CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE is the perfect way to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come! Join Ms. Appleberry, JJ, Cody, Nina and Cece for a lively Melon Patch musical adventure in this exciting touring production. This interactive live show brings CoComelon’s vibrant world to life, inviting families to sing, dance, and play together. With beloved characters, delightful surprises, and favorite songs like “Wheels on the Bus,” “Animal Dance,” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” it’s a celebration of connection and childhood wonder. Don’t miss the chance to share the magic of your child’s very first live show!
VIP Add-On
Meet the Characters of CoCoMelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE! In this exclusive post show experience, you and your family will have the opportunity to make a lasting memory of your visit by taking a photo alongside Ms Appleberry and JJ! Each adult and child in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket to attend and participate in the Photo Experience.
**Admission to the performance is not included in the Photo Experience ticket. This is a separate upgrade that must be purchased in advance.
**Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian. Each Child, Parent or Guardian must have a show ticket as well as a Photo Experience ticket to attend
Click here to purchase VIP add-on for the 2pm show
Click here to purchase VIP add-on for the 6pm show
CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE
Sheng Wang
Sheng Wang is a comedian, actor and writer originally from Houston, TX. His first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, released in September 2022 and was produced and directed by Ali Wong. He was a featured stand-up on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Sheng resides in Los Angeles and in his time off, he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack.
Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour, where GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. This tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and re-imagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. With their Black Violin Foundation reaching over 100,000 students each year, they’re building a legacy that transcends the stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
Special Guest: Abraham Alexander
Abraham Alexander
Academy Award® nominated artist Abraham Alexander is a rising singer songwriter whose soulful fusion of blues, folk, and gospel has captivated audiences around the world.
Born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian parents and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Alexander turned to music following a career ending soccer injury and personal tragedy. He released his breakout self- titled EP in 2019, earning attention for his emotional storytelling and powerful vocal presence. In 2023, Alexander released his critically acclaimed debut album SEA/SONS, featuring collaborations with music legends Mavis Staples and Gary Clark Jr. The album debuted on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and helped solidify his place among the next generation of influential American songwriters. In 2024, his original song “Like a Bird,” for the A24 film Sing Sing, earned an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Song.
Alexander has performed at major festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo, and toured with artists such as Leon Bridges, The Lumineers, and Mavis Staples. With his powerful presence and genre-defying sound, he continues to emerge as one
of the most vital and visionary voices in contemporary music
An Evening with David Sedaris
David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers.
Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, David Sedaris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, and Calypso. His book The Best of Me, collects 42 previously published stories and essays. Sedaris also wrote Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary, a collection of fables with illustrations by Ian Falconer. He is the editor of Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories. His pieces regularly appear in The New Yorker and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” The two volumes of his diaries, Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) and A Carnival of Snackery, Diaries (2003-2020) were New York Times bestsellers. An art book of Sedaris’s diary covers, David Sedaris Diaries: A Visual Compendium, was edited by Jeffrey Jenkins. His most recent book, Happy-Go-Lucky, debuted at number one on the New York Times best-seller list. The audio version of Happy-Go-Lucky, written and narrated by Sedaris, won the 2023 Audie Award. His first children’s book, Pretty Ugly (TOON Books, February 27, 2024), has illustrations by Ian Falconer and received a ‘star’ review from Kirkus.
Sedaris and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have collaborated under the name “The Talent Family” and have written half-a-dozen plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. These plays include Stump the Host, Stitches, One Woman Shoe, which received an Obie Award, Incident at Cobbler’s Knob, and The Book of Liz, which was published in book form by Dramatists Play Service.
Sedaris has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. His audio recordings include “David Sedaris: Live for Your Listening Pleasure” and “David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall.” A feature film adaptation of his story C.O.G. was released after a premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (2013). Since 2011, he can be heard annually on a series of live recordings on BBC Radio 4 entitled “Meet David Sedaris.” In 2019 David Sedaris became a regular contributor to CBS Sunday Morning, and his Masterclass, David Sedaris Teaches Storytelling and Humor, was released.
There are over 16 million copies of his books in print and they have been translated into 32 languages. He has been awarded the Terry Southern Prize for Humor, Thurber Prize for American Humor, Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor, Time 2001 Humorist of the Year Award, as well as the Medal for Spoken Language from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In March 2019 he was elected as a member into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2020 the New York Public Library voted Me Talk Pretty One Day one of the 125 most important books of the last 125 years.
Fiddler on the Roof
Winning nine Tony Awards in its 1964 debut, Fiddler on the Roof is set in the little village of Anatevka in the early 1900s. In the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia, poor milkman Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values, with the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community. Rich in historic and ethnic detail with iconic and beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” Fiddler on the Roof‘s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences laden with happiness and tears.
Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour
Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off-limits!
Expect a night of nonstop laughter packed with healthcare workers who desperately need a break. Bring your friends, coworkers, and even that one patient who swore they were allergic to water—this is going to be a night to remember!
Presented by Count Basie Center for the Arts & Outback Presents
VIP Packages
Nurse Blake Q&A Package
One premium reserved ticket in the first 5 rows
Access to an intimate preshow Q&A
Preshow soundcheck with Nurse Blake
Exclusive preshow selfie with Nurse Blake
Translucent Nurse Blake fanny pack
8×10 Nurse Blake photo
Commemorative show ticket
Commemorative laminate & lanyard
Limited availability
Nurse Blake Selfie Package
One premium reserved ticket in rows 6-12
Exclusive post show selfie with Nurse Blake
8×10 Nurse Blake photo
Commemorative show ticket
Commemorative laminate & lanyard
Limited availability
Nurse Blake Selfie Upgrade
Exclusive post show selfie with Nurse Blake
8×10 Nurse Blake photo
Commemorative show ticket
Commemorative laminate & lanyard
Limited availability
*Ticket to the show is NOT included with upgrade. Ticket must be purchased separately.
Click here to purchase upgrade.
Group Sales
Group sales are available for groups with a minimum of 8 guests per order. The 20% group sales rate is available for tickets purchased in-person only at the Basie Center box office.
Kevin James: Owls Don’t Walk
Kevin James began his career as a stand-up on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom.
The King of Queens, which premiered in 1998, ran for nine seasons on CBS with James starring and executive producing, and it garnered him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The show concluded its run in 2007 but continues to air daily in syndication across the country and around the world. James also starred in, and executive produced The Crew, a Netflix sitcom set in the world of NASCAR.
James brought his stand-up act to TV with Sweat the Small Stuff, a one-hour special for Comedy Central. Kevin James and Ray Romano executive produced and starred in the HBO Sports Special Making the Cut: The Road to Pebble Beach; a documentary about the Pebble Beach Pro Am Golf Tournament that was nominated for a Sports Emmy. His second comedy special Never Don’t Give Up premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim.
James made his feature film debut in Columbia Pictures’ Hitch starring opposite Will Smith, and starred in, produced and co-wrote the hit comedies Paul Blart: Mall Cop 1 & 2, Zookeeper, and Here Comes The Boom. James has starred alongside Adam Sandler in Pixels, Grown Ups, Grown Ups 2, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Hubie Halloween. He starred in the features True Memoirs of an International Assassin and Home Team for Netflix, as well as the independent action thriller Becky.
James can currently be seen in his one hour stand-up comedy special Kevin James: Irregardless on Prime Video, which was nominated for 2024’s Best Comedy Special by the Critics Choice Awards. James will also be starring in the upcoming feature film Playdate, alongside Alan Ritchson.
Steve Winwood
Singer-songwriter, legendary vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, mandolin player, producer, Grammy winner and BMI Icon Steve Winwood has sold over 50 million records in the course of his five-decade career. His compositions include “Gimme Some Lovin’”, “Back In The High Life Again”, “Can’t Find My Way Home”, “Arc Of A Diver”, “Higher Love”, “Roll With It”, “While You See A Chance”, “Dear Mr. Fantasy”, “Split Decision”, “The Finer Things”, “Valerie”, and “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys”, among many others.
For more than five decades, Steve Winwood has remained a primary figure in Rock ‘n’ Roll, a respected innovator who has helped to create some of the genre’s most celebrated achievements. His skills as a composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist have developed an impressive catalog of popular music.
Winwood’s solo career has yielded a rich catalog of popular songs including “Back In The High Life,” “While You See A Chance,” “Roll With It”, “Valerie,” and “Higher Love”. The latter was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning three: ‘Record Of The Year’, ‘Best Engineered Non-Classical Album’, and ‘Best Male Pop Vocal Performance’. ’Roll With It’ received four Grammy nominations in 1989 and won ‘Best Engineered Album’. Steve’s most recent solo albums, ‘About Time’ and ‘Nine Lives’ have received critical acclaim, earning Winwood one of his highest Billboard chart entries.
Steve Winwood forges ahead undaunted, continuing to create and perform new and exciting material. He remains one of the most important and influential artists in all of popular music.
The Witcher in Concert
The Witcher in Concert is coming to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt! Witness the open-world RPG’s timeless score brought to life with a live orchestra performance, featuring special appearances by Polish folk metal band Percival, the original co-composers of the game’s soundtrack.
This cinematic experience combines breathtaking in-game visuals with live music, making it a must-see event for fans of The Witcher and epic orchestral performances alike.
VIP Add-On The Witcher in Concert Tour VIP Uplift Ticket
Each attendee must hold a valid ticket, in any price category, to The Witcher in Concert Tour plus pre-purchase a VIP Uplift Ticket to gain exclusive access to:
VIP Priority Line Access to the Merchandise Stands
Commemorative The Witcher in Concert Tour VIP Laminate and Matching Lanyard
Exclusive VIP Merchandise bundle designed and created for VIP Uplift Ticket holders, including items that are not available anywhere else
Children must be accompanied by at least one adult and each attendee must hold a VIP Uplift Ticket
A strictly limited number of VIP Uplifts are available
Click here to purchase VIP add-on ticket.
MasterChef All-Stars Live!
MasterChef All-Stars Live!
The Heat. The Competition. The Culinary Magic—LIVE! Get ready, food lovers! MasterChef All-Stars Live! is hitting the road, bringing your favorite chefs straight from the MasterChef kitchen to the Count Basie Center.
This brand-new, high-energy stage show delivers the ultimate MasterChef experience—LIVE up close and personal! Witness epic head-to-head battles, thrilling challenges, and jaw-dropping culinary creations right before your eyes. Plus, hear from your favorite all stars on what it’s like to cook in America’s famous kitchen and toughest judges plus tips and tricks to take to your own home kitchen.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night of food, fun, and fierce competition! Secure your tickets now and get ready to go on a MasterChef culinary journey through the senses and experience the excitement!
*Cast is subject to change.
VIP Package
Pre-Show VIP Experience
Go Beyond the Show with the VIP Experience! Get up close and personal with your favorite MasterChef stars before the show even begins!
As a VIP, you’ll:
Meet the All-Star Cast
Get an Exclusive Signed Poster
Ask Questions & Hear Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Snap Photos to Remember It All
Get the best seats in the house!
All this magic kicks off one hour before showtime — don’t miss your chance to taste the excitement before anyone else!
*Meet & Greet cast attendance is subject to change
KALEO – Mixed Emotions Tour
Icelandic rock band KALEO will release their highly anticipated third studio album, MIXED EMOTIONS on May 9th via Atlantic.
Produced by GRAMMY® Award Winner Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell) and co-produced by frontman JJ Julius Son and GRAMMY® Award Winner Shawn Everett (The Killers, Kacey Musgraves), MIXED EMOTIONS is a landmark rock album tackling themes from ending gun violence to overcoming despair. MIXED EMOTIONS is KALEO’s most ambitious album yet and it hits hard and digs deep in its mission for us to embrace our full spectrum of emotions during these trying times.
MIXED EMOTIONS showcases KALEO’s full range, from high-octane adrenaline to restrained, thought-provoking inner reflection. It features hit singles “Rock N Roller,” “Lonely Cowboy,” “USA Today,” as well as their newest song “Back Door” – a brooding timeless bluesy rocker, which highlights JJ’s singular graveled vocal, will be released on Friday, February 21 across all streaming platforms.
After amassing over 4+ billion global streams, 60+ international gold, platinum, and diamond certifications, countless sold-out headlining shows, plus appearances at noteworthy festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and more, the GRAMMY® nominated, Icelandic rockers KALEO, have proven to be a worldwide phenomenon.
Known for their electrifying live performances, KALEO toured nonstop for 3 years in support of their platinum selling debut album, A/B, which spawned the megahit “Way Down We Go.” The song has since joined the Spotify Billions club with more than 1.3 billion streams and is featured in nearly 3 million TikToks, cementing it as one of the most viral tracks in the history of the platform.
On the heels of sophomore release, Surface Sounds, the band embarked on their Fight or Flight World Tour coming out of Covid. 2022 saw them perform 97 times in 92 different cities across 22 countries, selling over one quarter of a million tickets globally.
KALEO recently finished their 2024 Payback Tour, selling out famed venues across the globe including Red Rocks and Wembley Arena. 2025 will see the boys touring Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and South America before returning to North America with dates through May 2025.
VIP Packages
The KALEO Meet & Greet Experience
One (1) Premium Reserved or GA Ticket
Meet & Greet with JJ
Individual Photo Opportunity with JJ
Access to Pre-Show Acoustic Performance by JJ
One (1) VIP Exclusive Signed Lyric Sheet
One (1) KALEO Branded Disposable Camera
One (1) Limited Edition VIP Poster
One (1) Commemorative Ticket with Display Case
One (1) VIP Laminate
Early Access Merch Shopping
VIP First Entry
The KALEO Acoustic Experience
One (1) Premium Reserved or GA Ticket
Access to Pre-Show Acoustic Performance by JJ
One (1) KALEO Branded Disposable Camera
One (1) Limited Edition VIP Poster
One (1) Commemorative Ticket with Display Case
One (1) VIP Laminate
Early Access Merch Shopping
VIP First Entry
PLEASE NOTE: THIS VIP PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEET & GREET
The KALEO Early Entry/Merch Package
One (1) Premium Reserved or GA Ticket
One (1) KALEO Branded Disposable Camera
One (1) Limited Edition VIP Poster
One (1) Commemorative Ticket with Display Case
One (1) VIP Laminate
Early Access Merch Shopping
VIP First Entry
PLEASE NOTE: THIS VIP PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEET & GREET. THERE IS NO ARTIST INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS PACKAGE.
The Orchestra: Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members
The Story Began in 1970…
The story starts in 1970 in Birmingham, England, where the Electric Light Orchestra began their journey as one of the world’s most popular rock bands. Their music was characterized by a fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography.
Mik Kaminski joined the band in 1973 with his legendary blue violin. The classic lineup of ELO solidified in 1974 with the addition of bassist/singer Kelly Groucutt and orchestrator Lou Clark, who augmented the band’s unique orchestral rock sound with his inventive classical arrangements. Mik, Lou, and Kelly played their way onto an astonishing library of hit records that sold more than 50 million copies. The albums include Eldorado, Face the Music, A New World Record, Out of the Blue, Discovery and Xanadu.
After the original line-up of ELO broke up in 1986, drummer Bev Bevan created ELO Part II in 1988 with English guitarist Pete Haycock, American keyboardist and songwriter Eric Troyer, and ELO former members Kaminski, Clark, Groucutt, and cellist Hugh McDowell. The band later recruited English guitarist Phil Bates to fill out the lineup. Groucutt, Bates, and Troyer were all accomplished lead and harmony singers which provided an abundance of vocal riches that pushed the band’s classic sound into fresh sonic territory. Phil Bates left ELO Part II in 1998 and was replaced by American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Parthenon Huxley.
In late 1999 drummer Bevan retired and was replaced with American drummer Gordon Townsend. The band began touring as THE ORCHESTRA in 2000. The new lineup released a brilliant album called No Rewind. The album features original songs by Kaminski, Troyer, Huxley, and Groucutt, as well as a stunning interpretation of “Twist and Shout.”
Nine years later in 2009, THE ORCHESTRA bassist and congenial front man, Kelly Groucutt, suddenly passed away the day after performing a concert with the group in Berlin, which was a devastating shock to the band and to class rock fans around the world. His boyhood home features a plaque honoring Kelly’s accomplishments with ELO. THE ORCHESTRA recruited occasional ELO Part II member and former Styx bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and singer Glen Burtnik to fill Kelly’s spot center stage.
While Lou Clark’s multi-talented son, Louis Clark Jr., worked with ELO Part II in the 90s, he became a permanent band member with THE ORCHESTRA in 2011. The father and son team lived the dream of performing together onstage around the world until 2021 when Louis Clark Sr. passed away. Louis Jr. now carries on in his late father’s role as orchestral keyboardist and symphonic conductor, along with the occasional romp on cello and guitar.
These days multi-instrumentalist Cliff Hillis joins the band on select shows and brings an extra layer of vocals, guitar, and sometimes bass to THE ORCHESTRA’s dynamic sound.
In 2024, the documentary No Rewind: The Orchestra Starring ELO Former Members was released, providing rare behind-the-scenes band footage, stories of life on the road, and performances of each song from the album No Rewind. Edited together in a music video style, the film is a fast-moving reveal of how this iconic band has earned its place in rock and roll history.
Over the years the members of THE ORCHESTRA have played ELO’s greatest hits to millions of fans in over fifty countries.
An Evening with Celtic Thunder
Neil Byrne
Neil Byrne’s passion for music ignited at a young age, when he discovered the magic of rhythm by using suitcases as makeshift drums. However, it was a pivotal moment at the age of six that sealed his destiny in the world of music. Witnessing his father’s three-piece band perform at a wedding left an indelible impression on him. Neil vividly recalls the experience, noting that while he may not have fully grasped the intricacies of the music, he instinctively recognized its profound beauty.
Soon after, Neil embarked on his professional music journey by joining his father’s band. His musical horizons continued to expand as he delved into jazz, and he eventually ventured into forming a retro funk band called Hipple Street.
Neil’s association with Celtic Thunder began when he was approached to record backing vocals for the first Celtic Thunder DVD in 2007. Over time, he transitioned from backing vocals to lead guitar and, in 2011, assumed one of the lead vocalist roles in the show. His tenure with Celtic Thunder has seen him extensively tour the United States, Canada, and Australia with the ensemble. Additionally, Neil has been a part of all Celtic Thunder Cruises held in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2022 and 2023.
Emmet Cahill
Emmet Cahill originates from Mullingar, situated in County Westmeath, Ireland. His early musical journey began in Mullingar, where he attended high school on a music scholarship. During this time, he expanded his musical skills by delving into piano, organ, violin, and vocal training. His dedication to music led him to graduate from the renowned Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he earned a university degree in Music Performance.
Emmet’s exceptional talents and commitment to music earned him prestigious accolades. Notably, he was honored with The John McCormack Bursary, recognizing him as the most Promising Young Tenor. He also earned the distinction of being named the most promising young singer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and achieved multiple prizes at the National Feis Ceoil singing competition. These achievements brought him to the attention of Celtic Thunder Producer Sharon Browne, marking the beginning of Emmet’s journey with Celtic Thunder during their Heritage tour in 2011.
Damian McGinty
Damian McGinty is a multi-genre singer/songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland, who now calls Nashville his home. He currently splits his time as an independent solo artist and a principal performer for Celtic Thunder, sprinkled in with occasional acting jobs and other pursuits.
Over the years Damian’s career has taken him around the world on nearly two dozen tours through the United States, Canada, Australia and more, including nine tours with Celtic Thunder and five self-managed solo tours. He is a featured performer in eight Celtic Thunder PBS specials, a highlighted performer in two additional PBS specials, and appears on eight Celtic Thunder DVDs and a dozen Celtic Thunder CDs.
Ronan Scolard
Ronan Scolard hails from Dublin, Ireland, where he has made a name for himself as both a composer and a vocalist. He pursued his passion for music at Trinity College Dublin, initially focusing on Classical Music. Subsequently, he expanded his academic horizons, earning a postgraduate degree in Music Technology and a master’s degree in composition.
Ronan’s musical journey has taken him across the globe as an arranger and touring artist. He has lent his talents to various renowned groups and artists, including Adele, Celtic Woman, Riverdance, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with notable performers like Mark Feehily, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Wallis Bird, and Mairéad Carlin, among others. Ronan’s performances have graced diverse venues such as the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Ellen DeGeneres TV Show, Carnegie Hall, and the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
A Glimpse into New Jersey’s Latest Headlines
New Jersey, a state brimming with dynamic communities and persistent innovation, is constantly in motion. Recent weeks have brought a tapestry of stories, from deeply concerning local incidents to significant statewide policy shifts, all contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of the Garden State. Keeping abreast of these developments offers a crucial window into the pulse of our vibrant home.
Local Frontlines: Tragedies, Resilience, and Everyday Life
Sadly, some of the most impactful stories emerge from our very own neighborhoods. A devastating incident in Lakewood recently shook the community, where a head-on collision, reportedly caused by an impaired driver, tragically claimed two lives, including that of a young girl. In Camden County, a distressing case saw a mother charged following the fatal ingestion of methadone by her toddler, underscoring profound community safety concerns.
Nature’s forces have also left their mark, with severe rain leading to flash floods across parts of New Jersey and neighboring Pennsylvania, disrupting daily life and highlighting the importance of preparedness. Adding to the list of ongoing investigations, an incident involving a possible car explosion in Delran Township is currently under scrutiny.
The search continues for a missing woman last seen at a wildlife refuge, a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of individuals in our expansive landscapes. Heartbreakingly, a highway worker lost their life on the job, emphasizing the dangers faced by those maintaining our infrastructure. A tragic drowning claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy in a New Jersey lake, a somber reminder of summer safety.
In a remarkable turn of events, a fugitive wanted for a deadly parkway crash was finally apprehended at JFK International Airport after 15 long years, bringing a measure of closure to a long-standing case. Meanwhile, a Holmdel man has pleaded guilty in connection with a sprawling nationwide catalytic converter theft ring, shining a light on organized crime impacting our communities.
Fires, too, have left their scars. A lightning strike is suspected to be the cause of a house fire in Plainfield, while a fatal blaze in Fanwood saw a courageous neighbor sustain burns while attempting a rescue. In a more administrative vein, some New Jersey towns are embracing modern solutions, deploying cameras on poles to enhance parking enforcement. And in a lighter, yet widely discussed, moment, a New Jersey Little Leaguer was thankfully allowed to play after a judge intervened to lift his suspension over a “bat flip” celebration.
Our transportation arteries have not been immune to challenges. Storm damage has led to delays and cancellations for NJ Transit services, impacting countless commuters. Switch problems at the Hoboken PATH station have also caused disruptions, with repair efforts underway to restore smooth travel. In West Orange, an NJ Transit bus crashed into a storefront, displacing residents and highlighting the unpredictable nature of urban incidents. Even the justice system is under the microscope, with calls being made for an officer to stand trial in a deadly shooting incident involving a woman in New Jersey. On a positive note for community safety, Paterson has introduced an innovative system in its parks designed to alert residents to extreme weather conditions, a proactive step towards public well-being.
Statewide Shifts: Policy, Public Health, and Progress
Beyond the local headlines, New Jersey is navigating a variety of significant statewide developments. The state is poised to see a substantial boost in revenue with the implementation of new tax hikes, expected to generate an additional $600 million for state coffers.
In a vital win for public health, a free cancer screening service across New Jersey was successfully shielded from drastic budget cuts, ensuring continued access to crucial early detection and preventative care for thousands. Furthermore, the latest round of property-tax relief payments is beginning to be issued, offering tangible financial support to homeowners across the state.
The New Jersey Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling, affirming that hospitals must uphold their commitment to charity care, ensuring that essential medical services remain accessible to those unable to pay. The ongoing debate surrounding Governor Murphy’s proposed parole reform continues, with discussions stalled as the state grapples with balancing rehabilitation efforts against public safety concerns.
A recent development impacting vulnerable populations involves the barring of undocumented families from Head Start programs, a federal policy change with significant implications for early childhood education in New Jersey. Looking towards modern convenience, New Jersey is actively preparing to issue digital driver’s licenses and identification cards, a step into the future of personal identification.
On the consumer front, a nationwide recall has been issued for a specific deodorant brand sold at major retailers including Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Amazon. In a unique legislative move, New Jersey is set to embrace human composting, offering an environmentally conscious alternative for end-of-life choices. The animal welfare community is also seeing a significant development, with two Hunterdon County animal shelters merging to form a major animal welfare organization, promising enhanced care and resources for animals in need.
As the season progresses, New Jersey is also diligently bracing for a potentially active hurricane season, emphasizing preparedness and safety measures for coastal and low-lying areas. And in a more politically charged development, the Department of Justice recently made headlines for firing the US Attorney for New Jersey, following a complex series of events that saw a federal judicial decision choose an alternative candidate over Alina Habba.
These diverse stories, from individual tragedies and community initiatives to sweeping legislative changes and natural phenomena, paint a vivid picture of New Jersey’s dynamic landscape. To stay continuously informed about the breaking stories and important developments shaping our state, always check our dedicated New Jersey News section.
The Waterboys
The Waterboys have been led by Scottish singer and guitarist Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through many line-ups, winning a fearsome concert reputation along the way. Indisputably one of the best live bands in the world, the 2025 group features double keyboard players Brother Paul from Memphis and James Hallawell from Cornwall, and is grounded by killer Irish rhythm section Aongus Ralston (bass) and Eamon Ferris (drums). They reconfigure music from all stages of the band’s career, from the early “big music” of The Whole Of The Moon and classic album This Is The Sea through the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era and the run of in-form records that have poured out since 2015’s Nashville-recorded Modern Blues, taking in soul, funk, country-rock and any other kind of music they care to play – and always rooted in Scott’s songwriting mastery and a sense of exploration. Waterboys songs feature in the current or recent live sets of The War On Drugs, Bleachers, U2, The Killers, Tom Jones and many other acts but no one plays Waterboys quite like The Waterboys themselves. This year the band is touring their audacious new album on Sun records, Life, Death And Dennis Hopper, a brilliant concept record which tells the story of the maverick American actor and trailblazer. Audiences can expect Waterboys classics, new directions, drama, improvisation and musical fireworks.
Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
Join us for an historic night as INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson brings an amazing birthday tribute concert to Red Bank!
This year’s milestone show promises even more surprises, thrills, and electrifying moments that will leave audiences breathless. What began as a tribute has become an annual tradition – a must-see spectacular for fans from around the world.
Step into the dazzling legacy of Michael Jackson as INVINCIBLE delivers the ultimate birthday bash with stunning performances, cutting-edge visuals, and the world-class choreography of MJ’s legendary collaborator, Lavelle Smith Jr.
From the timeless hits to unforgettable dance numbers, this tribute recreates the magic that made MJ a global icon – featuring a cast of top-tier tribute performers, live vocals, and jaw-dropping stagecraft.
Produced and directed by Darrin Ross of RossLive Entertainment, INVINCIBLE continues to raise the bar every year. The 2025 edition will feature some brand new numbers, and an enhanced experience fit for a true legend’s birthday.
INVINCIBLE is the only MJ tribute show personally endorsed by Jackson family patriarch , Joe Jackson himself.
Secure your tickets now, get dressed up in your best MJ regalia and be a part of history at the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. Celebrate the genius, the passion, and the music of Michael Jackson with an unforgettable evening that captures the spirit and essence of seeing him live again onstage like no other!
There will be a 20–25 minute intermission during the performance.
A Larry Akles Presentation and a RossLive Entertainment Production.
The Michael Jackson Estate is not affiliated with, associated with, connected to, endorsed, or sponsored by INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson.
98 Degrees
98 Degrees is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, multi-award winning, and nominated vocal group comprised of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre. The group has sold over 15 million albums worldwide with 4 Top 5 Billboard charting singles, including mega-hits such as “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do, Cherish You,” “Because of You,” and the number one hit single featuring Mariah Carey called, “Thank God I Found You.” 98 Degrees’ albums have reached gold or platinum status in more than 60 countries worldwide. Their first Christmas album, “98 Degrees This Christmas,” has sold over two million copies and is widely recognized as one of the most successful holiday albums ever.
Anthony Rodia
A first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, New York, Anthony Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20’s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years Anthony has gained a massive fan base online and around the country.
In a very short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a social media rant.
With the onset of quarantine, Anthony made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “ROAD RAGE WEDNESDAY” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not).
In 2021, Anthony launched Rodia Wines, which include a Zia Lucia’s White Blend and Uncle Vinny’s Red Blend that both pair perfectly with any of your favorite Italian dishes. Rodia Wines will soon be available in local retail stores and is currently available online at https://rodiawines.myshopify.com/.
Rodia also host the weekly podcast, Little Bit of Laughs on Podcast One. Get to know the comedian behind your favorite viral videos and stand-up comedy alongside his co-host and radio legend Goumba Johnny. Join Anthony and Goumba as they get into hot topics, rants, pranks, and listener’s questions and stories.
Anthony has appeared on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, FOX’s Good Day New York, and Elizabeth & Elisa on News 12, he quietly claimed the throne of “KING OF OFF THE BOAT COMEDY.”
Rodia is currently selling out comedy clubs and theaters across the country on his Laugh Till It Hurts Tour. For more info go to: www.Rodiacomedy.com.
VIP Includes
Post show meet & greet
Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour
Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian. He co-created, writes, directs, and stars in the Netflix original series MASTER OF NONE for which he has won two Emmy’s for Outstanding Comedy Writing as well as Emmy and DGA Award nominations for his directing. In October of 2025, he will release the film GOOD FORTUNE which he wrote, directed, and costars with Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. He is also known for co-starring in NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION and for being one of the few headlining comedians ever to sell out Madison Square Garden. In 2019, he released his 5th standup for Netflix entitled RIGHT NOW directed by Spike Jonze to critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. His latest special NIGHTCLUB COMEDIAN is now streaming on Netflix.
Elon Gold
Elon Gold is a comedian, actor, and writer, whose one hour Netflix stand-up special, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. He has made ten appearances on the “Tonight Show” and recently performed on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe.
He has starred in FOX’s “Stacked” and developed and starred in the NBC series, “In-Laws.” Prior guest star credits include “Crashing,” “Frasier,” “Chappelle’s Show,” and “Chelsea Lately”, among others. He was also a writer/performer on ABC’s “The Dana Carvey Show.” Most recently, Elon can be seen in a recurring role on Season 11 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be in the upcoming Kal Penn feature, “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.”
He has also just wrapped filming the titular role in the upcoming feature “The Badchan,” from renowned Israeli director Gidi Dar. Elon has a new 30 minute stand-up special, “Sets in the City; Elon Gold’s Favorite People” available on YouTube and is on a theater tour readying his next comedy special. In December, he sold out the prestigious Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY.
Disney’s High School Musical
Book by David Simpatico
Songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham and Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen and Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd and Adam Watts; Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence and Faye Greenberg; Jamie Houston
Music Adapted, Arranged and Produced by Bryan Louiselle
Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie Written by Peter Barsocchini
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com
Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Original Music and Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan
MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com
Twin Peaks: A Conversation with the Stars
In a USA first, stars of TWIN PEAKS, Ray Wise, Dana Ashbrook, Harry Goaz, Kimmy Robertson, and the Executive Producer of Twin Peaks: The Return, Sabrina S. Sutherland, will tour in 2025 for an exclusive and unique evening of CONVERSATION WITH THE STARS.
TWIN PEAKS is the American drama television series created by Mark Frost and David Lynch that premiered in 1990 and returned in 2017 as TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN with many of the original cast members. The series gained a cult following and has often been listed among the greatest television series of all time.
Presented under license from Paramount Consumer Products, these shows will be a celebration for fans of this iconic television series, affording fans the opportunity to witness and participate in:
First-hand recollections of amazing in front of camera and behind the scenes moments.
Photo with Conversation With The Stars cast members (VIP ticket holders only)
Autographs from the Conversation With The Stars cast members (separate purchase)
RAY WISE played Laura Palmer’s father, Leland, in all series of Twin Peaks, and the feature length film, Fire Walk With Me. Ray’s other film and television credits include being an Emmy Award winning actor for The Young and The Restless, Bob Roberts, RoboCop, 24, Good Night, and Good Luck, and Fresh Off The Boat.
DANA ASHBROOK played Twin Peaks heartthrob bad boy turned deputy Bobby Briggs in all series of Twin Peaks, and the feature length film, Fire Walk With Me. Dana has many film and television credits including Dawson’s Creek, The Outer Limits, Crash, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Charmed.
KIMMY ROBERTSON is best known for her role as Lucy Moran in Twin Peaks. She has also been a voice in many animated movies including Beauty and the Beast and television series including The Simpsons, Gravedale High and Batman: The Animated Series.
HARRY GOAZ played Deputy Andy Brennan in all series of Twin Peaks, and Fire Walk With Me. Harry has also appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s The Underneath, and Eerie, Indiana.
SABRINA S. SUTHERLAND appeared as floor attendant Jackie in Parts 3 and 4 of Twin Peaks: The Return, and served as Production Coordinator on Season 2 of Twin Peaks, and Executive Producer for both Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces, and Twin Peaks: The Return. Sabrina was Associate Producer on David Lynch’s Inland Empire, Production Supervisor on Lost Highway and Producer of David Lynch: The Art Life.
VIP Packages
DIAMOND VIP includes: Post show 30 minute “cocktail party” Meet and Greet with the event cast of Twin Peaks
Photo opportunity with the full event cast of Twin Peaks on patron’s own phone/camera
Opportunity to take selfies with the cast of Twin Peaks event on patron’s own phone/camera
Commemorative Twin Peaks “Conversation With The Stars” Tour VIP Laminate
Priority access to the venue
*Will take place after the show
PLATINUM VIP includes:
Photo opportunity with the full event cast of Twin Peaks on patron’s own phone/camera
Exclusive poster pre-signed by each member of the Twin Peaks event cast
Commemorative Twin Peaks “Conversation With The Stars” Tour VIP Laminate
Priority access to the venue
*Will take place before the show
Click here to purchase Diamond & Platinum VIP add-ons
Colin Jost
Colin Jost is a writer, performer and author best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Jost starting writing for “SNL” in 2005 and has been the co-anchor of the show’s “Weekend Update” since 2014.
Jost has won five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and has been nominated for 15 Emmy Awards for his writing on “SNL.” Jost and Michael Che have hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions as well as the primetime “Weekend Update Summer Edition” in 2017. The duo also co-hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018 and in 2024 executive produced and co-hosted Peacock’s first-ever live comedy event, “Colin Jost and Michael Che Present: New York After Dark,” which featured an evening of surprise drop-in performances from stand-up comedians.
In 2015, Jost wrote “Staten Island Summer,” a coming-of-age comedy that was released by Paramount Pictures. In 2016, he had a supporting role in the Warner Bros. film “How to Be Single.” Jost can be seen in the Paramount film “Coming 2 America.” He also starred in the Warner Bros. live-action animation film “Tom and Jerry.”
As a writer, Jost has been published multiple times in the New Yorker and has contributed to the New York Times Magazine and the Huffington Post, among others.
In 2020, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face.” A New York Times bestseller, the memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more.
In 2024, Jost served as a correspondent from Tahiti for NBC Sports for the surfing competition at the summer Olympic Games. He also received strong reviews as the featured entertainer of the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner.
He will soon debut as the host of “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” for Amazon Prime Video.
Jost is from Staten Island, and his birthday is June 29.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde: The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Though she appears to have it all, her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her while attending Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school, where she struggles with peers, professors — and her ex. But with the support of new friends, Elle realizes her potential and proves herself to the world. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs like “OMG,” “You Guys,” “So Much Better” and “Bend and Snap,” this musical is so much fun… it should be illegal!
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Assembled under the expert eye of director / lyricist, Richard Maltby, Jr., Ain’t Misbehavin’ is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time and winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical. The inimitable Thomas “Fats” Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and that jumpin’ new beat, swing music. Although not quite a biography, Ain’t Misbehavin’ evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs that he made famous, in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages around the world. The intoxicating music of Fats Waller will delight and energize audiences as well as provide great insight into a vibrant time in American history and music.
Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations
Matthew Morrison, known for his standout role as Will Schuester on “Glee,” is a dynamic performer whose charisma and versatility have captivated audiences for years. With a background in musical theater, Morrison effortlessly blends his impressive vocal talents with a strong acting presence, bringing depth and charm to his performances. Here’s a description of Matthew’s brand new show “Rhythms & Revelations” in his own words:
Step into a world where music and dance become more than just entertainment—they
become a journey into the heart of what makes us human.
Welcome to Rhythms & Revelations— a car wash for your soul.
In this show, I’m not just here to perform; I’m here to spark something within you. I want
you to leave with a sense of inquiry, curiosity, and wonder about your own life. Many
concerts entertain, but I invite you to take a closer look inside. To see the beating heart of
music and dance, not just as art forms but as reflections of our deepest selves. This show
comes from my heart—it’s a piece of my soul laid bare. I’m stepping outside of all the
characters I’ve played, shedding every mask, and diving deep into my authenticity and
vulnerability.
In Rhythms & Revelations, I’m fully alive, and I want you to feel that aliveness too. Join
me on this journey, and let’s explore the depths within us all.
– MM
Bell Bottom Blues: Clapton Tribute Band
The Bell Bottom Blues is a professional tribute to one of the greatest guitar players and rock icons of our time, Eric Clapton. It is a show band in the true sense of the word which performs in theaters, casinos, outdoor concerts and other top venues throughout the country. The band has recreated Clapton’s incredible stage presence and awe inspiring performances from The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos and a incredible solo career that spanned decades. Playing all his hits as well as some deep cuts, Al Caprara has recreated Clapton’s guitar stylings and more importantly his voice, making the audience truly feel that they are at a live Clapton Concert. Its a high energy show with both electric and acoustic sets. This is not just a tribute, It’s a true Eric Clapton Experience.
Joe Matarese: It’s in the Wooder Tour
Comedian Joe Matarese grew up in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area and his comedy has a very strong connection to where he comes from. Joe’s connection is so connected to that area these days that he titled his current comedy tour It’s In The Wooder. People from the area know what that means, and if you don’t pronounce the word water, wooder you’ll still find Joe’s comedy funny. The main reason for that is because he’s so likable on stage, and he covers tons of subjects for all ages to enjoy. Joe’s many standup comedy TV appearances include The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (his own 1/2 Hour Special), and he was a regular on Chelsea Lately. Joe was also featured on America’s Got Talent on NBC, where he received a standing ovation from all four celebrity judges. Joe has also been a guest on popular radio shows and podcasts including The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Adam Corolla Show, Preston & Steve on WMMR in Philadelphia, and 94.1 WIP in Philadelphia.
Joe has 4 One Hour Comedy Specials to his name, Medicated, The Poster’s Wrong, Mullets and Mixtapes, and Almost Sold Out. They are now all available to watch for free on Joe’s YouTube channel. Don’t miss Joe live at one of his upcoming shows. His act is always changing along with his life!








