Unprecedented times call for unprecedented activities. Since all public gatherings have been indefinitely canceled, including concerts, musicians have been entertaining fans from their living rooms by live-streaming on various platforms.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of New Jersey artists who are bringing intimate performances to fans everywhere.
Charlie Puth
Hailing from Rumson, Charlie Puth is known for his catchy pop songs like “Attention” and “I Warned Myself.” Puth often uses Instagram Live to catch up with fans, answer questions and sing. Recently, he joined the World Health Organization and Global Citizen’s Together At Home series to play some original songs and covers.
Christian McBride
Jazz musician Christian McBride has been playing stand-up bass almost his whole life. The Montclair resident has been taking to social media to curate music for jazz lovers on the Jazz House Kids Facebook page. The organization aims to teach young students jazz music. They’ve been sharing music from students and hosting Friday night listening parties with McBride as a host.
Danielia Cotton
Jersey-born singer-songwriter Danielia Cotton has been taking to Instagram lately to share music—her own, as well as covers—in this time of uncertainty.
Emmet Cohen
Every Monday at 7:30 pm, Emmet Cohen hosts Live from Emmet’s Place! on Facebook and Instagram. The jazz pianist spent much of his childhood in Montclair and now resides in Harlem. Cohen also shares IGTV videos of himself playing jazz covers.
Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor took to Instagram Live on April 6. The “I Will Survive” singer joined the World Health Organization and Global Citizen’s Together At Home series to entertain fans across the globe (go to 17:55 to hear her iconic song). Gaynor was born and raised in Newark.
Gordon Thomas Ward
If you’re a fan of folk music, Gordon Thomas Ward has been hosting Facebook livestreams on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm to share his original music. Ward, from Pottersville, is greatly inspired by his childhood and life in New Jersey, which shines through his songs.
Half Waif
Half Waif is the project of singer-songwriter/producer Nandi Rose. While Rose doesn’t have Garden State roots, she does have a New Jersey Monthly connection: She’s our creative director Laura Baer’s daughter-in-law. She recently streamed live on Instagram to share some of her new music.
Jon Bon Jovi
The “Livin’ on a Prayer” artist has been providing some great content for his Instagram fans through collaborative IGTV videos. Bon Jovi asked fans to submit their stories to him, and chose some to create an original song.
Pinegrove
This band formed in Montclair in 2010 and has been taking the indie music world by storm ever since. Singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall went live on Instagram recently to share some original music with fans. If you missed out, you can still watch the video on YouTube.
The Smithereens
The New Jersey Hall of Famers have been using Facebook to teach fans how they play their songs. Most recently, bassist Mike Mesaros posted a video showing how he plays some Smithereens classics. While there’s no set video schedule, you can keep up by liking their Facebook page.
Stephen Colbert
On Saturday, April 18, longtime New Jersey resident Stephen Colbert will be co-hosting Global Citizen’s One World: Together At Home concert featuring artists like Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, Lizzo, Keith Urban and more.
Walter Trout
Blues guitarist and Ocean City native Walter Trout keeps an active social media presence. He’s been been playing music on his Patreon account every week for his around-the-world fans to watch and learn from.
Wyclef Jean
Haitian-born rapper Wyclef Jean was a member of the Fugees, a New Jersey hip-hop group. Jean uses his Instagram platform to play music in IGTV videos.