Here is a look at shows taking place from September 16-22, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you can send press releases to [email protected] to have your events considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
Thursday, September 17 - The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Will Hoge. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Will Hoge on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence.
Friday, September 18 - Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Country Icon Trace Adkins. (CARTERET, NJ) -- Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Trace Adkins will bring his 30th Anniversary Tour to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, September 18, 2026, for one night only. The show is part of Adkins' nationwide headline tour celebrating 30 years of chart-topping hits and powerhouse live performances. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Friday, September 18 - Broadway star Jessica Vosk kicks off MPAC's 32nd Season. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) will celebrate its 32nd season on September 18, 2026 with a special performance by popular Broadway star Jessica Vosk, best known for her dynamic performances in Wicked, Hell's Kitchen, and Beaches, and celebrated concert appearances at Carnegie Hall and many more.
Friday, September 18 - Shoshana Bean. (RAHWAY, NJ) -- Broadway comes to Rahway! Shoshana Bean won the 2026 Best Featured Actress in a Musical Tony Award for her performance in “The Lost Boys” musical, currently at New York City’s Palace Theatre. Prior to that she starred in Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen. Her portrayal of ‘Jersey’ earned her a Grammy Award, her second Tony Award nomination, a Drama League Award nomination, and a Drama Desk nomination. Her performance in the Public Theater’s Hell’s Kitchen Off-Broadway production earned her a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.
Saturday, September 19 - MPAC presents Cheap Trick: All Washed Up Tour. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick return to Mayo Performing Arts Center as part of their All Washed Tour on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $91-$169 (all fees included).
Saturday, September 19 - Grunin Center for the Arts presents 80s kids on Saturday. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grunin Center for the Arts presents 80s kids on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 7:00pm. Get ready to turn up the nostalgia and sing your heart out — synthpop sweethearts Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill are bringing their nationally touring hit show 80s kids to Toms River!
Sunday, September 20 - Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Cafe on Sunday. (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Middletown Arts Center's Music Café returns on Sunday, September 20, 2026 with a terrific lineup of singer-songwriters: Paul During, Bill T. Midnight, Vito Natale and R.G. Evans. Enjoy an evening of original music, unique sounds and great performances from four talented artists.
Thursday, September 17 - Twenty-fifth Season of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals Opens on September 17th. (LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- On Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:15pm, the 25th season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will open with a recital of music for solo piano by Korean composers. The performer, Eunju Kim, is a member of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.
Thursday, September 17 - The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle . (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Molly is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and virtuosic guitarist whose innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, and rock has made her one of the most dynamic artists in modern roots music.
Friday, September 18 - Princeton Folk Music Society presents Rakish. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Rakish on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. Rakish is a duo comprising violinist Maura Shawn Scanlin and guitarist Conor Hearn. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Friday, September 18 - Creative OPERAtions and 3BR Distillery serve up a "Distilled" version of Bizet's "Carmen". (KEYPORT, NJ) -- This September, Creative OPERAtions and 3BR Distillery are serving opera a little differently. Bite-Sized Opera: Just a Taste of Carmen comes to 3BR Distillery in Keyport on Friday, September 18, 2026, offering audiences a "distilled" version of Bizet's Carmen filled with unforgettable music, theatrical storytelling, tarot imagery, and a dash of the unexpected. Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:00pm.
Friday, September 18 - Smooth jazz artists Ultrablue and Stix Bones to Play Debonair Music Hall. (TEANECK, NJ) -- Black Box Studios and SoVibe Entertainment presents STIX BONES and ULTRABLUE, two unique smooth jazz acts on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Debonair Music Hall. Stix Bones is the Urban Jazz Artist, Drummer and Music Producer whose dynamic career launched with the Smooth Jazz album Groove Like This Ultrablue is the contemporary jazz group performing the music of pianist and writer/ producer John Smatla.
Saturday, September 19 - The 19th OSPAC Annual West Orange Jazz Festival. (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- The 19th OSPAC Annual West Orange Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. The festival's lineup features Dion Parson & 21st Century Band, The Antoinette Montague Experience, The Jaleel Shaw Trio, Joe Locke Songs & Stories/ Solo Vibes, The Freddie Hendrix Experience & Fellowship, and The Montclair State University Jazz Ensemble Under the Direction of Dr. Oscar Perez and NJPAC TD Jazz For Teens Under the Direction of Mark Gross.
Saturday, September 19 - Vibraphonist Joe Locke to Honor Roy Hargrove and Billy Strayhorn at West Orange Jazz Festival. The late WBGO Radio personality Michael Bourne hosted an annual "Jazz on the Mountain" festival at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, for 22 years. In 2013, he asked vibraphonist Joe Locke to perform a solo vibe concert. "Michael Bourne," Locke recalled, "threw the gauntlet down. He kind of challenged me to do a set of solo vibraphone. At first, I said, 'Absolutely not. I can't do a whole set of solo vibraphone.' I did it, and I ended up really enjoying it, and so did the audience."
Saturday, September 19 - Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents The Rocket Man Show. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents The Rocket Man Show on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 8:00pm in The Grand. Crash land into your seat with this tribute show that stars Scotsman Rus Anderson - Elton John's official stunt & body double for various 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' world tour projects.
Saturday, September 19 - Pinelands Heritage & Americana Fest returns to Albert Music Hall. (WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will celebrate the music, culture and community of the New Jersey Pinelands with its fourth annual Pinelands Heritage & Americana Fest on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The free outdoor festival runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm, with a rain date of Sunday, September 20.
Sunday, September 20 - Rutgers Symphony's 2026/27 Season Opens On September 20th. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Rutgers Symphony Orchestra's season opens on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with a concert at Nicholas Music Center featuring Viet Cuong's Ladders, commissioned by Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. Also: a performance of Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto, featuring Maureen Hurd Hause, associate director of the Music Department. Showtime is 5:00pm.
Sunday, September 20 - Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour to Play Shows in NY/NJ/PA. (NEWTON, NJ) -- Grammy® nominated, platinum-selling artist, Five For Fighting (aka John Ondrasik) will bring his ever popular Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour back out on the road this September and October. There are several shows coming to the local area including two in New Jersey: Sunday, September 20 at The Newton Theatre and Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at The Vogel in Red Bank.
Tuesday, September 22 - The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 22nd. (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
Click on the date for more information or to purchase tickets to the show.
Wednesday, September 16 @ 7:30pm - Lou Antonucci - "You, Me, & Harry" Celebrating The Music of Harry Chapin at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. "You, Me & Harry" offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the music of Harry Chapin, transcending the typical tribute show. By integrating lesser-known anecdotes and backstories with a captivating solo musical performance, this show delves into Harry Chapin's multifaceted career - not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a storyteller, filmmaker, and, most importantly, as a humanitarian. His music resonates deeply, embodying truth, emotion, and purpose.
Thursday, September 17 @ 7:30pm - Will Hoge at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre's blend of American roots music.
Thursday, September 17 @ 7:30pm - The Rascals 60th Anniversary Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Celebrate 60 years of The Rascals featuring original frontman Felix Cavaliere. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Grammy Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Songwriter Hall of Fame members, The Rascals are widely considered the best “blue-eyed soul” group to come out of the 1960s and their music is the soundtrack of a generation. The Rascals have 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 hits, and three No.1 hits that include “Groovin’,” “People Got To Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.”
Friday, September 18 @ 7:30pm - Alexis P Suter at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. Raised in Brooklyn, NY by a musically gifted family, Alexis P Suter was infused with the passion and the belief that music is to be an emotional and spiritual experience. Miss Suter brings abundant love and energy into each of her performances. At an Alexis P. Suter Band show, the audiences dance and sing along to rollicking roots songs or funky blues numbers; then a few songs later are wiping tears stirred by an awe-inspiring version of "Let it Be" or other songs that touch deeply.
Friday, September 18 @ 8:00pm - Trace Adkins at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret. Over the course of his three-decade reign in Country music, MULTI-PLATINUM hitmaker Trace Adkins has emerged as a full-fledged icon whose reach spans far beyond the genre’s borders.
Friday, September 18 @ 8:00pm - Shoshana Bean at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway. Broadway comes to Rahway! Shoshana Bean won the 2026 Best Featured Actress in a Musical Tony Award for her performance in “The Lost Boys” musical, currently at New York City’s Palace Theatre. Prior to that she starred in Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen. Her portrayal of ‘Jersey’ earned her a Grammy Award, her second Tony Award nomination, a Drama League Award nomination, and a Drama Desk nomination. Her performance in the Public Theater’s Hell’s Kitchen Off-Broadway production earned her a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.
Friday, September 18 @ 8:00pm - Jessica Vosk: Opening Night Celebration at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Celebrate MPAC’s season opening with Jessica Vosk, known for her electrifying roles on musical theater and concert stages, including Wicked, Hell’s Kitchen, and most recently, the Broadway adaptation of Beaches.
Saturday, September 19 @ 7:00pm - 80s Kids at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River. Get ready to turn up the nostalgia and sing your heart out — synthpop sweethearts Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill are bringing their nationally touring hit show 80s kids to The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts!
Saturday, September 19 @ 7:30pm - Deb Callahan Band at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton. Philadelphia’s own blues and soul powerhouse Deb Callahan has been captivating audiences since the late 90s. She’s lit up stages at top festivals including Monterey Bay Blues Fest (CA), Springing the Blues (FL), Bayfront Blues Fest (MN), Briggs Farm Blues Fest (PA), and WXPN’s XPonential Music Festival in Philly.
Saturday, September 19 @ 8:00pm - Cheap Trick: All Washed Up Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock ’n’ roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs.
Sunday, September 20 @ 3:00pm - Story Songs of the '70s featuring Tom DiMenna at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan. Step into the golden age of storytelling in music with Tom DiMenna as he brings to life the songs of Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. With rich vocals, masterful guitar work, and an engaging presence, this heartfelt concert blends beloved classics with the stories and spirit that defined a generation.
Sunday, September 20 @ 4:00pm - MAC Music Cafe at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown. Their Music Showcase returns this fall with a terrific lineup of singer-songwriters: Paul During, Bill T. Midnight, Vito Natale and R.G. Evans. Enjoy an evening of original music, unique sounds and great performances from four talented artists.
Sunday, September 20 @ 7:30pm - Air Supply at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown. Continuing to make musical history with every sold out performance around the world, legendary pop duo Air Supply is riding the wave of an eventful banner year in 2026, with concerts across North America, Australia, South America, Europe and Asia, a biopic in the works, an impending Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and – brace yourselves, devoted Airheads – A Matter of Time, their first studio album in 15 years.
BBD Rhythm & Blues Band to Perform at Orchard Park By David Burke on September 25th (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Orchard Park by David Burke presents some high-quality original blues when respected New Jersey-based bluesman James 'JB' Barnes and his BBD Rhythm & Blues Band perform there in concert on Friday, September 25, 2026. Showtime is 7:00pm. Admission is free.
The Newton Theatre presents Hollywood Nights - America's Bob Seger Experience on September 25th (NEWTON, NJ) -- Hollywood Nights - The Bob Seger Experience comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are a 9-piece band based in New Jersey who continues to strive to recreate everything about Bob Seger and his music down to the core.
Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center presents Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience on September 26 (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center presents Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience on Saturday, September 26 at 7;30pm. This is a spectacular tribute to the life and work of the Supreme Diva. Accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, Deanna Carroll covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations with spot-on vocals.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th (NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
Mason Gross School of the Arts presents AJAYE in concert on October 1st (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Mason Gross School of the Arts is set to host a live concert by Nashville-based acoustic singer-songwriter AJAYE on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. The free concert of original music, which will also include a short performance by a Rutgers music student, singer-songwriter Sam Tunkel, will take place at the intimate Victoria J. Mastrobuono Theater, part of the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center on the Douglass Campus.
New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Hanging Coats and Lawns, part of New Brunswick's basement music scene, take the stage for an audio-visual performance on October 2 , 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Rutgers student is injecting some sonic youth from the New Brunswick music scene into this year's New Jersey Fall Film Festival.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on October 2nd (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band as part of the Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $52.
JAMTOBERFEST '26 to Take Place in Flanders on October 3rd (ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- As summer winds down and the warm, crisp air of autumn arrives, New Jersey music fans will have one more chance to gather outdoors for a full day of live jam-band music, food, dancing and community. JAMTOBERFEST '26 takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Swim & Sport Club in Flanders, NJ. Gates open at 12:00pm, with music beginning at 1:00pm.
CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour (CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
State Theatre presents Samara Joy & Her Septet on October 4th (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents six-time Grammy® Award winner Samara Joy & Her Septet on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Samara Joy has emerged as one of the most captivating new voices in jazz, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved tradition. With a sound that feels both rooted in history and uniquely her own, she has quickly drawn the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?
"You, Me & Harry" offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the music of Harry Chapin, transcending the typical tribute show. By integrating lesser-known anecdotes and backstories with a captivating solo musical performance, this show delves into Harry Chapin's multifaceted career - not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a storyteller, filmmaker, and, most importantly, as a humanitarian. His music resonates deeply, embodying truth, emotion, and purpose.
Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre's blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination.
Raised in the sewers of New York, bathed in radioactive ooze, and trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – are heroes in a half shell!
Celebrate 60 years of The Rascals featuring original frontman Felix Cavaliere. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Grammy Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Songwriter Hall of Fame members, The Rascals are widely considered the best “blue-eyed soul” group to come out of the 1960s and their music is the soundtrack of a generation. The Rascals have 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 hits, and three No.1 hits that include “Groovin’,” “People Got To Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.”
