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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: "A New Year's Lullaby" by The New Bardots

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "A New Year's Lullaby," the latest single from Bongo Boy Records act The New Bardots.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 01/02/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 30 to January 5, 2025




Makin Waves Song of the Year: "My Best" by The Well Wish






 

MORE NEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- On the heels of their sold-out return to touring this year, country music icons Rascal Flatts will hit the road again for their Life Is A Highway Tour in 2026, including a stop at the Prudential Center on Friday, January 30, 2026. The Live Nation-produced, 21-stop trek will bring "the harmonies and charisma that made them one of the biggest country groups" (American Songwriter) to fans nationwide. Fellow country stars Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane will continue to support the trio across this new run.


Music Box at the Borgata presents Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band




Will Downing to Perform at UCPAC on Valentine's Day




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents James Maddock




Albert Music Hall presents its annual Winter Hootenanny in the Pines






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Start the New Year with Rikki Lee Wilson's Taylor Swift Tribute at The Broadway Theatre of Pitman

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Love Story – A Tribute to Taylor Swift from January 2-4, 2026. The show starring Rikki Lee Wilson brings the ultimate Taylor Swift concert experience and has wowed audiences nationwide.


Albert Music Hall presents its annual Winter Hootenanny in the Pines




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents James Maddock




bergenPAC presents The Band Perry on January 11th






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