Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/17/2025
Manflesh! Bursting out of that infamous NYC underground. Distorted guitars and catchy hooks. Slide them into your playlist next to Motörhead, MC5, Dead Moon, Thin Lizzy and (early) KISS, where they will feel right at home.
Manflesh emerged in early 2019 with the original lineup of Richard Grant on guitars/vocals and Chris Carlone (aka Borts Minorts) on drums. Soon after, they joined forces with bassist Andy Steinitz to complete the power trio. The band members hail from all corners of the country: Richard from the deep swamps of Louisiana, Chris from the burning sands of Arizona and Andy from those mean streets of Philly.
The band hit the stage of The Gutter in Brooklyn in March 2020, opening for The New York Junk featuring Cynthia Ross of The ‘B’ Girls on bass/vocals. The invasion had begun...
...Or had it? Within a month, y’all know what happened. No need to rehash that madness. Would this setback stop Manflesh?
Well... kinda? Sort of? Maybe?
Chris had decided to back up and return to those burning sands. But before he did, the band was able to reconvene, one last time, and record their songs with Louis Schefano, formerly of 90’s alt rock band Remy Zero, co-producing. The album was intended to be nothing more than a simple reminder that Manflesh had existed for a brief moment in time.
But then a miracle happened -- Louis decided he wanted to slide into the vacant drummer position, and Manflesh was saved!
Which brings us to those recorded songs. Eight stellar, gritty, dirty groovacious tunes that make up their full-length debut Light Up The Night.
The first single was “The Road to Wick” - a catchy, pop-bending number about a trip to the Scottish seaside that Richard took many moons ago. The humorous video debuted in May 2025, and was filmed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, future home to Netflix Studios.
The second single "Shingy Shoo" was released on June 6th. With its swamp boogie vibe, it’s destined to be the rock song of the summer. The video takes a fun look at the “format wars” between the current vinyl revival and that old school nemesis, the CD! It was filmed at Lofidelic Records in beautiful downtown Belmar, New Jersey.
And that’s where we find ourselves. The songs are being enthusiastically embraced with airplay on indie and college radio stations like WWOZ and WPRB. A third video for the next single “Rock Fight!” is currently filming with special guests New Jersey ska-riot band The End Times. And, of course, they are currently writing and recording new music for the next album.
The band's social media channels, videos, and streaming links are available here.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
FEATURED EVENTS
