As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, New Jersey truly comes alive with an explosion of arts and cultural events. This week, the Garden State is buzzing with an incredible array of performances, from massive music festivals to intimate theatrical productions, ensuring there’s something to captivate every taste. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heartbeat of New Jersey, our dedicated music section is your perfect starting point.
The Prudential North to Shore Festival: A Statewide Spectacle Ignites New Jersey!
One of the biggest highlights this week, and indeed for the entire month of June, is the ongoing Prudential North to Shore Festival. This ambitious statewide celebration, which first launched in 2023, continues to showcase the immense talent, diversity, and creativity that New Jersey has to offer. Spanning three iconic cities – Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City – the festival brings together an incredible lineup of concerts, laugh-out-loud comedy shows, and vibrant cultural events across more than 100 venues.
This year’s North to Shore is absolutely packed with must-see performances. For comedy enthusiasts, the Prudential Center in Newark is hosting an unparalleled lineup of comedic giants. Audiences can look forward to the hilarious stylings of Tina Fey & Amy Poehler on Sunday, June 22nd, followed by an all-star stand-up showcase featuring Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson on Friday, June 27th. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and New Jersey is prescribing it in generous doses!
Music lovers will also find their rhythm at North to Shore. The festival includes major events like Hot 97 Summer Jam at Prudential Center on Friday, June 20th, showcasing the hottest names in hip-hop. The very next day, Saturday, June 21st, catch Rock The Bells featuring legendary artists like Busta Rhymes, Redman, Remy Ma, and more. Meanwhile, in Asbury Park, the iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage is hosting Jack’s Mannequin on June 26th and the 7th annual Shadow of the City festival featuring Bleachers on June 28th. Whether you’re into alternative rock, hip-hop, or the soulful sounds of Gregory Porter (who performs at NJPAC on June 29th), North to Shore has you covered with an electrifying soundtrack for your summer.
Beyond the Festivals: A Diverse Week of Arts Across the State
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the major festivals! New Jersey’s smaller venues and intimate theaters are also brimming with artistic expression this week. For theater aficionados, the critically acclaimed musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ offers a powerful and unforgettable performance, exploring themes of identity, love, and rock and roll with a raw energy that will leave you mesmerized. Opera enthusiasts can be transported by the dramatic storytelling and soaring arias of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Tosca,’ a truly grand experience.
The week also features a variety of unique performances that highlight New Jersey’s diverse cultural scene. Fans of political satire and musical comedy won’t want to miss Randy Rainbow, known for his hilarious parodies and insightful commentary that’s both sharp and incredibly witty. For those who appreciate classical music, the exquisite sounds of the Balourdet Quartet promise an evening of refined chamber music, a perfect escape into melodic beauty. And for a truly unique event, keep an eye out for performances that blend genres and push artistic boundaries, truly showcasing the innovation thriving in the Garden State’s arts community.
New Additions to The Newton Theatre’s Stellar Lineup!
The historic Newton Theatre is amplifying its fall schedule with two phenomenal tribute acts, bringing beloved sounds to Sussex County. Tickets for both go on sale Friday, June 13th at 10 a.m., so mark your calendars!
- Hollywood Nights – The Bob Seger Experience Friday, September 26th at 8 p.m. Prepare for the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band! This nine-piece New Jersey-based powerhouse prides itself on meticulously recreating every detail of Seger’s unforgettable high-energy shows, roaring raspy vocals, and the incredible groundwork he laid over decades. They share the belief that true fans understand: this band embodies the voice, values, working-class background, and pure love of rock ‘n’ roll that define Seger’s legacy. If you’re a devoted Bob Seger fan, this is an experience you absolutely won’t want to miss!
- Tonight’s the Night: Celebrating the Music & Legacy of Rod Stewart Saturday, September 27th at 8 p.m. Get ready for a sensational celebration of a true rock icon! In “Tonight’s the Night,” singer Rob Caudill delivers a dead-on Rod Stewart impersonation, complete with the look, the voice, and all the signature moves. Joining him on stage are legendary drummer Carmine Appice and Stewart’s former saxophonist Katja Rieckermann. Appice, an original member of Vanilla Fudge, collaborated closely with Stewart for over seven years, even co-writing hits like “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Young Turks.” This show accurately recreates the excitement and fun of a Rod Stewart concert, featuring all the hits: “Maggie May,” “Hot Legs,” “Rhythm of My Heart,” “Forever Young,” “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Sailing,” and many more!
White Eagle Hall Unveils Exciting New and Upcoming Shows!
Jersey City’s dynamic White Eagle Hall is consistently a hub for incredible live music, and they’ve just announced a fresh wave of artists set to grace their stage, alongside some highly anticipated upcoming performances.
Just Announced:
- Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory Saturday, September 27, 2025 New Jersey native Sharon Van Etten makes her White Eagle Hall debut in support of her compelling new album, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory. Known for her emotionally resonant songwriting and captivating voice, this promises to be an intimate and powerful performance. Special guest TORRES will open the show. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 AM.
- Los Straitjackets Friday, October 31, 2025 Get ready for a rock ‘n’ roll Halloween party like no other! Los Straitjackets are bringing their masked, high-octane surf rock spectacle to Jersey City. Costumes are highly encouraged, and there will even be a $500 prize for the best one! This promises to be a fantastically fun and unique night. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 AM.
- Budos Band Thursday, December 4, 2025 Hailing from Staten Island, The Budos Band blends heavy funk, Afrobeat, and soul, creating a sound that evokes a lost Spaghetti Western soundtrack. They’ve cultivated a cult following with their gritty, hypnotic grooves and relentless live energy. Don’t miss this chance to experience their unique sound. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 AM.
- Earlybirds Club Friday, October 3, 2025 This is the dance party designed for those who have “sh*t to do in the morning!” Starting at 6 PM and ending at 10 PM, the Earlybirds Club spins all your favorite hits from the 80s to the 2000s, including pop, hip-hop, new wave, and R&B. Get your groove on early and still get a full night’s rest! Tickets go on sale Thursday at 12 PM.
Coming Soon & On Sale Now:
- An intimate evening with… The Antlers & Okkervil River Thursday, June 12, 2025 Don’t miss an intimate summer night with The Antlers and Okkervil River! Expect a blend of old favorites, new tracks, and even a few surprises as they play each other’s songs. This is a rare opportunity to see two critically acclaimed indie bands share the stage in a unique format.
- The Kills Saturday, June 14, 2025 The Kills are bringing their raw, blues-soaked rock ‘n’ roll to White Eagle Hall! Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince deliver the kind of gritty, high-voltage performance you absolutely don’t want to miss. A low ticket warning is already in effect, so act fast!
- Gimme Gimme Disco Friday, June 20, 2025 It’s a DJ dance party dedicated to all your favorite ABBA tracks, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s & 80s, including The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, and so much more. Get ready to boogie all night long!
- Red Vox Saturday, June 21, 2025 Experience psychedelic vibes, sharp hooks, and unpredictable turns with the genre-blurring band Red Vox live at White Eagle Hall. This promises to be a unique and high-energy show.
- Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party Friday, June 27, 2025 At “Hot In Herre,” you’ll hear your favorite hits and guilty pleasures from the first decade of the millennium. Get ready to dance to tracks from artists like Nelly, Beyoncé, Usher, Rihanna, Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, T-Pain, Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, Sean Paul, and many, many more!
- More Upcoming Shows: Keep an eye out for additional performances, including Candlelight Concerts (June 19) and The LGBTQ+ Prom Gala (June 13), adding to the diverse offerings at White Eagle Hall.
New Jersey is truly a hub of vibrant arts and entertainment, and this week is a testament to the state’s rich cultural offerings. Whether you’re drawn to the massive scale of a multi-city festival or the intimate beauty of a classical concert, there’s an experience waiting for you. Dive in and explore all the incredible events happening right here in the Garden State!