By Bob Makin
originally published: 06/07/2024
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Crash” from Kanak’s Ed Stasium-produced EP, “On the Outside.” PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KANACH
Singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Kanach is a Jersey Shore veteran of such all-time great local bands as Mischief and Well of Souls.
Yet, despite that success, the Middletown-raised rocker never had performed in California before. Well, that recently changed when his latest band, Kanak, played shows at The Viper Room in L.A. and Derby’s Bar & Grill in Hemet at the end of last month. Not only did they play those tasty gigs, but they also nabbed Cali airplay for “Crash,” the latest single off their Ed Stasium-produced EP, “On the Outside,” and the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Crash” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 7 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
The band had recorded, “On the Outside,” at Ed’s studio near San Diego, but Tom was really excited to make his long-awaited live debut on Cali stages.
“We had an amazing show at the legendary Viper Room for Matt Pinfield’s birthday,” Tom said. “It was awesome! We loved playing there, and it was my first time playing in California, so I was really excited. And then we played in Hemet at Derby’s Bar & Grill. And we closed the show with our latest single, ‘Crash,’ which is a really great song that I love to play. It has a really good groove, and I really like the theme of it. The theme is about somebody who is afraid that they are going to spiral out of control, and they’re trying to fight their demons.”
In addition to being the birthday boy at the Viper Room, the great Jersey-raised DJ & TV personality Matt Pinfield served as executive producer of “On the Outside.” His support has been invaluable to the band.
Kanak — also bassist Joey Rowley, drummer Steve Brown and guitarists Pete Wood and Johnny Rao — next will perform in Jersey on June 21 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park with Vakili Band and Jem recording act The Cynz.
For more about Kanak, visit https://www.kanakmusic.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS
South Jersey Jazz Society's Concert on the Beach with the PJ Keiter Octet Set for June 5th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.
Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band includes Matt Keating, Jason Mercer, Steve Mayone, and Greg Wieczorek. You could say they are a new band with old roots.
The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- L.A. Guns comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band has been rocking for roughly 40 years since establishing themselves as the undisputed sleaze kings of the Sunset Strip, and, eventually, the world.
Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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