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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
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MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
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Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
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New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
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