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FEATURES

Grammy Nominee Donald Vega 'Honored' That His All-Original, As I Travel, Is Up for Best Latin Jazz Album

Donald Vega is one of the most gifted pianists and composers on the jazz scene today, with a personality as effervescent as his playing. From his early roots in Nicaragua to mentorship by some of jazz's greatest stars, Vega continues to uphold the jazz tradition through his performances, recordings, and teaching. I caught up with him during a recent Zoom conversation. He was introspective, attentive, and entertaining. Vega is currently promoting two new recordings: All Is Merry and Bright (Imagery Records), a Christmas album, and the Grammy-nominated As I Travel (Imagery Records) , which features his original compositions.

 
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Avenel PAC presents Willie Nile with opener James Mastro

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Woodbridge Township presents Willie Nile at The Avenel Performing Arts Center with support from Woodbridge Arts on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 7:30pm. James Mastro will open the night.

Micky Dolenz LIVE! at BergenPAC

Daydream believers inside Englewood, NJ's BergenPAC auditorium this Sunday, December 15, 2024 evening ready themselves for a concert of Songs and Stories by the sole surviving member of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Biscuit Plays Buddy Miles

** THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED **(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Drummer, singer, songwriter, musical director, and producer James "Biscuit" Rouse recently released his first solo album titled "Biscuit and Buddy" after working as a sought-after drummer and vocalist in many bands. He will play the music of Buddy (plus additional music from A Band of Gypsies) at The Lizzie Rose Music Room (date to be rescheduled).

New Jersey Christmas Playlist 2024

Many of the world's best musicians have come from New Jersey and that includes plenty of artists who are mostly known to music fans in the Garden State.  Here is a playlist if you're looking for some holiday music that is different from what you'll hear on most radio stations.  A few of these are popular tracks, but the majority may be new to you.  If you're tired of songs that take place Before Christmas, you can jump to Christmas Day for a few tracks.



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COLUMNS


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

Wiser Time, aka Central Jersey singer-songwriter-guitarist Carmen Sclafani, just dropped his latest album, "There’s A Change A-Comin'," on his own Wiser Time Music. The closing focus track, "I Will Walk You Home," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.




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




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/15/26




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Under the Carousel" by Josh Herman






 

MORE NEWS

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.


Shadows of the '60s and One Hot Night LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center




Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival




WXPN Musicians On Call Expands Healing Power of Music to Philadelphia’s Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation




The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th






 

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 North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st




Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd






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