NJ Music

Music

Joanna Darrow has picked up where her late husband left off, teaching their favorite instrument at Acme Accordion School. “It breathes,” she says of the once-trendy squeezebox.

Acme Accordion School Breathes New Life into Old Fashioned Instrument

October 17, 2018

At this Haddon Township school, accordion lessons are still the rage....
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Jersey-bred banjoist Cynthia Sayer will perform an eclectic mix of tango, Western swing and more on September 30 at the Grunin Center in Toms River.

Banjoist Cynthia Sayer Plays it Cool

September 18, 2018

Scotch Plains-born Cynthia Sayer is one of the world’s most accomplished jazz banjoists....
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NJM Archives: ‘This Voice Can’t Miss’

August 9, 2018

From 1986: With three hit singles, a chart-topping debut album, a Grammy, and her family behind her, 22-year-old Whitney Houston is destined to become the next great pop singer from New Jersey....
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Violinist Jonathan Dinklage enjoys a rare moment on stage prior to a performance of Broadway’s Hamilton. Dinklage normally is under stage right, as leader of the string section.

Jonathan Dinklage, Lead Violinist for Hamilton, is Not Throwing Away His Shot

July 3, 2018

While his brother achieves film and TV fame, Jonathan Dinklage thrives under the stage as lead violinist of Broadway’s Hamilton....
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As he nears his 70th birthday this year, Southside Johnny remains passionate about touching his audience.

Southside Johnny is Still Having a Party

June 13, 2018

Southside Johnny stays close to his roots—musically, spiritually and geographically. ...
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Miami Steven Van Zandt performing with longtime friend and collaborator Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen’s Surprise Asbury Park Appearance

May 7, 2018

Bruce wows NJ Hall of Fame crowd with Miami Steve induction, performance....
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The New Jersey Hall of Fame will induct Steven Van Zandt with its Class of 2017 at this year's induction ceremony, May 6, at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.

A Conversation with Steven Van Zandt

May 2, 2018

Little Steven Van Zandt talks with NJM about his induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, his Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, and whether he'll make an appearance in the Sopranos sequel. ...
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Ian Kelly at work in his Little Falls guitar retail and repair shop. Kelly counts Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters among his loyal clients.

If He Builds It, They Will Strum: Ian Kelly’s Guitars Attract the Greats

January 9, 2018

Ian Kelly, owner and operator of Kelly Custom Instruments and Repairs in Little Falls, counts Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters among his clientele....
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14 Holiday Songs by Jersey Artists to Light Up Your Christmas Party

December 18, 2017

Rock around the Christmas tree with these Christmas classics by some of your favorite Jersey artists....
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Growing Up Jersey: Musicians

December 1, 2017

Words of wisdom from Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Frankie Valli, Dionne Warwick and more. ...
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George Marriner Maull, creative director of the Discovery Orchestra, instructs the audience to listen closely during the 30th Anniversary Concert at Drew University in April.

Learning How to Listen with the Discovery Orchestra

November 7, 2017

The Discovery Orchestra, a classical music-focused program, aims to make centuries-old pieces more accessible and approachable to people of all ages....
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Artist rendering of the entrance to the new Grammy Museum at the Prudential Center in Newark. The museum will emphasize education and interactive experiences.

And the Grammy Museum Goes to…Newark!

October 16, 2017

The Grammy Museum is on the ground floor of the Prudential Center, and will pay tribute to artists from New Jersey and around the world....
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For Tommy James, life as a young pop star was a mix of hit songs and hit men. He told his story in a 2010 memoir—which is to be the basis of a forthcoming movie.

For Hit Maker Tommy James, Life’s Like a Movie

September 18, 2017

After years of false starts, it appears a film about accomplished musician Tommy James might actually get made....
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McBride and Walker share the bandstand at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.

Jazz House Salutes 15 Years

August 10, 2017

The Montclair-based arts-education organization turned 15 this year and is celebrating with an October 24 gala at NJPAC. ...
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A pensive McBride, lost in the music during a January gig at the Village Vanguard.

Christian McBride: Jazz Showman

August 4, 2017

As a performer, mentor, educator, radio host and festival curator, Montclair’s Christian McBride has plenty on his plate. But that does nothing to dim his enthusiasm for a life in music. ...
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