This Week in Music:
January 20-26, 2026
originally published: 01/20/2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 20-26, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to [email protected] to have your events considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
FEATURED EVENTS
Friday, January 23 - Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona at State Theatre. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and The Bowery Presents, present Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Friday, January 23 - Lizzie Rose Music Room presents the Matt O'Ree Band. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jersey's own Matt O'Ree Band on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Here's your chance to catch them in an intimate venue before they head off for a long tour of tropical locations.
Saturday, January 24 - Anthony D'Amato to Headline Split Level Concerts Show. (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) — There are few songwriters who have impressed me over the years as much as Anthony D’Amato and I'm excited to see him be the first headliner for Split Level Concerts in 2026. He will be performing at the Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, January 24th with the electrifying Deseree Spinks opening the night.
Saturday, January 24 - State Theatre New Jersey presents DRUM TAO - The Best. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents DRUM TAO - The Best on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7:30pm. DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional "Wadaiko" (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair.
Sunday, January 25 - Middletown Arts Center presents the MAC Music Café: Under the Western Sky. (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents the MAC Music Café: Under the Western Sky on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Saddle up for a great night of music featuring Shotgun Bill Anania, Rick Dill, and Christian Beach. The event is FREE (with a suggested donation of $5).
EVENT PREVIEWS
Thursday, January 22 - NJPAC presents a Spring Season of Jazz. (NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a Spring Season of Jazz with free monthly jazz jams at Clement's Place and two special concert events inside the Victoria Theater. This series, running from September through June, is co-presented by NJPAC's Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University–Newark's Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS). Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners' minds.
Thursday, January 22 - Wellmont Theater presents Lettuce on Thursday. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Wellmont Theater presents Lettuce on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band's latest album, Cook, isn't just a nod to Lettuce's musical heat; it's an invitation to join the band at the table, where funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip-hop come together in one rich, flavorful dish.
Friday, January 23 - The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin come to the Scottish Rite Auditorium. (COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin come to the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The show is presented by Camden County Board of Commissioners & Produced by BRE Presents.
Friday, January 23 - The Lords of 52nd Street return to Newton. Tickets range from $44-$59 and are available for purchase online. The Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey.
Saturday, January 24 - WXPN presents Jillith Fair - Loving Jill Sobule at The Fallser Club. (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- WXPN presents Jillith Fair - Loving Jill Sobule at The Fallser Club on Saturday, January 24, 2026. It's a night celebrating the life and music of Jill Sobule, hosted by Jim Boggia and Marykate O’Neil.
Saturday, January 24 - BBD Rhythm & Blues Band are 'Keeping the Blues Alive'. (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- People Get Ready for the 'Keeping the Blues Alive' 2026 Tour, featuring the BBD Rhythm & Blues Band. They have two shows in January - Sammy D's Bar Wine & Spirits in Old Bridge on Saturday, January 24th and Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Friday, January 30, 2026. Additional shows run throughout February.
Saturday, January 24 - Tesla comes to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena with Special Guest Sebastian Bach. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tesla are hitting the road with their Still Keepin' It Real Tour, and they're bringing along special guest Sebastian Bach for an unforgettable night at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on Saturday, January 24. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Sunday, January 25 - Centenary Stage Company presents Big Beat Big Band as part of the Winter Thaw Music Festival. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents Big Beat Big Band as part of the Winter Thaw Music Festival on Sunday, January 25 , 2026 at 2:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University in Hackettstown.
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Tuesday, January 20 @ 7:00pm - Joe Cirotti Trio at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Thursday, January 22 @ 7:30pm - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, January 23 @ 7:00pm - Candlelight Concerts - Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Friday, January 23 @ 7:30pm - Matt O'Ree Band at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Friday, January 23 @ 8:00pm - Lee Brice: Acoustic at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, January 24 @ 7:30pm - Light of Day 2026 - Songwriters in the Round at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
Saturday, January 24 @ 7:30pm - Drum Tao at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, January 24 @ 8:00pm - Lee Brice Acoustic at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, January 24 @ 8:00pm - Anthony D'Amato (Deseree Spinks to Open) at Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove
Sunday, January 25 @ 4:00pm - MAC Music Café presents Under The Western Sky at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Sunday, January 25 @ 7:30pm - Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
COMING SOON
bergenPAC presents Gospel Music Legend Yolanda Adams (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents gospel music legend Yolanda Adams on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert features a performance by the Community Baptist Church of Englewood Mass Choir.
People Get Ready: A "Blues & Rock 'N' Roll Summit" is coming to Lizzie Rose Music Room featuring Glenn Alexander & Shadowland plus James JB Barnes & The JB Blues Band (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- People Get Ready: A Blues and Rock 'N' Roll Summit is coming to Lizzie Rose Music Room, featuring a potent double-bill of New Jersey-based talent: rocker Glenn Alexander & Shadowland featuring Oria and the Asbury Jukes Horns; and some tasty original blues by James 'JB' Barnes and the JB Blues Band. The event takes place Friday, January 30, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Prudential Center presents Rascal Flatts with Openers Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane (NEWARK, NJ) -- On the heels of their sold-out return to touring this year, country music icons Rascal Flatts will hit the road again for their Life Is A Highway Tour in 2026, including a stop at the Prudential Center on Friday, January 30, 2026. The Live Nation-produced, 21-stop trek will bring "the harmonies and charisma that made them one of the biggest country groups" (American Songwriter) to fans nationwide. Fellow country stars Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane will continue to support the trio across this new run.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Magical Mystery Doors (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Magical Mystery Doors - a Beatles/Zeppelin/Doors tribute band - on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Magical Mystery Doors takes classic rock beyond the standard tribute.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Freestyle Flashback Concert 2026 on January 31st (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Fever Records present Freestyle Flashback Concert 2026 on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 7:00pm. Freestyle and dance-pop artists of the 80s and 90s gather for one night at STNJ! Tickets start at $46.
The Levoy Theatre presents Dead On Live (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Grateful Dead tribute band Dead On Live comes to the Levoy Theatre on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The band is celebrating 16 years of recreating the Dead's iconic albums. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Black History Month Celebration in Madison: Louis Armstrong's Early Life and Music "There are 12 seconds that changed the course of jazz -- the opening of Louis Armstrong's 1928 trumpet solo on 'West End Blues'." That's a line from Ricky Riccardi's book, Stomp Off, Let's Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong (Oxford University Press: 2025).
NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis to Headline Bradley Beach Jazz Festival (BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- The Bradley Beach Jazz Festival has announced the full schedule and lineup for its second annual event, transforming the shore town into a vibrant hub of sound and swing from February 6-7, 2026. The festival is anchored by three spectacular Main Stage sessions on the weekend, featuring an internationally renowned lineup led by NEA Jazz Master and master trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis.
Stone Pony presents The Ocean Avenue Ramble with Jackson Pines and Ocean Avenue Stompers (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony will celebrate the club's 52nd anniversary weekend with The Ocean Avenue Ramble - an evening of non-stop co-headline sets by Jackson Pines and Ocean Avenue Stompers culminating in the Pine Barrens Stomp on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Y Arts in the Community at the Wyckoff YMCA presents Cabaret Night: Dueling Pianos (WYCKOFF, NJ) -- Y Arts in the Community at the Wyckoff YMCA presents Cabaret Night: Dueling Pianos on Friday, February 6, 2026. Featuring Savage Pianos, Dueling Pianos brings together the very best of modern entertainment. doors are at 7:00pm; Showtime is 7:30pm.
Women in the Arts Series to debut at Anchor Rock Club for Its Fourth Installment (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Women in the Arts concert series will bring an immersive, multi-disciplinary night of creativity to Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City for its fourth installment on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:00pm.
Jazz at the Morris Museum: Bassist/Vocalist Thaddeus Exposé Celebrates the Music and History of New Orleans The City of New Orleans, obviously, holds a mythical status in the world of jazz. The genre (or at least the form with which listeners are familiar) was invented and developed there, and every jazz musician – from the swingiest to the most avant-garde – holds at least some debt to the bygone inhabitants of the Big Easy. However, while the city is rightfully revered for its place in jazz history, its musicians tell a more complicated story.
Music Box at the Borgata presents Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. With his signature beard and African headgear, Gibbons is instantly recognizable and best known as the centerpiece of ZZ Top.
New Jersey Symphony celebrates the Year of the Horse with its annual Lunar New Year concert (NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony welcomes the Year of the Horse with its ninth annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Seattle Symphony Associate Conductor Sunny Xia and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Winner Haochen Zhang make their New Jersey Symphony debuts. Showtime is 7:30pm.
GRAMMY Award Winner Michelle Cann to Perform Grieg Piano Concerto with Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Michelle Cann, lauded champion of Florence Price's music, displays her versatility performing repertoire of the mid-Romantic period at Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) concerts February 7-8, 2026. She will perform Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 on a program with 2024 GRAMMY® recipient Jessie Montgomery's Records from a Vanishing City and Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36. Kenneth T. Bean conducts both performances at Richardson Auditorium.
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from February 17-23, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from February 17-23, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
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