By Bob Makin
originally published: 06/02/2023
Asbury Park singer-songwriter Kiersten Blue’s latest single, “Thriving,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY JEFF CRESPI
Sometimes all as not as it seems on social media, and those who seem to be doing well might not be.
The truth of such situations inspired Asbury Park singer-songwriter Kiersten Blue’s latest single, “Thriving,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Thriving” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 2 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.
“The lyrics of the song sort of outline the pain behind beauty standards and the ‘online image’ we portray,” Kiersten said. “I think a lot of us struggle with stuff behind closed doors but really only show off the highlights, and it causes us to constantly compare ourselves to others. Someone told me I was ‘thriving’ when behind the scenes, I really didn’t feel like I was, and that’s what inspired me to write this song.”
If Kiersten isn’t thriving, she sure is Makin Waves.
A graduate of the Lakehouse Academy, the Patti Smith-meets-Hope Sandoval songstress returned to Lakehouse Recording Studios to record “Thriving” with a house band who took the emotionally charged song to a whole other level.
“The lyrics were written exclusively by me, and the initial chords and melody on acoustic guitar were also written solo, but the song really took form in the studio,” Kiersten said. “I really love taking a song I wrote acoustically and watching it transform into a fuller sound. Working with a session band is a great collaborative experience!”
Kiersten is makin just as many waves with a bevy of high-profile summer shows.
They include those with a full band by the season’s end.
“I have many shows lined up to play, including a few full band gigs in August that I'm super stoked to play!,” she said. “I’ve been writing consistently and plan to record and release a bunch of new music this fall. I am doing a direct-to-vinyl session on Aug. 4 at Leesta Vall Sound Recordings. They are one-of-a-kind live takes of selected songs from my catalog, ‘musical Polaroids,’ essentially, that can be purchased at https://leestavall.com/products/kierstenblue.”
Upcoming shows include June 3, Point Pleasant Summerfest; June 4, The Grove at Shrewsbury; June 7, 902 Brewing, Jersey City; June 10 and 24, Brook 35, Wall; June 16, Baronet Rooftop After Party, Asbury Park; June 17, Brick Plaza; July 9, Riley Park, Bradley Beach; July 10 and Aug. 14, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park; Aug. 19, John & Peter’s, New Hope, Pa.; Aug. 30, Asbury Park LIVE on the boardwalk.
Those last three gigs for the typically solo singer-songwriter will be with the aforementioned full band.
To find out more about Kiersten, click www.flowcode.com/page/kierstenblue.
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
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(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, 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
(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.
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
(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 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
(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
(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 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
