By Bob Makin
originally published: 03/29/2024
Helen O’Shea’s forthcoming single, "With You Still," featuring beloved Jersey Shore songstress Emily Grove, is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY CONNI FREESTONE
On May 10, Irish-born, Jersey Shore-based AmeriCeltiCana singer-songwriter Helen O’Shea will release "With You Still,” her next single from her sophomore LP, “Sturdy Souls.”
But she’s makin so many waves, the tune featuring beloved Jersey Shore songstress Emily Grove is the Makin Waves Song of the Week now.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “With You Still” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on March 29 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
Like many of her songs, Helen co-wrote “With You Still” with her two-time Grammy-winning producer Marc Swersky.
“There is a poem called ‘All Is Well’ by Henry Scott Thomas that reassures loved ones that those who die have just ‘stepped into another room,’ and it was a favorite of my late father's,” she explained. “I spoke it at his graveside, sent it to grieving friends, and was amazed at the healing comfort it brought. I have always wanted to write a song in the voice of the heavenly person consoling those left behind, and ‘With You Still’ is my attempt to heal the grieving in a message from heaven.”
After a full slate of shows celebrating Helen's home country of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day, Helen will make her Stone Pony debut on March 30.
Helen O’Shea & Friends — rhythm guitarist Paul Henry, drummer David Ross, bassist Da Nickster and lead guitarist Mike Seidel — will share the bill of a showcase at the fabled Asbury Park club with Ray Sheehan, Mr. Fatty, Over the Moon, Garden State Drifters, Skyline Stare, Back to June, and Oceans, a Pearl Jam tribute.
“I first heard of The Stone Pony during my Bruce Springsteen obsession back in medical school in Galway, Ireland,” Helen said. “And now, this coming weekend, we take the stage with a cool set full of original songs at this legendary Asbury Park venue. It is never too late to dream!”
On the heels of the Stone Pony adventure, Helen O'Shea & Friends head to Salty's Bar in Belmar to celebrate the legendary Danny Coleman's "Rock On Radio" 15th Anniversay Bash. The barn burner also will feature Radio Fiction, The Williamsboy, Dave Vargo, Jerry Monk, Rick Winow, Kenny K, Mary McCrink, Strumberry Pie, Jo Wymer, Jump Back and more. Admission is free, and there will be an available menu, as well as a cash bar.
“Danny Coleman is one of the greatest supporters of independent artists on the East Coast,” Helen said. “In partnership with his producer Claire Henwood, Danny has made his flagship show, ‘Rock On Radio,’ a must-stop venue for both local and visiting artists with something to say. All artists are encouraged to share their latest projects, shows, stories and dreams with the legendary music man — usually in the midst of unexpected hilarity, surprising conversation directions and effortless nurturing and encouragement on the part of the generous radio icon. It is rare these days for me to produce an event without Danny Coleman by my side as and artist wrangler -- a combination that always leads to a great live show!”
Danny also writes the weekly New Jersey Stage column, Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites.
Other upcoming shows for Helen include a trio show April 27, Princeton Porchfest at Princeton Arts Council; a duo show in the round May 1 at Cafe Artiste in Ocean Grove; a “Sturdy Souls” release show with the trio May 11 at Diva Lounge, New Hope; the full band on Sept. 21 at Albert Hall in Waretown for a "Halfway To St Patrick's Day" show, and the duo for “The Songs of Springsteen” at Cowgirl Seahorse in New York City.
For more about Helen, visit https://www.helenosheamusic.net/.
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.
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