James Maddock, photo by Ehud Lazin
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter James Maddock and his band will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 8:00pm. Jackson Pines will open the show. The show marks the kickoff of the second season of Split Level Concerts at the Arts Center, one that presents renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
James Maddock’s status as a fixture on the folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his extraordinary catalog. After fronting the Columbia Records band Wood, whose debut Songs From Stamford Hill was featured prominently on TV shows such as “Dawson’s Creek,” Maddock moved from England to New York City in 2003. His 2009 album Sunrise On Avenue C won a New York Music Award for Best Americana Album, while the follow-up Wake Up And Dream ranked among the top albums of 2011 in WFUV's (NYC) Listener Poll.
With the release of Another Life (2013) and The Green (2015), Maddock continued to demonstrate why many consider him to be one of the best singer/songwriters working today. As a songwriter, James recently had three songs co-written with Mike Scott on the new Waterboys album Modern Blues (which appeared in the Top 50 on the UK Albums Chart), a co-write with Gary Barlow (“Actress”) on Barlow’s new album, as well as a cut (“Fragile”) on the Dirt On My Tongue album by emerging UK artist Jo Harman. Songs from Another Life have been featured on NBC’s “Parenthood” and ABC Family’s “Switched at Birth.”
"Wish You Were Here" is the first single from his upcoming album Forever June. The single was released in October.
Advance tickets are $35 and are available for purchase online. The Jersey Shore Arts Center is located at 66 S. Main Street in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
Maddock remains a constant live presence in the U.S. and Europe. He has performed with Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nile, Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors) and David Immergluck (Counting Crows). According to radio legend Vin Scelsa, Maddock's "heartbreakingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted" music "touches the soul." Maddock’s 2023’s Night Work, re-visited the approach from his Songs from Stamford Hill Wood days - storytelling for everyman, and everywoman - Maddock at his best. In addition to his long-time NYC based band, some of the tracks feature former members of Wood.
Opener Jackson Pines is a band of best friends from the Pine Barrens that play everywhere from local parks to national festivals. Joe Makoviecki and James Black, along with their friends, write songs about love, loss, desire, and hope on the road of life. They have four albums of original music and interpret 100-300 year old folk songs from their home woods. Their traditional folk album Pine Barrens Vol. 2 (2024) was named Album of the Year by Bob Makin at New Jersey Stage. Their latest album Purgatory Road (Deluxe Edition) contains twenty original songs. Featured on NPR Music and PBS, their songs and stories harken back sonically while singing about the now.
Net ticket proceeds from all Split Level concerts support the programming and arts education offered by the Jersey Shore Arts Center, a non-profit organization serving Ocean Grove and its surrounding areas. In addition, Jersey Shore Arts Center and Split Level Concerts are proud to partner with Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night and Musicians On A Mission (MOAM) to promote the concert series.
Musicians On A Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating connection and inspiring giving through music. MOAM will be on hand for all shows in the series, collecting non- perishable food items and cash donations to benefit Fulfill (formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean County). Concertgoers that visit the MOAM table in the lobby before the show, or during intermission, can learn more about Fulfill’s mission and enter a drawing to win items donated by the artists, 90.5 The Night, and local businesses.
The Jersey Shore Arts Center is located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove. Follow both the Jersey Shore Arts Center and Split Level Concerts on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all of the concert happenings. You can also follow Split Level Concerts on Bandsintown.
