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LATEST NEWS

Ska-Punk Trio Joker's Republic releases new album "The Hand You've Been Dealt" via Punkerton Records

(ESSEX COUNTY, NJ) -- New Jersey ska-punk power trio Joker's Republic have released their new album, The Hand You’ve Been Dealt, out now via Punkerton Records. Produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake / Rehasher) and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft, the record delivers a high-energy blend of ska, punk, and melodic grit across twelve tracks that tackle loss, politics, mental health, and identity — all with the band's trademark humor and heart.

 
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Rhonette Smith releases "Loss"

New Jersey heavy rock artist Rhonette Smith will release her newest single, "Loss," on October 30, 2025 to coincide with Día de los Muertos, in honor of her Mexican heritage. Though she only began celebrating the holiday as an adult, the track is a powerful anthem that explores her personal relationship with grief. The song is available for pre-save now.

Top Five Finalists of the 14th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Have Been Announced

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the top five finalists of the 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Pulled from almost 200 entrants from 27 different countries, these gifted young singers represent the next generation of great jazz vocalists. The top five finalists are: Diamond Franklin (Philadelphia, PA), Candace Jones (Hollywood, FL), Katie Kortum (New York City), Julia Moscardini (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Emma Smith (London, England).

World Cafe's Sense of Place: Montreal series explores the Canadian city's rich musical present and celebrated past

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- From Montreal's DIY, Indie Rock and Jazz scenes to acclaimed songwriters and producers, World Cafe's Sense of Place: Montreal series explores the Canadian city's rich musical present and celebrated past. Produced by WXPN and distributed by NPR, the nationally syndicated radio show airs on over 300 stations across the U.S. and streams online at NPR Music and XPN.org.

"Frank Sinatra At The Hollywood Bowl 1943-1948" - first of several unreleased albums

SING, a blockchain tech company and rightsholder, selling music from major artists and catalogs as vinyl/digital hybrid releases to super-fans, is releasing a treasure trove of previously unreleased live radio performances by "The Voice" - Frank Sinatra - are scheduled for release in 2025 and 2026 on digital, compact disc and vinyl formats.



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COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Cassville Lights" by Jackson Pines

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Cassville Lights," the latest single from Jackson Pines' forthcoming album, "Wheel."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/4/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 2-8, 2025




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Big Trucks Win" by Chris Vincent






 

MORE NEWS

(BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Roy's Hall presents singer-songwriter James McMurtry on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8:00pm. He's been called "one of this generation's most unflinchingly potent and powerfully erudite recording artists" by American Songwriter.


bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd




Wicked Cool Records releases "It's A Wicked Cool Christmas" - All-star Holiday Compilation




Sean Marshall Returns to his Roots with "Golden" - His Fourth Studio Album




Blue Hawk Records to Release 26th Compilation






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.


Irish Trio Socks in the Frying Pan Plays Holiday Concert at Roy’s Hall on December 12




The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Michael Gabriele and Spook Handy on December 12th




The Landis Theater presents Mysterious Ways - The U2 Christmas Experience






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