This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 6-12, 2025
originally published: 05/06/2025
Here is a look at shows taking place from May 6-12, 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 6 - Monmouth University's Tuesday Night Record Club Celebrates 100th Album on May 6th. (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University will celebrate the 100th episode of its popular Tuesday Night Record Club series on May 6, 2025 at 7:30pm with Michael Jackson's classic 1979 album, Off the Wall. Attendees can register today to join this free event either in-person at the University's Great Hall Auditorium on campus, or via Zoom.
Thursday, May 8 - bergenPAC presents Hollywood Nights - A Tribute to Bob Seger. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Hollywood Nights - A Tribute to Bob Seger on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7:00pm. This is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.
Saturday, May 10 - State Theatre New Jersey presents Judy Collins & Madeleine Peyroux. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Judy Collins & Madeleine Peyroux on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 8:00pm. Folk and jazz icons share the stage for an unforgettable double bill of songs and stories.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Tuesday, May 6 - William Paterson University presents An Evening with Roger McGuinn. (WAYNE, NJ) -- William Paterson University presents An Evening with Roger McGuinn on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Shea Center for Performing Arts. This show is a love for folk music – the music that took him to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, May 7 - Stephane Wrembel presents Django á Gogo Music Festival in NJ and NYC. (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Guitarist, composer, and musical director Stephane Wrembel is proud to present the Django á Gogo Music Festival, scheduled from May 7-10, 2025 celebrating of the unparalleled music legacy of jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt. The festival comprises four electrifying concerts—three at The Woodland in Maplewood, NJ. and one at Symphony Space in NYC—as well as 5-day "guitar camp."
Friday, May 9 - Newton Theatre presents The Wailers on May 9th. (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Wailers are hitting the road in 2025 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On, performing the iconic album live alongside fan favorites and tracks from their Grammy-nominated Evolution. The tour comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:00pm.
Friday, May 9 - Tribute Bands for The Cure and The Cars to Perform at The Landis. (VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis presents an interesting bill of tribute bands on Friday, May 9, 2025 when The Gathering Gloom pay tribute to The Cure and The Side Cars Band pay tribute to The Cars. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Friday, May 9 - Wellmont Theater presents Little Feat. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Wellmont Theater presents Little Feat on Friday, May 9, 2025 with support by Cris Jacobs. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Saturday, May 10 - The Newton Theatre presents Nazareth. (NEWTON, NJ) -- Nazareth brings their "Bite The Bullet Tour" to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Nazareth rose from playing the pubs, clubs and dance halls of their native Scotland to become one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Saturday, May 10 - Eddie Skuller to pay tribute to Tom Waits in Hoboken. (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Looking for the heart of Saturday night? Find it in Hoboken on Saturday, May 10, 2025 when the 503 Social Club presents singer/songwriter Eddie Skuller's tribute to the "Ballads of Tom Waits." Skuller explores the dark, poetic world of Tom Waits with diverse selections from his extensive catalog. Although Skuller's amber-saturated vocals contrast with Wait's raucous gravel-like voice, there is a connection channeled through the music's emotional depth and lyrical intensity. Skuller can forge a deep, powerful bond with his audience, which enhances the tragic expression at the core of Waits' music.
Saturday, May 10 - Natasha Paremski Returns to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra Stage for Rachmaninoff Concerto. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Audience favorite Natasha Paremski marks a third return to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) stage May 10-11, 2025 with Sergei Rachmaninoff's demanding Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30, a perfect showcase for her expert technique and dynamic style. Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov conducts the program, which also features the Westminster Symphonic Choir.
Saturday, May 10 - Harmonium Choral Society to Hold Spring Musicianship Workshop on May 10th. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Harmonium Choral Society presents a musicianship workshop: Latin American Songs and Rhythms with Diana Saez and Suzzette Ortiz with guest ensemble Sola Voce from New Jersey Youth Chorus. This workshop is for music students, singers, composers, and teachers alike on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. This will be a fun time for all of us, singers and conductors alike, to learn more about bringing the music of Latin America alive in our communities and performances. Help us spread the word!
Sunday, May 11 - Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents a Mother's Day Family Concert. (TRENTON, NJ) -- Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents a Mother's Day Family Concert at the New Jersey State Museum Theater on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 3:00pm.
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:30pm - Brit Floyd: Wish You Were Here: 50th Anniversary at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:30pm - Tuesday Night Record Club - Michael Jackson, Off the Wall at Monmouth University - The Great Hall, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Wednesday, May 7 @ 6:00pm - OCC Jazz Band at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Thursday, May 8 @ 7:00pm - Hollywood Nights - A Tribute to Bob Seger at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Friday, May 9 @ 2:00pm - OCC Faculty and Guest String Quartet at Ocean County College, Gateway Lecture Hall (Building 101), 1 College Drive, Toms River
Friday, May 9 @ 7:30pm - Kelli Baker Band at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, May 10 @ 4:00pm - Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Saturday, May 10 @ 8:00pm - Judy Collins and Madeleine Peyroux at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, May 11 @ 2:00pm - Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical (Sensory Friendly Performance) at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Sunday, May 11 @ 5:00pm - Oldies but Goodies Mother’s Day Concert Benefiting Families in Greater Union County at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
COMING SOON
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COLUMNS
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Risen from The Dead" by Andy B.AND SoulFolk
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Risen from The Dead," the first single from "Tellin’ Myself Weird Li'l Stories," the forthcoming album by Andy B.AND SoulFolk on Deko Entertainment/ADA Warner Music.
MORE NEWS
Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms join Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 28th ahead of tour
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 multi-platinum rock legends Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms will hit the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a special performance on ABC. The appearance sets the tone for their upcoming summer co-headlining tour — an electrifying 30+ date run that includes a show in Atlantic City - Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort on Saturday, July 19. Spin Doctors are on the bill as well.
FRND CRCL releases "FRVR" single
A Conversation with Darlene Love Who Stars in SOPAC's "Share the Love" Celebration on June 12
Little Falls Trophy releases "My Little Sunshine (Rehashed Version)"
Songwriters by the Sea comes to SOPAC with Vonda Shepard, Nicole Atkins, Jake Thistle, Joe D'Urso, and Joe Rapolla
The Penguin Rocks
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