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EVENT PREVIEWS

Jim Messina Headlines Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival Before Reuniting with Kenny Loggins

(AUGUSTA, NJ) -- From being a founding member of the seminal band credited with creating Country Rock to being one-half of one of the most successful duos in American pop rock, Jim Messina is an undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music. Messina will headline the 12th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ on June 26. It’s his only New Jersey performance, tickets are on sale now. He will then reunite with Kenny Loggins as they play their first show at the famed Hollywood Bowl in 50 years.

 
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The Weight Band to Perform at Newton Theatre

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Master roots rockers, The Weight Band will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 6 at 8:00pm. The Weight Band will be playing songs from their new album Shines Like Gold and fan favorites.  

Nicole Atkins to Perform on "Live From My Den" this Friday

Nicole Atkins has released a first look premiere of her performance of "Captain" from the new episode of the Artists Den weekly series Live From My Den. The full episode is set to air this Friday, April 29. The performance and interview were filmed at Nashville, TN's Sometimes. "Captain" is taken from Atkins' most recent acclaimed records. It originally appeared on 2020's Italian Ice and was reimagined for her 2021 album Memphis Ice.

Beres Hammond returns to NJPAC in August

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Jamaica’s most prolific crooner Beres Hammond returns to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with his new tour on Saturday, August 13th at 8:00pm. The Grammy-nominated reggae icon known to many as the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” Beres Hammond has been producing and pouring out his smoky-sweet vocals over every kind of riddim track for almost 40 years. 

MPAC presents The Electric Light Orchestra Experience featuring Evil Woman - The American ELO

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Electric Light Orchestra Experience featuring Evil Woman – The American ELO on Friday, May 20th at 8:00pm. Enjoy the music of Electric Light Orchestra and hits such as "Telephone Line," "Evil Woman," "Turn to Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky," in this tribute performed by acclaimed session musicians who recreate the classic ELO sound.


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COLUMNS

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/02/2026

Due to a death in the family, the "Sound Bites" weekly column has ben postponed for this week. However, the listings of live music and entertainment are enclosed; we shall return on Thursday May 7 which happens to be the same day as the monthly "Rock On Radio" Happy Hour at the Nottingham Tavern located at 9 Mercer Street in Hamilton Square, NJ with music by Carmen Marranco.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make It Happen" by Mike Chick



Lighty's Corner: April 30, 2026



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 28 to May 4, 2026






 

MORE NEWS


"The Great Albums Podcast" Returns June 1st with New Monthly Episodes and Patreon Exclusives

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Great Albums Podcast, a music commentary show that averaged 20,000 Week 1 downloads per episode and amassed over 6 million total downloads during its initial run from 2015-2019, will return on June 1 with its first regular episode in over seven years. New episodes will follow on the first of every month.


2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12



Tributes to Chicago, Taylor Swift, Van Morrison, Zac Brown, Elvis, Genesis, and Zach Bryan are coming to The Strand



Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday



Centenary Stage Company presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on May 23rd






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