The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


Articles

Showing music results: From 4 to 14

Bassist Martin Wind Adds Piano to His Gravity Trio for Area Performances



by Jay Sweet - published 2026-04-03

German-born bassist and composer Martin Wind has built an extensive résumé with more than 20 albums as a leader or co-leader and performance credits with legends such as clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, guitarist Pat Metheny, alto saxophonist Phil Woods, harmonicist Toots Thielemans, and many others. He has regularly performed at some of the top jazz venues in the world. Upcoming performances include release performances for his newest record September (2026, Laika Records) with his Gravity Trio and special guest Glenn Zaleski on piano -- April 9 at Smalls Jazz Club in New York; April 10 at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, NJ; and at the Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA, April 11.


Russell Jamie Johnson releases "Who We Used To Be"



(NEW YORK, NY) -- Singer-songwriter, Russell Jamie Johnson has announced his upcoming self-titled album, arriving May 15, 2026 a cinematic indie-folk project that captures the quiet, unresolved space between heartbreak and healing. As his most personal work to date, the 8-tracks reflect a period of emotional reckoning, where love has ended, but its imprint lingers.



Sparta Announces New Album, Releases "Crater"



Equal Vision Records and Dine Alone Records have announced the Friday, May 29, 2026 release of Cut A Silhouette, the forthcoming album from the celebrated El Paso, TX-based alt-rock band, Sparta.



Low Cut Connie Pays Tribute To Prince 10 Years After His Passing with "Little Red Corvette" Cover



On April 2, 2026, Low Cut Connie paid tribute to one of his musical heroes Prince with a cover of "Little Red Corvette" ahead of the 10th anniversary of his passing on April 21, 2016. The live performance video was recorded live at The Current in Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, MN.



Hellbender Vinyl Expands East with New Pressing Plant in Philadelphia



Hellbender Vinyl, the beloved independent pressing plant expands to Philadelphia via acquisition of Softwax Record Pressing and welcomes industry veteran Travis Whitlock to the team.






Frenchy and the Punk release "War on War"



Post-Punk duo Frenchy and the Punk present their new video for the powerful and compelling single "War on War", along with an announcement of spring 2026 tour dates. Playing up to 100 shows a year, the duo thrives on the road. Now they are set to bring that energy to dozens of cities across the Midwest and East Coast before heading overseas for select UK dates.



Emma Harner Releases "Evening Star"



Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Emma Harner reveals her debut album Evening Star. Across the album's 11 tracks, which include recent singles "Gale," "Seams," and "You're Right," she showcases her signature blend of intricate guitar work and emotionally direct songwriting.



Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th



(LINCROFT, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Thompson Park. This celebration of the arts features more than 50 specially selected artists in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, and more. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, engaging art demonstrations, and children’s art-based activities.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Promises" by Dave Vargo



by Bob Makin - published 2026-04-03

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Promises" from Jersey Shore-based roots rocker Dave Vargo's latest album, "Ghost Towns."



Five-time GRAMMY Winner Angélique Kidjo Comes to McCarter Theatre Center on April 11th



(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Five-time GRAMMY Award winner Angélique Kidjo comes to McCarter Theatre Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm for an electrifying evening of music spanning her extraordinary career. The performance is part of a limited six-city U.S. tour before Kidjo continues to Europe for a series of international festival appearances.






 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Promises" by Dave Vargo

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Promises" from Jersey Shore-based roots rocker Dave Vargo's latest album, "Ghost Towns."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 04/02/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from March 31 to April 6, 2026




​​​​​​​Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Tom Seaver" by Greg Amici








 

MORE NEWS

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.


Keith Carne releases "Magenta Light"




Rick Wakeman LIVE! at bergenPAC




Clover Stieve releases "How Big Can I Dream"




Bassist Martin Wind Adds Piano to His Gravity Trio for Area Performances








 

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.


MPAC presents Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music




Bassist Martin Wind Adds Piano to His Gravity Trio for Area Performances




Newton Theatre presents GRUNGEFEST: Tributes to Pearl Jam & Chris Cornell









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