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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday

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

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The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday

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Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday