The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


Articles

Showing all results: From 4 to 14

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



(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



by Spotlight Central - published 2026-05-13

Arrival from Sweden is coming to Rahway, NJ's Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm. Founded in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Arrival from Sweden is one of the world's most popular ABBA tribute bands and the only group that has ever been given a previously unreleased song directly from ABBA to record.



MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026



(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.



Audra McDonald LIVE! at bergenPAC



by Spotlight Central - published 2026-05-13

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Audra McDonald at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on May 3, 2026.



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.






 

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

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- New Brunswick's eclectic geek folk-rock act, A Halo Called Fred, is back with their new epic album, We're All Like, YEAH! Featuring 21 new tracks, this latest mixtape from the world's best steampunk psycho-pop band is guaranteed to bring joy to any hyper-dimensional occasion.


Mahwah Museum to host Les Paul 111th Birthday Celebration: "The Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Show with Tom & Sandy Doyle" on June 7th




State Theatre New Jersey presents Jersey Talent on Saturday




Makin Waves with The Feelies: Jersey Strong!




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








 

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




State Theatre New Jersey presents Jersey Talent on Saturday









The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates