(WARETOWN, NJ) – Celebrating local music and musicians has always been central to the mission of the Pinelands Cultural Society (PCS), which operates the Albert Music Hall. In honor of the Hall's 50th Anniversary, PCS revived the Songwriters in the Pines show last year. Following its success, the society is excited to continue the event for another year.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 3:00pm, six bands will perform their original music in 30-minute sets at Albert Music Hall. This event provides a great opportunity to hear local bands, discover new music, and support New Jersey’s musical community. For this show, the event organizers will expand the usual rules and genres to offer a diverse musical experience. The lineup is as follows: Mark Miklos, Greg McGarvey, Wherever You Are, Cranston Dean, Billy T Midnight, and Jenny Barnes Band.
Doors will open at 2:30pm, and the music begins at 3:00pm. Admission is FREE, with a suggested optional donation of $5 to support the Hall. The venue is Cash-Only. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and browse their merchandise.
The food booth will be offering hot dogs, kielbasa and kraut, and meatballs as well as a selection of beverages and desserts. The gift shop will also be open featuring a selection of Pinelands and music souvenirs. The Hall is wheelchair accessible and parking is free. Visit the Albert Music Hall website or follow the venue on Facebook and Instagram to see videos and updates about events as they approach.
Mark Miklos, a Bluegrass Traditionalist from Edison, NJ, discovered his passion for country music and songwriting after hearing Hank Williams Sr.’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart” at age 18, which led him to buy his first guitar. Under the mentorship of Zeke Nagy, a prominent figure in New Jersey’s Bluegrass scene, Mark debuted his music and released his first album, Pocono Joe. With a distinctive voice that resonates across generations, Mark has since built a successful career, performing his own bluegrass shows, opening for major acts at Six Flags, and earning airplay up and down the East Coast and even in Canada. His music has gained recognition from several local media and radio hosts.
Greg McGarvey is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist from the Delaware Valley, known for his genre-blending style. Self-taught with instruments passed down from his father and grandfather, Greg’s music spans from the deeply personal to the profoundly joyful. His 2024 album, crickets surround, is a reflection on his early years in Bucks County and showcases his acoustic roots as well as his rock & roll side. His acoustic performances are often accompanied by storytelling where his electric performances are a vehicle for freewheeling instrumental improvisation.
Wherever You Are - "Folk music that makes you want to get your feet dirty"—that’s the essence of Wherever You Are, the band led by local singer-songwriter Jude. Known to Albert Hall musicians as the volunteer sound engineer on a Saturday night, Jude is excited to be on the other side of the sound system to debut Wherever You Are at the Hall.
Cranston Dean - A versatile musician from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, Cranston Dean blends rock, blues, funk, and folk to create a dynamic sound. He has released four LPs and two EPs, with his latest album, Northern Town, available on all streaming platforms. Cranston also plays with Jackson Pines and Patty C, and hosts a radio show at The Chubby Pickle on Mondays from 9:00pm-11:00pm, broadcast live on WFKU. Cranston's music aims to provide comfort, provoke thought, and foster a sense of camaraderie and hope, all while bringing joy to his listeners. His live performances are infused with humor, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for audiences.
Billy T Midnight - Billy T is a seasoned performer who made his mark as a restaurant/bar musician in the 1980s and 1990s, playing nine gigs a week across the Jersey Shore and Nashville. After a 23-year hiatus due to an injury, Billy T is back, bringing his soulful voice and songwriting skills to the stage once again. He recorded in Nashville with some of the industry's best, and his return is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire.
Jenny Barnes Band - As a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, Jenny Barnes brings her deep passion for music to every performance. Always both mystified and humbled by the creative process, her music encapsulates life's inspirations, times, and many personal experiences. Jenny is currently working on her debut album. She has been a featured guest on The Blues Train, with her vocal prowess earning praise from critic Peter “Blewsman” Lauro who noted in the Atlanta Blues Society that “Jen takes her powerhouse vocals, sassy singing style and flawless range and runs with it.” Jenny and her band perform popular tunes and original songs along the Jersey Shore and will soon appear at the Lizzie Rose Music Room.
Albert Music Hall is run by the Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society (PCS), an all-volunteer, non-profit-501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the Pinelands Cultural Heritage. Since 1974, visitors and musicians have gathered at the hall for live Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Americana, Old Timey & Pinelands Music and to jam in the Pickin' Shed every Saturday night.
