Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/19/2022
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- Dark Force Fest is the gathering of top international gothic and industrial bands including classic favorite bands and newly trending artists. Dark Force Fest takes place March 31- April 2, 2023 in Parsippany, NJ, where they take over the massive Sheraton Parsippany, including 44,000 square feet of event space and all 370 hotel rooms. The hotel rooms in the main venue sold out within days of announcing this festival, but there are still overflow hotels in the area.
This stacked festival lineup includes:
HEALTH: Over 1.5 million monthly Spotify listens; co-songwriters with Nine Inch Nails, Ghostemane, and Lamb of God; and featured artists on the best-selling video games, Grand Theft Auto and Max Payne 3!! HEALTH is the Trent Reznor-approved industrial band angering hipsters .
Combichrist: World-renowned, Norwegian-led metal band going back to their roots and doing a special old-school industrial set.
Suicide Commando: Rare U.S. show from this Belgium band that single-handedly pioneered the Terror-EBM industrial music genre.
ACTORS: Vancouver's hottest post-punk / goth band, exploding on the scene.
Rabbit Junk: Featured artists on the soundtrack of the award-winning video game, Cyberpunk 2077!! Rare performance from this California industrial-punk-metal-rap band that refuses to be limited by music genres.
Vision Video: Amassing over 9 million "likes" and over 400k followers on TikTok [@visionvideo], thanks to their singer Dusty and his "Goth Dad" persona.
Empathy Test: After having to cancel their U.S. tour due to visa issues, this will be this UK band's first U.S. appearance in 4 years.
Solar Fake: Straight outta Germany, this synthpop band is known for their infectious club bangers.
BILE: Back from the grave, this will be this industrial-metal legend's first show in 4 years!
Psyclon Nine: From Los Angeles, this industrial band has a rabid fanbase and is known for causing chaos.
Das Ich: Rare U.S. show from this German goth-industrial band that performs their songs completely in German.
VampireFreaks is known for its popular social media networking site, which exploded in the early 2000s before being retired in 2020 to focus on their hugely successful online clothing store. They have over 20 years of experience with event promotions and Dark Force Fest has become the next evolution after their Dark Side of the Con series of events.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
FEATURED EVENTS
