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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/30/23

"We've done it before," says a laughing Bywater Call vocalist Meghan Parnell speaking of the stage size at The Lizzie Rose Music Room. "We know it will work, we were there in the Spring and had a really awesome time. We know with this band and that room that it sometimes takes a little bit of imagination but The Lizzie Rose stage is not the smallest stage we've ever been on so, we'll make it work."
The Levoy Theatre presents An Evening of Holiday Cheer with Jackie Evancho

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents An Evening of Holiday Cheer with Jackie Evancho on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 8:00pm. The record breaking recording artist first came into the public's eye with her appearance on NBC's America's Got Talent.
SAVE MUSIC VENUES: The Stanhope House
The blues ecosystem is dependent on the collaboration of non-profits, venues, fans, bands, educators, business owners, and record labels. The blues societies play an important role in this ecosystem -- they support the bands and musicians by working with venues to book gigs, working with record labels to promote the music, networking with business owners and fans to help support their mission, and working with educators to ensure the blues genre is taught to the next generation.
Roy's Hall presents A Very Slambovian Christmas
(BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- A Very Slambovian Christmas comes to Roy's Hall on Friday, December 22 at 8:00pm. Also known as The Grand Slambovians, the band pioneered the alt-folk/Americana genre, staying on the fringes of the music industry and under the radar while producing several critically acclaimed studio albums. Drawing on a set list comprised of traditional Christmas songs with a twist, a sprinkling of original holiday tunes, and a generous helping of non-traditional musical fare, it is guaranteed there will be something for everyone.
Mile Square Theatre presents Broadway Night
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents their annual holiday benefit, Broadway Night, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 8:00pm. This annual event at Mile Square Theatre features Broadway performers singing a few songs for the audience in their intimate theater.
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FEATURES
SAVE MUSIC VENUES: The Stanhope House

The blues ecosystem is dependent on the collaboration of non-profits, venues, fans, bands, educators, business owners, and record labels. The blues societies play an important role in this ecosystem -- they support the bands and musicians by working with venues to book gigs, working with record labels to promote the music, networking with business owners and fans to help support their mission, and working with educators to ensure the blues genre is taught to the next generation.
Cynthia Sayer's Joyride LIVE! at the Grunin Center
Jazz fans have arrived at Toms River, NJ's Grunin Center for the Arts this November 13, 2023 for a special "Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon" concert by Cynthia Sayer and her Joyride quartet. Considered one of the finest 4-string jazz banjo players in the world, Sayer is known for playing with musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Les Paul, and the New York Philharmonic, in addition to performing on movie soundtracks including Sophie's Choice and The Purple Rose of Cairo.
Chris Batten and the Woods release "Live From The Bowery Ballroom, NYC"
"The Woods may be going away for a little bit, but it ain't over and we'll see you soon."
Those were the parting words from an interview with Chris Batten in October 2009, just before Chris Batten & The Woods were about to play their final show at Maxwell's in Hoboken. True to his word, the band did indeed return - albeit over a decade later - with new music, celebrated by a concert at the Bowery Ballroom that led to a 4 song live EP released on November 22, 2023.
Classic Stones LIVE! at the Grunin Center
For some people "it's only rock 'n roll," but for fans of The Rolling Stones this Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Toms River, NJ's Grunin Center for the Arts "it's a gas, gas, gas" being part of the sold-out crowd here for a concert by the Classic Stones Live tribute band featuring The Glimmer Twins.
Makin Waves Album of the Month: "Shimmer" by Renee Maskin
I’ve known for a long time that Renee Maskin is an amazing songwriter and performer, but I had no idea that she could play so many instruments so well. A former member of the Makin Waves Band of the Year Award-winning Lowlight, Renee shines on the brand new self-produced Mint 400 Records LP, "Shimmer," playing much more than her typical guitar accompaniment. She adds lap steel, piano, drums, bass, synthesizer, banjo and more to the mix.
"They Make Your Heart Burst with Joy!" Tower of Power LIVE! at MPAC
Q: What is hip?
A: A crowd of music lovers gathered here at MPAC in Morristown, NJ this Sunday, November 3, 2023 to help the Oakland, CA R&B/funk group, Tower of Power, celebrate its 55th season as a band
Celebrating the work of Contemporary Indo-American Artists with "Kendra"
The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster has, as part of its mission, a diversity policy "emphasizing its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space where all voices and perspectives are heard and valued." Until recently exhibiting artists with last names such as Wallace, Evans, Campbell, and King dominated. The current exhibition takes things in a new direction.
"Harry Chapin at 80: A Retrospective" The Chapin Family LIVE! at MPAC
On July 16, 1981, the music world lost one of its brightest stars with the death of singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the members of his family gathered together at Morristown, NJ's MPAC to celebrate his life with a Harry Chapin at 80 retrospective concert starring brothers Steve and Tom Chapin, daughter Jen Chapin, nieces Abigail and Lily Chapin, along with The Harry Chapin Band.
Makin Waves with Bruce Tunkel: 'Tougher Answers'
Bruce Tunkel has created some New Jersey's best original music for more than three decades. At first it was with The Red House, whose success with the 1986 self-produced/released, "There Is a Window," led to a deal with SBK Records and MTV play for "I Said a Prayer," the single from their 1989 self-titled LP.
PHOTOS from "The Heart of Saturday Night - The Brilliance of Tom Waits" at The Vogel
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Grammy Award winner Tom Waits recorded over 30 groundbreaking albums, filled with theatrical tales of bungled romance, late-night diners, and early- morning cold fronts. Pat Guadagno and a stellar lineup of artists performed some of the musical gems from Tom's catalog in a tribute entitled, "The Heart of Saturday Night - The Brilliance of Tom Waits" on November 4, 2023 at The Vogel in Red Bank. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
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COLUMNS
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/30/23

"We've done it before," says a laughing Bywater Call vocalist Meghan Parnell speaking of the stage size at The Lizzie Rose Music Room. "We know it will work, we were there in the Spring and had a really awesome time. We know with this band and that room that it sometimes takes a little bit of imagination but The Lizzie Rose stage is not the smallest stage we've ever been on so, we'll make it work."
Events This Week in New Jersey: November 28 to December 4, 2023
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from November 28 to December 4, 2023 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place November 28 to December 4, 2023
Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from November 28 to December 4, 2023 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place November 28 to December 4, 2023
Here are previews of plays taking place from November 28 to December 4, 2023 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage From November 19-25, 2023
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from November 19-25, 2023. Each week we publish about 70 articles, including several original columns and features, along with news releases for events happening throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean).
MUSIC
The Levoy Theatre presents An Evening of Holiday Cheer with Jackie Evancho
SAVE MUSIC VENUES: The Stanhope House
Phish Announces Shows at The Sphere
Roy's Hall presents A Very Slambovian Christmas
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/30/23
THEATRE
Mile Square Theatre presents Broadway Night
Kelsey Theatre Presents "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
PHOTOS from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Centenary Stage Company
American Theater Group To Present "A Little Night Music" and "Canned Goods" in 2024
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place November 28 to December 4, 2023
FILM
Monmouth Arts presents a sneak peek screening of "Freud's Last Session"
Montclair Film presents a special screening of "Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team" - Episode 1
Chatham Hickory Cinema to Premiere "Holiday Twist"
Screening of "Ball & Vase" to Take Place at Hoboken Historical Museum
"Trinity's Triumph" Movie, Written by NJ Priest, Debuts on Streaming Services
ART
Voting is Open for 2024 Monmouth County Travel Guide photo contest
Ocean County Library Lacey Branch December Art Exhibit: "Landscapes & Nature" by Kaylee McGrath
Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch to Feature "Kaleidoscope Designs" in December
The Gallery at Green Door Studio presents Humberto Ramos, A Retrospective
Monmouth County Park System to Host The Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale
DANCE
Berlind Theatre presents The Princeton Dance Festival
3rd Annual "A Very Lambertville Holiday Celebration" featuring Roxey Ballet with Live Music
Madison Community Arts Center hosts a Weekend of Dance
West Windsor Arts presents Tehani Mid-East & Polynesian Dance
New Jersey Ballet to Present Sensory-Friendly performance of "The Nutcracker" in Rahway
COMEDY
Comedian Elon Gold to Perform at Debonair Music Hall
The Newton Theatre presents Big Apple Comedy Club
The Wellmont Theater presents Jon Stewart and Tom Segura
Kevin Hart to Perform Brand New Material at bergenPAC
Comedian Kyle Gordon to Perform in Brooklyn
COMMUNITY
The Last Dash of 2023 for Vets 5K
Montclair Kimberley Academy welcomed Gloria Steinem and Salamishah Tillet as part of Hemmeter Lecture Series
Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents Holiday Haunted House Experience with A Twisted Christmas on December 16th
Psychic Medium Matt Frazier Brings New Material to bergenPAC
Events This Week in New Jersey: November 28 to December 4, 2023