By Bob Makin
originally published: 05/29/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Bike in the Ocean,“ a single from “Day/Night,” the new album by Kevin Hill & Secret Sound. PHOTO BY KATIE ELASMAR
There’s a party going on tonight at Asbury Lanes to celebrate “Day/Night,” the long-awaited follow-up to Kevin Hill & Secret Sound’s 2018 self-titled debut EP.
The new LP’s single, “Bike in the Ocean,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Bike in the Ocean“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 29 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.
“Day/Night” is a genre-hopping, mood-swinging ride that proves that Kevin Hill & Secret Sound don’t believe in musical boxes — only breaking them.
Secret Sound are bassist Dave Ferraro, harmonica player James Dalton, percussionist Stevo Nelson, drummer Joe McGuth and keyboardist Gabe Sanderson.
Kevin not only plays guitar and sings on all the tracks, he also mixed and mastered them.
“‘Day/Night’ is about progression — from the roots to outer space, from pain to healing,” Kevin said. “It encompasses thoughtful folk, blues and reggae (Day) and beat heavy electronic jams (Night).”
A staple of the Asbury Park music scene, Kevin Hill & Secret Sound have performed at The Stone Pony more than 70 times and show no signs of slowing down. The album release show comes on the heels of a seven-night tour of Ireland, a twice yearly adventure where Kevin explores his cultural roots.
A student of Ted Dunbar, whose musical proteges include Trey Anastasio and Vernon Reid, Kevin is considered by many to be the hardest-working musician at the Jersey Shore. “Day/Night" captures that same relentless energy, weaving together styles and influences into something that feels both familiar and unpredictable, like your favorite local bar suddenly hosting a world-class jam session.
Kevin and his musical family do exactly that every Monday at the Pig and Parrot in Brielle. For four years, their open jam has elevated itself to the most exciting night of the week for many Jersey Shore music lovers.
Sharing the bill at Asbury Lanes will be From the Ground and Sweet Lou & the River Rats, delivering a night built for funk junkies, guitar enthusiasts and die-hard jam lovers alike.
Kevin Hill & Secret Sound also will play June 5, Hemingway's, Seaside Heights; June 6, In and Out of the Garden We Go Fest, Snipes Farm, Morrisville, PA; June 13, Haight Asbury Fest, Elks Lodge, Neptune, with Cosmic Jerry Band, Sandy Mack & Friends, and Steel Jack Hammer; July 4, Mutiny Beach, Convention Hall, Asbury Park; July 11, Ocean County Artists Guild, Island Heights, with Hump Day Trio; Aug. 22, David Bowie Tribute, Gem Music Hall, Silver Spring, PA.
Kevin also teaches a Grateful Dead Guitar Workshop at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Neptune. email [email protected] for details about the next one. On June 13th he will teach a guitar class that is an Allman Brothers Band workshop.
And check out “Bike in the Ocean” 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
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.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
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.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
