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 The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
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!
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