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FEATURES

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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24th Annual Makin Waves Awards

 For 24 of Makin Waves’ 32 years of existence, the Makin Waves Awards have honored the New Jersey independent acts who have released the best material and made the most waves with it. Here once again is my Christmas gift to the New Jersey music scene: the 24th annual Makin Waves Awards.

Michael Bolton's "Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites" LIVE! at MPAC

 Christmas is in the air inside Morristown, NJ’s stunning MPAC auditorium this Wednesday December 7, 2022 as music lovers ready themselves for a Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites performance by singer/songwriter Michael Bolton.

Kean Stage Adds Shows by Cherish the Ladies and Ali Stroker

 (UNION, NJ) -- Two new shows have been added to Kean Stage’s spring 2023 season at Kean University’s intimate Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside, NJ. Cherish the Ladies on March 3, 2023 and Ali Stroker on April 1, 2023.

“She Sounds as Good in Person as She Does on Her Records! Martina McBride’s “Joy of Christmas” LIVE! at STNJ

 The glittering auditorium inside New Brunswick’s State Theatre New Jersey is bustling this Sunday, December 4, 2022 evening as patrons ready themselves for the start of Martina McBride’s 12th annual Joy of Christmas concert.


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COLUMNS

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from August 4-10, 2026






 

MORE NEWS


The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.


Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday



"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier



The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday



Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday






 

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



MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview



West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series






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