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PHOTOS from The Wag's Halloween Spectacular at The Strand

By John Posada

originally published: 10/31/2023

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag presented their Halloween Spectacular shows across the Garden State in October with performances at The Landis Theater in Vineland on October 20th and The Strand Theater in Lakewood on October 28th.  Photographer John Posada was on hand at the latter show to take photos.

The annual show includes Halloween-themed songs plus dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, along with a few of the band's original songs. Most of all, the show is fun for everyone.

The Wag is a band from the Bayshore area of New Jersey that mixes a love for the British Invasion bands of the sixties with a Jersey Shore vibe. This year marks their 25th as a band, a truly remarkable feat. The band includes Brian Ostering (Bass and vocals), Alicia Van Sant (Keyboards, vocals, percussion, some flute, occasional guitar), Don Lee (Guitar and vocals), and Joshua Van Ness (Drums, percussion, guitar and vocals).

In February, New Jersey Stage spoke with Brian Ostering about the band's 25th anniversary and their latest album, Blue Bottles and Copper Coins. You can read that interview here.

If holiday tunes are more of your thing, The Wag will be back at The Strand with their Christmas Spectacular show on Saturday, December 9th. It's a fun show steeped in the traditions of the holiday tv shows we've  all grown up with.  In addition to having dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, the show includes a look at holiday songs and sketches from places like Ireland, Germany, Spain, and more. For more info or tickets, click hereThe Christmas Spectacular will also take place at the Middletown Arts Center on Saturday, December 16th as a benefit for the Monmouth County SPCA.  For more info or tickets about that show, click here.




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You can find The Wag performing at area festivals, in bars, theaters, coffeehouses, and libraries throughout the state. In addition to performing locally, the band has a couple of shows in Maine and Vermont in November and has taken part in regional and international tours, including England, Canada, and Japan. They will be back at the Landis Theater for a show on Saturday, December 23rd.

Here are more photos from the show.

About the author:

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.





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EVENT PREVIEWS

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club

Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th

(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th

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.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

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.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

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

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

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.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Michael Allman Band - Matinee Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Michael Allman Band - Evening Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Joe Jackson + Band

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Chris O'Leary Band

Thursday, July 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ



 

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