New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



Luis Vargas and El Chaval de la Bachata

Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm



Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

El Rey Supremo, Luis Vargas was the first of a group of bachateros, all from the Northern Dominican frontier to take advantage of the commercial viability brought to bachata by the new, more modern sound. The self-started and hardworking singer/guitarist Vargas (born Luis Rafael Valdez Vargas) became involved in popular music after meeting a local musician who taught him how to play guitar.

After deciding to pursue a solo career, Luis Vargas self-produced his first single, promoted and sold by himself. Supported by local artists Pedro Pimentel, Artemio Sánchez, Antonio Carrasco, and Anthony Santos, his music began being played by local radio stations. After issuing his music through an independent label, Sony International signed him, releasing Volvio el Dolor in 1997. 

Linar Espinal better known as El Chaval de la Bachata, is a Dominican musician, singer, composer and producer who began his career in 1994 with the musical group Los Infantiles del Amargue launching as a solo artist under the Nepo Nuñez Records label.




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Arden

Arden Theatre Company presents "Dear Evan Hansen"

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Arden Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, to the F. Otto Haas Stage this spring. Featuring a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the production is directed by Terrence J. Nolen and co-conceived by Jorge Cousineau and Nolen. Performances begin May 21, the show opens May 27, and runs through July 5, 2026.



MPAC

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.



Classic

Classic American Tales' presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.



Music

Music Mountain Theatre presents "My Fair Lady"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents the classic musical, My Fair Lady, weekends from June 12 to July 5, 2026. The tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady, featuring one of musical theatre's greatest scores.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" by Emily Mann

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.






 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info




LATEST COLUMNS


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

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Sick About It" from The Orangutwins' recently released EP, "We Are A Genius."




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

Overheard conversation today, July 2, 2026:




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

In November, Multiple Makin Waves Award-winning Asbury Park singer-songwriter Renee Maskin will release her latest solo album, "If the World Is Ending." The LP's first single, "Western Shores," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week 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