By Bob Makin
originally published: 01/09/2024
A team of ace musicians from the Nashville studio and touring circuit, Southern Accents recreates the music, style, and sound of the late great singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Petty. Whether it be T.P.’s solo material or that which he created with his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, the Heartbreakers, Southern Accents will present their signature immaculate precision and wildly contagious enthusiasm on Jan. 20 at URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $30-$40 and an additional $25 and $29.50 respectively for preferred parking and a pre-show dinner. For show tickets and info, click here.
For more about Southern Accents, click southernaccentsband.com and enjoy the following interview with front man Ronnie Gregg.
How many tour dates do you do a year?
We usually do around 50 to 60 shows a year.
Who’s in the band, what instruments do they play, to which Heartbreaker are they paying tribute, and how did you get together?
Ronnie Gregg, lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Paul Jones, bass; Nick Swan, lead guitar; Tony Mac, drums, and Jeff Hollandsworth, keyboards. We formed the band in 2016 out of mutual love of Tom’s music.
Is Paul Jones a fan of John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin’s bassist?
Paul is a fan of John Paul Jones. We all love Led Zeppelin.
What do you admire most about Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers?
Always loved their style. In my opinion, they were always one of the coolest bands.
Why and how is Tom Petty the greatest rock ‘n’ roll songwriter?
He wrote about life and love unlike any other songwriter I’ve ever heard. He is one of the few artists that makes the hairs on your arm stand up.
Besides Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, what is the greatest musical common ground of the members of Southern Accents?
We just have a certain music chemistry between us that works. I’m very blessed to work with such a talented bunch of guys.
How often do you play in New Jersey?
We have only played New Jersey a few times, mainly in the Vineland area. So we’re totally excited to be coming to a new area of New Jersey.
After Carteret, when will you be back in Jersey and where?
We plan on being back in the New Jersey area hopefully next summer or early fall. We have a date, but unfortunately we can’t announce it just yet.
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
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
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
(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!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
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.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
