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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "In the Night" by Project 18 featuring Dave Vargo

By Bob Makin

originally published: 02/03/2023

Project 18, featuring Monmouth County-based singer-songwriter Dave Vargo, has released a four-song EP, the opener of which, “In the Night,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

Monmouth County singer-songwriter Dave Vargo has followed up his impressive third LP, “Crooked Miles,” with a new all-star outfit called Project 18. 

Their strong debut EP, “Pomona,” opens with “In the Night,” a powerfully pretty lament of regret-filled sleep-depriving loneliness that is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “In the Night” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.

All four of the songs on “Pomona” were written by Jay Weiner and Scott Rubine, newcomers to the New Jersey music who enlisted Vargo to make their musical dreams a reality. To do so, Dave called upon his frequent producer-engineer-drummer Tim Pannella to co-produce the EP, lay down its drum tracks, and provide engineering and mastering skills. Together they assembled the crackerjack band of bassist Dan Haase, backing vocalist Kim Boyko, organist Arlan Feiles, and singer-songwriter Jonathan Tea, who sang lead and played keys on “Lucky Charm.”




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Project 18 has no plans to play out, but you can catch Dave live Feb. 18 opening for Ash & Eric at More Barn Studios, Stockton, as well as weekly on his “2forTuesdays” show at 7:30 pm on Facebook. Upcoming guests include Joel Shewmake, Feb. 7; The Black Ties, Feb. 14; Joseph Alton Miller, Feb.  21, and Anthony D’Amato, Feb. 28.

For more info about Dave and Project 18, visit https://davevargomusic.com.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

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