By Helen O'Shea
originally published: 05/09/2026
(BELMAR, NJ) --- On Friday, May 8, 2026, we celebrated James Maddock's latest album release show for "Forever June" with a sold out crowd at Belmar Arts Center. And what an unforgettable celebration it was - in a beautiful listening room with the crowd alternating between complete silence and thunderous applause as Maddock lifted us all through a setlist that was equal parts crowd favorites and cuts from his stellar new album "Forever June".
The opening song "Another Life" set the tone for an evening of superb story songs delivered with Maddock's signature raspy, sincere and moving vocals as well as such skilled guitar playing that it sounds like there are three players on the stage. He followed with crowd favorites "Breezy" and "Runaway" to get the show off to a magnificent start.
The first of the new tracks was next and Maddock invited guest Sharon Lasher to lend her beautiful harmonies on "Take My Side" and Lasher's harmonies are also featured on the new album.
Then came "Waiting On My Girl" followed by the exquisite new track "Wish You Were Here" - so beautiful, you could hear an audible gasp from the crowd at the end...
After this we were treated to "Once There Was A Boy" - both a slow thoughtful version and a rocking version of the same song with totally different vibes, recalling the youth of a boy and memories of a mom, a theme that recurs in Maddock's songs and stories. There was a break at this point with a long line at the merch table where Maddock's new album was available in both CD and vinyl formats. And in no time he was back onstage to continue mesmerizing and moving every person in the room.
Maddock started the second set with the lovely "Little Bird" where he was accompanied by his second guest of the night, Diane Doolittle on flute. Her playing was superb and perfectly matched Maddock's soulful vocal.
This was followed by "Keep Your Dream" and another new track "You And Me" inspired by Maddock's guitar teacher who came on Saturday mornings and Maddock's mom would get him out of bed for his guitar lessons. Somewhere in here, Maddock decided to deviate from the setlist to honor his mom with the poignantly lovely "Lavender Blue" which pleased the crowd greatly.
Next up was the new track "Picture Me" which comes across as an ode to Maddock's new hometown in Bradley Beach and was certainly very well received by the mostly local crowd. This was followed by "Your Face" and then the Maddock classic "Beautiful Now" much to the delight of all of us.
Closing tunes included "Drive Around" and "My Old Neighbourhood" with a mindblowing finale in the new track "Solitude" which is almost like a duet between Maddock's signature vocal and his exquisite guitar playing on this poignant lonesome song. Then the quiet was broken by riotous applause and a standing ovation that threatened not to quit. But then Maddock decided to give us an encore chosen by the audience. The winner was "Never Ending" where Maddock added rousing harmonica and Doolittle joined again with delicate flute playing - a perfectly moving and beautiful ending to a perfectly moving and beautiful show...
James Maddock writes lyrics that evoke movie images and music that pierces hearts. It is of note that his live performance is as close as possible to the quality of his recordings but his songs really come to life for the listener when he is experienced playing live - we wanted the show to go on forever. For me, the high point of many high points was the first ever live version of "Wish You Were Here" evoking a cross between Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen but at the end of the day it is purely James Maddock!
You can catch James Maddock And Band at The Vogel on July 10th - do not miss this stellar live show!
VIDEOS AND PHOTOS BY HELEN O'SHEA
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
