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Jazz at Smoke: Saxophonist Billy Harper Celebrates John Coltrane

 Billy Harper is a saxophonist and composer of incredible talent who came to notoriety around the time John Coltrane's life and career abruptly ended. While influenced by saxophonists like Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Harper is in no way an imitator. His often lengthy improvisations and compositions showcase an interpersonal style and a heightened sense of experimentalism that is enhanced by his signature tone and extreme creativity. From January 5-8, Harper will showcase his talent during a celebration of his 80th Birthday at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club as part of its annual John Coltrane Festival. His group will include Josh Evans on trumpet, Benito Gonzalez on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. In a recent conversation, Harper explained that, “the show will be a real presentation of my compositions."  

 
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Catching Up With Ronnie Brandt

 Ronnie Brandt is an Americana artist from the Jersey Shore who founded Childrens Educational Assemblies, an organization that lets him perform music and teach children about musical greats like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. He's famous for wearing a cowboy hat, but his roots in the Asbury Park scene go back further than most people realize. In this interview, we catch up with the Jersey Shore cowboy.

​​​​​​​Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Independent Songs of 2022

 Here’s a look at what I thought were the 10 best songs released in 2022 by independent New Jersey artists, plus an Apple Music playlist of the 25 songs that were considered for the list. The songs are 2022 singles and previously unreleased album tracks. 

Makin Waves Top 10 2022 Jersey Indie Albums

 Here’s a look at what I thought was the 10 best albums released in 2022 by independent New Jersey artists.

2022 Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen

 Every year since the early 1990s, the Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen has recognized the 12 NJ indie acts that have made the most waves.  By “made the most waves,” I mean they toured extensively in support of a superior new LP or EP that was promoted with well-received singles and professionally made videos. Along the way, the garnered a bit of national press and maybe won an award or two. The Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. So here we go …


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COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Western Shores" by Renee Maskin

In November, Multiple Makin Waves Award-winning Asbury Park singer-songwriter Renee Maskin will release her latest solo album, "If the World Is Ending." The LP's first single, "Western Shores," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 06/25/2026



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from June 23-29, 2026



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "I Will Walk You Home” by Wiser Time






 

MORE NEWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.


51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park



Jersey Arts Podcast: Jovin Webb Debuts New Single in Advance of Sophomore Album



Nicole Atkins to release "Drama"



Starland Ballroom presents The Cab






 

UPCOMING SHOWS

MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.


2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center



The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre



Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th






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