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LATEST NEWS

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.

 
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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.

Cape May Singer-Songwriter Conference & Showcase Announces End of Run

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape Resorts and singer-songwriter conference founder John Harris have announced that the Cape May Singer-Songwriter Conference & Showcase will conclude its historic run. The annual March weekend event, which transformed the quiet winter streets of Cape May into a vibrant, walkable, town-wide concert hall, will not return for 2027. The decision marks the grand finale of a successful 14-year run that originally began in 2008.


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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


The Vogel presents Straight to Hell: The Clash Tribute on Sunday

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Straight to Hell: The Clash Tribute will perform at The Vogel on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 7:00pm. Here's your chance to hear some of the best punk rock songs in history live on stage.


Avenel PAC presents Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill



The Levoy Theatre presents Classic Stones Live on Friday



Broadway Theatre of Pitman has tributes to ABBA, Aerosmith, Springsteen, and Duprees this weekend



Albert Music Hall to Celebrate Fall with Annual Harvest Hootenanny on Sunday






 

UPCOMING SHOWS

Broadway Theatre of Pitman has tributes to ABBA, Aerosmith, Springsteen, and Duprees this weekend

(PITMAN, NJ) -- Music takes over The Broadway Theatre of Pitman this weekend with tributes to ABBA on Thursday, Aerosmith on Friday, Bruce Springsteen on Saturday, and the Duprees on Sunday.


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



SOPAC presents Willie Nile's Jukebox on October 9th



The Levoy Theatre presents Classic Stones Live on Friday






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