By Lazlo
originally published: 07/22/2024
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 each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Kelli Bruno, Bright Burning, Surfing For Daisy, Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV, Samuel Vincent, and The Warhawks. Plus a look back at "Sho' Nuff" by Brown.
Kelli Bruno - "Love & Games". Kelli Bruno's "Love & Games", made me get up and dance, but I think Kelli described the song best when she posted a video about it saying it is a, "queer funk pop summer bop, but more over it is just a fun song" Indeed!
Bright Burning - "Potstown (feat. Chels & Buncha Scrubs)". I don't know what it is about summer that also makes me think of some relaxing reggae, but Burning Bright just released a nice summer jam with "Potstown", which also features Chels & Buncha Scurbs.
Surfing For Daisy - "The Porch EP". I have spent the last year raving about Surfing For Daisy's mixture of folk, Americana, rock and soul. Now that they have released their debut, "The Porch EP, it is the perfect time to check them out if you have not yet. If you already have, then you already know you need this EP!
Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV - "Chansons De Lune". Renee Maskin & SONOFDOV are two extremely talented singer-songwriters in the New Jersey music scene. Each write with a certain mood and melancholy, that to me is perfect for listening outdoors in the fall, under the moonlight. Calling their split collaborative EP, "Chansons De Lune" (French for "Moon Songs") seems to play right into that mood. It is a mood I don't want to let goof because this pairing of talents is glorious!
Samuel Vincent - "Knock Ya Block Off". If you, like me, have been waiting for a hip-hop song inspired by the cult classic (or maybe it should be kult klassic) movie, "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", Samuel Vincent's "Knock Ya Block Off" has got you covered.
The Warhawks - "Wellness Check Pt. 1 & 2". Gloucester City, New Jersey's The Warhawks, return with two EP's, "Wellness Check Pt. 1" & "Wellness Check Pt. 2". Each contains 3 catchy alt-power-pop anthems.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Brown - "Sho' Nuff". Back in the early 00's when I started BlowUpRadio.com, Brown was blowing up in the Asbury Park scene. Their live shows, blending R&B, Funk, and Soul, were legendary! They would jam out, and a party would ensue. Below is just one of their fun jams, "Sho' Nuff", from their album, "...we ain't tired yet".
That's all for this week.
Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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