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FEATURES

Makin Waves Album of the Month: "Northern Town" by Cranston Dean

​​​​​​​Jersey Shore great Cranston Dean always has reminded me of Jackson Browne because there are both organic-sounding multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriters with an eloquent penchant for rhyme amidst every-day stories for everyone. "Toe the Line," the opening track of Cranston's latest album, "Northern Town," is a perfect example of his Jackson sensibilities. In this case, it's post-'70s, plugged-in Jackson ala "Boulevard" and "Somebody's Baby," but I was psyched to feel that vibe right from the get go on "Northern Town," because Jackson is one of my all-time favorite artists, and I feel the same way about Cranston at a local level.

 
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"Just Marvelous!" Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Years LIVE! at The Vogel

An on-screen photo of songwriter Jimmy Webb and musician Glen Campbell welcomes concertgoers to The Vogel in Red Bank, NJ this Sunday, May 7, 2023 afternoon for a musical tribute entitled Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Years. One of the greatest songwriters of the past half century, Jimmy Webb composed tunes like "Up, Up and Away" for The Fifth Dimension and "The Worst That Could Happen" for The Brooklyn Bridge, but some of his most memorable hits — "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," and more — came about as a result of his musical affiliation with the legendary singer and musician Glen Campbell.

PHOTOS from Regina Bonelli at Muddy Waters Gastropub

(ASBURY, NJ) -- NY Blues Hall of Fame member Regina Bonelli performed at Muddy Waters Gastropub on Saturday, May 6, 2023 and photographer James DeSalvo was on hand to take photos.

"Best Concert Ever!" Amy Grant LIVE! at BergenPAC

Fans of pop and contemporary Christian music fill the BergenPAC auditorium this Thursday, May 4, 2023 evening as they anxiously wait a concert by singer/songwriter Amy Grant. Often referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop," Grant has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and, in 2022, became a Kennedy Center Honors recipient along with Gladys Knight, Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, U2, and others.

"sixtyandthensome" - Bruce Tunkel Faces His Demons and Creates a Masterpiece

Sometimes an album is released at just the right time for you... The lyrics sound as if the singer is singing to you or about you and the music reminds you that you are not alone; others are in the exact same place. Sometimes it’s an area we don’t like talking about like depression, but thankfully Bruce Tunkel goes there on his latest release, sixtyandthensome - a brilliant masterpiece from one of Jersey’s best songwriters.



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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

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.


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




Jersey Arts Podcast: Jovin Webb Debuts New Single in Advance of Sophomore Album




Nicole Atkins to release "Drama"




Starland Ballroom presents The Cab






 

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




MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th




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






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