BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Explore New Jersey - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://explorenewjersey.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Explore New Jersey
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T233000
DTSTAMP:20260610T161126Z
CREATED:20260610T161125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T161126Z
UID:95574-1787252400-1787268600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Keith Roth and Bonny
DESCRIPTION:Songwriters on the Beach Closes Another Memorable Summer with Keith Roth and Bonny in Bradley Beach \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvery great summer soundtrack eventually reaches its final song. Along the Jersey Shore\, that moment arrives each August when Brookdale Public Radio’s beloved Songwriters on the Beach concert series presents its final performance of the season. For more than two decades\, the series has become one of New Jersey’s most enduring cultural traditions\, transforming the sands of Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach into a gathering place where music\, community\, and the simple pleasures of a summer evening converge. \n\n\n\nSince 2005\, Brookdale Public Radio\, 90.5 The Night\, has curated a concert series unlike any other in the region. Free to attend and open to all ages\, Songwriters on the Beach has built its reputation not through massive production budgets or headline-grabbing spectacles\, but through a commitment to authentic music and meaningful artistic experiences. Week after week throughout July and August\, audiences gather along the oceanfront to discover new voices\, reconnect with favorite artists\, and celebrate the enduring power of live performance. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe final chapter of the 2026 season arrives on Thursday\, August 20\, when nationally recognized radio personality\, musician\, and songwriter Keith Roth joins New York-based singer-songwriter Bonny for an evening that perfectly captures the spirit that has made Songwriters on the Beach such a treasured Shore tradition. Together\, the two artists bring contrasting yet complementary musical perspectives to the stage\, creating a finale built around storytelling\, musicianship\, and the intimate connection that only live music can provide. \n\n\n\nClosing a season is never an easy assignment. The final concert often serves as both a celebration of the summer that was and a reminder that another chapter is coming to an end. For that reason\, the selection of Keith Roth and Bonny feels particularly fitting. Their music reflects two different approaches to songwriting while sharing a common commitment to authenticity and artistic individuality. \n\n\n\nFor many music fans\, Keith Roth is immediately recognizable as one of the most familiar voices in rock radio. His work on SiriusXM’s Hair Nation and Ozzy’s Boneyard has made him a fixture among listeners who appreciate the history\, culture\, and continuing evolution of rock music. For years\, Roth has served as both a curator and advocate for artists whose work helped shape generations of music fans. \n\n\n\nYet radio is only one chapter of his story. \n\n\n\nLong before becoming a nationally recognized broadcaster\, Roth was a musician deeply immersed in the tri-state area’s rock-and-roll community. His roots as a performer remain central to his identity\, and throughout a career spanning more than three decades\, he has continued to write\, record\, and perform music while simultaneously building one of the most respected careers in rock broadcasting. \n\n\n\nHis work with Frankenstein 3000 established him as a formidable presence within the regional music scene. The band’s combination of classic rock influences\, hard-driving guitars\, and unapologetic energy earned a loyal following throughout New Jersey\, New York\, and beyond. Roth’s association with legendary punk-rock icons The Dictators further cemented his standing within a lineage of musicians who view rock and roll not merely as a genre\, but as a lifestyle and creative philosophy. \n\n\n\nWhat makes this Songwriters on the Beach appearance particularly compelling is the opportunity to experience a different side of Roth’s artistry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAudiences accustomed to hearing him through the speakers of a radio broadcast or watching him front a high-energy rock band will instead encounter a more intimate performer. Stripped of the amplifiers\, full-band arrangements\, and volume often associated with his rock credentials\, Roth’s acoustic performances reveal the foundation beneath the noise: the songs themselves. \n\n\n\nThe transition from electric stages to acoustic storytelling has long been a defining test for songwriters. Without elaborate production or walls of guitar distortion\, every lyric\, melody\, and emotional nuance becomes more visible. Roth’s extensive songwriting catalog allows him to thrive in that environment. His performances often blend personal stories\, observations from decades spent inside the music industry\, and songs shaped by a lifetime immersed in rock culture. \n\n\n\nThere is an honesty to acoustic performance that often reveals dimensions of an artist that audiences may not otherwise experience. In Roth’s case\, listeners discover not only a veteran rock musician but also a storyteller whose songs reflect years of personal experience\, artistic growth\, and deep connections to the music community. \n\n\n\nAdding another layer to the evening is the fact that Roth’s New Jersey roots remain an important part of his story. Based in Red Bank and deeply connected to the state’s musical heritage\, he represents the kind of artist who has helped sustain New Jersey’s reputation as one of America’s most important music incubators. His appearance serves as a reminder that the Garden State continues to produce musicians whose influence extends far beyond state borders. \n\n\n\nSharing the evening is Bonny\, whose musical approach provides a compelling contrast while complementing the intimate atmosphere of the series. \n\n\n\nBased in New York City\, Bonny has developed a reputation for creating melodic\, emotionally resonant songs that prioritize honesty\, vulnerability\, and connection. While her musical style differs from Roth’s rock-driven background\, both artists share a commitment to authentic songwriting that places emotion at the center of the listening experience. \n\n\n\nBonny’s music embraces simplicity without sacrificing depth. Her songs often unfold through carefully crafted melodies\, reflective lyrics\, and understated arrangements that allow stories and emotions to take center stage. Rather than relying on spectacle\, she creates atmosphere through sincerity and emotional precision. \n\n\n\nThat approach has become increasingly valuable in a music landscape often dominated by trends and short attention spans. Bonny’s work invites listeners to slow down\, engage with the narrative\, and experience songs as personal conversations rather than disposable content. \n\n\n\nHer presence on the bill creates a fascinating balance. Where Roth brings decades of rock-and-roll experience\, industry perspective\, and road-tested storytelling\, Bonny offers a contemporary singer-songwriter perspective rooted in introspection and emotional immediacy. Together\, they demonstrate the remarkable range that exists within the broader singer-songwriter tradition. \n\n\n\nThe pairing also reflects one of the defining strengths of Songwriters on the Beach itself. The series has never been limited to a single genre\, style\, or demographic. Instead\, it has consistently embraced diversity of expression\, presenting artists whose shared commitment to songwriting transcends stylistic differences. \n\n\n\nThat philosophy has helped the concert series thrive for more than twenty years. \n\n\n\nThe setting plays an equally important role in the experience. There are few concert venues in New Jersey capable of matching the atmosphere created by Newark Avenue Beach on a summer evening. As daylight fades over the Atlantic Ocean and the sound of waves becomes part of the performance\, artists and audiences find themselves participating in something that feels less like a traditional concert and more like a community gathering. \n\n\n\nChildren play in the sand while families settle into beach chairs. Friends reconnect after work. Visitors discover artists for the first time. Longtime fans enjoy the rare opportunity to experience accomplished performers in a setting defined by accessibility rather than exclusivity. The result is a uniquely Jersey Shore experience that continues to attract audiences year after year. \n\n\n\nThe final concert of a season always carries a certain emotional weight. It marks the conclusion of weeks of performances\, memories\, discoveries\, and shared experiences. Yet it also serves as a celebration of everything that makes live music important. In an era increasingly shaped by digital experiences\, Songwriters on the Beach remains a reminder of the power of gathering together in a physical space to experience art in real time. \n\n\n\nFor Brookdale Public Radio and 90.5 The Night\, the continued success of the series reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting artists\, strengthening communities\, and preserving the role that music plays in public life. The station’s dedication to original music and independent voices has helped establish the concert series as one of New Jersey’s most respected annual cultural events. \n\n\n\nAs the 2026 season reaches its conclusion\, Keith Roth and Bonny will provide the soundtrack for one final summer evening on the beach. Their performances will celebrate songwriting\, storytelling\, and the enduring appeal of artists who create music from a place of genuine passion and personal expression. \n\n\n\nThe waves will continue to roll onto the shoreline. The sun will eventually disappear beyond the horizon. Another season will come to an end. But for one more Thursday night in Bradley Beach\, the music will once again bring people together\, reminding everyone why Songwriters on the Beach remains one of New Jersey’s most cherished summer traditions and why live music continues to matter. \n\n\n\nWhen the final notes drift across the sand on August 20\, they will not simply close a concert. They will close another successful season of discovery\, connection\, and community along the Jersey Shore\, while setting the stage for yet another summer of music still to come.erformance that promises to be among the season’s most memorable highlights.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/keith-roth-and-bonny/
LOCATION:Bradley Beach\, 1108 Ocean Ave\, Bradley Beach\, New Jersey\, 07720\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/718151121_18601035541042493_8427668326995288173_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Brookdale Public Radio":MAILTO:membership@wbjb.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T233000
DTSTAMP:20260419T115456Z
CREATED:20260419T115452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T115456Z
UID:87065-1787252400-1787527800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Change of Position
DESCRIPTION:“Change of Position” Arrives at New Jersey Repertory Company with a Bold\, Unflinching Portrait of Survival and Identity \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey’s theatre scene continues to evolve as one of the most daring and artistically ambitious in the country\, and on July 30 at 7:00 PM\, that trajectory takes another compelling step forward with Change of Position at New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. Presented at the company’s intimate performance space at 179 Broadway\, this production signals a continuation of the state’s commitment to new work that challenges audiences\, confronts difficult realities\, and elevates the standard of contemporary storytelling on stage. \n\n\n\nAs audiences increasingly seek theatre that is not only entertaining but deeply resonant\, productions like this reinforce why readers consistently turn to Explore New Jersey’s theatre coverage to stay informed about performances that matter. Change of Position is not designed for passive viewing. It is a work that invites engagement\, provokes reflection\, and demands attention through its unapologetic exploration of complex human circumstances. \n\n\n\nSet against the stark backdrop of a trailer park environment\, the narrative centers on a teenage girl navigating a life shaped by instability\, economic hardship\, and deeply complicated family dynamics. Her mother’s choices—earning a living through relationships with men tied directly to her daughter’s social world—create a volatile and emotionally charged foundation. From that starting point\, the story moves into even more challenging territory when one of those relationships introduces an unexpected and unsettling proposition\, pushing the narrative into a space where questions of agency\, morality\, and survival collide. \n\n\n\nWhat distinguishes Change of Position is not simply its subject matter\, but the precision with which it approaches it. This is a work that understands the weight of its themes and refuses to dilute them. Instead\, it leans into the discomfort\, allowing the audience to confront situations that are often overlooked or simplified in more conventional storytelling. The result is a production that feels immediate\, raw\, and undeniably relevant. \n\n\n\nNew Jersey Repertory Company has long established itself as a vital force in the development and presentation of new plays\, and this production continues that legacy. Known for its dedication to original works and its ability to bring them to life with clarity and purpose\, the company provides an environment where stories like Change of Position can be fully realized. The theatre’s intimate setting ensures that every moment lands with impact\, drawing the audience into the emotional core of the performance and eliminating any distance between observer and subject. \n\n\n\nThe July 30 performance\, priced at $65.00 including fees\, offers more than admission to a play—it provides entry into a conversation. This is theatre that operates as both art and examination\, using its platform to explore realities that are often difficult to articulate but impossible to ignore. In a cultural landscape where authenticity is increasingly valued\, productions like this stand out for their willingness to engage with truth\, no matter how uncomfortable that truth may be. \n\n\n\nFrom a performance standpoint\, the material demands a level of commitment and nuance that extends beyond standard interpretation. The characters exist in a space where vulnerability and resilience coexist\, requiring actors to navigate emotional terrain that is both complex and deeply human. The success of the production hinges on this balance\, and within the framework of New Jersey Repertory Company’s approach\, that balance is given the attention and care it requires. \n\n\n\nThematically\, Change of Position aligns with a broader movement within New Jersey theatre—one that prioritizes stories with depth\, relevance\, and a clear point of view. It reflects a growing understanding that audiences are not only willing but eager to engage with material that challenges them. This shift has positioned the state as a hub for thoughtful\, contemporary theatre\, where new works are not just presented but given the space to resonate. \n\n\n\nThe location in Long Branch further reinforces the accessibility and reach of this production. As coastal communities continue to develop their cultural offerings\, venues like New Jersey Repertory Company play a critical role in ensuring that high-caliber theatre is available beyond traditional urban centers. This geographic expansion is part of what makes the state’s arts scene so dynamic\, bringing meaningful performances to a wider and more diverse audience. \n\n\n\nOperationally\, the venue maintains a direct and audience-focused approach\, with clear access to ticketing\, directions\, and support through its box office. This level of accessibility ensures that the focus remains on the work itself\, allowing attendees to engage fully with the experience from the moment they arrive. \n\n\n\nWhat ultimately defines Change of Position is its refusal to simplify. It presents a world that is complicated\, often uncomfortable\, and deeply reflective of realities that exist beyond the stage. In doing so\, it reinforces the role of theatre as a space for exploration\, empathy\, and understanding. \n\n\n\nAs New Jersey continues to build its reputation as a destination for serious theatrical work\, productions like this serve as both anchor and catalyst. They demonstrate what is possible when creative vision is matched with a venue committed to excellence and an audience ready to engage. \n\n\n\nOn July 30\, the stage at New Jersey Repertory Company will host a story that does not look away\, does not soften its edges\, and does not settle for easy answers. It is precisely this kind of work that defines the strength of the state’s theatre scene and ensures that its voice continues to resonate far beyond its borders.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/change-of-position-4/
LOCATION:New Jersey Repertory Company\, 179 Broadway\, Long Branch\, New Jersey\, 07740\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300_1773165870.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="NJRep":MAILTO:boxoffice@njrep.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T220000
DTSTAMP:20260529T173647Z
CREATED:20260529T173645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T173647Z
UID:92686-1787254200-1787263200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Wildwood’s Music in the Plaza Concert Series Presents: 99 Reasons
DESCRIPTION:Wildwood’s Music in the Plaza Concert Series Returns for Another Summer of Free Live Entertainment\, Community Gathering\, and Jersey Shore Tradition \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe full 2026 Downtown Wildwood Music in the Plaza lineup features 11 different bands performing free weekly outdoor concerts. The performances take place every Thursday night from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Byrne Plaza:  \n\n\n\n\nJune 18: The Roundhouse Band (Season Kick-Off)\n\n\n\nJune 25: Chicago 9\n\n\n\nJuly 2: The Juliano Brothers\n\n\n\nJuly 9: The Beat Tells\n\n\n\nJuly 16: Wrong Way Band\n\n\n\nJuly 23: Jamison\n\n\n\nJuly 30: Animal House Band\n\n\n\nAugust 6: Legacy\n\n\n\nAugust 13: Winslow\n\n\n\nAugust 20: 99 Reasons\n\n\n\nAugust 27: The Chatterband \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvery summer\, communities along the Jersey Shore search for ways to bring residents and visitors together beyond the beach\, the boardwalk\, and the attractions that have made the region famous for generations. In Wildwood\, one of the most successful examples of that community spirit continues to thrive through the Music in the Plaza Concert Series\, a free outdoor entertainment tradition that transforms Downtown Wildwood into one of South Jersey’s most vibrant weekly gathering places. Returning for the summer of 2026\, the beloved concert series once again promises an entire season of live music\, dancing\, family-friendly entertainment\, and community celebration in the heart of one of New Jersey’s most recognizable shore destinations. \n\n\n\nHeld at Byrne Plaza\, the open-air downtown venue located at 3400 Pacific Avenue\, the Music in the Plaza Concert Series has evolved into far more than a weekly concert schedule. It has become a cornerstone of Wildwood’s summer identity\, attracting families\, seasonal visitors\, local residents\, and music lovers who gather each Thursday evening to enjoy free performances under the open sky. Against the backdrop of the city’s energetic downtown district\, the series offers an experience that captures everything people love about a Jersey Shore summer: live music\, warm evenings\, community interaction\, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the moment. \n\n\n\nRunning every Thursday evening from mid-June through late August\, the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m.\, creating a perfect evening destination after a day spent on the beach or exploring Wildwood’s famous attractions. Unlike many ticketed summer events\, the Music in the Plaza Concert Series remains completely free\, making it one of the most accessible entertainment offerings along the New Jersey coastline. \n\n\n\nThe atmosphere at Byrne Plaza reflects the unique character of Downtown Wildwood itself. Concertgoers arrive early carrying lawn chairs\, beach blankets\, coolers\, and picnic baskets as they claim their favorite spots on the plaza lawn. Families spread out together while groups of friends gather to enjoy an evening of music and conversation. Children dance near the stage while longtime visitors reconnect with neighbors and fellow summer regulars. The result is an environment that feels equal parts concert\, neighborhood gathering\, and summer celebration. \n\n\n\nOne of the strengths of the Music in the Plaza Concert Series has always been its ability to present a wide variety of musical styles that appeal to multiple generations. Rather than focusing on a single genre\, organizers have assembled a schedule that reflects the diverse tastes of the Wildwood audience\, blending classic rock\, pop favorites\, country influences\, dance music\, oldies\, and tribute performances throughout the season. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 schedule begins on June 18 with The Roundhouse Band\, which will officially launch the summer season. Known for energetic performances and crowd-friendly song selections\, the group is expected to deliver a high-energy opening night that sets the tone for the weeks ahead. \n\n\n\nOn June 25\, Chicago 9 takes the stage\, bringing audiences a celebration of the iconic sound associated with one of America’s most enduring rock bands. Their horn-driven arrangements and faithful interpretations of classic hits make them a favorite among audiences seeking a nostalgic musical experience. \n\n\n\nJuly begins with The Juliano Brothers on July 2\, bringing a blend of crowd favorites and danceable classics that have earned them a loyal regional following. Their performance arrives just ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend\, adding another layer of excitement to one of the busiest periods of the summer season. \n\n\n\nOn July 9\, The Beat Tells will transport audiences back to the golden age of British rock and pop\, delivering a tribute experience inspired by one of the most influential bands in music history. Their attention to musical detail and authentic presentation has made them a popular attraction throughout the region. \n\n\n\nBasic Cable follows on July 16\, offering a diverse setlist that spans decades of popular music. Their versatility allows them to connect with audiences of all ages\, creating the kind of shared experience that has become a hallmark of the Byrne Plaza concerts. \n\n\n\nJamison takes the stage on July 23\, continuing the summer momentum with an energetic performance designed to keep the crowd engaged from start to finish. As midsummer reaches its peak\, the concert series traditionally attracts some of its largest audiences\, and this performance is expected to continue that trend. \n\n\n\nJuly concludes with the Animal House Band on July 30. Known throughout the region for their lively stage presence and audience interaction\, the group has built a reputation for transforming concerts into full-scale dance parties\, making them a perfect fit for Wildwood’s festive summer atmosphere. \n\n\n\nAugust begins with Legacy on August 6\, bringing a polished performance style and a broad musical repertoire that appeals to both longtime music fans and younger audiences. Their appearance helps maintain the series’ momentum as the summer season enters its final stretch. \n\n\n\nWinslow follows on August 13\, delivering a performance rooted in classic American songwriting and timeless musical influences. Their appearance adds another dimension to a lineup that consistently emphasizes musical variety and broad audience appeal. \n\n\n\nOn August 20\, 99 Reasons takes over Byrne Plaza with a dynamic performance expected to blend popular hits\, dance favorites\, and crowd-pleasing energy. By this point in the season\, the concerts have become a weekly tradition for many attendees\, and the August performances often draw some of the most enthusiastic crowds of the summer. \n\n\n\nThe series concludes on August 27 with The Chatterband\, providing a fitting finale to another successful season of free entertainment in Downtown Wildwood. Their performance will serve as both a celebration of the summer that was and a reminder of the community connections that have made the concert series such an enduring success. \n\n\n\nBeyond the music itself\, the Music in the Plaza Concert Series plays an important role in supporting Downtown Wildwood’s local businesses. Restaurants\, ice cream parlors\, cafes\, and shops throughout the surrounding district benefit from the steady flow of visitors who arrive early to dine\, browse\, and explore before the evening performances begin. Many attendees make a full night of the experience\, combining dinner\, shopping\, and live entertainment into a single downtown outing. \n\n\n\nThe concerts also complement a broader schedule of activities hosted at Byrne Plaza throughout the summer months. Fitness in the Plaza programs provide weekday morning wellness opportunities for residents and visitors alike\, while Family Movie Nights transform the venue into an outdoor cinema each Tuesday evening. Together\, these events have helped establish Byrne Plaza as one of the most active and versatile public gathering spaces anywhere along the Jersey Shore. \n\n\n\nAs New Jersey continues to celebrate the unique communities that define its coastline\, the Music in the Plaza Concert Series stands as a powerful example of how free public programming can strengthen local culture\, support small businesses\, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. In a region known for its entertainment options\, Wildwood has succeeded in creating something refreshingly simple yet remarkably effective: a weekly gathering centered around great music\, shared experiences\, and community connection. \n\n\n\nFor families planning summer vacations\, day-trippers exploring the Shore\, and longtime Wildwood visitors searching for another reason to return downtown after sunset\, the Music in the Plaza Concert Series offers exactly what summer in New Jersey should be. It is welcoming\, accessible\, energetic\, and deeply connected to the spirit of the community that hosts it. As the 2026 season prepares to begin\, Byrne Plaza is once again ready to become the soundtrack of summer in Wildwood\, one Thursday night at a time.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/wildwoods-music-in-the-plaza-concert-series-presents-99-reasons/
LOCATION:Byrne Plaza\, 3400 Pacific Ave\, Wildwood\, New Jersey\, 08260\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Music-in-the-Plaza-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR