This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from October 16-20, 2025
originally published: 10/16/2025
Here is a look at shows taking place from October 16-20, 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 [email protected] 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 are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
FEATURED EVENTS
Thursday, October 16 - Blowupradio.com Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Supersized Annual Benefit Webathon For The Spondylitis Association Of America. (SOUTH AMBOY, NJ) -- New Jersey internet radio station BlowUpRadio.com - Where NJ Rock Lives, announces its 18th annual Banding Together Webathon to benefit the Spondylitis Association Of America. Taking place for a full week, Thursday October 16 through Wednesday October 22, 2025, on their internet radio station. Ninety acts from New Jersey and all over the globe will perform half hour performances, as they raise money to fund research and provide the programs and services to help the community suffering from this debilitating disease.
Thursday, October 16 - State Theatre New Jersey presents 38 Special – 50 Year Legacy Tour. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents 38 Special – 50 Year Legacy Tour on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:30pm. Celebrating 50 years together, 20 million albums sold, and more than 15 albums of guitar-driven southern rock, stacked high with hits like "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "If I'd Been The One," "Back Where You Belong," and "Second Chance." Opening the night is singer-songwriter Steven Keene.
Friday, October 17 - McCarter Theatre Center presents Aida Cuevas - The Queen of Mariachi. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Prepare for an unforgettable evening of passion, tradition, and soul-stirring music as Aida Cuevas, the unrivaled "Queen of Ranchera Music" and La Voz de México ("The Voice of Mexico"), graces the McCarter stage on her 50th Anniversary U.S. Tour 2025 on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Friday, October 17 - Jersey Arts Podcast: Staying 'Jersey Fresh' with John Pizzarelli. John Pizzarelli is a guitarist and singer who has been hailed by the Boston Globe for "reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz." He's been established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook and has even expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles.
Saturday, October 18 - Outpost in the Burbs presents Hiss Golden Messenger. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Hiss Golden Messenger (solo) on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church in Montclair.
Saturday, October 18 - McCarter Theatre presents mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Acclaimed Grammy Award–winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer, and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, will bring his genre-defying brilliance to McCarter Theatre on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Sunday, October 19 - At William Paterson, Ted Rosenthal Will Showcase His Trio Arrangements of Music by George Gershwin. About 12 years ago, pianist Ted Rosenthal was approached about performing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in a small venue. "I said, as a matter of fact, I've been thinking of coming up with a trio arrangement, so why don't we make this an occasion where we actually put a trio arrangement together for this concert."
Sunday, October 19 - Grunin Center for the Arts presents the April May Webb Trio. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grunin Center for the Arts presents the April May Webb Trio on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 3:00pm. Musician, Songwriter, Vocalist, and Educator April May Webb hails from Newton, Kansas. April May's musical approach is diversely influenced but is rooted in jazz.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Thursday, October 16 - South Jersey Jazz Society presents "Jersey Fresh" Jazz Festival in October. (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) wiill presents its annual jazz festival, JazzatThePoint, from October 16-18, 2025 at two Somers Point venues. Titled "Jersey Fresh," the three-day festival will highlight headlining artists that either were born in or currently reside in New Jersey. Headliners include John Pizzarelli, Howard Paul, Michael Pedicin, Paul Jost, and Matt Cappy.
Thursday, October 16 - Acute Inflections presents Soulful Sounds in New Jersey. (TOTOWA, NJ) -- Are you ready for a night of soulful fun and vintage glamour? Step into a world where the Harlem Renaissance meets today’s vibe with the sensational Music & Comedy of Acute Inflections on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Barnyard & Carriage House. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Friday, October 17 - The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents two-time Grammy® award winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Christ Congregation Church. They are a duo of master musicians with a career spanning over 35 years. Showtime is 8:00pm. A livestream option is available.
Friday, October 17 - The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Steve Hackett. (COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Steve Hackett October 17-18, 2025. is new show celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, and Steve Hackett includes a selection of highlights from this iconic Genesis album.
Friday, October 17 - NJ Jazz Society Offers Daylong Visit to Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives in Corona, Queens, sustains and promotes the cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy of Louis Armstrong by preserving and interpreting his house and grounds, collecting and sharing archival materials that document Armstrong's life and legacy, developing programs for the public that educate and inspire, and engaging with contemporary artists to create performances and new works.
Saturday, October 18 - Asbury Lanes presents Everclear with Local H and Sponge. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the '90s led by vocalist, guitarist and founder Art Alexakis, is coming to Asbury Park on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Asbury Lanes on the Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour featuring special guests Local H and Sponge.
Saturday, October 18 - Tropicana Atlantic City presents Hairball: The Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Atlantic City presents Hairball: The Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. Las Vegas meets Arena Rock! Over the past 25 years, Hairball has evolved into an explosive national touring act.
Saturday, October 18 - The Landis presents Live Wire - The Ultimate AC/DC Experience. (VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis presents Live Wire - The Ultimate AC/DC Experience on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. The band emulates the pure essence, power, and electricity of what an AC/DC show is all about and has proven to audiences time and time again that you can't stop rock 'n roll.
Sunday, October 19 - Crossroads hosts Prelude To A Cure: A Halloween Cancer Benefit. (GARWOOD, NJ) -- Ghoul out and give back! Jersey's fiercest tribute bands, Looks That Kill (Mötley Crüe) and Sickness (Black Sabbath/Ozzy) will haunt the stage with heavy riffs and hell-raising energy during the Prelude To A Cure: A Halloween Cancer Benefit at Crossroads on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Tuesday, October 21 - Somers Point Unique Experiences Club hosts 3rd Opera Dinner. (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club is proud to host the 3rd Opera Dinner on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Gregory's Restaurant in Somers Point. This event will feature three professional award winning opera singers accompanied by a noted keyboardist performing some of opera most famous arias. The event begins at 7:00pm.
Tuesday, October 21 - Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Steve Hackett. (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Steve Hackett on his Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo North American Tour. The concert takes place Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 8:00pm.
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Thursday, October 16 @ 7:00pm - The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Thursday, October 16 @ 7:30pm - 38 Special - 50 Year Legacy Tour at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, October 17 @ 7:30pm - Aída Cuevas – “The Queen of Mariachi” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, October 17 @ 7:30pm - Lucy Kaplansky at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Friday, October 17 @ 8:00pm - Juan Fernando Velasco at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, October 18 @ 12:00pm - MOAM-A-PALOOZA at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Saturday, October 18 @ 1:00pm - The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - "La Sonnambula" at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Saturday, October 18 @ 7:00pm - Lunar Rising: A Symphony of Light and Sound Presented by Wharton Arts’ New Jersey Youth Symphony at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Saturday, October 18 @ 7:00pm - Cécilia at Grunin Center - Studio Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, October 18 @ 7:30pm - Nella at Kean Stage - Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Avenue, Hillside
Saturday, October 18 @ 7:30pm - Chris Thile at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, October 18 @ 7:30pm - Mikey Junior at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, October 18 @ 8:00pm - Hiss Golden Messenger (Solo) at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
Saturday, October 18 @ 8:00pm - Randy Travis: More Life Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Sunday, October 19 @ 3:00pm - April May Webb Trio at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Sunday, October 19 @ 7:00pm - Hairball at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Wednesday, October 22 @ 7:30pm - Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners: American As It Gets Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
COMING SOON
bergenPAC presents Hanson (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Hanson on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 7:00pm. Over their first 28 years as the band Hanson, brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have made a significant mark in music.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) to Tour North America, including shows in NYC and Red Bank (RED BANK, NJ) -- After hugely successful tours of the UK and Europe, Andy Bell will be embarking on his first ever solo tour of North America. His album, Ten Crowns, released in May of this year, marked a magisterial moment in his forty-year career, and reconfirms that he is one of the great pop vocalists of our time. Travelling into new dimensions and possibilities with gospel in his heart and dance in his soul clearly suits him. Locally, the tour comes to the Gramercy Theatre in NYC for shows October 23-25 and The Vogel in Red Bank on October 31, 2025.
Monmouth String Quartet presents Stranger Strings: A Ghostlight Concert (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth String Quartet presents Stranger Strings: A Ghostlight Concert at The Whitechapel Projects on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Step into the shadows this Halloween and experience the eerie beauty of music like never before. Performances take place at 6:00pm & 8:00pm.
The Levoy Theatre presents Phil Vassar (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Phil Vassar - 25 Years of Paradise on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 7:00pm. He's celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout hit "Just Another Day in Paradise" with this tour.
The Newton Theatre presents Shaun Cassidy (NEWTON, NJ) -- Shaun Cassidy will bring his The Road to Us tour to The Newton Theatre on Friday, October 24, 2025. Cassidy is an American writer, producer, actor and singer. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Bell Theater presents Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne Tribute (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Late For The Sky - Jake Thistle's Jackson Browne Tribute - on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 8:00pm.
Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival to Take Place October 25-26 (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- MES Event Services, LLC is excited to announce Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival, scheduled for October 25 & 26, 2025, from 11:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday, located in front of Convention Hall at Bradley Park (101 5th Avenue) in Asbury Park.
Princeton Symphony Orchestra to open season with Violinist Aubree Oliverson (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Audience favorite Aubree Oliverson returns to open the Princeton Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 Season at concerts the weekend of October 25-26. She will perform Antonín Dvořák's Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 53. Also on the program are Dobrinka Tabakova's Orpheus' Comet and Arnold Schoenberg's 1937 orchestration of Johannes Brahms' Piano Quartet in G Minor, Op. 25.
An Interview with Tim Malcarney of The Garden Roads The Garden Roads is a band from South Jersey that came out of the friendship and musical collaboration between Tim Malcarney and Evan McIntrye. They were the driving force behind The Silence, a band that began when they were in high school. The Silence would go on to perform in clubs throughout the northeast and release several records. The Garden Roads has a record release show scheduled for "Destination Never Known" on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at The Tap Room in Haddon Township and NJ Stage reached out to Malcarney to learn more.
Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey Premieres Groundbreaking Symphonic Jazz Collaboration Between Poet Yusef Komunyakaa and Composer Vince di Mura (TRENTON, NJ) -- The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) proudly presents the world premiere of Oh God... Beautiful Machine on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Patriots Theater at Trenton's War Memorial. This is a monumental symphonic jazz work which wrestles with the conundrum of loving the earth in a time of climate change. The collaboration features text composed by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and music composed by Princeton University Composer-in-Residence, Vince di Mura.
Classic Rock Comes Alive: FOUR STICKS Brings the Thunder of Led Zeppelin to Drew University (MADISON, NJ) -- Witness the raw power and electrifying presence of Led Zeppelin live—FOUR STICKS is the band that will make that dream a reality. On Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 8:00pm, Drew University will host the most accurate and high-energy tribute to the legendary rock icons, delivering a performance that captures the spirit and sound of Led Zeppelin at their peak.
NJPAC presents Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert (NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents the Australian soft rock group Air Supply, a staple of early-80s radio, on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 7:00pm. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and heartfelt memories.
City Winery Philadelphia presents Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' Band (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Get ready to be whisked away on a nostalgic journey as City Winery Philadelphia presents Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' Band live on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 7:30pm. Best known for the iconic song "I Put a Spell on You," this event features the original guitarist, Mike Armando, along with a special guest appearance by Arno Hecht, the founder of Uptown Horns.
Hard Rock presents Stevie Van Zandt's Party at the Pony (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Van Zandt, founder of the innovative music education program TeachRock, will host Hard Rock Presents Stevie Van Zandt's Party at the Pony, a special benefit event at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 6:00pm. The event will include the presentation of the TeachRock Star Teacher Award to Asbury Park public school teacher Casey Miles, recognition of Spring-Nuts founders Julie and Howie Chazanoff, and a celebration of the birthdays of Stevie Van Zandt and his wife, Maureen.
Tyshawn Sorey Quartet to Perform at William Paterson University (WAYNE, NJ) -- William Paterson's Jazz Room presents Tyshawn Sorey Quartet on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Shea Center for Performing Arts. Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Music and a Macarthur "Genius Grant" Fellowship, Tyshawn is a jazz alumnus of William Paterson University Showtime is 3:00pm.
NJPAC presents Diana Ross (NEWARK, NJ) -- Diana Ross, the radiant icon and legendary entertainer, will perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Monday, October 27, 2025. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Thomas Dolby (RED BANK, NJ) -- Tickets are going quickly for Thomas Dolby at The Vogel on Monday, October 27, 2025. Perhaps best known for blinding us with science, Thomas Dolby has always blurred the lines between composition and invention. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents John Fogerty (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 8:00pm. Celebrate the timeless music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Fogerty's legendary solo hits in an unforgettable night of iconic songs, electrifying performances, and classic rock energy.
Party Like a Pop Star: The Ultimate Girl's Night Out for All Ages (COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents "Party Like a Pop Star: The Ultimate Girl's Night Out for All Ages!" on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 7:00pm. This electrifying tribute show celebrates the incredible women who dominate the charts today, featuring all your favorite hits from pop's brightest stars!
bergenPAC presents The Encore Series: Kansas with NJ Symphony (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is excited to unveil The Encore Series, a three-part celebration of music, culture, and community. These exclusive soirées bring together unforgettable performances, elevated experiences, and a shared passion for the arts. This first show will kick off the nonprofit organization's fundraising efforts for the season.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Ronnie Baker Brooks (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-winning blues rock guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks will perform live at the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Inaugural "Everything Fab Four" Fest to feature Max Weinberg, The Weeklings, Jake Clemons & many more (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The seminal 1965 album Rubber Soul, often considered the first major turning point in The Beatles' recorded career, will take center stage November 6-8, 2025, at the inaugural Everything Fab Four Fest at the historic Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.
COLUMNS
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Erase the Command" by The Azures
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Erase the Command," an anthemic track off Jersey Shore-based The Azures' sophomore LP, "Among the Deranged."
MORE NEWS
An Interview with Juliana Frangella about her album "Fantastic Funeral"
The first time I saw Juliana Frangella perform on stage she was opening for a Mike Montrey record release show at the Belmar Arts Center. I loved the way she looked like the girl next door, but sang lyrics that were completely unexpected. It was clear there was more to this artist beneath the surface. She's been releasing singles from her upcoming album, Fantastic Funeral, which has a rock side and a folk side, and I reached out to her to learn more.
The Philly Specials are Dreaming Of A White Christmas
The Bitter Chills releases "Not Yet, Santa: A Thanksgiving EP"
Asbury Park Theater Company presents A Big Band Holiday to Remember starring Remember Jones and his 17-piece Big Band
Albert Music Hall presents Annual Homeplace Show: The Sounds of the Jersey Pines on Saturday
UPCOMING SHOWS
The Marquee Club in the Spotlight Cabaret at bergenPAC
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) recently kicked off a new performance series that showcases exceptional, internationally acclaimed musicians in an intimate setting. These talented individuals are scheduled to present their performances in the new listening room, The Marquee Club located in The Spotlight Cabaret, during the months of October and November.
Cousin Brucie Presents The Rascals LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center
StocktonPAC presents Swift Nation - Taylor Swift Tribute
The Newton Theatre presents Yesterday, A Tribute to The Beatles
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