By Bob Makin
originally published: 01/30/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Love & Affection” by Jersey rocker Joe Boris, pictured with his band, the FunTime. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE BORIS
Joe Boris, the guitarist-songwriter of the celebrated Jersey jam band One-Eyed Jack, has released an anthem of global love and community strength.
“Love & Affection” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Love & Affection” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 30 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin, Mixcloud and RadioJersey.net.
“These times, especially what is happening in Minnesota, are so alarming,” Joe said. “I hope some positive energy can find those people who are scared and lost and offer them love, support and hope to carry through this chaos.”
As on his 2024 LP, Joe recorded “Love & Affection” with his band, The FunTime: bassist-vocalist, drummer-vocalist Bob Ramos, keyboardist Adrian Untermyer and backing vocalist Stephania Pizarro. They were recorded by Kostadin Kamcev at Studio Mozart in Little Falls.
“Love & Affection” was written as a positive affirmation to remind everyone that they are valued, Joe said.
“Especially in these times of chaos, it is hard to make sense of the madness and hate,” Joe explained. “This impact can easily make us become lost or blind to the love around us. People in general, have a deeply rooted capacity for compassion. Do not focus on the madness but search for the love. Remember that being kind and offering your support to others brings love to you as well.”
“You are worthy of love and respect,” he continued. “You are safe and surrounded by love and support. You are valued and helpful. You are capable of facing challenges and achieving your goals. You radiate love and positivity. You are a powerful person, and have the power to wake up to overcome your challenges. Everything you need is already within you at this moment.”
See Joe live with the FunTime on Jan. 31, Donegal Saloon Annual Chili Cookoff, Kearny; Feb. 14, Winter Carnival, Mingo Lodge, Saranac Lake, NY; Feb. 19, Dharma Bums, New Hope, PA; March 7, Twisted Raven, Wilmington, NY; March 8, 20 Main Tavern, AuSable, NY; March 21, Shillelagh Club, West Orange; March 27, 28, April 24, May 22 and 23, June 19 and 20, July 17 and 18, August 28 and 29, Sept. 25 and 26, October 23 and 24, and Nov. 20 and 21, Chatties Lounge, 4113 Main St., Chincoteague, VA, and April 25, Earth Day Celebration, also Chincoteague.
Joe also will play solo acoustic Feb. 15, Dimmick Inn, Milford, PA, and Feb. 27, Sycamore Grill, Delaware Water Gap, PA.
You also can hear “Love & Affection” on Apple Music and Spotify.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram 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 Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
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.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
