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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: "Body Cast" by Tiny Cities

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Body Cast," the first single from the forthcoming Tiny Cities sophomore EP, "Beginning of the End."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/11/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 9-15, 2025




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






 

MORE NEWS

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Rhode Island-based horn-driven blues, jump, swing and soul band Roomful of Blues will celebrate the release of their new Alligator Records album, Steppin' Out!, with a live performance at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm


Tropicana Showroom presents Mammoth




Makin Waves with Yawn Mower: Band of the Year!




The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin come to the Scottish Rite Auditorium




Outpost in the Burbs presents The Del Fuegos






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Asbury Park Theater Company presents A Big Band Holiday to Remember starring Remember Jones and his 17-piece Big Band

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) – Asbury Park Theater Company presents their 2025 gala fundraising event: A Big Band Holiday To Remember, starring Remember Jones and his 17-piece Big Band, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center and will feature Remember Jones along with Asbury Park music community artists, Broadway performers, and cast members from past APTC shows, including local favorites such as Layonne Holmes, Sharon Lasher, Emily Grove, and more to be announced, as well as talent seen across Broadway and off-Broadway stages such as Brian O’Brien, Jeanne Montano, Hannah Bonnett, and more! The event begins at 7:30pm.


Drew University hosts John Mellencamp and Bad Company Tribute Bands




CarteretPAC presents Luminare Christmas!




Country Artist Jessica Lynn brings her "A Very Merry Classic Christmas" to New Jersey






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