This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 13-19, 2025
originally published: 05/13/2025
Here is a look at shows taking place from May 13-19, 2025 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.
Send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. 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 run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.
FEATURED EVENTS
Tuesday, May 13 - McCarter Theatre Center presents Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the all-star trio of Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda, performing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This is a WXPN Welcomes event. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Friday, May 16 - Outpost in the Burbs presents An Evening with Donna the Buffalo. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents An Evening with Donna the Buffalo on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Donna the Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Friday, May 16 - Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents An Evening with Rickie Lee Jones. (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents An Evening with Rickie Lee Jones on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 8:00pm in the Pollak Theatre. This concert was rescheduled from October 12th and tickets for that date will be valid.
Friday, May 16 - Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie to present "Take Me to the World: The Songs of Stephen Sondheim" at Bell Theater. (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) will perform her one-woman show, "Take Me to the World: The Songs of Stephen Sondheim" on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Saturday, May 17 - Guitarist Dave Stryker Headlines First-Ever Ross Farm Jazz Festival in Basking Ridge. On March 3, 2024, jazz guitarist Sally Shupe of Maplewood, NJ, then a senior at Columbia High School, led a quintet as the Rising Stars opening act at the New Jersey Jazz Society's Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert in Madison. To celebrate Women's History Month, the quintet played three tunes associated with female composers: "Blues for Herb" written for guitarist Herb Ellis by guitarist Emily Remler; "Games" by jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby; and "Just Another Day at the Office" by pianist/educator Monika Herzig.
Saturday, May 17 - State Theatre New Jersey presents An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8:00pm. Sixteen-time Grammy® Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television, and Broadway star Katharine McPhee are bringing their live show on the road.
Saturday, May 17 - Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Bowie & Beyond on Saturday. (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Bowie & Beyond on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8:00pm. Formed and led by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and ex-Meat Loaf band member, Ray Andersen in 2018, this show is a must for fans of David Bowie.
Sunday, May 18 - Johnny Mathis to Hold Final Concert at bergenPAC. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) will present the final concert date of entertainment icon Johnny Mathis' "The Voice Of Romance" Tour and celebrates the 70-year career of his timeless music on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 7:00pm.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Wednesday, May 14 - The Vogel presents Carbon Leaf. (RED BANK, NJ) -- Carbon Leaf is touring in support of Time is the Playground, the band's 15th studio album. Their tour comes to The Vogel on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Special guest Zak Loy will open the night. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Thursday, May 15 - The Newton Theatre presents country star Sara Evans. (NEWTON, NJ) -- Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans brings her Unbroke Tour to The Newton Theatre on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm. She is the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades.
Friday, May 16 - Newton Theatre presents The Last Waltz featuring The THE BAND Band. (NEWTON, NJ) -- On Friday, May 16, 2025, The Newton Theatre hosts The Last Waltz Celebration featuring The THE BAND Band and special guests. The night brings to life one of the most historic concerts of the rock era. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Friday, May 16 - Xian Zhang conducts Mozart, Bach, and Abels with performances in Princeton and Newark. (NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony presents Music Director Xian Zhang conducting Mozart, Bach and Abels, with the Symphony's principal violins, Eric Wyrick and Francine Storck, stepping up to perform Bach's Double Concerto with the orchestra. Performances take place this May at NJPAC in Newark and Richardson Auditorium in Princeton.
Friday, May 16 - West Windsor Arts Vocal Powerhouse Sofijazz. (PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- West Windsor Arts is proud to present an unforgettable evening of music with Sofijazz (Sofija Knezevic), the internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer and rising star of the jazz world. On Friday, May 16, 2025, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Sofijazz will perform selections from her brand-new album "Silk"—live, for one of the first times—offering audiences an exclusive experience of this transformative work that tells the story of the singer's journey as an immigrant.
Friday, May 16 - New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra presents Our City, Our People, Our Music. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On Friday, May 16, 2025, the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra presents Our City, Our People, Our Music at Nicholas Music Center. Come celebrate the rich musical tapestry of our area at this full orchestral concert highlighting local cultures. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Saturday, May 17 - The Newton Theatre presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn. (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Saturday, May 17 - Hackensack Performing Arts Center presents Paula Cole. (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Paula Cole will perform at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8:00pm. With a voice that resonates with emotion and a talent for weaving deeply personal narratives into her music, Paula Cole has established herself as a unique and influential presence in the music industry.
Saturday, May 17 - The Morris Choral Society to Conclude Season with Spring Concert on May 17th. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Morris Choral Society concludes its current season with their Spring Concert on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green. Entitled, "The Sublimely Ridiculous & The Ridiculously Sublime," the concert begins at 7:00pm.
Saturday, May 17 - White Eagle Hall hosts Jersey Fest on May 17th. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey Fest, presented by Radio Garden State and Greetings From the Garden State, will shine a spotlight on the state's homegrown talent and flavors at White Eagle Hall on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The lineup features Connor Bracken & The Mother Leeds, Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones, and Reality Suite. It will be a night celebrating New Jersey's music, food, and community spirit — all while giving back.
Saturday, May 17 - Albert Music Hall presents the Made in Memphis Show. (WARETOWN, NJ) -- On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Albert Music Hall will present a special "Made in Memphis" show celebrating the rich musical legacy of Memphis. Building on the success of last year's Elvis Show, this year's event expands its focus to honor a broader range of artists who helped shape American music.
Sunday, May 18 - Ukrainian Masterworks at Music at Bunker Hill. (SEWELL, NJ) -- In her Music at Bunker Hill debut, violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv appears on Sunday, May 18, 2025 with works by Yakymenko and Franck. Dr. Ivakhiv will be joined by pianist Melvin Chen; Emilie-Anne Gendron, violin; William Frampton, viola; and Laura Metcalf-Boyd, cello. Ukrainian born Ivakhiv will introduce the audience to works by Ukrainian composer Fedir Yakymenko, who was a contemporary of the Russian Five. Showtime is 3:00pm.
Sunday, May 18 - Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival to Take Place May 18th. (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken invite residents and visitors to the annual Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 11:00am to 6:00pm on Washington Street, between Observer Highway and Seventh Street. The event attracts over 30,000 visitors each spring and showcases the city's vibrant cultural scene. It features live musical performances on two stages, a variety of eateries, and over 300 artists, makers, crafters, and vendors.
Sunday, May 18 - Songs of Love and Exile brings immigrant voices to center stage. (RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- On Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 4:00pm, River Crossing Concerts presents Songs of Love and Exile featuring soprano Sun Young Chung, cellist Thapelo Masita, and pianist Slavina Zhelezova for a poignant and timely recital exploring the inner landscapes of displacement, longing, and resilience.
Sunday, May 18 - 7th Annual Gotham Jazz Festival. (NEW YORK, NY) -- The twenties will roar again at the 7th Annual Gotham Jazz Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3 West Club from 12:30pm to 12:30am. The event is a full day of dancing, lounging, and listening to over twenty of NYC's best hot jazz & swing bands... well over 100 musicians! Open to all ages.
Sunday, May 18 - New Jersey Youth Chorus presents Sing into Spring on May 18th. (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC), a program of Wharton Arts, presents Sing into Spring on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Ridge Performing Arts Center (68 South Finley Avenue) in Basking Ridge. Showtime is 4:00pm. The annual spring concert featuring all five NJYC choirs offers a vibrant, moving, and culturally rich program that reflects both the diversity of music and the depth of the choristers' growth throughout the season.
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Tuesday, May 13 @ 7:30pm - Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Wednesday, May 14 @ 3:30pm - MAC Jazz Orchestra at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Thursday, May 15 @ 7:30pm - MICHAELINA PETTI and COYOTE JACK RECORD RELEASE CELEBRATION at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Friday, May 16 @ 7:00pm - The Maplewood Strollers presents "In Your Dreams" Cabaret at Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Friday, May 16 @ 7:30pm - Donna McKechnie: Take Me to the World The Songs of Stephen Sondheim at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Friday, May 16 @ 7:30pm - Jeffrey Gaines at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Friday, May 16 @ 7:30pm - NBPAC presents Chi-Town Transit Authority at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, May 16 @ 8:00pm - Eaglemania at Carteret Performing Arts Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret
Friday, May 16 @ 8:00pm - Leonid & Friends at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Friday, May 16 @ 8:00pm - Donna the Buffalo at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
Friday, May 16 @ 8:00pm - An Evening with Rickie Lee Jones at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Saturday, May 17 @ 4:00pm - Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Saturday, May 17 @ 7:00pm - The Maplewood Strollers presents "In Your Dreams" Cabaret at Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Saturday, May 17 @ 7:30pm - Street Survivors - Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, May 17 @ 8:00pm - David Foster & Katharine McPhee at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, May 17 @ 8:00pm - Bowie & Beyond at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Sunday, May 18 @ 2:00pm - Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Sunday, May 18 @ 2:00pm - The Maplewood Strollers presents "In Your Dreams" Cabaret at Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Sunday, May 18 @ 7:00pm - Johnny Mathis – The Voice of Romance Tour at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Sunday, May 18 @ 7:30pm - Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks at Carteret Performing Arts Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret
COMING SOON
SOPAC presents Emeline Michel: Haiti's Queen of Creole Song (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- On Friday, May 22, 2025, South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents the premiere performance of a Haitian artist on the SOPAC stage. Emeline Michel is internationally acclaimed for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms into deeply moving, joyful music delivered with a charismatic live show. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Greenwood Gardens presents Music in the Garden Concert Series (SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Greenwood Gardens is thrilled to announce its upcoming Music in the Garden Concert Series. With performances in May, July, and September, the program is composed of outdoor concerts featuring jazz and classical music, as well as the Great American Songbook, set in an enchanted garden setting. Stone Mountain Properties of Short Hills is sponsoring the Series for the fourth year.
Roy's Hall presents Big Yellow Taxi - The Music & Genius of Joni Mitchell (BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Roy's Hall presents Big Yellow Taxi - The Music & Genius of Joni Mitchell on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 8:00pm. There is no other ensemble playing the music of Joni Mitchell with the dedication and imagination that BYT brings to every show.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience starring Joby Rogers (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience starring Joby Rogers on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 8:00pm. The show celebrates the music and dancing of the Legendary 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson. This multimedia theatrical experience takes audiences on a Visual and Musical Journey through the life of the greatest entertainer of all time.
2025 Cape May Music Festival Preview (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Now celebrating its 36th year, the annual Cape May Music Festival presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), with major support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, returns to this seaside resort with an engaging variety of musical concerts that launch on Memorial Day weekend. There are 14 classical, chamber, jazz, funk and brass band musical performances, some free to attend, from May 25-June 28, 2025.
Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival to take place May 30 to June 1st (AUGUSTA, NJ) -- Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival returns to New Jersey, May 30 – June 1, 2025, to showcase the best food and music that Louisiana and New Orleans have to offer. The festival welcomes several Grammy Award winning and nominated musicians and more to two stages this year.
Tusk to perform Two Nights at The Newton Theatre (NEWTON, NJ) -- Tusk, the Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute, comes to The Newton Theatre for performances on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31, 2025. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.
12th Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival to Take Place May 30-31 (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Riverview Jazz, the non-profit producer of the Jersey City Jazz Festival, has announced the lineup for its ambitious 2025 festival. The annual event where hundreds of musicians perform for thousands of attendees will take place Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 at Exchange Place plaza on the Hudson River waterfront. The festival will also host events throughout Jersey City leading up to the festival beginning Tuesday, May 27.
Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest takes Place May 30th through June 1st (AUGUSTA, NJ) -- Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest takes place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1, 2025, bringing the best food, music, and culture that Louisiana and New Orleans have to offer to the East Coast.
12th Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival - May 30-31 (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Exchange Place Alliance presents the 12th Annual Jersey City Jazz Festival May 30-31, 2025. A two-day celebration of music takes place on the Hudson River waterfront and features three stages, a community zone, food trucks, bars, a VIP experience, and even a parade.
Glen Burtnik Talks About Revisiting the Music of Styx at The Basie (RED BANK, NJ) -- Glen Burtnik has lined up a great group of musicians to play songs by Styx at the Count Basie Center for the Arts on Friday, May 30, 2025. It's a show I've got to admit I didn't see coming, but one that long-time fans of Glen should get a ticket for.
Outpost in the Burbs presents the Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 8:00pm. Martin Sexton puts his signature style on his rendition of this iconic Beatles album combining what Rolling Stone calls his "soul-marinated voice" with his inventive guitar prowess. The show takes place at the First Congregational Church of Montclair.
Tuckerton Porchfest Returns May 31st with 7 Stages, 30+ Performers, and One Big Community Celebration (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the streets of Tuckerton will once again come alive with music, poetry, and art as Tuckerton Porchfest returns for another unforgettable year. This free, all-ages event transforms front porches, local businesses, and community spaces into live performance venues from 11:00am to 7:00pm, showcasing over 30 local musicians, poets, and performers across seven stages.
James Dalton presents "Harmonica Lesson: The Show" at Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch (SURF CITY, NJ) -- Ocean County native James Dalton’s harmonica artistry takes him around the world, and each stop on the way creates memorable moments. Join James for stories from the road and learn some mouth harp magic during "Harmonica Lesson: The Show" at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The event begins at 2:00pm.
The Bongos to Celebrate Release of "The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985" at The Wonder Bar (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Bongos will celebrate the release of The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Showtime is 8:00pm. The CD will be released by JEM Records on May 23rd.
Under Cover Music Fest to Take Place May 31st in South Orange (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Downtown presents its signature event, Under Cover Music Fest, on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2:00pm to 10:00pm. The event takes place at the Sloan Street Parking Lot (12 Sloan Street). It features eight cover bands, a beer garden, and food vendors. Admission is free.
Grunin Center presents Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon with vibraphonist Behn Gillece and guitarist Brian Betz (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts will welcome vibraphonist Behn Gillece and guitarist Brian Betz to the Prima Studio Theatre for Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 3:00pm. The Grunin Center is located on the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River.
COLUMNS
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...6/19/254
"Reese Wynans, I came to know him when he joined Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble and then after Stevie Ray Vaughn was killed, he played with a lot of people but for the last few years he's primarily toured with Joe Bonamassa. He's an amazing keyboard player and a super guy. I didn't know him prior to working on this record but my friend Mark Prentice who produced it with me suggested we bring him in and it was a perfect call."
MORE NEWS
Jacob Tremont releases "Slow Motion Night" on Mint 400 Records
Jacob Tremont has made a name for himself in the indie underground, known for his cinematic songwriting and raw, poetic voice. With a style that blends '90s alt-rock, modern folk, and lo-fi elements, Tremont's sound is often likened to icons like Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, and Pavement. As a regular figure in New York and New Jersey's DIY music scenes, he's built a reputation for his emotionally resonant songs and captivating live performances.
Don Giovanni Records welcomes Storey Littleton to the label
"Tracks II: The Lost Albums" Advance Listening Session at Monmouth University
Centenary Stage Company Offers Early Bird Special for Season Subscribers
Bergen County presents 2nd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
UPCOMING SHOWS
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra Presents the 'Princeton Festival'
The Princeton Festival was first founded in 2004, beginning its inaugural season in 2005 with four performances of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd in the Kirby Theatre at the Lawrenceville School and a performance by the Concordia Chamber Players. It has since grown to a nearly month-long event featuring opera, musical theater, baroque and chamber music, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including dance, world music, orchestral pops, and choral concerts.
New Jersey Talent will be featured during 2025 North to Shore Festival
Soul Project NOLA Brings New Orleans Musical Flavor to Annual New Jersey Tour
North to Shore Festival presents Third Eye Blind and Stars at NJPAC
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