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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

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

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "The Only Man to Make It Through the Dance" from "A Stranger By Design," the latest album 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



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "In Another Life" by Deardarkhead






 

MORE NEWS


The Wag's Halloween Spectacular Returns!

If you're looking for something fun to do this Halloween season, The Wag has the show for you. Bring your family and friends to The Wag's Halloween Spectacular! They're bringing the show to Middletown, Lakewood, and Tuckerton in the next few weeks.


UCPAC presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band in Concert on Saturday



Jon Caspi Just Released His First Solo Album in 17 years



Air Supply's A Matter of Time Tour LIVE! at MPAC



Lakehouse Music Academy Brings Flagship Big Gig Performance Series to Bakes Brewing






 

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



UCPAC presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band in Concert on Saturday






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