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Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage January 5-11, 2025

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 01/12/2025


Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from January 5-11, 2025. Each week we publish about 70 articles, including several original columns and features, along with news releases for events happening throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 7 counties in New Jersey  (Cape May, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union).

Make sure your events are part of our weekly columns by sending press releases to us at [email protected]. Event previews are always one of the most popular areas of the website. Event previews get noticed when we first publish them and then get noticed again when they are brought back to the main area of the site the week the event takes place - sometimes even several months later.  We also run weekly columns promoting events, music, and theatre shows taking place for the week. These columns include our featured event previews and event listings along with all of our event previews of the week. Your events can stand out for as low as $10! Many times, they are among the most read stories of the week. There is no cost for us to run your press releases!

1) A Tribute to Southside Johnny - On December 20, 2024, Southside Johnny announced he was retiring from touring effective immediately.  His annual show for New Year's Eve was cancelled and fans around the world starting paying tribute to him and wondering what the future would hold for him and the Asbury Jukes.  New Jersey Stage wanted to pay tribute to him as well, so we reached out to fans in the "Jukebox: Southside Johnny fanzine" Facebook group, some musicians, and industry professionals for their thoughts.

2) Events This Week in New Jersey from January 7-13, 2025 - Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from January 7-13, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.

3) Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Issues Call for Papers: Born to Run at 50 - (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM; Springsteen's official repository) and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences invite you to submit paper and/or panel abstracts for a scholarly conference devoted to the life, work, and influence of "The Boss" in honor of the 50th anniversary of the landmark album, Born to Run. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, March 15, 2025.




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4) Blue Man Group co-founders Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton to Return to the Stage for Special Performances During Final Shows in NYC - (NEW YORK, NY) -- Blue Man Group, the international entertainment phenomenon known for its world-famous music and distinctively non-verbal forms of communication, will conclude its history-making residency in New York City next month. As part of the farewell celebration, Blue Man Group co-founders Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton will return to the stage as Blue Men for two special performances. They will perform at an additional show that has been added on January 9 at 4:00pm, and they will also perform during the January 24, 2025 performance at 8:00pm.

5) Harmonium Choral Society Announces Laurel Luke Christensen as New Emerging Composer-in-Residence - (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Harmonium Choral Society is pleased to announce their new emerging composer-in-residence Laurel Luke Christensen beginning January 2025, "what a great way to start the new year with an emerging talent," says Artistic Director Anne Matlack. She will join long-time composer-in-residence Mark Miller.

6) Princeton Second Sunday Poetry Reading to feature Andrew Condouris and Todd Evans - (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, and Ragged Sky Press, a local publisher focused on poetry, will host a Second Sunday Poetry Reading on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 4:00pm.  The readings will take place at the Princeton Makes store in the Princeton Shopping Center and will feature music themed poetry by Andrew Condouris and Todd Evans.  Their readings will be followed by an open mic available to up to 10 audience members who would like to read their original poetry.

7) Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market Evolves into New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market - (TRENTON, NJ) -- The iconic Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market (TPRFM), a celebrated institution in New Jersey's independent arts, music and food scene, has officially rebranded as the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market (NJPRFM), reflecting its growth and expanded reach across the Garden State and beyond.

8) Katchats with Callum - the girl with the purple hair - Callum is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Berlin, MD that blends her influences of Indie Pop, Folk, Jazz and R&B into something truly special. Recently I was contacted by Callum’s management. They read the article on My Musical Journey at New Jersey Stage. Her manager felt I would be a good fit working with her and her team in 2025.

9) USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards Names Madison Resort Wildwood Crest #1 Best New Hotel In America - (WILDWOOD CREST, NJ) -- Madison Resort Wildwood Crest has been awarded the prestigious title of #1 Best New Hotel in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This recognition is a significant milestone for Madison Resorts, which opened the Wildwood Crest property in May 2024. Among 18 hotels nominated nationwide, Madison Resort was the sole representative from the New Jersey tri-state area and is the first New Jersey hotel - and the first ever from the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey Region - ever to win this coveted award.

10) Brookdale Leads in Interior Design and Brings Innovation to Beacon Hill Country Club - (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Brookdale Community College's Interior Design Program has demonstrated its excellence again, earning accolades as the Best Interior Design Program in New Jersey, Top 3 in the Northeast, and #10 in the nation, according to Best Community Colleges.com. A recent collaboration with Beacon Hill Country Club showcased the program's remarkable talent, reinforcing the program's reputation for producing industry-ready professionals.

11) Classical Cape May Returns For Second Season - (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- This winter in Cape May enjoy four free classical music concerts featuring unusual instruments, original works and accomplished musicians. Building on the success of its inaugural season, Classical Cape May announces its second season of programs, sponsored by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture).

12) Art by Mary Fogarty on Display at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch - (WARETOWN, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library Waretown Branch is pleased to present the works of Jersey Shore-based artist Mary Fogarty, "Subject to the Viewer's Imagination," throughout the months of January and February. The mixed media display marks Mary's return to her lifelong creative passion, after raising a family and working in the nine-to-five world.

13) Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Fever" by Lisa Bouchelle - While mixing her next album, Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Lisa Bouchelle has dropped a new video for “Fever” from her 2022 full-length debut LP “Jump In.”

14) Montclair State University's Cali Opera & Symphony Orchestra presents "Calisto" - (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Montclair State University's Cali Opera Program is set to present their mainstage opera "La Calisto"  by Francesco Cavalli February 1-2, 2025. This exquisite baroque opera is directed by Rebecca Jo Loeb and conducted by Kyle Ritenauer. Cavalli's poignant and ruckus opera begins in the heavens when we learn that a young, beautiful nymph, Calisto, has the chance to become immortalized as a constellation among the stars.

15) Vivid Stage to Celebrate 30th Anniversary with Fundraising Gala on Valentine's Day - Love Songs and Laments - (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage will celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a special gala fundraiser on Friday, February 14, 2025. This special Valentine's Day celebration will be held at the Oakes Center in Summit from 6:00pm-10:00pm. As part of this special event, the theatre will honor Steven McIntyre, a former board member and staff member and longtime patron and friend of the company.



Want your events to stand out? Check out our ad rates which start at just $50 for an entire month of targeted advertising and includes events listed in our online calendar. Or you can have your events listed in the calendar for $10 per event (shows with multiple performances get every show listed for just $10). Either way your events will be featured in the weekly columns. NJ Stage keeps our rates low so they are affordable to arts organizations of all sizes. We are proud to be an independent media company. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!


EVENT PREVIEWS

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret

Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes

(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America

Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year

(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Trenton to Celebrate Nation

Trenton to Celebrate Nation's 250th Birthday with "Heritage Week" Events

(TRENTON, NJ) -- New Jersey's capital city is preparing a monumental celebration to mark America's 250th Birthday, and everyone is invited. "Heritage Week", running from July 3-8, 2026, will feature a multi-cultural parade beginning 11:30am on July 4th with over 50 marching units, including 4 marching bands and 10 floats, as well as circus performers, antique cars and representations of the many cultures and ethnic groups which make up the Trenton community.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.

SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.

Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Bless the Mic: Poetry Event

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Eddie B – If These Classroom Walls Could Talk Tour

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


NYC Music Marathon & Jack Dallas presents The HighWayMan

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Demarest Methodist Church
109 Hardenburg Ave, Demarest, NJ



 

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