Music
Subscribe to this tagBullying CD Gets Respect
Can an album with an anti-bullying theme meant to educate children win a Grammy? A seasoned writer and producer of children's music believes it can.
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Still Reigning
Our Q&A with Queen Latifah covers her latest film, the Garden State's influence on her inspirational books, and the possibility of releasing a new album.
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Climbing the Ladder
Jonas Brother Nick heads back to Broadway in How to Succeed.
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Royal Wedding
Jersey girl Nancy Shevell recently tied the knot with Sir Paul McCartney, but what was she like at John P. Stevens High School in Edison? We take a peek at her old yearbook.
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Exhibit Celebrates the Boss of Free Speech
You’ve got to love the concept: Bruce Springsteen, Jersey guy, celebrated as an icon of free speech at a new exhibit opening in February at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
moreJersey's Jammin'
The Garden State is fertile ground for a growing jazz scene.
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When Bruce Is The Soundtrack
Robert J. Wiersema's book Walk Like a Man: Coming of Age with the Music of Bruce Springsteen, personalizes the impact of the rock superstar's musical canon.
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Strings Attached
The Shanghai Quartet take a hands-on approach to being artists-in-residence at Montclair State University.
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Lost in the Pines
The Saturday-night scene at Albert Music Hall transports country music fans back to a simpler time.
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College Radio Has Its Day
An assistant professor of communications at William Paterson University hopes the inaugural College Radio Day boosts support for closing college radio stations.
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Happy With "the Bruce Thing"
We chat with Gaslight Anthem front man Brian Fallon about his Jersey roots, his band's upcoming European tour, and "the Bruce thing" he has no desire to shake.
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Forty Years Strong
Aug 30–31: Since 1971, ZZ Top’s original lineup of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard have been performing their blues-based boogie rock.
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The Boys of Brass
Aug 12: Since its beginnings in 1989, Spanish Brass has enthralled audiences with its versatility and virtuosity.
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Rutgers Amps Up Opera Studies
The Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University looks to expand its opera program.
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Social Climber
Tewksbury native Alison Haislip is the (social media) voice of The Voice, NBC's hit singing competition program.
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Keeping the Coffeehouse Spirit Alive
The Folk Project, a nonprofit, artistic community centered around music, seeks to recapture the magic of the coffeehouse.
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Clarence Clemons: A Shared Sense of Loss
The passing of Clarence Clemons, however sad, is a reminder of how special it is to be from New Jersey.
moreMake Some Noise
Jul 1-3: Red Bank doesn’t just celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth. The town’s 52nd annual fireworks display has evolved into a three-day festival along the banks of the Navesink.
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The Chairman's Wife
Barbara Sinatra recounts her 22-year marriage to the Chairman of the Board in her new memoir Lady Blue Eyes: My Life With Frank Sinatra.
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What's Happening
Your calendar for a summer of fun.
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Jersey Hosting Papal Choir Tour
The Choir of the Pope’s Diocese of Rome will perform at the Patriots Theater in Trenton, and the Community Theatre in Morristown this summer.
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More Than a Memory
Pat DiNizio, front man for The Smithereens, talks to NJM about his band's Jersey roots, reuniting the group, and their upcoming tour.
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Day Tripping in Asbury Park
Culinary and cocktail options abound in quirky Asbury Park. Adventurous daters can find a varied range of options to suit all palates and preferences in this sui generis seaside village.
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The Joy of Jazz
The hip international vibe at Shanghai Jazz in Madison has made this cultured gem a prime location for romantic couples seeking a fun night full of music.
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New Smithereens Album!
Seminal NJ rockers the Smithereens are getting ready to release their first new album of original material in 12 years—Smithereens 2011.
They've made one of the songs, Sorry, available for listening free. Click below for the link...
moreA Singular Mann
Apr 8: Aimee Mann has never been a fan of conformity. It started in the ’80s when she bucked an overbearing beau with the release of her band ‘Til Tuesday’s hit album “Voices Carry.”
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Hitting the High Notes
In the shrinking world of jazz radio, WBGO is not just a survivor but a national leader.
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Best of New Jersey: Shopping
We sure do love to shop here in the Garden State. Find out which boutiques, clothing stores, flea markets, and arts and crafts supply stores our readers most enjoy.
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Culture By the Bundle
You don't have to go into New York City to find premium arts and entertainment, New Jersey has plenty to offer—and most of it without the stiff NYC price tag.
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'I'm Not Done Yet'
Hubert Sumlin, the progenitor of a sound that has roots in the Mississippi Delta, will play at Centenary College as part of a two day blues festival.
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Evergreen Sounds
Conner Dugan and his sister Sharlys form a fiddle and harp ensemble affectionately dubbed Dugan's Hooligans.
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Island in the City
The founder of Tempo, a Newark-based TV network with 3.5 million views on 24 Caribbean islands, talks about the company's success.
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Blues No More
Bettye LaVette might be the the greatest R&B singer you've never heard of. The West Orange resident talks about the ups and downs of the music world.
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Be All Ears
Jan 7, 11, 12: Since 1969, Gregg Allman’s keyboards and compelling vocals have powered the Allman Brothers Band.
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Come Hell or High Water
Beginning with Winter Festival 2011, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra launches a multiyear odyssey through the elements, starting with water.
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Twisting Into History
50 years ago, Wildwood gave birth to Chubby Checker’s dance craze.
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In Good Company
Composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, a Jersey City native, will be honored by the Kennedy Center for his life's work on December 5.
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Dylan Revisited
Esteemed history scholar and Princeton professor Sean Wilentz tackles a different subject in his new book—legendary musician Bob Dylan.
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Stanhope Has the Blues (Again)
The reopening of the Stanhope House carries with it hopes of a return to its former glory as prime venue for big-time blues acts.
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A Gifted Young Drummer on the Boardwalk
Set up on the Asbury Park boardwalk opposite the Stony Pony, this young drummer was playing some fascinating rhythm, not just the usual thudding. Turns out he is a 2010 graduate of Neptune High School, a member of the National Honor Society, and a drum instructor at Big Beat studio in Neptune City...
moreWith A Little Help From His Friends
Sept 18: Former member of Styx and Irvington native Glen Burtnik and friends return to the State Theatre for Jersey Beatles Bash IV.
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The Pretender And His Pal
Sept 2, 4, & 5: Folk-rock musician and songwriter Jackson Browne continues his road trek this fall with longtime friend and collaborator David Lindley, with whom he recently released the live album, Love Is Strange.
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Rock Star 101
At School of Rock's newest location in Montclair, children can learn music through the prism of classic rock.
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Piano Woman
A classical pianist who was raised in South Orange prepares to release a new album—Russian Music for Cello and Piano.
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They Got That Boom Boom Pow
Aug 7: One of the most energetic acts in music today is coming to Boardwalk Hall to get the party started.
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The Springsteen Substitute
Aug 15: The Boss may be taking a break from tours this summer, but the ultimate Bruce Springsteen tribute band will hit the road hard.
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The Girls Club
July 28 and 31: Thirteen years since Lilith Fair’s female artists first took the stage, the touring festival returns this summer with more than 30 shows.
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Jazz Goes Green
July 1–29 On July 1: the Louis Hayes Quintet, led by the boppin’ drummer himself, kicks off the 45th annual Jazz in the Gardens series at the Newark Museum.
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No Blues at the Basie
A newly restored Count Basie Theatre—now simply called the Basie—has a sizzling summer lineup to accompany its sleek new design.
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New Faces NJ: Candi Lynn
Growing up with music.
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Slumdog Composer
June 12: Best known for winning two Oscars, a Golden Globe, and two Grammys for composing the score of Slumdog Millionaire in 2009, international musician A.R. Rahman stops at Boardwalk Hall on his “Jai Ho: The Journey Home” world tour.
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Fun For All
New events and old favorites abound on the summer’s Shore calendar.
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New Faces NJ: Dale Trumbore
A classic talent on the rise in the classical world.
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Grand Ole Gershwin
May 21 & 23: Celebrating its 45th anniversary season, the New Jersey State Opera presents the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess at Newark Symphony Hall.
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Happily Bamboozled
May 1–2: The 5-year-old Bamboozle Festival is still the rage for Jersey’s younger generation. Held at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, it showcases hundreds of the most talked-about acts in music today.
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Around The World And Back Again
May 26, 27, 29: In the midst of visiting 30 countries for 135 shows on their “Circle the World Tour,” New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torres are coming home for three inaugural shows at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
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Jazz Lives In This House
Jazz House Kids—a Montclair-based nonprofit promoting jazz education—has reached thousands of students throughout NJ.
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Good as Gold
Apr 9–10: The teen idols who made the girls swoon in the ’50s and ’60s are back, though no longer teens.
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Home Again
Folksinger John Gorka has never stopped being a Jersey boy.
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Oh Happy (Grammy) Day
Stefanie R. Minatee attended the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles with her longtime friend Queen Latifah.
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Two Hats, One Baton
Rossen Milanov is the music director of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, and Symphony C, a training orchestra based in Camden.
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Jersey Sheik
Mar 18: Musician Duncan Sheik returns to New Jersey to promote his latest album Whisper House at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
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A Rocker for the Next Gen
The former bassist of the band From Good Homes has a new creative musical outlet—children's tunes.
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Global Guitar
Jan 29: Jazz guitarist and New Jersey native Al Di Meola has produced 21 solo albums and played with the likes of Paul Simon, Santana, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Les Paul, and more.
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A Gift of Life and Music
Musician David S. Ware, of Scotch Plains, recovered from a kidney transplant...with a little help from his fans.
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The Gaslight Anthem Homecoming
New Brunswick band The Gaslight Anthem has been touring the country for the past year and a half promoting their latest album The ’59 Sound. But Friday night at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, the fun-loving, rock-and-rolling foursome showed that their hearts and music still belong to Jersey.
moreBon Jovi When We Were Beautiful
After touring with the band, photographer Phil Griffin compiled new and old photos, along with snippets of conversations, for Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful (Collins Design).
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New Faces NJ: Bamboo Shoots
A music contest victory spells TV exposure and a recording deal for this Jersey-bred band.
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Remembering A Music Man
Nov. 9: Celebrate the hits of J. Billy VerPlanck at the “Through His Life” memorial concert at William Paterson University. The jazz arranger and trombone player from Clifton passed away in June.
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Never Too Late
The Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken starts anew with a semi-solo album.
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Klezmer Magic
At 92, Salo Enis long-lost music is rediscovered.
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New Faces NJ: HelenaMaria
Identical twins Helena and Maria Mehalis of Flemington have merged their singing and songwriting talents into the free-spirited pop-rock duo HelenaMaria. Can’t tell them apart? Here’s a clue: Maria plays guitar left-handed.
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Liberty Rocks
July 31–Aug 2: About 79,000 people attended last summer’s inaugural All Points West Music and Arts Festival. The three-day event, whose name is inspired by the signs that greeted immigrants at the Central Railroad of New Jersey, returns to the historic 80-acre Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
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The Silence Making Noise
Pay close attention next time you’re watching a Philadelphia Phillies game. The music you hear between innings might just be some cool tunes from a South Jersey band.
moreLive and Local in Camden County
Mark your calendars: the Camden County concert series is starting up for the summer – meaning free entertainment for you.
moreNew Faces NJ: Matt Duke
Matt Duke picked up a guitar—and a career.
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Where Have All The Record Stores Gone?
Mostly down the tubes, but Jersey still has some great places to shop for music.
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The Day the Surf and the Music Died
A minor league baseball team and a beloved music festival are South Jersey’s latest recession casualties.
moreJoyful Girl
April 22: Immerse yourself in an evening of raw talent and emotion with Ani DiFranco at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts. Armed with poetic girl-power lyrics, the “folk punk” songwriter, vocalist, and musician is known for her unconventional style.
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Big Night with Lil Wayne
Some days you just get lucky. Yesterday, when tickets for the Lil Wayne concert fell in my lap, was one of those days.
moreMusic Gets Them Moving
Washington Township High School in Sewell integrated an innovative method for mobilizing students in-between classes.
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New Faces NJ: The Gaslight Anthem
With a unique sound and inspiring lyrics, New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem is gaining momentum—and fast.
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New Faces NJ: Status Green
The boys of Monmouth County pop/rock band Status Green seem to do everything fast.
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Finally PAC-ing It In
As a former Sunday School attendee and teacher, I've heard more than my fair share of "This Little Light of Mine." Listening to twenty or so gospel singers from South Africa belt it out, however, was an entirely new religious experience.
moreExpress Delivery
How can you not love Tim McLoone? In addition to the endless string of titles he claims (from restaurateur to marathoner to dad), he's just an incredibly likeable guy. And this time of year, he pours himself into an organization that deserves our attention.
moreRockin' with the Old People
On my first trip to the newly restored Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, I wasn't exactly surrounded by my peers. But that doesn't mean I didn't have a blast.
moreStage Right
One month before its scheduled Oct. 27 opening, the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair was a hive of activity, with workers on scaffolding performing an elaborate ceiling restoration, while others manned power saws and paintbrushes.
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New Faces NJ: Charlotte Sometimes
As she tours the nation this fall with Gavin DeGraw, everyone from MTV to The New York Times wants to know more about this strangely named girl with the big voice and soul-stirring lyrics.
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New Faces NJ: Nicole Atkins
Growing up in Neptune, Nicole Atkins wrote songs, searching for a way to blend country and '60s rock. “Music was everywhere on the Shore and it was the only thing where I really found my ‘place,’” she says. She found her sound, was recently signed to Columbia records, and will perform at the All Points West Festival in Jersey City on August 9.
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Rock Festival Survival Guide
It’s outdoor concert season, when music lovers endure hour after hour of ear-splitting sound while standing on tiptoe, elbow to elbow under the pitiless sun. You can’t beat it! If, that is, you take these simple precautions.
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Far From E Street, Still a Spirit in the Night
Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, the E Street Band’s first drummer, lives for the music he and Bruce made in their Boardwalk days.
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Best Of Jersey: Woody Guthrie
Woody: Wired in Newark.
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A Regal Talent
Queen Latifah
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