Posts in category: Music

The South Jersey music scene just experienced a truly historic moment! Fans at the 13th annual Beardfest, held at the picturesque Paradise Lakes Campground in Hammonton, were treated to an unexpected and unforgettable performance on Friday, June 27th, 2025, when none other than the iconic Ms. Lauryn Hill made a surprise appearance on stage.

Beardfest, known for its vibrant celebration of creative energy, diverse musical genres, and community spirit amidst the beautiful Pinelands Preserve, already had an exciting lineup. However, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Ms. Hill joined her talented son, Zion Marley, and the festival’s beloved host band, Out of the Beardspace, for an electrifying four-song set.

A Mother-Son Musical Connection

The surprise collaboration was a poignant and powerful display of musical heritage. The performance included a stirring rendition of Zion Marley’s new single, “Marching,” which beautifully samples vocals from his mother’s deeply personal and celebrated song, “To Zion.” This moment created a full-circle experience for many, highlighting the passing of a rich musical legacy from one generation to the next.

Beyond this touching mother-son collaboration, the audience was treated to some of Ms. Hill’s most beloved tracks, sparking immense excitement throughout the campground. The surprise set list featured:

• “To Zion”: The very song that inspired her son’s new release, performed live with him.
• “Killing Me Softly”: A timeless classic that showcased her unparalleled vocal prowess.
• “Lost Ones”: A powerful and enduring hit that had the crowd captivated.
• “Doo Wop (That Thing)”: Her Grammy-winning anthem that brought an energetic close to the surprise appearance.

The synergy between Ms. Hill, Zion Marley, and Out of the Beardspace – a band with members who also play in Ms. Hill’s touring band – created an undeniable magic that resonated deeply with everyone present. It was a testament to the spontaneous and collaborative spirit that Beardfest prides itself on.

This unannounced performance instantly became the talk of the festival, solidifying Beardfest 2025 as a truly historic event in its thirteen-year run. It reminded everyone that in New Jersey, you never quite know what incredible musical moments await around the corner. Experiences like this underscore why the Garden State’s music scene continues to be so vibrant and full of delightful surprises.

For more on the incredible music events and artists shaping New Jersey’s cultural landscape, be sure to visit Explore New Jersey’s music section.

New Jersey is a treasure trove of cultural richness, and at the heart of our vibrant arts scene lies an enduring jewel: live music. From rock concerts by the shore to intimate jazz clubs, the Garden State pulsates with rhythm and melody. Among its most cherished institutions, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra stands as a beacon of classical excellence, and we at Explore New Jersey are thrilled to announce that they’re set to embark on their remarkable 106th season!

This is no small feat. The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra holds the distinction of being New Jersey’s oldest community orchestra and one of the longest continuously running in the entire United States, a testament to its deep roots and unwavering commitment to bringing world-class classical music to our local communities.

For a deeper dive into New Jersey’s rich musical heritage and vibrant live performances, be sure to visit our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music section!

Under the masterful baton of its acclaimed Music Director, Maestro Charles Prince, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is preparing a season filled with timeless classics that promise to captivate and inspire. This upcoming season marks Maestro Prince’s 17th year at the helm, a true milestone that speaks volumes about his artistic vision and profound connection with the orchestra and its audiences. His leadership has been instrumental in solidifying the PSO’s reputation for delivering performances of exceptional quality.

A Glimpse into the 106th Season’s Masterpieces:

The 106th season promises a journey through some of classical music’s most beloved works, offering something for every classical music enthusiast:

• Season Opening Celebration: “Happy Birthday Maurice Ravel” (October 11, 2025): The season kicks off with a grand celebration honoring the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth. Audiences will be treated to a selection of his seminal works, including the elegant orchestral version of his Pavane for a Dead Princess, the instantly recognizable Bolero, and Ravel’s famous orchestration of Modest Mussorgsky’s captivating suite for piano, Pictures at an Exhibition.
• “A Vienna New Year’s Celebration” (November 22, 2025): Get into the festive spirit with a delightful “smorgasbord” of pieces by the incomparable Johann Strauss II. This concert will feature joyous overtures like Gypsy Baron and Die Fledermaus, the iconic Blue Danube and Tales from the Vienna Woods waltzes, and the lively Pizzicato and Thunder and Lightning polkas. It’s an evening designed to evoke the charm and elegance of a Viennese New Year.
• Annual Free Family Concert: “Swinging Valentines” (January 31, 2026): A wonderful opportunity for families to introduce young ones to the magic of live orchestral music. This concert will embrace the infectious rhythms of jazz, featuring notable works by legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and more. It’s a “Swinging” celebration designed to entertain and educate audiences of all ages.
• “Your Favorite Melodies” (March 14, 2026): This program is aptly named, featuring two enduringly popular masterpieces. The evening will showcase the lush and romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 by Sergei Rachmaninov, with returning piano soloist Itay Goren. Concluding this unforgettable concert will be Antonín Dvořák’s ever-popular Symphony No. 9 in E minor (“From the New World”), a journey through majestic themes and stirring melodies.
• Season Finale: “Tchaikovsky Festival” (April 18, 2026): The season culminates with a magnificent tribute to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The program will feature his technically dazzling and emotionally profound Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, with the PSO’s own concertmaster, Evelyn Estava, as the featured soloist. This epic concerto will be paired with the intensely emotional Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (“Pathétique”), a roller-coaster of human experience expressed through music.

The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1919 by a small group of passionate amateur musicians, has grown into a revered 70-piece ensemble that performs everything from Mozart to Duke Ellington. While many of its talented musicians are dedicated community members rather than full-time professionals, their collective passion and skill create performances of truly professional caliber. The orchestra’s mission extends beyond just concerts; it actively fosters music scholarships for students and provides educational programs, ensuring that the love of music continues to thrive in future generations.

The enduring success of the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the universal appeal of beautiful music. As one of the oldest continually running community orchestras in the nation, it serves as a vibrant reminder of New Jersey’s rich artistic legacy.

We invite you to join the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra for their 106th season and experience the power and familiarity of these iconic works live. Tickets are now on sale, and it’s an opportunity not to be missed to immerse yourself in the magic of classical music right here in the Garden State!

For devoted fans of New Jersey’s very own rock icon, Bruce Springsteen, today is a monumental day! The highly anticipated seven-album boxed set, ‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums,’ has officially arrived, inviting listeners to delve even deeper into the expansive, often unheard, chapters of The Boss’s legendary career. This massive collection serves as a follow-up to the equally epic 1998 ‘Tracks’ release, promising more unearthed gems and a fascinating look at Springsteen’s creative journey.

So, is ‘Tracks II’ worth your time? If you’re someone who relished the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the vast landscape of Springsteen’s unreleased material from the original ‘Tracks’ – embracing both the brilliant and the more raw, exploratory pieces – then ‘Tracks II’ is undoubtedly for you. This set isn’t about presenting another “Born to Run” or “Darkness on the Edge of Town” level masterpiece; instead, it’s about the pure joy of discovery, of finding new favorites among the songs that, for various reasons, didn’t make the cut for his official studio albums. If you found yourself deeply fond of the deeper cuts from the first ‘Tracks’ set, you’ll find even more to love here.

However, if the sheer volume and varied quality of the first ‘Tracks’ release felt overwhelming, or if you prefer only Springsteen’s most polished, iconic work, then ‘Tracks II’ might be one you can safely bypass. For those who have yet to experience the original ‘Tracks,’ that’s truly the essential starting point for this deep dive into The Boss’s archives.

This incredible collection features a daunting 83 songs, spanning a significant period of Springsteen’s creative output, from 1983 all the way through 2018. It’s a vast musical landscape to navigate, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of his songwriting and performances over several decades. While the physical boxed set is an impressive piece for collectors, the convenience of streaming in 2025 means this wealth of music is easily accessible to everyone.

To help navigate this treasure trove, many dedicated listeners are already highlighting their favorite moments. For instance, “Follow That Dream” from the ‘LA Garage Sessions ’83’ is an early standout, offering a peek into a specific creative period. Other “lost albums” included in this monumental set that fans will be exploring include:

• LA Garage Sessions ’83
• Streets of Philadelphia Sessions
• Faithless
• Somewhere North of Nashville
• Inyo
• Twilight Hours
• Perfect World

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Bruce Springsteen – Tracks II: The Lost Albums Trailer

Follow That Dream

Don't Back Down On Our Love

Little Girl Like You

Johnny Bye Bye

Sugarland

Seven Tears

Fugitives Dream

Black Mountain Ballad

Jim Deer

County Fair

My Hometown

One Love

Don't Back Down

Richfield Whistle

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Each of these “albums” within the boxed set offers a distinct flavor and insight into the various phases of Springsteen’s prolific career, capturing songs that were developed for, or emerged from, projects that ultimately took different forms. It’s a true gift to the fans, peeling back the layers on one of music’s most enduring figures.

‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to explore the creative process of a legendary artist, to witness the evolution of his sound, and to discover the hidden gems that have finally found their way into the light. It’s a testament to the sheer volume and consistent quality of material that Bruce Springsteen has generated throughout his illustrious career.

To keep up with all the latest musical happenings across our incredible state, from local talent to global superstars, make sure to visit our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music page.

As the vibrant energy of the North to Shore 2025 sweeps across New Jersey, music and culture enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement for the spectacular events still captivating audiences. This premier cultural celebration, spanning multiple dynamic cities, is preparing for an unforgettable close, promising a crescendo of sound, flavor, and artistic expression. From international sensations making their U.S. debut to iconic funk pioneers hitting the stage, North to Shore is once again proving to be the Garden State’s ultimate summer experience.

One of the most anticipated highlights as the festival wraps up is the U.S. debut of Portugal’s electrifying musical force, Dapunksportif. This renowned act is set to headline the “Taste of the City” event in Newark’s historic Ironbound neighborhood, a perfect fusion of music, delicious flavors, and rich cultural heritage. Their performance will serve as a thrilling capstone to North to Shore 2025, providing a fresh, global sound to close out the festivities. The Ironbound, known for its vibrant atmosphere and incredible culinary scene, offers an ideal backdrop for this groundbreaking performance, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a truly international cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, the legendary George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic (P-Funk) are bringing their groundbreaking sound to the iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, New Jersey, today, June 29, 2025. This is a must-see event for fans of funk, soul, and genre-bending music, as P-Funk promises an evening of infectious grooves and an unforgettable stage presence.

Here are the details for the George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic concert:

• Venue: The Stone Pony Summer Stage, located at 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ.
• Doors Open: 5:00 PM.
• Show Time: 6:00 PM.
• Special Guests: The powerful and innovative rock band Living Colour will open the show, setting the stage for an evening of phenomenal music.
• Early Show (Inside Pony Stage): For those arriving early, Crowfield will be performing inside The Stone Pony from 5:00 PM to 5:50 PM.
• Late Show (Inside after Summer Stage): The music continues inside after the Summer Stage performance with Des & the Swagmatics taking the stage from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM, ensuring the funk carries late into the night.
• Important Note: The Stone Pony Summer Stage operates as an E-Cigarette venue only; no other smoking is permitted on the premises.
• Tickets: Availability for this highly anticipated show can be found through Ticketmaster.

With exciting acts like Dapunksportif making their U.S. debut and funk legends like George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic delivering electrifying performances, North to Shore 2025 continues to solidify its reputation as New Jersey’s premier cultural festival. It’s a dynamic celebration that truly showcases the state’s vibrant artistic landscape and diverse entertainment offerings.

Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to experience world-class music and cultural events right here in the Garden State! For more details on these and other fantastic musical happenings across New Jersey, be sure to visit our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music page.

Dust off your cowboy hats and polish those boots, because the much-anticipated County Jamboree Festival is riding into Rockaway Borough on Saturday, July 5, 2025! From 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fireman’s Field will transform into a lively hub of all things country, promising a day packed with toe-tapping music, mouth-watering BBQ, and classic family fun that’s perfect for all ages.

Nestled at 155 Beach Street in Rockaway, NJ 07866, Fireman’s Field offers an ideal backdrop for this rootin’ tootin’ good time. For just $5 per person, with kids under five getting in free, it’s an incredibly affordable way to experience a full day of authentic country charm right here in New Jersey.

The heart of the County Jamboree lies in its fantastic musical lineup, offering a delightful blend of bluegrass and modern country tunes. Get ready to sway and sing along to the sounds of talented local bands. The day’s musical journey kicks off with Almost Autumn from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, setting a perfect relaxed vibe. Following that, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Country Comfort will take the stage, keeping the energy high. As the evening approaches, Tennessee Honey will serenade the crowd from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, ensuring a memorable close to the musical festivities.

But the County Jamboree is far more than just a concert! It’s a full-fledged family experience designed to create lasting memories. For those eager to embrace the country spirit, professional instructors will be on hand for line dancing lessons from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, so even beginners can master the steps and join the fun on the dance floor.

Foodies, prepare your appetites! The festival will feature an array of delicious BBQ that will tantalize your taste buds, alongside other tempting offerings from a variety of food vendors. And for those who like a little heat, don’t miss the much-anticipated hot sauce competition, with the winner being announced at 7:00 PM. It’s a chance to see who can handle the most spice and perhaps discover your new favorite fiery condiment!

Beyond the music and food, the County Jamboree ensures there’s never a dull moment. A hilarious pie eating contest is scheduled for 5:00 PM – be sure to get there early to witness the messy, delightful spectacle! Families will also find plenty of family-friendly activities, ensuring even the youngest attendees have a fantastic time. Plus, you can explore a country market featuring local vendors and even get a custom creation at the hat bar. And yes, for the adventurous, there’s even a mechanical bull to test your cowboy skills!

The County Jamboree Festival promises to be a highlight of New Jersey’s summer calendar, bringing a slice of rural charm and lively entertainment to Rockaway. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your loved ones, enjoy fantastic music, indulge in some classic American eats, and create cherished memories in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of country culture! For more on the diverse and exciting musical events happening across our wonderful state, head over to our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music page. Get ready for a day of wholesome fun and good times in Rockaway!

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