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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 12-18, 2026



Here is a look at shows taking place from May 12-18, 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.


Albert Music Hall presents Rock Around the Pines: A Celebration of Early Rock 'n' Roll on Saturday



(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall presents "Rock Around the Pines" on Saturday, May 16, 2026, an evening dedicated to the sounds of 1950s and early 1960s rock 'n' roll. The themed program brings classic jukebox favorites, rockabilly rhythms, and vintage dance hall energy to the Pinelands stage, with five local acts performing throughout the evening.



RECAP: Lily Vakili's "Live Wire" EP Release at Francis Kite Club



by Julie Hoffman - published 2026-05-12

(NEW YORK, NY) -- On May 6, 2026 - a rainy Wednesday night in New York City - fans and friends packed into Francis Kite Club on the Lower East Side to celebrate the release of Live Wire, the new EP from Lily Vakili. The intimate venue created the perfect setting for a performance that felt deeply personal, emotional, and completely alive.



Roger McGuinn LIVE! at the Pollak Theatre



by Spotlight Central - published 2026-05-12

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn at Monmouth University on May 1, 2026.



The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th



(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.






Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Vernon Reid and Corey Glover on Sunday



(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Vernon Reid and Corey Glover on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm. Prepare for an extraordinary evening as two of the most influential figures in modern rock history take the stage at Lizzie Rose.



WP Presents Brings Unforgettable Fire to Shea Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday



(WAYNE, NJ) -- WP Presents the U2 tribute band Unforgettable Fire on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Shea Center for Performing Arts. Unforgettable Fire, or ‘UF’, was born on New Year's Day in 1995 as one of the very first U2 Tribute Bands to ever perform in America.



The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"



(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.



RECAP: James Maddock at Belmar Arts Center 5/8/26



by Helen O'Shea - published 2026-05-09

(BELMAR, NJ) --- On Friday, May 8, 2026, we celebrated James Maddock's latest album release show for "Forever June" with a sold out crowd at Belmar Arts Center. And what an unforgettable celebration it was - in a beautiful listening room with the crowd alternating between complete silence and thunderous applause as Maddock lifted us all through a setlist that was equal parts crowd favorites and cuts from his stellar new album "Forever June".



Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Fairweather Friends" by Exit Eleven



by Bob Makin - published 2026-05-08

After a long hiatus, the Central Jersey band Exit Eleven are back with a new single that they will celebrate the release of on May 8 at Asbury Park's fabled Stone Pony.






 

COLUMNS


This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 12-18, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from May 12-18, 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 is "Fairweather Friends" by Exit Eleven




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/07/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 5-11, 2026








 

MORE NEWS

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Heart is Jason Didner's love letter to a city that refused to quit — and to the musicians, misfits, and believers who kept the beat going. Drawing on the sounds, stories, and personalities that transformed Asbury Park from a place of decay into an unlikely worldwide music destination, the album spans punk, soul, reggae, and heartland rock in the spirit of the Jersey Shore scene itself: eclectic, unguarded, and alive.


A Chat with Veronika and Madelene of Arrival From Sweden Who Perform at UCPAC on May 16




MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026




Audra McDonald LIVE! at bergenPAC




Albert Music Hall presents Rock Around the Pines: A Celebration of Early Rock 'n' Roll on Saturday








 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026




Punch Brothers to Kick off 28-City Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center on May 14th




Jason Didner's New Album Celebrates Asbury Park's Resilient Spirit of Community









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