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EVENT PREVIEWS

Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.

 
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Outpost in the Burbs presents Leyla McCalla on September 24th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Outpost in the Burbs presents Leyla McCalla on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 at 7:30pm at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Born in New York City to Haitian emigrants and activists, Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from her past and present– her music vibrates with three centuries of history and influences from around the globe.

Summer Jazz: Drummer Joe Farnsworth and Special Guests at William Paterson

For more than three decades, Joe Farnsworth has been one of the most admired drummers in modern jazz, revered for his superb technique, driving swing, and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition. A Massachusetts native mentored by legendary drummers Alan Dawson, Arthur Taylor, and Jimmy Lovelace, Farnsworth has appeared on nearly 400 recordings and performed with an astonishing array of jazz masters, including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Pharoah Sanders, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, and Wynton Marsalis. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed hard bop collective, One for All, alongside longtime musical associates tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and pianist David Hazeltine.

MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- From the versatility of Tony winner Darren Criss, the comedy of Abbott Elementary's Janelle James and the nostalgic hits of the Grateful Dead, ABBA and more, Mayo Performing Arts Center's summer lineup features a diverse set of performances and events.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.


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COLUMNS

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 7/6/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Loose Panic, Max Rauch, Madeline Fung, Bike Routes, and 9fm. Plus a look back at "The Communist Song" by The KumQuats.



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Sick About It" by The Orangutwins



Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/02/2026



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Western Shores" by Renee Maskin






 

MORE NEWS


West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- West Windsor Arts is kicking off another season of free, family-friendly entertainment with the return of its popular Summer Music and More concert series. This year's series features three evenings of live music, local talent and hands-on art activities for all ages, offering the perfect way to enjoy summer with family, friends and neighbors.


Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It



Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th



Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame



Outpost in the Burbs presents Leyla McCalla on September 24th






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