By Bob Makin
originally published: 07/04/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Golden Cage,” the latest single from Cranston Dean. PHOTO BY TYLER HARRISON
Imagine a world where the immigrant is the hero rather than the villain.
Jersey Shore singer-songwriter legend Cranston Dean has with his new single, “Golden Cage,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Golden Cage” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on July 4 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“I wrote this song while working building a house from the ground up,” Cranston said. “I worked under a man who immigrated here to America who taught me many things, became a great friend, and is someone who I trust with my life.
“One day, the plumbing crew — and boy, did they do more yappin' than working — was being particularly rude and prejudiced to my friend. It struck me as disappointing that a man who loves this country and who was working circles around everyone was getting ridiculed by these two fools that were just born here by stroke of luck. So, I sat with my guitar that night and wrote this for all the people who have come here and made a good honest go of it. In my America, the immigrant is the hero, not the villain.”
A multi-instrumentalist, Cranston plays all the tracks except the electric guitar by Lee Ferejohn. “Golden Cage” was recorded by Michael Young, mixed by Pat Noon and mastered by Alan Douches.
Hear the song live when Cranston plays July 4, Triumph Brewing, New Hope; July 5, Fox Hollow Winery, Holmdel; July 11, Low Dive, Asbury Park; July 12, Channel Club Pool, Monmouth Beach; July 13, Tiki Boat, Toms River, and then Proving Grounds, Highlands, where he’ll also play July 19; July 15, The Sandbox, also Highlands; July 17, The Seafarer, again Highlands, and July 31, Tiki Boat, Brick.
Cranston also will play with Patty C & the Pints on July 10 at 90.5 the Night’s Songwriters on the Beach and July 26 at Gaslight in his hometown of Atlantic Highlands and with Jackson Pines on July 27 at Monmouth County Fair in Freehold. Cranston is the drummer in both bands.
He’s also part of the crew of Radio Garden State. You can hear a whole bunch of Jersey jams on Cranston’s show 6-8 pm Wednesdays at https://www.radiogardenstate.com and WFKU 96.9, as well as live from The Chubby Pickle in Highlands on first and third Mondays.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
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.
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
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FEATURED EVENTS
