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

New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

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.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



“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




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



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

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

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

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

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

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

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

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.

 

FEATURED EVENTS



Eric Johanson

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
Union, NJ


Three American Troubadours: Celebrating Taylor, Simon & King

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Blues For Greeny The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ