By Bob Makin
originally published: 01/03/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Dave Vargo’s “Without a Fight,” which is featured in episode six of season six of Netflix’s hit show “Virgin River,” pictured. PHOTO COURTESY NETFLIX
They say what goes around comes around, and for Dave Vargo, that means generosity and compassion lead to success and exposure.
The Jersey Shore singer-songwriter recently placed another song on television. In episode six of the recently aired season six of Netflix’s hit series “Virgin River,” Dave’s song “Without a Fight” is featured during a scene in main character Jake’s bar. To celebrate, the Jackson Browne-like tune from Dave’s 2019 LP, “Spaces in Between,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Without a Fight” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Jan 3 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“The placement agency that I use reached out to me eight months or so ago and told me that the show was possibly interested in using my song,” Dave said. “They had me send them some additional mixes of the song, and then I didn't hear anything from them. When I read couple of weeks ago that the new season was being released, I assumed that they weren't using my song, So, when I received the call with the news, I was surprised and very excited.
“The idea of the song came while I was on vacation and watching the World Series in 2018,” Dave continued. “When I watch TV at home, I fast forward through the commercials. Being away, I got stuck watching all of the nasty, divisive political junk that I try to avoid. After a few nights of that, the lyrics for the song came out pretty quickly.”
The song features Makin Waves Award-wining Best Bassist Dan Haas, as well as drummer Tim Pannella and backing vocalist Audra Mariel.
No stranger to TV, Dave’s song “Don’t Think Twice” from his 2016 debut LP, “Burning Through,” was featured on Peacock’s “The Dan Patrick Show” a few times. He’s also been included in a cable reality show.
The Makin Waves 2022 Songwriter of the Year winner is working on his fourth album, which will be preceded by singles throughout the first quarter of the new year.
Enjoy Dave live during the Light of Day Winterfest kickoff show on Jan. 16 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. He’ll also play guitar for Genevieve for the charitable fest’s Women of Song show on Jan. 18 at The R Bar.
For more about Dave, visit https://davevargomusic.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
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.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
