Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/04/2026

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Some of the greatest songs ever written will come alive on the Strand Center for the Arts stage this fall as La Jolla Booking Agency presents an outstanding lineup of nationally touring tribute productions celebrating iconic artists from rock, pop, country and classic Americana.
From the chart-topping hits of Hall & Oates and Elvis Presley to the timeless music of Genesis, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan and more, the series offers audiences the opportunity to relive the soundtrack of their lives through performances that capture the energy, musicianship and spirit of the original artists.
The series begins on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 8:00pm with Private Eyes – Tribute to Hall & Oates, an electrifying concert celebrating one of the best-selling duos in music history. Fans will hear beloved classics including "Maneater," "Rich Girl," "Kiss on My List," "Sara Smile," and "Private Eyes," faithfully recreated by a band dedicated to the unmistakable blue-eyed soul sound of Daryl Hall and John Oates.
On Saturday, August 29 at 8:00pm, acclaimed tribute artist Matt Stone's Elvis brings the King of Rock 'n' Roll back to the stage with an unforgettable theatrical production spanning Elvis Presley's groundbreaking career—from his early rockabilly recordings through his legendary Las Vegas concerts. Complete with authentic costumes, dynamic vocals and magnetic stage presence, the show captures the excitement of an Elvis performance at every stage of his career.
Progressive rock fans can experience Rael – A Genesis and Peter Gabriel Experience on Saturday, September 12 at 8:00pm. Widely recognized as one of the premier Genesis tribute productions in North America, Rael recreates the intricate musicianship, dramatic storytelling and spectacular live performances that made Genesis one of progressive rock's defining bands.
Modern country music takes center stage on Friday, September 18 at 8:00pm with the Highway Boys, a heartfelt tribute to one of today's most celebrated singer-songwriters, Zach Bryan. The production captures the honest storytelling, emotional songwriting and Americana spirit that have made Zach Bryan a phenomenon with audiences across the country.
Folk-rock legend Bob Dylan is honored on Friday, October 9 at 8:00pm when The Bob Band – Tribute to Bob Dylan performs an evening of Dylan's enduring songs, celebrating one of the most influential songwriters in popular music history.
New Wave and classic rock collide on Friday, October 23 at 8:00pm as Best Friend's Girl – The Number One Cars Experience recreates the sleek sound and unforgettable hits of The Cars, including "Just What I Needed," "Drive," "Shake It Up," and, of course, "Best Friend's Girl."
Jazz-rock sophistication arrives on Saturday, November 14 at 8:00pm with Reelin' in the Years – Tribute to Steely Dan, a concert showcasing the meticulous arrangements and timeless songs that have made Steely Dan one of the most respected bands in rock history.
The series concludes on Friday, December 11 at 8:00pm with Know Return – Tribute to Kansas and Styx, delivering an evening of arena rock favorites featuring soaring harmonies, virtuosic musicianship and classic hits from two of the biggest progressive rock bands of the 1970s and '80s.
"Our goal is to present tribute productions that go far beyond imitation," said Andy Nagle of La Jolla Booking Agency. "These are exceptional musicians who recreate not only the sound of these legendary artists but also the excitement of seeing them perform live. Whether your favorite music is classic rock, country, pop or progressive rock, this series offers something special for every music fan."
Tickets for all performances range from $35–$55, plus applicable ticket fees, and may be purchased by calling (732) 367-7789, at the Strand Center for the Arts Box Office, or online at www.strand.org. Unless otherwise noted, the Box Office opens two hours before each performance. The Strand Center for the Arts is located at 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. All performances are appropriate for audiences of all ages.
Upcoming Tribute Concerts
- August 22 – Private Eyes – Tribute to Hall & Oates
- August 29 – Matt Stone's Elvis
- September 12 – Rael – A Genesis and Peter Gabriel Experience
- September 18 – Zach Bryan and the Highway Boys
- October 9 – The Bob Band – Tribute to Bob Dylan
- October 23 – Best Friend's Girl – The Number One Cars Experience
- November 14 – Reelin' in the Years – Tribute to Steely Dan
- December 11 – Know Return – Tribute to Kansas and Styx
For tickets and additional information, visit www.strand.org.
EVENT PREVIEWS

bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy on August 4th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.

The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.

Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.

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.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
