In October 2003, Gary Wien launched Upstage Magazine, a monthly print publication that covered the arts throughout Central New Jersey. The publication ultimately grew to 25,000 copies per month with distribution throughout much of the state. Upstage was well received critically and ultimately earned an Asbury Music Award for Top Music Publication in 2007, becoming the first publication other than The Aquarian to ever win the award. In addition, both the website and Wien picked up multiple Asbury Music Awards (for Top Website and Top Music Journalist) as well. Wien left the publication shortly afterwards, and Upstage ceased publishing a few months later.
In the months that followed, arts groups continued to submit press releases and materials. In 2008, Wien launched NewJerseyStage.com as a hobby to be an online news resource to continue coverage of the arts. Six years later, he decided to return to covering the arts full-time and redesigned the website to become a digital version of the old Upstage Magazine. On May 1, 2014, New Jersey Stage became a full-time resource covering the arts. On July 15, the first issue of New Jersey Stage digital magazine was released.
One year after New Jersey Stage Magazine was launched, Gary Wien was diagnosed with secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. He uses the website and magazine as a way of fighting the disease each day. Over 35,000 articles have been posted since New Jersey Stage became official and 75 issues of the magazine were published until the pandemic of 2020 forced it to go on hiatus. Over 550,000 unique visitors come to the website each year.
The website is primary run by Wien, but it benefits from the work of writers like Danny Coleman, Bob Makin, Eric Hillis, Karen Nowosad, Al Nigrin, and Spotlight Central. All of the writers on the site are volunteers - a group who love the arts. New Jersey Stage aims to bring artists, organizations, and art councils together. In addition to regularly publishing original feature articles, interviews, and columns, we encourage organizations to send us press releases. New Jersey Stage considers itself the Garden State's Arts Newswire and home of original arts journalism.
Philadelphia’s own blues and soul powerhouse Deb Callahan has been captivating audiences since the late 90s. She’s lit up stages at top festivals including Monterey Bay Blues Fest (CA), Springing the Blues (FL), Bayfront Blues Fest (MN), Briggs Farm Blues Fest (PA), and WXPN’s XPonential Music Festival in Philly. Her sixth studio album Backbone dropped in March 2023 to rave reviews, international airplay, and a six-month run on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Blues Albums—peaking at #2. Often likened to Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, and Etta James, Callahan’s sound is unmistakably her own. Backbone was produced by Philly’s Chris Arms and recorded live at Morningstar Studios. Her previous release, Sweet Soul, was helmed by Grammy-winning producer Tony Braunagel and featured top-tier L.A. session players alongside longtime guitarist Allen James.
Four great comedians, one night of laughs! Featuring Nico Carney (Late Night with Seth Meyers, Just For Laughs New Faces, and Netflix Is a Joke Festival), Yvette Segan (New York Comedy Festival and co-creator/star of Run Club: The Web Series), Josh Mandl (founder of Next Stop Comedy and creator of viral comedy videos with more than 1.5 million views), and your host Vinnie Brand (The Stress Factory Comedy Club, Last Comic Standing, and Comedy Central).
A writer and an AI software designer battle to create the next great play in this cautionary tale about the impending intersection of technology and creativity.
A writer and an AI software designer battle to create the next great play in this cautionary tale about the impending intersection of technology and creativity.
Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock ’n’ roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. Established almost half a century ago by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Bun E. Carlos (drums), the Rockford, IL-based band has become part of the very fiber of American music, with more than 40 international Gold and Platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales now well in excess of 20M. Five decades on, Cheap Trick remains the same at its core as ever – four great guys, three great chords, and an unparalleled canon of tunes that will last an eternity, from “He’s A Whore,” “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide #1 hit single, “The Flame.”
The 45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place between September 4-October 4, 2026. The Festival will be a hybrid as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. Almost all the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person shows when both are offered. This program is only available Online for 24 hours on this show date!
The VA New Jersey Healthcare System is pleased to present an evening of stand-up comedy to raise awareness of Veteran suicide. 1 Degree of Separation begins with stand-up comedy with four different comedians. Not mental health comedy. Just comedy. We just want you to laugh. Laughter changes your brain. In the second half of the show, the four comedians answer five questions about their own mental health.
Step into the golden age of storytelling in music with Tom DiMenna as he brings to life the songs of Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. With rich vocals, masterful guitar work, and an engaging presence, this heartfelt concert blends beloved classics with the stories and spirit that defined a generation.
