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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place from May 7-14, 2024

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/07/2024


Buddy Guy will perform at bergenPAC on May 9th

Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from May 7-14, 2024 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.

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, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Click here for more information on our event pages. Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Thursday, May 9 - Cynthia Sayer and her Joyride Quartet to Perform in Metuchen. (METUCHEN, NJ) -- Join Cynthia Sayer and her Joyride Quartet for a special evening of Hot Jazz and Swing from the days of Prohibition and the banjo-crazed Roaring 20's on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at The Parlor at Hailey's Harp & Pub in Metuchen. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Thursday, May 9 - bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy - Damn Right Farewell. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy - Damn Right Farewell on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00pm. At age 86, Buddy Guy is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues.




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Friday, May 10 - Outpost in the Burbs presents Choir! Choir! Choir! in an EPIC Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents a very special evening with Choir! Choir! Choir! in a Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the First Congregational Church (40 S. Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Friday, May 10 - Martell's Tiki Bar to Host Fundraiser for Teddy B. (long-time member of The Sensational Soul Cruisers). (POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ) -- There will be a fundraiser for Eric Barney aka Teddy B. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Martell's Tiki Bar with entertainment by The Motor City Revue, Carlton J. Smith, High in the Mid 80's and MC Johnny Mac.  The event runs from 7:00pm to 11:00pm and is for 21 and over. If you cannot make the show but wish to help, a GoFund campaign has been set up for Teddy B. as well.

Tuesday, May 14 - Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Lyle Lovett And Lisa Loeb: In Conversation And Song. (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Lyle Lovett And Lisa Loeb: In Conversation And Song on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Thursday, May 9 - Billy Joel to Celebrate 75th Birthday at MSG. (NEW YORK, NY) -- Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. ('MSG Entertainment') announced that by overwhelming demand, legendary musician and MSG franchise Billy Joel has added the next show in his record-breaking, sold-out residency at The World's Most Famous Arena on Joel's 75th birthday – Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Thursday, May 9 - Top 15 high school jazz bands head to Jazz at Lincoln Center's Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. (NEW YORK, NY) -- No figure looms larger in the story of jazz than Duke Ellington whose artistic development and sustained achievement are among the most spectacular and influential in the history of music. On May 9-11, 2024 commemorating the 125th birthday of Duke Ellington — America's most prolific composer of the 20th century in both number of pieces and variety of forms — the top 15 high school-aged jazz bands from across the country will converge at Jazz at Lincoln Center's home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, in New York, NY.

Friday, May 10 - Black Box Studios and The Elated System presents Doom Dogs at Debonair Music Hall. (TEANECK, NJ) -- Black Box Studios and The Elated System presents Doom Dogs, with opener Eels Of Love, on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Debonair Music Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm. Doom Dogs is an improvisational trio featuring Reeves Gabrels on guitars, Jonathan Kane on drums, and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells on basses.

Saturday, May 11 - Prudential Center presents DJ Cassidy's "Pass the Mic Live!". (NEWARK, NJ) -- DJ Cassidy will bring his critically acclaimed "Pass The Mic Live!" experience to Prudential Center in Newark on Mother's Day weekend for a sequel to 2023's sold out Inaugural show. In partnership with SJ Presents's annual "Mother's Day Good Music Festival," the unprecedented lineup will unite seven iconic superstars whose game-changing records and influence transformed Hip Hop, R&B, and Pop culture on a global scale. The one-time-only event will feature live performances by Boyz II Men, TLC, Bobby Brown, Method Man & Redman, Faith Evans, Total, and special surprise guests.

Saturday, May 11 - The Adelphi Orchestra Presents "Complexity & Simplicity" with SoHyun Ko. (RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- The Adelphi Orchestra will take audiences on a mesmerizing musical journey with "Complexity & Simplicity," conducted by Maestro Kyunghun Kim, as they celebrate their 70th season alongside the extraordinary talent of SoHyun Ko. Experience a captivating performance featuring Brahms' "Variations on a Theme by Haydn," Mozart's "Concerto for Violin No. 5 'Turkish,'" performed by the acclaimed SoHyun Ko, winner of the 2020 competition, and Schubert's "Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major." Performances take place May 11-12, 2024.

Saturday, May 11 - Sara David Buechner to Perform Beethoven's First Piano Concerto with the PSO. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Award-winning pianist Sara David Buechner joins up with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for performances of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15 the weekend of May 11-12, 2024. Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov conducts the program which includes John Luther Adams' Become River and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120.

Sunday, May 12 - The Wellmont Theater presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Together for over 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. The band comes to The Wellmont Theater on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, May 7

7:30pm - Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

7:30pm - Tuesday Night Record Club - The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night at Monmouth University - The Great Hall, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

8:00pm - Koolulam at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood



Wednesday, May 8 @7:30pm - Piano Night: Romanticism and the 20th Century at William Paterson University - Shea Recital Hall 101, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne



Thursday, May 9

7:00pm - Award-Winning Artist Cynthia Sayer Brings Speakeasy Jazz to Metuchen! at The Parlor at Hailey's Harp & Pub, 15 Station Place, Metuchen

7:00pm - Buddy Guy – Damn Right Farewell at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

8:00pm - Todd Rundgren: ME/WE at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank



Friday, May 10

7:30pm - Grace Pettis, Robby Hecht & Joe Crookson: Songwriters in the Round at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

7:30pm - Sean Chambers & The Savoy Brown Rhythm Section at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

8:00pm - Choir! Choir! Choir! - An Epic Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair



Saturday, May 11

1:00pm - The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

7:30pm - Woodbridge Township presents Vienna Teng at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

7:30pm - Eliza Neals at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

7:30pm - DECADE – Neil Young Tribute at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

8:00pm - Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John at William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne



Sunday, May 12

1:00pm - Mothers Day Blue Room Brunch feat Dermel Warren w JD Warren & the Rudiment at South Valley BBQ and Lounge, 34 S Valley Rd, West Orange

3:00pm - Jake Thistle Band at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

7:00pm - STREAMS: Jon Batiste At The Piano at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

7:30pm - Albert Lee at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton



Monday, May 13 @ 7:30pm - The Dixie Dregs with Special Guests: Steve Morse Band at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank



Tuesday, May 14 @ 7:30pm - Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb: In Conversation and Song at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank


EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


DJ Drewski - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ



 

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