By Lazlo
originally published: 07/22/2024
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Kelli Bruno, Bright Burning, Surfing For Daisy, Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV, Samuel Vincent, and The Warhawks. Plus a look back at "Sho' Nuff" by Brown.
Kelli Bruno - "Love & Games". Kelli Bruno's "Love & Games", made me get up and dance, but I think Kelli described the song best when she posted a video about it saying it is a, "queer funk pop summer bop, but more over it is just a fun song" Indeed!
Bright Burning - "Potstown (feat. Chels & Buncha Scrubs)". I don't know what it is about summer that also makes me think of some relaxing reggae, but Burning Bright just released a nice summer jam with "Potstown", which also features Chels & Buncha Scurbs.
Surfing For Daisy - "The Porch EP". I have spent the last year raving about Surfing For Daisy's mixture of folk, Americana, rock and soul. Now that they have released their debut, "The Porch EP, it is the perfect time to check them out if you have not yet. If you already have, then you already know you need this EP!
Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV - "Chansons De Lune". Renee Maskin & SONOFDOV are two extremely talented singer-songwriters in the New Jersey music scene. Each write with a certain mood and melancholy, that to me is perfect for listening outdoors in the fall, under the moonlight. Calling their split collaborative EP, "Chansons De Lune" (French for "Moon Songs") seems to play right into that mood. It is a mood I don't want to let goof because this pairing of talents is glorious!
Samuel Vincent - "Knock Ya Block Off". If you, like me, have been waiting for a hip-hop song inspired by the cult classic (or maybe it should be kult klassic) movie, "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", Samuel Vincent's "Knock Ya Block Off" has got you covered.
The Warhawks - "Wellness Check Pt. 1 & 2". Gloucester City, New Jersey's The Warhawks, return with two EP's, "Wellness Check Pt. 1" & "Wellness Check Pt. 2". Each contains 3 catchy alt-power-pop anthems.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Brown - "Sho' Nuff". Back in the early 00's when I started BlowUpRadio.com, Brown was blowing up in the Asbury Park scene. Their live shows, blending R&B, Funk, and Soul, were legendary! They would jam out, and a party would ensue. Below is just one of their fun jams, "Sho' Nuff", from their album, "...we ain't tired yet".
That's all for this week.
Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
