(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Woodbridge Public Library virtually for an immersive musical experience as José Obando traces the history of the musical genre salsa on October 1 at 7:00pm. Salsa is an American musical genre amalgamated by "Nuyoricans," especially Puerto Ricans living in Spanish Harlem. Obando will discuss the formation of Spanish-Caribbean cultural and musical identity. He will also discuss how the mixing of European and African elements lead to the creation of Salsa. Not only will we learn the historical origins, Mr. Obando will also present the instruments that bring the genre to life during this interactive event,... READ ON

Throughout 40 years covering the local music scene, it’s always been fun to watch a band grow up and mature into a really great act, such as From Good Homes and The Bouncing Souls. I’m happy to add The Happy Fits among them, whose brand-new sophomore LP, “What Could Be Better” lives up to its title by being the charming Clinton-based cello-driven indie-pop trio’s best work yet. While silly and fun as ever as far as videos and what eventually will be a return to live shows, the band demonstrates a maturation with their songwriting and playing that adds greater dimension to their music. While  classically trained singer-songwriter-cellist Calvin Langman’s chops are huge, his playing and songwriting on “What Could Be Better” is more dynamic than on 2018’s “Concentrate” and “Awfully Apeelin’,” which gives guitarist-vocalist Ross Monteith and drummer Luke Davis a greater sonic canvas. ... READ ON

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF) presents a concert with Bobby Bandiera and Stella Mrowicki at St. John's Island on Sunday, October 4 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.  The concert is part of their Sundays on St. John's series which runs throughout September and October. Gates open at 2:15pm.... READ ON

John Lennon would be celebrating his 80th birthday on October 9. Fans of his can enjoy a new book by Kenneth Womack entitled John Lennon, 1980: The Last Days In The Life (available now) and a new compilation called "Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon" to be released on John's birthday.  A special bundle involving both is reportedly in the works and Womack wrote the liner notes for the album.... READ ON

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Power-pop queer-punk band Teenage Halloween have released the third and final single for their upcoming Don Giovanni self-titled debut LP, titled "Sweat."... READ ON

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has announced shows in September and October, including a series of intimate performances for audiences of up to 150 this fall inside the Theatre. These will mark the first events inside MPAC since it was ordered to close on March 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak. In addition to limited sized indoor events, MPAC's fall programming includes brand-new virtual shows, online performing arts classes and outdoor drive-in concerts.... READ ON

Vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Jim Yester is best known for his work with The Association, the sunshine pop vocal group which produced such great ’60s hits as “Cherish,” “Windy,” “Never My Love,” and “Along Comes Mary.” The first band in history to open a rock festival at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival, Yester and The Association went on to sell over 80 million recordings, earning six gold records and three platinum disks along the way.... READ ON

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Due to the crippling financial and operational impact of COVID-19, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has made the difficult decision to implement significant administrative staff layoffs, as of September 11. The layoffs are part of an overall effort to sustain the organization’s challenged financial position through the ongoing pandemic, and to position it for a brighter future.... READ ON

​​​​​​​New Jersey artist, Tony Tedesco, will be one of three musicians to take part in Sunday Songwriters In The Round on September 13 at 7:30pm.  The event, hosted by Carol Lester Productions and Renee Cologne, features self published Songwriters with music poised for (or already licensed in Film, TV or Ads).  In addition to Tedesco, the event includes Renee Cologne, and Tracy Stark. The concert can be seen live on Facebook.... READ ON

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Music fans can enjoy An Evening of New York Songs and Stories with Suzanne Vega via a Livestream from Blue Note Jazz Club on Wednesday, October 7 at 9:00pm. The Grammy Award-winning artist will be celebrating the release of her new, career-spanning live album. The full-band set will feature the album’s New York-centric repertoire, honoring Vega’s long musical relationship with her city.... READ ON