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
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
