Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/05/2025
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Wicked Cool Records is officially kicking off the season with the release of It's A Wicked Cool Christmas, an all-star digital holiday compilation out now, alongside the premiere of Jessie Wagner's brand-new festive music video for "Christmas With Me."
Blending rock ’n’ roll spirit, vintage charm, and full-throttle holiday energy, It’s A Wicked Cool Christmas shines with brand-new remastered tracks from across the Wicked Cool roster. Every song on the compilation has been freshly polished by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering, giving the album an extra dose of holiday sparkle just in time for December.
Jessie Wagner’s new single and video “Christmas With Me” offers a joyful burst of retro-inspired holiday cheer. Packed with vibrant keys, feel-good melodies, and Wagner’s warm, powerhouse vocals, the track plays like a modern classic pulled straight from a vintage holiday TV special.
A collaboration with Rocco of The Snow, the song blends nostalgic flair with a fresh, contemporary glow—perfect for cozy nights, lively parties, or dancing around the living room with friends and family.
“Christmas With Me is a fun, retro bop full of holiday cheer. Grab your favorite hairbrush turned microphone, throw on your reindeer pj's, and get ready to dance around the Christmas tree, singing this soon to be holiday classic.”— Jessie Wagner
With its instantly memorable hook and uplifting vibe, “Christmas With Me” sets the tone for the rest of the compilation—infusing the season with the kind of joy only Jessie Wagner can deliver.
Stuffed with energy, swagger, and seasonal sparkle, It’s A Wicked Cool Christmas brings together Wicked Cool Records’ finest rockers, soul-shakers, and power-pop heroes for a festive blowout. Whether you’re decking the halls, hitting the road, or hosting the rowdiest holiday party on the block, this collection is built to soundtrack your entire season.
Other compilation highlights include:
* The Empty Hearts launching the festivities with the glittering, big-hearted anthem “Christmastime”
* WYLDLIFE raising a mischievous toast with the punk-glam rager “Another NY Christmas (Piss the Season)”
* Prima Donna delivering maximum glam and stomp with “Gimme Christmas”
* Kurt Baker bringing sunny surf vibes to “Christmas in the Sand (Mistletoe Mix)”
* The Woggles tearing through the wild garage-rock fun of “Santa’s Coming (Ho Ho Ho)”
* Ryan Hamilton offering a cheeky spin on the classic “To Heck with Ole Santa Claus”
* Steve Conte feat. John Conte lending grit and heart to “Father Christmas”
* Soraia, The Chesterfield Kings, and The Dollyrots rounding out the set with swagger, vintage cool, and pop-punk joy
From glittering classics to rowdy seasonal anthems, the compilation captures everything that makes holiday music fun, timeless, and wonderfully chaotic.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
FEATURED EVENTS
