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LATEST NEWS

Wharton Arts Launches 2026–27 Season Under New President & CEO Carol Chickering Burden

(BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ) -- Wharton Arts, a leading provider of community music and creative youth development in New Jersey, has launched its 2026–27 Fall/Winter season under the leadership of new President & CEO Carol Chickering Burden.

 
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Jon Caspi Just Released His First Solo Album in 17 years

Jon Caspi released his first solo album in 17 years on October 2, 2026 - a 5-song EP called eons of evolution. It is available on all streaming platforms. The New Jersey-based singer-songwriter, and frontman for the well-known heartland rock, indie, punk and Americana band, Jon Caspi & The First Gun took a unique approach to this release. This past summer, he recorded the songs in basement studio, where he played all the instruments. Unlike other recordings where each musician makes multiple attempts to lay down seamless or near-perfect track, Caspi says he only used only his first takes.

Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine names Suzanne Vega as Phoebe Jacobs Award Honoree

(NEW YORK, NY) -- The Wonderful World: Friends of Music Therapy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that benefits Mount Sinai's Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine (LACMM), will honor Suzanne Vega, one of the foremost singer-songwriters of her generation, with the 2026 Phoebe Jacobs Award. The Center will present the award at its Wonderful World Gala on October 13 at the Angel Orensanz Center in New York City.

East Brunswick Singer-Songwriter Kathleen Elle Wins Hard Rock Rising Competition at Hard Rock Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Approximately 90 artists entered the Atlantic City competition for of Hard Rock Rising, a new global music competition presented by Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola. Only nine were selected to perform across the local competition rounds. East Brunswick singer-songwriter Kathleen Elle advanced through two nights of live competition before being named the Atlantic City winner on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Jersey Shore Artist Karen Mansfield Announces New Single and Children's Book

(OCEANPORT, NJ) -- Jersey Shore singer-songwriter, recording artist and author Karen Mansfield will release her new single, "I Only Have Eyes for You," on October 29, 2026, through her independent label, Willow Bella Music. Mansfield is also introducing her children's picture book, Baby's Birthday, inspired by a song that has been sung in her family for generations.


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COLUMNS

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from October 6-12, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from October 6-12, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "The Only Man to Make It Through the Dance" by Jake Thistle



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 10/01/2026



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from September 29 to October 5, 2026






 

MORE NEWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Temptations & The Four Tops

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Temptations & The Four Tops on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 6:30pm. Two legendary Motown groups share the stage for one unforgettable night of timeless hits, smooth harmonies, and classic soul.


The Love of Soul Tour comes to Prudential Center on May 22nd



Wharton Arts Launches 2026–27 Season Under New President & CEO Carol Chickering Burden



Def Leppard, Goo Goo Dolls, and The Struts to play shows in NJ, NYC, and Philly in 2027



The Newton Theatre presents All You Need Is John - The Music of John Lennon






 

UPCOMING SHOWS

The Strand Center for the Arts presents The Bob Band on October 9th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Bob Band comes to The Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, October 9, 2026. The band is a group of veteran musicians based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to capturing the vibe, spirit and arrangement of Bob Dylan's original recordings. Showtime is 8:00pm.


SOPAC presents Willie Nile's Jukebox on October 9th



The Levoy Theatre presents Classic Stones Live on Friday



The Newton Theatre presents SoulShine - An Allman Brothers Experience on October 10th






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