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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place October 24-30, 2023

originally published: 10/24/2023


Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from October 24-30, 2023 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured EventsEvent PreviewsEvent Listings.

Send press releases to [email protected] to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers. Listings are also available for $10 a piece. Click here for more information on our event listings. Event listings are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - An Interview with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls who will play MPAC in October. The Indigo Girls will play in Morristown on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC). The Indigo Girls are Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. On September 6, Ray spoke with New Jersey Stage about the Garden State, the history of human life on earth, and other topics.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - New Jersey Symphony: "Jurassic Park" with Live Score. Symphony orchestras have long graced the world with beautiful renditions of classical music. However, in the modern era, they face the challenge of attracting younger and more diverse audiences. Playing movie scores and soundtracks has emerged as an effective strategy to broaden their appeal.




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Thursday, October 26, 2023 - Jazz at Smoke: Steve Davis Sextet. Trombonists have been part of the jazz tradition from its earliest beginnings. In the 1920s and even earlier, Dixieland groups frequently included trombonists in the front line. When small group Dixieland jazz gave way in the 1930s to big band swing, orchestras would incorporate a trombone section, and, in fact, trombonist/bandleaders such as Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Stan Kenton emerged as major stars. Although trombonists became less utilized during the 1940s bebop era, the legendary trombonist J.J. Johnson embraced bebop and advanced the possibilities of the jazz trombone tradition.

Friday, October 27, 2023 - Blues Traveler to Perform at Grunin Center. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Following Grammy-Award Winning Blues Traveler's Summer tour with Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the six-time Platinum-selling rockers have their own Fall 2023 U.S. run. The seminal band will embark on a cross-country routing that kicks off in Cherry Point, NC on October 19 before culminating in the South in Nashville, TN on November 21. Locally, the band will perform at the Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 - Seaside Film Chat and Music Tribute Event Spotlights Frank Sinatra. (AVON-BY-THE-SEA, NJ) -- Producer Karen Morris, of Sand Castle Communications LLC, is presenting another entertaining seaside event featuring the film and music of Frank Sinatra. This engaging program will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Avon Marina Building (2 Main Street) in Avon-By-The-Sea. The event runs from from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.

Monday, October 30, 2023 - Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary. (RED BANK, NJ) — Multi-faceted singer/songwriter A.J. Croce comes to the Count Basie Center for the Arts on Monday, October 30, 2023 in celebration of two more of his father Jim Croce’s legendary albums, 1973’s Life and Times and his final release, I Got A Name, in addition to songs from You Don’t Mess Around With Jim. The concert begins at 7:30pm.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Thursday, October 26, 2023 - The Newton Theatre presents Melvin Seals & JGB. (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Melvin Seals & JGB on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 8:00pm. Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 - Sellersville Theater presents John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton. (SELLERSVILLE, PA) -- Sellersville Theater presents John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The folk music legends and dear friends get Together for their first joint album due out on October 13th. Tickets range from $29.50 - $45. Showtime is 8:00pm.




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Thursday, October 26, 2023 - New Jersey Lyric Opera presents "Opera Gala Soiree: Live and On Stage". (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Opera aficionados will be treated to an immersive, cinematic evening of hidden gems and all-time favorites, when New Jersey Lyric Opera and Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre present "Opera Gala Soiree: Live and On Stage" on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Friday, October 27, 2023 - The Gaslight Anthem to play shows at White Eagle Hall. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Gaslight Anthem will celebrate their eagerly awaited new album, History Books, with some very special intimate record release shows, set for Jersey City, NJ's historic White Eagle Hall on October 27, 28, 29, 30.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - The Newton Theatre presents The Rod Experience featuring Carmine Appice and Rick St. James. (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents The Rod Experience featuring Carmine Appice and Rick St. James on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 8:00pm.  This is the first of its kind- a historical tribute to Rod Stewart  and the only one to feature a former member of his band. This show is a replica of  Rod Stewart's world tour shows from the 70's and early 80's. The set list features Rod  Stewart's biggest hits from that era, and the production includes multimedia elements  and historical trivia.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band, Halloween Party Music Event at Randy Now's Man Cave. (HIGHTSTOWN, NJ) -- On Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 8:00pm, The Resurrection of Screamin' 'Jay Hawkins Band will be in Hightstown, NJ performing at Randy Now's Man Cave. The band will bring to town some legendary musicians. Mike Armando who was Screamin' Jay Hawkins guitarist (I Put A Spell On You) along with Arno Hecht the founder of the legendary NYC band Uptown Horns.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - Powerhouse 2023 to Take Place at Prudential Center. (NEWARK, NJ) -- iHeartMedia's Power 105.1, Home of The Breakfast Club and Angie Martinez, New York's Hip Hop and R&B, has announced the star-studded lineup for its annual live music event, Power 105.1's Powerhouse 2023 produced by Live Nation, taking place Saturday, October 28 at 7:00pm ET at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Power 105.1's on-air personalities DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God of "The Breakfast Club," officially announced the all-star performers on-air for Powerhouse 2023 which will include Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Lil Durk, Ice Spice, SpinKing & Friends and Lola Brooke.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - Springsteen Archives to Hold Symposium for 50th Anniversary of The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle. (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University will present a symposium on Saturday, October 28, 2023 that celebrates the release of Springsteen's landmark second album a half century ago. Titled The 50th Anniversary: The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle, the day-long event will include panel discussions, interviews, a pop up exhibit, and musical performances of the songs on the album performed by regional musicians.

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - New Jersey Youth Symphony To Open 45th Season with Iconic Symphonic Works and NJ Premiere. (TRENTON, NJ) — The New Jersey Youth Symphony presents its 45th Season Opening Concert on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton. The NJYS Youth Symphony led by Helen H. Cha-Pyo and NJYS Youth Orchestra led by Simon Lipskar will perform works by Louise Farrenc, Jennifer Higdon, Giacomo Puccini, Ottorino Respighi, Jean Sibelius, and Dmitri Shostakovich. The concert begins at 700pm.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 - Sieminski Theater presents Ronstadt Revue featuring Gesenia. (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Sieminski Theater presents Ronstadt Revue featuring Gesenia on Sunday, October 29 at 7:30pm. This is a 7-piece ensemble of world-class, professional musicians out of South Jersey/Philadelphia that covers the entire career of Linda Ronstadt (all genres including Spanish-language material).

Sunday, October 29, 2023 - Axelrod PAC to host world-acclaimed artists in benefit for Israel relief. (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Get ready to be swept away with a magical evening for a meaningful cause at Axelrod Performing Arts Center! On Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 7:30pm, The Axelrod and Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ present a special benefit concert filled with passionate performances, soulful melodies, and enlightening messages dedicated to all those Israelis affected by the October 7 Hamas terror attack and resulting war.

EVENT LISTINGS




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Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Loreena McKennitt at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Indigo Girls at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Tuesday Night Record Club - Bruce Springsteen’s Tracks at Monmouth University - The Great Hall, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 @ 7:30pm - New Jersey Symphony: Jurassic Park in Concert at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Blues Traveler at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754

Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - An Evening with Jessica Vosk at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079

Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736

Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Celebrating Meat Loaf at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Ella, Nat, Frank, Peggy and Dean: A Big Band Bash! at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736

Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 3:00pm - "Jurassic Park" in Concert with New Jersey Symphony at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 4:00pm - Gary Smulyan with the William Paterson University Jazz Orchestra at William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470

Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Lucinda Williams and Her Band at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Monday, October 30, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701


EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Lily Vakili will celebrate the release of her Live Wire EP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at The Francis Kite Club. Doors are at 8:00pm; Showtime is 8:30pm.
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's (RVCC) Student Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm. The concert will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The group is directed by RVCC faculty member Jeremy Sweet.
The Lovin

The Lovin' Spoonful to Perform in Newton

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Lovin' Spoonful will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. They were America's answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard's top-10 charts virtually overnight.
Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

(FORT LEE, NJ) -- Ann Talman brings her award-winning show Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile to the Barrymore Film Center on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. Ann joined Actors' Equity with co-star Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 when she landed the plum role in The Little Foxes playing Miss Taylor's daughter on Broadway. The Little Foxes traveled the world for eighteen months including six months in London and their loving friendship lasted for the rest of Miss Taylor's life.
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of the Eagles.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on Friday, May 8, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101

Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101

(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:00pm, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Music That Tells a Story, a free event for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an opera star. The presentation will take place at Westrick Music Academy (231 Clarksville Road, Suite 8) in Princeton Junction.
Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th

Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is touring in support of the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, Bringing Down the Horse. The band will perform their classic album in its entirety, in sequence.
The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th

The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford in concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. With a legacy that spans nearly five decades, Lita Ford continues to inspire generations of musicians— solidifying even more, her place as an icon, pioneer, and true Queen of Rock.
Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th

Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Thompson Park. This celebration of the arts features more than 50 specially selected artists in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, and more. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, engaging art demonstrations, and children’s art-based activities.

 

MORE EVENTS

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