Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen 2025

Each year, Makin Waves picks the 12 independent New Jersey-based music acts who made the most waves. That means residing at least half the year in and paying income tax to New Jersey (and not just from here), extensive touring in support of a new original LP or EP, preferably internationally; professional quality narrative videos; singles that garnered broadcast and online radio play and significant streams; national press, and other awards. Note that the Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. To get a sense of pecking order, please check out the 27th Annual Makin Waves Awards

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People Get Ready: A "Blues & Rock 'N' Roll Summit" is coming to Lizzie Rose Music Room featuring Glenn Alexander & Shadowland plus James JB Barnes & The JB Blues Band

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- People Get Ready: A Blues and Rock 'N' Roll Summit is coming to Lizzie Rose Music Room, featuring a potent double-bill of New Jersey-based talent: rocker Glenn Alexander & Shadowland featuring Oria and the Asbury Jukes Horns; and some tasty original blues by James 'JB' Barnes and the JB Blues Band. The event takes place Friday, January 30, 2025 at 7:30pm.

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27th Annual Makin Waves Awards

Makin Waves' annual holiday gift to the New Jersey music scene turns 27 this year with a bevy of goodness, particularly for top winner Ocean Avenue Stompers with three. The awards go to Jersey-based independent bands. And here we go ...

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The Doo Wop Project's "Doo Wop Christmas" LIVE! at the Strand

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Doo Wop Project at The Strand Theater on December 6, 2025 for their "Doo Wop Christmas" show.

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from June 16-22, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from June 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.

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MORE NEWS

Somerset Valley Players presents "Freaky Friday"

(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players presents Freaky Friday weekends from July 17 through August 2, 2026. This is a heartfelt, high‑energy musical comedy about family, second chances, and seeing life through someone else's eyes! 

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Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday

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Makin Waves with Jake Thistle: Anchored by Sincerity

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Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

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The 2026 Happy Together Tour LIVE! at MPAC