By Bob Makin
originally published: 03/17/2023
Project 18, a local supergroup led by Dave Vargo, once again is the Makin Waves Song of the Week with their tune “You’re My Life” from their EP, “Pomona.”
You can’t really wrong when your band consists of local favorites Dave Vargo on lead vocals and guitar, Jonathan Tea on lead vocals and keyboards, Arlan Feiles on organ, Dan Haase on bass, Kim Boyko on backing vocals, and Tim Pannella behind the drums, as well as the recording console. And that is the case with Project 18 and their EP, “Pomona.”
On behalf of newly recorded songwriters Jay Weiner and Scott Rubine, Dave organized the band and produced “Pomona” with Tim, the drummer, engineer and co-producer of his three solo LPs. The heartfelt track “You’re My Life” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “You’re My Life” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 17 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.
A studio-only project, the local supergroup doesn’t play out, but members are busy performing their own material or working with others.
The 2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year, Dave Vargo can be enjoyed March 17 at The Asbury hotel, Asbury Park, with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low and Sam Houseal Band; March 19, Pattenburg House, Asbury (Hunterdon County), with Brian Molnar & Slow Rolling Low, and April 21, John & Peter’s, New Hope, with Mike Montrey Band. Dave’s weekly “2forTuesday” show on Facebook Live featuring him performing with a guest continues March 21 with Stella Mrowicki, March 28 with Mike Montali, and April 4 with a special third anniversary show.
Multi-talented Arlan Feiles will play March 17 at Independence Brewing Co. in Austin as part of SXSW; April 8, Asbury Ocean Club; Asbury Park, and April 14 at Mesa Music Festival in Arizona. He expects to tour Europe again in the fall.
Dan Haase is the bassist in Rachel Ana Dobken’s band, who currently are gigging throughout Austin for SXSW. He also plays with the cover band We Will Be Fine who frequently plays at the MJ’s restaurant chain throughout Central Jersey.
Jonathan Tea, who will be releasing a solo single within the next couple of months, is the keyboardist and a vocalist in the country-rock band Hooper, the 2022 Makin Waves Best New Artist Award winner. In support of their latest single, “Shot Down,” they will play May 7 at White Chapel Projects, Long Branch, and May 18, St. Laurent, Asbury Park.
Tim Pannella, whose credits include The Front Bottoms, The Bouncing Souls, Brian Fallon, and The Parlor Mob, is always busy in his Central Jersey studio. Find out more at https://soundbetter.com/profiles/181100-tim-pannella.
Visit Kim Boyko at https://instagram.com/kimboykomusic for upcoming activity.
For more about 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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Orchestra Players 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."
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Summer Jazz: Drummer Joe Farnsworth and Special Guests at William Paterson
For more than three decades, Joe Farnsworth has been one of the most admired drummers in modern jazz, revered for his superb technique, driving swing, and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition. A Massachusetts native mentored by legendary drummers Alan Dawson, Arthur Taylor, and Jimmy Lovelace, Farnsworth has appeared on nearly 400 recordings and performed with an astonishing array of jazz masters, including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Pharoah Sanders, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, and Wynton Marsalis. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed hard bop collective, One for All, alongside longtime musical associates tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and pianist David Hazeltine.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
FEATURED EVENTS
