This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place December 19-25, 2023

Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from December 19-25, 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 Events, Event Previews, Event Listings.

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Jammin' in the Loft at SOPAC Series Launches with the Lynette Sheard Experience featuring Nat Adderley Jr.. (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Experience your favorite bands up close and personal in SOPAC's new Jammin' in the Loft series. Curated by Gregory Burrus Productions, this series brings talented local bands taking the local music scene by force to the next level with an intimate and energetic experience in The Loft at SOPAC. The first event in this new series takes place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 featuring the extraordinary Lynette Sheard in her holiday cabaret, joined by Jacquie Lee on violin, Mike Lee on saxophone, and Nat Adderley, Jr. on keys. Guitarist Warren Battiste is a special guest. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Master of Merriment: a Celtic Christmas with the Chivalrous Crickets. (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- The Chivalrous Crickets presents a Celtic Christmas show on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church in West Windsor. Showtime is 7:00pm. The band will lead the audience on a rambling, wassail-filled journey through villages of France, Ireland, England, Scotland, and America while exploring the tunes and traditions of Celtic Yuletide from the quiet first day of Winter to the raucous Twelfth Night!

Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Midtown Announces 1st Annual Chrismukkah Spectacular. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Punk veterans Midtown are thrilled to announce their 1st Annual Chrismukkah Spectacular. Featuring special guests Piebald, Houston Calls, and Save Face, the Chrismukkah Spectacular is set to take over The Wellmont Theater (5 Seymour Street) in Montclair on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

Friday, December 22, 2023 - Roy's Hall presents A Very Slambovian Christmas. (BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- A Very Slambovian Christmas comes to Roy's Hall on Friday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Also known as The Grand Slambovians, the band pioneered the alt-folk/Americana genre, staying on the fringes of the music industry and under the radar while producing several critically acclaimed studio albums. Drawing on a set list comprised of traditional Christmas songs with a twist, a sprinkling of original holiday tunes, and a generous helping of non-traditional musical fare, it is guaranteed there will be something for everyone.

Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Ocean County Library Waretown Branch to Present Fred Miller's "An American Christmas". (WARETOWN, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library Waretown Branch will present popular Jersey Shore pianist and storyteller Fred Miller's "Lectures in Song: An American Christmas" on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Fred's program projects the spirit of all faiths through the mystery and beauty of ancient carols as well as the sprightly songs of the past century, along with poems, anecdotes, and observations that inspire the anticipation, magic, and reverence of the season. The program begins at noon.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Holiday Express at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 @ 7:00pm - New SOPAC Series: Jammin' in the Loft w the Lynette Sheard Experience f. Nat Adderley Jr, Mike Lee, Jacquie Lee at The Loft @ South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079

Thursday, December 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Life In The Past Lane at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Thursday, December 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Sam MacPherson at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Thursday, December 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - A Holiday Gospel Concert featuring Broadway Inspirational Voices at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079

Friday, December 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm - So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 7:00pm - The Sensational Soul Cruisers at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 7:00pm - Master of Merriment: a Celtic Christmas with the Chivalrous Crickets at Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church, 154 S Mill Rd, West Windsor, NJ 08550

EVENT PREVIEWS

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.

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Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.

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Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

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Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.

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Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.

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2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

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bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.

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Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."

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Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.

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Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS

Bell Bottom Blues - A Tribute to Eric Clapton

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

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Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

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Damn The Torpedoes Evening Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

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There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

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Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

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