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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Crash" by Kanak

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Crash" by Kanak

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.




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“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 makinwaves64@yahoo.com




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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

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"

The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th

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(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone. 

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August

Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives  on August 12th

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August

BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August

(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.

 

FEATURED EVENTS



The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Wednesday, August 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Dead On Live – Bob Weir Tribute

Thursday, August 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


James Maddock

Friday, August 07, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Buddy Guy

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


Kat Riggins And Her Blues Revival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ