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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place in New Jersey from May 14-21, 2024

originally published: 05/14/2024

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place in New Jersey from May 14-21, 2024

Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from May 14-21, 2024 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings.

Send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Click here for more information on our event pages. Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Tuesday, May 14 - Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Lyle Lovett And Lisa Loeb: In Conversation And Song. (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Lyle Lovett And Lisa Loeb: In Conversation And Song on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.

Wednesday, May 15 - MPAC presents Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Two iconic songwriters share the stage, trade songs and swap stories when Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb perform together at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Tickets range from $59-$99. Showtime is 7:30pm.

 



 
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Thursday, May 16 - State Theatre New Jersey presents Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories LIVE featuring The Chapin Family. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories LIVE featuring The Chapin Family on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 8:00pm. Watch as two generations of the musical Chapin Family—Tom, Steve, and Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily) bring the songs of Harry Chapin to life.

Friday, May 17 - Outpost in the Burbs presents Josh Ritter - Works in Progress + Songs You Know. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Josh Ritter - Works in Progress + Songs You Know on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.

Saturday, May 18 - State Theatre New Jersey presents Amos Lee: Transmissions Tour. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Amos Lee - Transmissions Tour on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 7:30pm. Joining Lee for this concert is special guest, Julia Pratt. Tickets range from $39-$99.

Sunday, May 19 - Bell Theater at Bell Works presents The Weeklings BeatlesBash. (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Weeklings bring their BeatlesBash show featuring The Horns & Strings Orchestra to the newly opened Bell Theater at Bell Works on Sunday, May 19, 2024 with a matinee performance at 3:00pm.

Sunday, May 19 - Jersey Arts Podcast: Jazz's James Austin, Jr. Celebrates Stevie Wonder. If you're a Stevie Wonder fan, you have to give jazz pianist and bandleader James Austin, Jr's music a listen. His 2018 debut album, Songs in the Key of Wonder, reinterprets Stevie Wonder's beloved catalog with a Jazz spin, creating beautiful new tracks.

Sunday, May 19 - Hub City Opera and Dance Presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Murasaki's Moon" preceded by Beautiful Japanese Folk Dancing. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Hub City Opera and Dance presents the New Jersey premiere of "Murasaki's Moon." This captivating new opera brings to life the remarkable story of Lady Murasaki, the 11th-century Japanese writer who defied societal norms to create "The Tale of Genji," widely considered the world's first novel. The production will open on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Avenel Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 2:00pm.



 
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EVENT PREVIEWS

Thursday, May 16 - Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour MMXIV features The Alarm, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel, and the UK's Belouis Some. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- "This tour will be a chance for a generation of fans - both old and new - to step back into the future and celebrate a time that defined millions of people's life soundtracks when the era of Music Television ruled the earth," says Mike Peters of The Alarm about the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour MMXIV which was recently announced but due to unforeseen circumstances regarding The Blow Monkeys, now has a lineup change with Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel stepping up to the plate along with the UK's Belouis Some. Locally, the tour comes to Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ on May 16th, Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, PA on May 17th, and Irving Plaza in NYC on May 24th.

Thursday, May 16 - Westminster Conservatory at Nassau ends season on May 16 with "Songs from the Winding Road of Love". (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The current season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will conclude on Thursday, May 16, 2024 with Songs from the Winding Road of Love, a recital performed by Westminster Conservatory faculty members Susan Gaylord, mezzo soprano; and Larissa Korkina, piano.The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. The event is open to the public free of charge. Showtime is 12:15pm.



Friday, May 17 - NJPAC presents Diana Ross. (NEWARK, NJ) -- Diana Ross, radiant icon and legendary entertainer, brings her Beautiful Love Performances Legacy Tour to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. After a record-breaking world tour and a recent sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall, Ms. Ross returns to the Tri-State area to share a lifetime of memories with her iconic hits.

Friday, May 17 - Roy's Hall presents Kalos. (BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Kalos, a Celtic roots trio, will perform an eclectic, invigorating mix of instrumentals and songs at Roy's Hall on Friday, May 17, 2024. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Friday, May 17 - The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Ivan Goff and Katie Linnane. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Irish music duo Ivan Goff (uileann pipes, Irish flute, and whistles) and Katie Linnane (fiddle) on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Christ Congregation Church,. The couple are stalwarts of the vibrant New York City Irish traditional music scene. Showtime is 8:00pm. The concert is also available via livestream.

Friday, May 17 - Black Box Studios presents Thesaurus Rex & Boys Go To Jupiter. (TEANECK, NJ) -- Black Box Studios presents Thesaurus Rex & Boys Go To Jupiter, with opener simmerr, on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at Debonair Music Hall. Doors open at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.

Friday, May 17 - New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra presents NBCO in Blue - Celebrating 100 Years of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra presents NBCO in Blue - Celebrating 100 Years of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Nicholas Music Center. In collaboration with the New Brunswick Jazz Project, the NBCO presents a fusion of classical music and jazz. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Friday, May 17 - Ember Choral Arts Presents: "On the Heart of Being, Amidst Machines" - A Concert Exploration of Love in the Modern World. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Ember Choral Arts presents "On the Heart of Being, Amidst Machines" on Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation (67 Church Street) in Montclair. The concert will also be live-streamed. This promises to be a moving exploration of love in the modern world, featuring a dynamic mix of stylistically eclectic choral music. Showtime is 5:00pm.

Friday, May 17 - Where Music Lives Awards Show and Lakehouse Block Party to Create One Unforgettable Weekend in Asbury Park. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Park Music Foundation and Lakehouse Music Academy will present two major music events in Asbury Park May 17-18, 2024. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Asbury Park Music Foundation and Music Saved My Life program.





 
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Saturday, May 18 - 2nd Annual Lakehouse Music Block Party. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The 2nd Annual Lakehouse Music Block Party will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 (rain date May 19th) with live entertainment, a beer garden, food trucks, and more. All proceeds benefit Asbury Park Music Foundation's Music Saved My Life program, which provides music education to underprivileged youth.

Saturday, May 18 - Experience Elvis's Skyrocket to Stardom at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch. (LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Few entertainers can rival Elvis Presley's three-year meteoric rise from a raw, rowdy rocker to a global superstar. Watch as Elvis tribute performer Ruben Castillo brings this remarkable era to life in "Elvistory: The King of Rock & Roll 1956-1959" at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Saturday, May 18 - White Eagle Hall hosts Jersey Fest. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Greetings From the Garden State presents Jersey Fest at White Eagle Hall on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Get ready for an extraordinary evening celebrating the very essence of New Jersey. The event promises an unforgettable fusion of music, community, and celebration. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm.

Saturday, May 18 - Centenary Stage Company hosts StevieMac concert to Benefit Hackettstown Rotary Club. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company and the Hackettstown Rotary Club are presenting a one-night-only concert event on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 8:00pm with StevieMac: A Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Experience. The concert doubles as a fundraiser for the Hackettstown Rotary Club with tickets priced at $35 for all seats in CSC's Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing arts Center at 715 Grand Avenue in Hackettstown.

Saturday, May 18 - Morris Choral Society to Conclude Season with "Looking Back, Looking Forward". (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Morristown United Methodist Church, the Morris Choral Society will conclude its 50th anniversary season with a program entitled "Looking Back, Looking Forward." Showtime is 3:00pm.



Sunday, May 19 - Monmouth Civic Chorus presents All That Sparkles. (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Now in its Sparkling 75th Anniversary Season, the award-winning Monmouth Civic Chorus presents All that Sparkles on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Sunday, May 19 - Westminster Conservatory of Music observes Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month with May 19 faculty recital. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Westminster Conservatory of Music will present the concert, Celebrating Asian and Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 7:30pm. The concert features nine Conservatory faculty members of APA heritage as they perform music that represents the nation of their background. It will take place in Bristol Chapel (101 Walnut Lane) in Princeton. Admission is free.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, May 14 @ 7:30pm - Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb: In Conversation and Song at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories LIVE featuring The Chapin Family at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood



Wednesday, May 15 @ 7:30pm - Lyle Lovett and Lisa Loeb: In Conversation and Song at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown



Thursday, May 16

7:00pm - Bell Jazz: Let's Go to Rio! at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

7:30pm - New Jersey Symphony: Jeremy Denk, Anna Clane, Beethoven's "Eroica" at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown

8:00pm - Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories Live featuring The Chapin Family at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick



Friday, May 17

2:00pm - Afternoon Recital: Awadagin Pratt at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

7:30pm - Adam Ezra Group at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

7:30pm - Josh Ritter - Works In Progress + Songs You Know at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair



 
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7:30pm - Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

8:00pm - Bernadette Peters at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown

8:00pm - OCC Jazz Band: Recording Live at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

8:00pm - Alan Doyle with special guest Adam Baldwin at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank



Saturday, May 18

12:00pm - Stephen Sharer: Share the Love – The 2024 Meet & Greet Tour at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

7:30pm - Sinatra: A Man and His Music at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

8:00pm - Michael Cavanaugh & Band at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

8:00pm - Amos Lee at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

8:00pm - Daniela Darcourt - Atrevida Y Teatral at William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne



Sunday, May 19

11:00am - The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Grateful Dead for Kids at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

2:00pm - Hub City Opera and Dance Presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Murasaki's Moon" preceded by Beautiful Japanese Folk Dancing at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

3:00pm - The Weeklings BeatlesBash at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

3:00pm - James Austin, Jr. at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

4:00pm - Chris Duarte at Muddy Waters Gastropub, 1090 NJ-173, Asbury


 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "What I Need" by Gab Cinque Band

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "What I Need" from "Highway Junkie," the debut EP by the soaring Gab Cinque Band.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/25/24




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts July 23-30, 2024




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 7/22/24






 

MORE NEWS

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- On Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 7:00pm, The Weeklings will celebrate 60 years of The Beatles and more in a FREE outdoor concert in Terhune Park.


Chris Batten & the Woods release "2 For The Summer"




The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra Announces 2024-2025 Season




Sieminski Theater presents Summer Cabaret Series in August






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


NJPAC Announces Lineup for 2024 Sounds of the City FREE Concerts

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Experience an amazing lineup of diverse artists under the stars this summer at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for exciting, FREE concerts during the Horizon Sounds of the City series every Thursday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The series unites Newark's cultural diversity by bringing together residents, workers, and visitors for unforgettable evenings of great music, food, and fun. This year's lineup includes Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, Afrobeat singer and artist Kofi Kinaata, New Orleans funk band Galactic f. Jelly Joseph, rap icon KRS-One, and New Orleans bounce singer Big Freedia. Some performances will also showcase a guest poet from Dodge Poetry, as well as local opening talent and NJPAC's student performers.


Mercer County's $5 Friday Summer Concerts are Back!




West Windsor Arts presents "Summer Music and More" Free Concert Series




Paper Mill Playhouse Announces Summer Nights at the F.M. Kirby Carriage House






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