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FEATURES

Makin Waves Album of the Month: "Live in Asbury Park" by Sean Tobin

 Asbury Park-based singer-songwriter Sean Tobin is the 2022 Makin Waves Male Artist of the Year and one of my Dirty Jersey Dozen independent acts who made the most waves, whose preceding LP, “Ghost of the Arcade,” was a Top 3 album that spawned two Top 10 songs on my year-end lists. And that’s just a small portion of the success he had in 2022, so what he does next has a lot to live up to. But the three-song EP “Live in Asbury Park” due on Jan. 20 is more like a souvenir from an 11-state tour that proved Sean and his band, the Boardwalk Fire, have the goods to be Asbury’s next national act. 

 
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PHOTOS from Umphrey's Mcgee at The Fillmore in Philly

 (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Umphrey's McGee, the eclectic improv-rock band, came to The Fillmore in Philadelphia on January 14, 2023 and photographer Chris Paul was on hand to take photos. The band consists of Brendan Bayliss (Guitar, Vocals); Jake Cinninger (Guitar, Vocals); Joel Cummins (Keyboard, Piano, Vocals); Andy Farag (Percussion); Kris Myers (Drums, Vocals); and Ryan Stasik (Bass, No Vocals).

Makin Waves with Colossal Street Jam: Beyond Happy to be Back

 Colossal Street Jam will celebrate “No Way to Live,” their first album in four years, on Feb. 10 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park with a release party that also will feature the bands of album guests Anthony Krizan and Desiree Spinks

An Interview with Mike Bont of Greensky Bluegrass

 On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Greensky Bluegrass returns to the Garden State to perform at the historic Count Basie Center for the Performing Arts in Red Bank, NJ. In anticipation of this show, I was able to talk with Mike Bont, banjo player for Greensky Bluegrass, about the stellar year the band had in 2022 and his anticipation for what lies ahead in 2023.

Talking with John Cafferty about the Beaver Brown Band: "Magic Out of Thin Air"

 Longtime Asbury Park music staple John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will return to New Jersey from their home state of Rhode Island to play Jan. 21 at URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. Pictured from left to right are drummer Jackie Santos, bassist Dean Cassell, saxophonist Michael “Tunes” Antunes, Cafferty, lead guitarist Gary “Guitar” Gramolini, and keyboardist Steve Burke.


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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


Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(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



The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre



Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th






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