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
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
