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FEATURES

Makin Waves with Dave Vargo: Good Tunes 'n' Hearts

​​​​​​​Late to the songwriting table, journeyman musician Dave Vargo, who once toured extensively as a sideman, has established a great local solo career in the Asbury Park area. In the midst of recording his third independent album since 2016, Dave was honored by Makin Waves as the 2021 Songwriter of the Year based on the strength of two impressive singles: the pandemic anthemic “Half Bad” and the confessional “Fault Lines.”

 
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Outpost in the Burbs Presents Hollis Brown

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Hollis Brown on February 26, 2022 at 8:00pm. This concert will take place at the First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. The band's latest new album, In The Aftermath (Mascot Label Group/Cool Green Recordings), is the deliciously depraved outcome of an all-night rock n’ roll riot. The Queens, New York-based quintet escaped to the Poconos to record with a few handles of whiskey, and, in one 24-hour session, ran down The Rolling Stone’s seminal first album of all originals, 1966’s Aftermath. Tracked live in the studio with minimal overdubs, In The Aftermath is potent proof the five-piece group is one of the last great American rock n’ roll bands. The band is expected to play songs from this album and from throughout their catalog.

Remember Jones to Perform "Bat Out Of Hell" Live at Axelrod PAC

(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will celebrate the sound of Meat Loaf and the music of Jim Steinman with three performances of Bat Out of Hell Live at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center from April 29 to May 1. Remember Jones will perform the entire classic album from 1977 and more with a 12-piece band and special guests that include Max Weinberg and Low Cut Connie.

Spotlight on Hallows Die

Hallows Die is a band from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  They describe their sound as "progressive melodic death metal? We might be missing a few adjectives. We make noise; sometimes it sounds coherent, and sometimes it’s missing a beat." The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Hallows Die.

Spotlight on VAYA

VAYA sees themselves as more of a spirit - a way to express yourself through music, colors, and performance - than a traditional band.  Based in Toronto, their first concert was in the summer of 2017.  Their name is strongly connected to the white wolf spirit. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with VAYA.



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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

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.


Carteret PAC presents Hellfest




Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th




Eaglemania LIVE! at the Grunin Center




Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th






 

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




Carteret PAC presents Hellfest






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