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FEATURES

Dear Mr. Morale: A Letter to Kendrick Lamar & the Big Steppers

This is our time.  To build morale… to step up. After missing coveted coverage of Kendrick Lamar this tour, I felt impassioned to write a review in a different direction altogether.  This is the first time I’m not basing it on an actual show, but rather, a think piece which ties into one song off Lamar’s latest album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.  The song is called “Mirror.”  And, it is my hope that, by the end of the article, the reader might feel as charged or impassioned.

 
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Five for Fighting LIVE! at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Out on the Atlantic City Boardwalk this Saturday, July 30, 2022 evening it feels like another steamy night at the Jersey Shore, but inside the Soundwaves auditorium at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino music lovers ride a cool wave of excitement as they ready themselves for a live concert by Five for Fighting.

"Timeless!" Smokey Robinson LIVE! at the Count Basie Center for the Arts

Music lovers inside Red Bank, NJ’s Count Basie Center for the Arts auditorium this Wednesday, July 27, 2022 evening patiently await the start of a performance by the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer, songwriter, producer, and Motown executive, Smokey Robinson.

PHOTOS from Lotus at The Bourbon Room

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Lotus performed at The Bourbon Room in Atlantic City on August 5, 2022 and photographer Chris Paul was on hand to take photos.The band, which has performed at festivals like Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Ultra, and Rothbury, has steadily built a devote fan base through steady touring.  They've also crafted a unique musical style outside of simple genre limitations. Equal parts instrumental post-rock and electronic dance, the band’s distinguishing feature is the ability to maintain a decidedly unique musical voice and remain current while bucking passing trends. 

Soul Asylum: A Beautiful Problem

​​​​​​​Soul Asylum were part of an amazing chunk of rock music history on the Minneapolis-based indie label TwinTone Records with The Replacements, Babes in Toyland, The Jayhawks and a bunch of other great acts. Then in Majorlabelland, they went on to accomplish even more, including a Grammy for the 1993 hit “Runaway Train.”



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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

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.


Eaglemania LIVE! at the Grunin Center




Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th




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




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






 

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




Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd




The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th






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