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Dystopia Tonight presents "24-Hour (Yes, Really) Benefit Stream to End MS" on March 26-27

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/18/2025

As National MS Awareness Month is happening this month, March, Dystopia Tonight with John Poveromo is once again stepping up to make a difference. From March 26 at 8:00pm through March 27, 2025 at 8:00pm, the podcast will host its fourth annual 24-hour livestream, uniting comedians, musicians, actors, scientists, and MS warriors for an unforgettable event to benefit the National MS Society.

This year’s fundraiser comes at a critical time, as recent budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten vital research funding. With MS research already underfunded, these cuts could slow breakthroughs, limit treatment options, and directly impact those living with MS. This makes Dystopia Tonight’s annual benefit more important than ever.

An Unmissable Lineup for a Critical Cause

Hosted by nationally touring comedian John Poveromo, the event will feature 70+ celebrity guests spanning generations and industries. Past participants have included legendary musicians like Art Alexakis (Everclear frontman and MS Warrior), Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Glen Phillips (Frontman for Toad The Wet Sprocket) A six song live acoustic set from Gin Blossoms and comedic legends such as Robert Smigel (Triumph The Insult Comic Dog), Robert Klein, Lewis Black, Rita Rudner, Judah Friedlander, Chuck Nice, Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) and a “That 70s Show” reunion withTommy Chong, Kurtwood Smith, and creator/show-runner Mark Brazill.

This year’s lineup will continue to bring together Hollywood stars, groundbreaking scientists, and inspiring MS warriors, all sharing their personal connections to the cause. The event will also include exclusive prizes, giveaways, and live performances to keep audiences engaged while raising crucial funds.




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Join Them in the Fight to End MS

This live-streamed event will be broadcast on Twitch, where viewers can donate, interact with guests, and help amplify awareness for those affected by MS. Click here for the telethon broadcast link.

Dystopia Tonight dares to ask: Is this too much? Are we stuck in a whirlwind of clickbait, doomscrolling, and absurdity? Hosted by John Poveromo, the podcast features a personally curated mix of musicians, comedians, scientists, astronauts, educators, and unsung pop culture heroes. Now at over 200+ episodes, the show has expanded to include live performances, fundraising events, and exclusive interviews.

New Jersey-based John Poveromo is a nationally touring comedian, cartoonist, writer, actor, and host of Dystopia Tonight on Twitch, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. He has appeared on FX’s Gotham Live, FoxTV’s The Q, VH1, and MTV, and has written for Newsweek. His short film, Duppet, is available on Amazon Prime. John has been featured in The New York Times, The Asbury Park Press, NJ Monthly Magazine, and US Weekly Magazine, and is a frequent guest on SiriusXM’s Tell Me Everything with John Fugelsang.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.

MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th

Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music

The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage

Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season

(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Country Icon Trace Adkins in September

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Trace Adkins will bring his 30th Anniversary Tour to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, September 18, 2026, for one night only. The show is part of Adkins' nationwide headline tour celebrating 30 years of chart-topping hits and powerhouse live performances. Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 22nd

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Sun Ra Arkestra

Thursday, September 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Mei Semones

Friday, September 04, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Mike Zito

Saturday, September 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Melissa Etheridge: RISE

Wednesday, September 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dion

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


 

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