By Bob Makin
originally published: 06/28/2024
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Dirty Jersey,” singer-songwriter-keyboardist Ryan Gregg’s latest single from his forthcoming solo debut EP, “Hustling in Place.” ARTWORK BY FILIPE BERGSON
A Jersey Shore native from Matawan, singer-songwriter-keyboardist Ryan Gregg has made his longtime musical home of Asbury Park into his physical home, like so many musicians who gravitate to the internationally recognized music scene.
His latest single, “Dirty Jersey,” is his “love letter” to Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore, as well as the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Dirty Jersey” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 28 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“I came up with chorus one night on my way home from New York City,” Ryan said. “Was crossing over the Driscoll Bridge, and it felt like I was home.”
“Even though I grew up near Asbury, I didn’t play my first note in town until I was 25, but was immediately embraced by the community,” he continued. “I planted roots and now have lifelong friends that will be with me no matter where life takes me next. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I’ve had to find myself and my tribe. Those of us who have been around know how lucky we are, surrounded by so many incredible people in our music community.”
“Dirty Jersey” is the fifth single from a six-song EP, “Hustling in Place,” expected from Ryan by summer’s end.
In addition to the title track, the other singles are “Kissing Rings,” Broken,” and “The Devil Loved Again.” All of the singles feature videos shot by Derril Sellers (Lowlight, Last Legs) at his Cako Studios in Eastern Pa. An instrumental, “Morning Meditation,” will round out the EP, which was co-produced with Ryan by Arlan Feiles and mixed and mastered by Steve Jankowski.
You can hear Ryan live when he plays July 8 at The R Bar in Asbury Park. The weekly gig with Ocean Avenue Stompers follows a jaunt this weekend in Asheville and Nashville playing with Brother & Sister, the Allman Brothers Band tribute led by Vaylor & Melody Trucks, son & daughter of late ABB drummer, Butch Trucks.
For more about Ryan, visit https://www.ryangreggmusic.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
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jason Ricci on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Multiple award winning jazz, funk and blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter Jason Ricci comes to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, June 12, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
