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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

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.

Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday

(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


"The Antoinette Montague Experience: Here's to the Ladies Who Swing and Bling" as part of North to Shore

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Erin Harpe Blues Duo

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


James Gedeon - Performing The Music of James Taylor

Friday, June 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


EagleMania

Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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