New Jersey is once again in the national spotlight as Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge takes center stage in a brand-new episode of Soundcheck, filmed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. The program, set to air on NJ PBS on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 8 p.m., offers viewers a rare opportunity to go behind the music with one of rock’s most enduring voices.
Etheridge, known for timeless hits such as “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One,” sat down for an intimate interview as part of the special. She reflected on her decades-long career, her deep appreciation for New Jersey audiences, and her ongoing tour that continues to draw passionate fans across the country. The episode also features performance highlights from her April 24, 2025, concert at NJPAC, where her commanding vocals and soulful delivery electrified the Newark stage.
Adding to the night’s star power, British singer Joss Stone—who shared the bill with Etheridge that evening—also makes an appearance in the episode. Stone, herself celebrated for her rich, bluesy sound, provides additional perspective on performing alongside Etheridge and her own connection to Garden State audiences.
For those who miss the broadcast, the program will be available to stream on MyNJPBS.org/live and later archived on the NJ PBS YouTube channel, ensuring fans have multiple ways to experience this exclusive performance.
New Jersey’s role in PBS music programming
Melissa Etheridge Soundcheck episode filmed at NJPAC and other New Jersey-related episodes of music programs on PBS.
Melissa Etheridge Soundcheck episode
- Airing date: The Melissa Etheridge episode of Soundcheck is scheduled to air on NJ PBS on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 8 p.m..
- Filming location: The episode was filmed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.
- Content: The episode includes an exclusive interview with Grammy and Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge, where she discusses her tour and her love for performing in New Jersey. It also features performance footage from her April 24, 2025, concert at NJPAC.
- Guest appearance: Joss Stone, who was double-billed with Etheridge during the April concert, is also interviewed in the episode.
- Streaming: The episode will be available to stream on MyNJPBS.org/live and is currently available to watch on njpbs.org/programs/soundcheck. After September 17, it will be uploaded to the NJ PBS YouTube channel.
Other Soundcheck episodes from New Jersey. The Soundcheck series is known for filming at top venues across the state, bringing viewers backstage with artists. Previous episodes have featured other acts with New Jersey connections or performances in the state:
- Third Eye Blind: The band’s frontman, Stephan Jenkins, was featured in an episode filmed at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair.
- Debbie Gibson: An episode was also dedicated to the Long Island native who is closely associated with the New Jersey music scene.
- American Music Honors: This special episode was filmed at the inaugural American Music Honors ceremony, featuring interviews with various artists.
Other New Jersey music programming on PBS. Beyond Soundcheck, NJ PBS also produces or airs other music-related content filmed or focused on New Jersey:
- American Songbook at NJPAC: This series features performances by Broadway and jazz stars recorded live at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
- New Jersey Symphony concerts: NJ PBS has broadcasted New Jersey Symphony concerts.
- Front and Center: This national concert series, also broadcasted on NJ PBS, has featured performances from music venues in the area.
The Soundcheck series has consistently spotlighted New Jersey venues and artists, underscoring the state’s reputation as a music hub. Past episodes have highlighted Third Eye Blind at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, pop icon Debbie Gibson, and the inaugural American Music Honors ceremony, which brought together a host of influential performers.
New Jersey viewers are no strangers to high-quality music programming on PBS. American Songbook at NJPAC continues to showcase Broadway and jazz legends live from Newark’s flagship performing arts venue, while the New Jersey Symphony has reached audiences across the state with televised concerts that highlight the orchestra’s versatility and artistry. National series such as Front and Center have also made stops in the region, adding to the Garden State’s broadcast music legacy.
Documenting New Jersey’s musical heritage
PBS programming connected to New Jersey extends beyond live concerts. Here’s the Story has produced episodes that dive deep into the state’s musical culture, such as Bringing It All Back Home, which followed the Jersey-based folk band Jackson Pines to the Stone Pony and Albert Music Hall, and Paradise by the Basement Light, which celebrated New Jersey’s garage rock roots. Another standout, The WBGO Story: Bright Moments from Newark to the World, traced the creation of Newark’s beloved public radio jazz station, which has become a cultural institution.
With shows like State of the Arts highlighting musicians, dancers, and creators from across the region, New Jersey continues to serve as both a stage and a storybook for the performing arts.
Why it matters
This documentary series explores unique people and stories throughout the state. Recent music-related episodes have included:
- Bringing It All Back Home (2023): Follows the New Jersey-based folk band Jackson Pines during the final leg of their tour, culminating in a performance at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park and a visit to the Albert Music Hall in Waretown.
- Paradise by the Basement Light (2014): Celebrates New Jersey’s rich rock and roll scene, tracing its history from garage bands to the big stage.
The WBGO Story: Bright Moments from Newark to the World. This documentary chronicles the creation and history of WBGO, New Jersey’s first public radio station, which was established by a diverse group of community activists in Newark.
State of the Arts. This award-winning series features creative personalities and productions in and around New Jersey. It includes segments on musicians, dancers, and other performers.
American Songbook at NJPAC. This series broadcasts live recordings of concerts featuring Broadway and jazz stars at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
Other music content. New Jersey Symphony broadcasts: NJ PBS has previously broadcasted concert films of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, such as Emerge Part 1, which included live performances filmed at NJPAC and incorporated other visuals.
The upcoming Soundcheck episode featuring Melissa Etheridge is more than just a concert film—it’s a reminder of how central New Jersey is to America’s live music scene and how venues like NJPAC elevate the state as a cultural destination. It also cements NJ PBS as a vital platform for showcasing the depth and diversity of performances that happen right here in the Garden State.
For more stories celebrating New Jersey’s vibrant music scene, visit Explore New Jersey Music along with the Film & TV industry in New Jersey.
