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MAC Music Café

Thursday, May 29, 2025 @ 4:00pm



Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748

date icon06/29/2025

time icon4-6 pm

price iconFREE ($5 Suggested Donation)

location icon36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748

Join us for our monthly music showcase featuring singer-songwriters Michael Askin, Jerry Smith, Debbie Gangemi and Tom Flynn.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

MICHAEL ASKIN is a singer/songwriter with the unique ability to combine everyday, slice of life images with larger philosophical themes. Once the “guitarist with mystique” in such Jersey rock bands as Divine Sign and My State of Attraction, Michael has forged ahead as a solo artist, releasing his third EP, Road by the River, in 2017. A travelogue of sorts, Road by the River evokes images of a world weary traveler, criss-crossing the country by car and train, searching for who knows what.

JERRY SMITH Singer-songwriter, multi-award winning author, retired social worker and English professor, Jerry loves being part of the local music scene where he enjoys playing oldies rock n’ roll & Motown songs along with his originals. He has a Facebook presence, and Jerry can also be found at his author website at www.ejerrysmith.com

TOM FLYNN writes songs with meticulously crafted lyrics which blend Rock, Pop, and Folk. Tom’s music has been compared to Jackson Browne, REM, The Cars, Bob Dylan, and The Moody Blues. His single, Automatic People, has been played on over 60 college radio stations. Travels, Tom’s debut album was released last year and is currently licensed to several TV networks include Nascar, The Discovery Network, and The Oprah Winfrey Network.




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UPCOMING EVENTS




 

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a Spring Season of Jazz with free monthly jazz jams at Clement's Place and two special concert events inside the Victoria Theater. This series, running from September through June, is co-presented by NJPAC's Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University–Newark's Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS). Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners' minds.



PBS'

PBS' Independent Lens Launches 20th Season of Free Pop-Up Screening Series in Teaneck and Nationwide

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The award-winning PBS documentary series, INDEPENDENT LENS, presents the launch of the upcoming season of Indie Lens Pop-Up in partnership with the Teaneck International Film Festival and the Puffin Cultural Forum. The season kicks-off on February 4, 2026 with The Librarians and continues through May. The series is free for all but sign up is required.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.



Megan

Megan Thee Stallion to make her Broadway debut in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical"

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Producers of the Tony Award®-winning, record-breaking Broadway hit Moulin Rouge! The Musical have announced that three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar and actress Megan Thee Stallion will make her Broadway debut in the production as "Zidler", impresario of the titular nightclub. Taking the stage for a strictly limited 8-week engagement, Megan will light up the Al Hirshfeld Theatre from Tuesday, March 24th to Sunday, May 17, 2026, promising an unmissable, moment in the show's legendary run.



Paper

Paper Mill Playhouse presents "1776"

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical, from April 1 through May 2, 2026. It brings the story behind the creation of the Declaration of Independence to the stage with witty satire, compelling drama, and a thrilling score. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, 1776 follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and their fellow delegates as they navigate fiery debates, political tensions, and personal conflicts in their struggle to unite thirteen colonies.












LATEST COLUMNS


"She's Like the Wind"

The first thing you'll see upon entering the gallery at Deep Space (77 Cornelison St.) is the shadow-outline of a woman's leg. There it is, on a chartreuse background, sticking straight up in the air with a curvaceous bare foot inches from the ceiling. That's all of the subject of "Lemon Lime Toe of God" that the oil painter Delilah Ray Miske is willing to show us. The rest of the body, she implies, is splayed out on a bed. We know it's summer because the window is closed and the air conditioner is plugged in. There's a pretty good chance that the possessor of the leg is undressed. In one hand, she holds a cellphone, and she might be broadcasting something. On the wall, a small whip-like broomstick hangs. It could be the ride of a tiny witch. It could be the professional tool of a dominatrix.




This Week in Comedy: April 28 to May 4, 2026

Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from April 28 to May 4, 2026. New Jersey Stage compiles this list from comedy clubs, casinos, and performing arts centers.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Dance of the Waxwing" by Pyrenesia

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Dance of the Waxwing" by the Lambertville-based gypsy jazz quartet Pyrenesia.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week 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