Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/28/2026
Peter Holsapple and Jon CaspiNew Jersey punk/americana rock outfit Jon Caspi & The First Gun have released a music video for their latest single, an incredibly catchy fan favorite entitled, "My Shrinking Brain" which features Peter Holsapple (known from The dB's, and his work in REM) on vocals. The song tells the true story of a strange medical misdiagnosis for a dizzy spell that Caspi experienced while driving his car. It turns out that Caspi did not have any real medical issue, but at the time, he was reeling from various misdiagnoses, including a brain aneurysm. Holsapple appears in the video as Caspi's doctor.
The video was mostly recorded in Hazlet, NJ with additional shots filmed at the historic Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen, NJ. It was produced by Aaron Triolo and artfully tells the story of Caspi’s dizzy spell to hospital to misdiagnosis experience.
"Making the video was a ‘no brainer,’ pun intended!” Caspi said with a smile. "The song has become a sing-along with the audience all singing about their shrinking brains, which is weird. It’s pretty funny actually.”
Holsapple quipped, “I had such fun working on Caspi's great new song in part because nobody ever gets me to sing on their records! Top that off with being able to be his judgy doctor in the video... grateful to be a part of this new classic.
"Healthcare rock?" Why the hell not?!” Doug Lane, the band's bassist, adds, "I learned that all of our brains are shrinking, which explains a lot.”
The song was released this past January as the single of a 5-song EP called Airport Plaza II, which is the second of three EP releases that features guest performs. The 3 EP’s will, together, comprise a vinyl release, planned for late 2026.
In addition to Holsapple, the second volume includes performances by Tommy Womack (Government Cheese) and Derek Cruz (Jesse Malin band). The first EP included collaborations with legendary folk rock artist Dan Bern, violinist Deni Bonet (Cyndi Lauper, REM, Robyn Hitchcock), Amanda Cross, and Ezra Caspi.
The third volume is expected this summer and includes contributions from Travis Shettel (Piebald), Will Kimbrough (Jimmy Buffett), and other soon-to-be-announced guest performers. The vinyl is also expected to include additional tracks recorded with Jesse Malin (D Generation) and Dez Cadena (Black Flag / Misfits).
Lead vocalist and songwriter, Jon Caspi has been a longstanding figure in the indie and punk music scenes. In the late 80’s he fronted the new wave band Bouncing Off Bob, which charted on the national college radio CMJ Top 100. He started as a solo artist in the early 2000’s with the release of three albums, which received national radio play and one was converted into a musical theater production with sold out shows. His song 'This Town', about the town of Keyport, NJ, became a town “hit” resulting in the local diner naming a sandwich after him, called “The Caspi Special.”
Soon after, Caspi started revisiting his punk and American anthem roots with his band Jon Caspi & The First Gun. One of the band's notable achievements came in the form of a barroom, hooligan, singalong and fan favorite, Raise ‘Em High! This song has become a cult hit in his home state of New Jersey. Legendary WFMU DJ, Jonesey, spun the song every Sunday as part of his official “2pm Toast” for the past five and a half years, ending the run in early 2026. A compelling live artist and storyteller, Caspi, performs both with band and solo acoustic and has shared the stage with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, The Psychedelic Furs, The Gaslight Anthem, Glenn Tillbrook (Squeeze), The Smithereens, ~X~, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, The Dickies, Adolescents, The Wallflowers, & many more.
"If there could be a genre of “Heartland Punk” then Jon Caspi & the First Gun would be the line leader of such a crew," said Doug Dresher, Asbury Park Vibes.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
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