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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.




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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

The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has announced the cancellation of Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution, originally scheduled for May 30, 2026. The decision comes in response to the unprecedented freeze events that impacted vineyards across New Jersey during April 2026. According to vineyard managers and growers throughout the state, prolonged overnight temperatures below freezing caused extensive and widespread damage to grapevines in nearly every wine-producing region of New Jersey.

State Theatre New Jersey's A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala to Take Place May 30th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey (STNJ) invites the community to its signature fundraising event, A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christopher's Restaurant & Bar located inside The Heldrich Hotel. This highly anticipated evening directly supports STNJ's arts education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 30,000 children and families each year.
North Jersey Artists, Leaders and Businesses Invited to Shape Region

North Jersey Artists, Leaders and Businesses Invited to Shape Region's Cultural and Economic Future at Community Gathering on National Heritage Area Designation

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites artists, community leaders, business owners, cultural organizations, and residents to participate in Community Conversation: National Heritage Area in New Jersey on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th

"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14

Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14

(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th

UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th

(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
2026 Princeton Festival to Take Place June 5-21 at Morven Museum & Garden

2026 Princeton Festival to Take Place June 5-21 at Morven Museum & Garden

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce that world-renowned bel canto soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and The Bacon Brothers, Michael and Kevin, are scheduled to perform at the 2026 Princeton Festival. At the core of the Festival, there is live opera with Festival veteran and current Met Opera star Toni Marie Palmertree returning to sing the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. These major stars typify the quality of musical offerings to be found at this year's Festival which runs from June 5-21 on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.
Jersey City Theater Center presents 2026 Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival

Jersey City Theater Center presents 2026 Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) presents its signature Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival from June 4-26, 2026 across multiple venues in Jersey City, and the Professional Voices Festival Conference on June 11 at White Eagle Hall.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City

Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


Chris Duarte Group

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Mrs. Christie

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ


Vivid Stage presents New Play Readings: "Harm Reduction" by Elizabeth Irwin

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Summit Community Center
Summit, NJ


Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead"

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Thinkery and Verse Presents: Liberty Madness

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ