JOHNNY MULLENAX – Johnny Mullenax, a Tulsa native, grew up in a musical family. He started playing the guitar at age 5. In his teens, he followed his family to the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. In typical Johnny fashion, he showed up with just a guitar and ended up sleeping in a stand-up bass case. At 18, he used a friend’s ID to get into a club where he was part of a live hip hop band backing rappers. According to Johnny, “Life is too short to play one style of music, and if you have an opportunity to try something different then you should give it a shot.”
Claiming wide-ranging influences from AC/DC and The Ramones to John Coltrane and Parliament, Johnny calls his genre-bending sound a funky country bluegrass good time!
Before COVID, Johnny went out on the road with fellow Okie TJ McFarland (Tennessee Jet)and started connecting to a network of other touring musicians. He always wanted to start his own project, and after playing as a sideman for seven years with several bands, he finally took that leap.
GRIFFIN WILLIAM SHERRY – Griffin William Sherry, the Maine-born singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is known for his ability to craft stories that resonate deeply, whether they’re shared around a campfire or at a summer festival. After spending twelve years fronting The Ghost of Paul Revere, Griffin steps into the spotlight as a solo artist with his debut album, *Hundred Mile Wilderness*. His music, characterized by a powerful vocal delivery and no-frills instrumentation, delves into the joys and challenges of small-town life and the personal journey of self-discovery. Through songs filled with raw honesty and eloquent lyricism, Griffin continues to explore life’s big questions, inviting listeners to pause and appreciate the moment. Now, with a new chapter unfolding, he’s more determined than ever to tell his story in his own voice.
Johnny Mullenax, Griffen William Sherry
The Discoteks
Formed in 2014 by Odell M, former bassist of the legendary disco group *The Trammps*, The Discoteks bring the unforgettable energy of the 70s back to the stage with a bang. This dynamic 9-piece band delivers an electrifying performance that’s packed with high-energy grooves, explosive horns, harmonizing vocals, and crowd-engaging performers—ensuring the dance floor stays packed all night long.
The band’s members boast an impressive resume, having performed with iconic acts such as *The Trammps*, Wallstreet, Chubby Checker, Millie Jackson, Paul Anka, The Platters, Bobby Rydell, and Peggy Lee. With decades of experience in the music industry, they bring a level of musicianship and showmanship that elevates every performance to an unforgettable experience.
Paying tribute to the golden era of disco and Motown, The Discoteks perform all the classic hits that made the 70s a musical revolution. Dressed in eye-catching, sequin-filled attire, their stage presence is as dazzling as their sound—guaranteeing a night of non-stop fun, audience participation, and dancing. Whether you’re reliving the disco fever or discovering it for the first time, The Discoteks is the ultimate party band that keeps the spirit of the 70s alive and kicking!
Billy Hector’s Birthday Bash
Whether Billy Hector is teasing you with his sultry slide work, picking through delta blues or flat-out cranking it up and crunching out the electric blues/rock on his beloved vintage Fender Stratocaster, his music reflects the true soul and origins of the blues; always passionate, engaging and dedicated to making the audience move and sweat. Having honed his chops and style through three decades of performances, Hector is critically recognized as one of the hottest and most interesting guitarist/songwriters on the original circuit and has even been called “A New Jersey state treasure” by music writers.
Early in his career, Billy Hector identified himself as a deeply grounded and versatile player drawing his influences from important predecessors including T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Buchanan and a host of others across musical style and genre. But, as with all truly great musicians, recognizable influences are interesting only insofar as they provide a departure point for the musician’s spirit. It falls on the musician to shape his predecessor’s ideas into music that does not simply replicate but engagingly adds to the whole. Most can only aspire to this level of creation; Billy Hector generates it in spades, and it happens every night.
In the late 70s, Hector’s first stop was as the guitarist for The Shots, a horn-driven R&B group that took over the house band role from Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes at the renowned Stone Pony. He moved on as lead guitarist for Hot Romance, a band based at the infamous Mrs. Jay’s biker bar in Asbury Park that also began receiving New York City radio airplay for its original songs.
In the mid-80’s, drawn back to earlier musical roots, Billy Hector formed the five-piece blues/rock band The Fairlanes and, co-wrote and released three independent albums on the Blue Jersey label.
By early 1993, Hector regrouped as a power trio and renamed his band The Billy Hector Band. The band’s present lineup is guitars/lead vocals Billy Hector, drummer Sim Cain and bassist Tim Tindall. The Billy Hector Band also performs acoustic blues in multiple personnel configurations.
A prolific songwriter/composer, Billy Hector has fourteen albums to his credit, most on the independent Ghetto Surf label. And with over thirty-five years of performing under his belt, Billy Hector is recognized as one of the hottest guitarists and songwriters playing the original circuit and serves up what more than one reviewer has called “one of the best shows you’ll ever see.”
Cool Cool Cool
An Evening with COOL COOL COOL – Cool Cool Cool blends the best of Funk, House, and R&B to create a sound that is truly unique. With dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, swirling synths, and a rhythm section that lays down a wicked groove, this band knows how to deliver an electrifying performance. When you see Cool Cool Cool in person, you’ll be swept up by the energy of their music and unforgettable live show.
After spending more than a decade traveling the world together with the touring act Turkuaz, the members of Cool Cool Cool decided to team up and form their own band in 2022. Their shared experiences, from playing dive bars to international festival stages, helped them develop a close bond that goes far beyond music. In Cool Cool Cool, this bond translates into a powerful synergy that allows each band member to showcase their individual talents, creativity, and passion.
Cool Cool Cool toured the U.S. in 2024 both as a headlining act, as well as the supporting band for Talking Heads members Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew (David Bowie, King Crimson) on their “Remain In Light” tour.
Doc Holiday & Friends
The SOAP Gathering 2025 features many of the musicians who helped create the “Sounds of Asbury Park.” Doc Holiday began rocking Asbury in the ’60s with Jaywalkers and the great Johnny Shaw (RIP). At the age of 92, Doc is still a top Nashville producer and has asked his Asbury SOAP friends to join him for a special SOAP gathering at the Wonder Bar. Confirmed performers include Vini Lopez, Leon Trent, Nicky Addeo, Nikki Addeo, Stormin’ Norman Seldin, and Pam McCoy with The Wonderful Winos. Devin Michaels & Hell or Highwater, Stilletto & the Saxman, Pam McCoy, Jobonanno, and Meagan Solomon and many more! Proceeds from this Event support – Sunflowers for Soldiers.
Double Duran
Get ready to step back into the electrifying era of new wave pop with Double Duran, The Ultimate Duran Duran Experience. From the moment we hit the stage, we bring the iconic sound, energy, and style of the legendary British band that defined a generation. Relive the magic of chart-topping hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “Girls on Film” as we transport you to a time when music was wild, fashion was bold, and every beat made you want to dance.
Our mission is simple: to celebrate and recreate the powerful, synth-driven sounds and captivating visuals of Duran Duran’s greatest hits. With high-energy performances and attention to detail, Double Duran captures the essence of the original band – complete with the look, feel, and excitement that make every show unforgettable.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Duran Duran experience, come join us for a night of timeless hits and nostalgic fun. Let’s make memories together and keep the spirit of Duran Duran alive!
Adam Ezra Group
He takes a month out of each year to visit the living rooms of his fans around the country…His band and nonprofit organization RallySound host a free festival every summer that raised $151,000 for homeless veterans in 2024…He live-streamed for 500 nights in a row during the pandemic…They co-produced an album with 163 fans…
If you haven’t connected with Adam Ezra Group yet, these are just a few examples to help you understand how this underground, Americana songwriter and his bandmates seem to have popped out of nowhere, establishing a connection with their fans unlike any other, and are suddenly selling out theaters throughout the Northeast.
Adam Ezra will joke with you that while the “nowhere” part might be accurate, nothing has ever just “popped” for this folk musician, activist. Without resources, connections, or any kind of clue how the music world works, Ezra began playing shows over 20 years ago. When music venues wouldn’t hire him, he played bars, bookstores, fields, and parking lots, often raising money for causes he cared about; a practice that grew into his nonprofit organization RallySound.
“We’d play 5 hours a night,” Adam reminisces, “more often than not, in danger of outnumbering the audiences we were playing for…”
So how did this band operating so far outside the traditional music world come to win New England Music Award’s “Americana Act of the Year” in 2023? What could have happened to inspire John Oates to call Adam and invite him to begin a songwriting friendship that would lead to John producing their latest release and co-write, “Hold Each Other Now”? What happened to catch the attention of The Wallflowers, who recently invited AEG to join them on their spring tour, or SPIN Magazine who recently proclaimed, “This Independent Underground Folk Band Is Blowing Up Without Selling Out”?
If you ask Adam, he’ll tell you:
“One person at a time, over many years and thousands of shows, decided to turn their heads to listen. One person at a time decided to share our music with folks they care about. That’s always been our story. It’s no fairytale, but it sure makes me proud and humbled when I look out from the stage to watch theaters full of people singing along to our music.”
These days you’ll find Adam and his bandmates, Corinna Smith (Fiddle), Poche Ponce (Bass), and Alex Martin (Percussion), constantly out on the road. If you look at their tour schedule now, you can buy tickets to see them at festivals, rock venues, and theaters around the country, but you will also see their tour continuously peppered with activism and grassroots events; a testament to an artist who will never forget where he came from, and whose mission is about much more than music.
Shane Guerrette, Michael Wilbur
Land Rover Monmouth presents Asbury Jams
Shane Guerrette
Michael Wilbur
SHANE GUERRETTE – It’s the old way of doing things that inspires a new sound for upstate NY-based artist, Shane Guerrette. Drawing influence from classic soul and roots rock genres, Shane has only just begun to craft his own retro flavored sound. Having self-produced two albums since 2022, a considerable buzz amongst industry and fans alike has been built – leading to millions of streams, multiple tours and festival appearances. Since the start of 2023, Shane and his band have toured relentlessly, opening up for acts such as The Heavy Heavy, Neal Francis, The Sheepdogs, The Wood Brothers, Black Joe Lewis, & The Stone Foxes as well as playing at major festivals such as Rhythm and Roots, Winnetka, and Alternating Currents. With a new album due out later in 2025, you’re going to want to keep an eye on what’s next for this rising star.
MICHAEL WILBUR – Michael Wilbur is a highly acclaimed American multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and vocalist, celebrated for his virtuosity on the Bass and Tenor Saxophones. Born in Brockton, MA, and currently based in Western Massachusetts, Michael’s musical journey began at the New School in New York City, where he co-founded the groundbreaking band Moon Hooch. Known for their unique blend of jazz, dance music, and experimental hip-hop, Moon Hooch quickly gained fame for their electrifying performances on New York City subway platforms before achieving international acclaim. In addition to his work with Moon Hooch, Michael Wilbur is a co-founder of Thundersmack, bringing his innovative sound to new heights. His solo projects showcase a broad range of genres, defying traditional musical boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. Beyond his performance career, Michael is a dedicated vegan and environmental advocate, integrating his commitment to sustainability into his artistic endeavors. He also engages in educational initiatives, sharing his expertise through music lessons and speaking at events such as TEDx conferences.
Phillip-Michael Scales
Phillip-Michael Scales
Fifteen seconds into his latest album Good to Be Here, Phillip-Michael Scales sings, “Toes pointed toward the road / Hard times picking at my bones,” before launching into the anthemic chorus: “I couldn’t walk away if I tried / I’m gonna light up the sky.” The song sets a determined tone for the album, reflecting Scales’ journey as an artist.
In Chicago, Scales honed his craft, playing 308 gigs in 2018 and crediting the city with teaching him how to hustle. This drive carried him to Nashville, where he gained traction on the radio station; Lightning 100, released his debut album Sinner-Songwriter, toured Europe, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and opened national tours for Keb’ Mo’ and Caravan Palace. Grammy-nominated producer Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Allison Russell, and Bahamas) later joined forces with Scales to produce Good to Be Here.
Without a label or viral hit, Scales has built his career through relentless effort—long drives behind tour busses, self-management, and learning the business firsthand. His music channels the grit of Stax-era soul, cataloging the journey of building a dream brick by brick. Make no mistake there is an undercurrent of fun throughout whether he’s finding love in “Can’t Get Enough” or getting his swagger back in “Be My Own Man.” As Scales puts it: “I wouldn’t say that I’ve ‘arrived,’ but… it’s good to be here.”
Dramarama
DRAMARAMA
A DRAMARAMA WEEKEND, AUG. 9 & 10 AT THE WONDER BAR
TWO NIGHTS, TWO DIFFERENT SHOWS FEATURING TWO GREAT DRAMARAMA ALBUMS
On Saturday the band will play Color TV in its entirety and on Sunday night the band performs Stuck in Wonderamaland in its entirety plus both nights feature your fave Dramarama songs plus tracks from each one of their albums. This has never happened before and may never happen again!
Rooted in distorted grit, punk energy, and American songbook eloquence, and sporting three of the original “four-ish” members (“four-ish,” you ask? Well, they didn’t start out with a permanent drummer), Dramarama has always been both classic and cutting-edge. This iconic alternative rock group was formed in the basement of a record store in Wayne, New Jersey by John Easdale [singer, songwriter], Mark Englert [lead, rhythm guitar], Peter Wood [lead, rhythm guitar], and have, for the past 18-plus years, been joined by Mike Davis [bass] and Tony Snow [drums], who not only preserve but strengthen the spirit that established Dramarama as a history making force in 1982.
As the story goes, John, Peter and Mark traded New Jersey for Los Angeles. Long before the nineties alt rock radio boom, the West Coast initially embraced the group’s single, “Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You…)” (off their 1985 debut, Cinéma Vérité), as the de facto anthem of the nascent alternative nation. It notably made history as one of the most requested songs of all time on KROQ 106.7 FM in Los Angeles. It could also be heard loud and clear everywhere from A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master to HBO’s Entourage. And although Dramarama has yet to become a household name (still the next big thing), Easdale’s work has been cited as an influence on several major bands of the last three decades.
On the heels of Cinéma Vérité’s success the band delivered a decade of fan favorite albums: Box Office Bomb [1987], Stuck in Wonderamaland [1989], Vinyl [1991] and Hi-Fi Sci-Fi [1993], and after a 10-year hiatus served up Everybody Dies in 2005. As their legacy solidified, more critical praise followed. The Chicago Sun Times christened them “one of America’s best rock bands” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed Easdale “one of the finest singer/songwriters of these times.” And the praise continues as Dramarama’s latest release, Color TV, was named one of the Top 10 Albums of 2020 by legendary music journalist and critic Robert Christgau.
The band is having more fun than ever and exudes a confidence and ease that can only come through experience and mutual respect. As Easdale puts it, “Few things compare to that sense of uninhibitedness you feel during a great show — waving your fist, stomping your feet, singing out loud and not [caring] about anything but the music. I’m proud to say that this is the feeling experienced by both the band and audience at the vast majority of Dramarama live shows — fast, tight, loud, sweaty sing-a-longs. EVERY time we play, the audience’s pleasure is our primary concern.”
Dramarama
DRAMARAMA
A DRAMARAMA WEEKEND, AUG. 9 & 10 AT THE WONDER BAR
TWO NIGHTS, TWO DIFFERENT SHOWS FEATURING TWO GREAT DRAMARAMA ALBUMS
On Saturday the band will play Color TV in its entirety and on Sunday night the band performs Stuck in Wonderamaland in its entirety plus both nights feature your fave Dramarama songs plus tracks from each one of their albums. This has never happened before and may never happen again!
Rooted in distorted grit, punk energy, and American songbook eloquence, and sporting three of the original “four-ish” members (“four-ish,” you ask? Well, they didn’t start out with a permanent drummer), Dramarama has always been both classic and cutting-edge. This iconic alternative rock group was formed in the basement of a record store in Wayne, New Jersey by John Easdale [singer, songwriter], Mark Englert [lead, rhythm guitar], Peter Wood [lead, rhythm guitar], and have, for the past 18-plus years, been joined by Mike Davis [bass] and Tony Snow [drums], who not only preserve but strengthen the spirit that established Dramarama as a history making force in 1982.
As the story goes, John, Peter and Mark traded New Jersey for Los Angeles. Long before the nineties alt rock radio boom, the West Coast initially embraced the group’s single, “Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You…)” (off their 1985 debut, Cinéma Vérité), as the de facto anthem of the nascent alternative nation. It notably made history as one of the most requested songs of all time on KROQ 106.7 FM in Los Angeles. It could also be heard loud and clear everywhere from A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master to HBO’s Entourage. And although Dramarama has yet to become a household name (still the next big thing), Easdale’s work has been cited as an influence on several major bands of the last three decades.
On the heels of Cinéma Vérité’s success the band delivered a decade of fan favorite albums: Box Office Bomb [1987], Stuck in Wonderamaland [1989], Vinyl [1991] and Hi-Fi Sci-Fi [1993], and after a 10-year hiatus served up Everybody Dies in 2005. As their legacy solidified, more critical praise followed. The Chicago Sun Times christened them “one of America’s best rock bands” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed Easdale “one of the finest singer/songwriters of these times.” And the praise continues as Dramarama’s latest release, Color TV, was named one of the Top 10 Albums of 2020 by legendary music journalist and critic Robert Christgau.
The band is having more fun than ever and exudes a confidence and ease that can only come through experience and mutual respect. As Easdale puts it, “Few things compare to that sense of uninhibitedness you feel during a great show — waving your fist, stomping your feet, singing out loud and not [caring] about anything but the music. I’m proud to say that this is the feeling experienced by both the band and audience at the vast majority of Dramarama live shows — fast, tight, loud, sweaty sing-a-longs. EVERY time we play, the audience’s pleasure is our primary concern.”
Ray Andersen’s Bowie & Beyond
Formed & lead by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and ex-Meat Loaf band member, Ray Andersen in 2018. This exciting, sexy rock and roll show is a musical celebration of the music of David Bowie, as well as songs he either co-wrote and/or produced like Walk On The Wild Side/Lou Reed, All The Young Dudes/Mott The Hoople, Under Pressure by Queen plus some glam-rock gems from the 70’s like Fox On The Run by Sweet, Bang A Gong by T Rex, & more. Ray and his band pride themselves on doing note for note renditions of timeless Bowie classics!
Dig deep into your closets or peruse your local thrift shop, and join them in colorful, glam-rock 70s/80s-style clothes and make-up, and party to the music of the master musical chameleon…. “Let all the children boogie!”
Ray is joined by some of the area’s most talented & sought-after singers & musicians:
Reagan Richards – vocals (Williams Honor)
Layonne Holmes – vocals (Motor City Revue, Jon Bon Jovi’s Kings Of Suburbia)
Arne Wendt – keys, vocals, (Jon Bon Jovi’s Kings Of Suburbia)
Ralph Notaro – guitar, vocals (Taylor, Simon, King: A Celebration of American Troubadours)
Tommy Labella – sax, flute, harmonica (10,000 Maniacs)
Mike Doktorski – bass (various recording sessions/tours)
This show’s guest drummer will be Chris O’Hara
Sneezy, Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
SNEEZY – Best friends since 1st grade, sharing the groove one beat at a time. Sneezy brings the funk and soul from Chicago! Sneezy’s sound is the perfect culmination of all things good in music. It fuses the genres of pop, reggae, hip-hop, and rock, and it has a natural, summery sunshine feel to every track. Their neo-soul undertone provides a little something extra to their music and creates an infectious, addicting rhythm that you’ll be glad to have stuck in your head. Like James Brown, Sneezy turns in a killer show and leaves it all on the stage, every time. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Sneezy’s catchy, cascading rhythms spiral onwards, leading scores of carousing fans dancing & singing along with songs they know by heart. From frontman Brett O’Connor: “We’re always having fun on stage, and you really get our music when you see us live. Our mission is to create an ever-growing community through our music.”
KUF KNOTZ & CHRISTINE ELISE
Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) have brought their unique blend of hip-hop, soul and classical traditions to various communities. The unlikely pair connected and built a similar bond to creating positive, forward thinking music fusing boom bap era and lo-fi inspired beats supported by the harp. Their performance takes you on an era fusing, genre bending journey. And, you can dance to it. The duo has been featured on Sugar Shack Sessions & NPR Music.
Aidan Canfield
Aidan Canfield’s artistry infuses a unique combination of rock and country influences from the sounds that he grew up on – a little bit of Seger and Springsteen, a little bit of Kenny Chesney meets Zach Bryan. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies have struck a chord of relatability he’s witnessed on the road on support dates with artists such as Riley Green.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Aidan used the time to discover his passion for playing the guitar, and he started singing and writing songs. In two short years, he started growing a following on social media platforms and released his first single, “The Idea Of Me,” in April of 2022. Since then, Aidan has released six additional singles, an album and his music has nearly 3 million streams. Aidan’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies are what make his music relatable to his fans.
Featured in country music YouTuber and critic Grady Smith’s “Best Music Under the Radar of 2023,” Canfield’s growing popularity has also led to his first CMAFest performance on the Hard Rock Stage and a feature on the Tidal Wave Festival in Atlantic City.
David Pugh is a singer-songwriter based in College Station, Texas. He started making music at 20 with the release of his first single, With You Gone. After putting out two EPs, he took a step back from performing and releasing music to focus on writing and finding his sound.
Now, after a few quiet years, he’s gearing up to release his debut full-length album on June 6th. So far, he’s shared three singles from the project—Alone, Ready, and Down the Line—which reflect a more focused and refined take on his alternative folk style.
The new music leans into honest songwriting with a simple, polished sound—something that feels true to where he is now, both personally and musically.
Stolen Gin
Stolen Gin is a dance-funk quintet from New York City, known for their high-energy live act and avid improvisation – they never play songs the same way twice. Stolen Gin first came together playing college parties on NYC rooftops, and their goal then was the same as it is now: to make every gig feel like a party, and to keep people dancing.
Morrissey Blvd is a sibling trio from New Bedford, Massachusetts made up of Zan (vocals/guitar), Henri (bass/vocals), and Wilson (drums). Their sound blends soulful funk and the raw energy of rock, with influences ranging from Stevie Wonder and Jack Johnson to Mt. Joy and Marcus King. Known for heartfelt lyrics and high-energy live shows, their music dives into themes like heartbreak, growth, and learning to let go.
REPRISE: Recreating Iconic Phish Shows
REPRISE is a band that formed to *reprise* the Phish experience, is an all-star New England band. Cal Kehoe, longtime frontman for Pink Talking Fish, helms the enterprise on guitar. Adrian Tramontano (Twiddle, Kung Fu and The Breakfast) masters the drums. Scott Chasolen chairman’s the boards for the project, bringing years of experience as a founding member of Ulu and keyboardist of The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute. Multi-instrumentalist and composer Chris DeAngelis (The Machine, Kung Fu and The Breakfast) rounds out the foursome on bass. The time is near, the mission’s clear — get ready to blaze on with REPRISE!
PHANTOM PLANET
Formed in 1994, Phantom Planet is a Los Angeles band that has released five albums of melodic, energetic Alt Rock. Helping to define the early ’00s music landscape, they’re best known for writing anthemic hits like “California,” (theme of the TV series The O.C.) and their wildly exciting live shows with deep fan engagement. The band has entertained the masses through a combination of stellar musicianship & compelling song writing which now spans over 30 years.
After a hiatus in 2008, the band reunited in 2019, continuing to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature energy and melodic sensibilities. Phantom Planet is comprised of Alex Greenwald, Sam Farrar, Darren Robinson, and Andrew Parker. Phantom Planet is no longer missing; they are ready to reclaim their position in the music industry.
THE MOTET
Forming over two decades ago, the funk six-piece The Motet have learned to work as an interlocking unit, with each member bolstering one another towards the best creative output. This symbiosis has led to a unique style and cohesive musical chemistry, as seen in the band’s immaculate live performances and seamless blend of funk, soul, jazz, and rock. With a fervent fanbase in tow, The Motet have sold out shows across the nation, performed six headlining slots at Red Rocks and sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, Bumbershoot, Summer Camp, and High Sierra.
But even after their 20+ years of accolades and recognition, the legendary outfit composed of Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Drew Sayers (keys and saxophone), Ryan Jalbert (guitar) and singer Sarah Clarke are still exploring new sonic ideas and finding new ways to showcase each other’s skill sets.
The Improv Cafe’ Explores Blue Note’s Enduring Legacy: 85 Years of Jazz Excellence and a West Coast Expansion!
Welcome to The Improv Cafe’, where every single note you hear is a live one! Our radio station is your exclusive destination for the vibrant, spontaneous world of Live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz. We believe the true magic of this music unfolds in the moment, on stage, and that’s exactly what we deliver, every song, every time.
Tonight, we’re diving deep into the incredible universe of Blue Note Records and the Blue Note Jazz Club, as there’s a phenomenal amount of news radiating from this legendary institution. Get ready to be immersed in the rich history and exciting future of jazz, because Blue Note is celebrating its 85th Anniversary in truly grand style!
Blue Note’s 85th Anniversary: A Legacy in Full Swing
Eighty-five years is a remarkable milestone for any cultural institution, and Blue Note Records is marking this momentous occasion with a series of initiatives that pay homage to its storied past while embracing the future of jazz. This celebration includes:
- The Blue Note Quintet Tour: An all-star collective of current Blue Note recording artists, including Gerald Clayton, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Kendrick Scott, and Matt Brewer, has embarked on a tour across North America, bringing the label’s rich history to life on stages everywhere.
- Francis Wolff Collection Exhibitions: Dive into the iconic visual history of jazz with exhibitions featuring the Francis Wolff Collection. Francis Wolff, a co-founder and the legendary photographer for Blue Note Records, captured thousands of candid and intimate moments of jazz legends in recording studios and clubs. His photographs became synonymous with the label’s iconic album covers, visually defining an era of American music. These exhibitions offer a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the scenes.
- Return of the Blue Note Review Vinyl Boxset Series: For collectors and audiophiles, the acclaimed Blue Note Review vinyl boxset series is making a highly anticipated return. These meticulously curated sets offer exclusive new music, rare discoveries, and audiophile reissues, embodying the very essence of the Blue Note aesthetic.
- New Releases and Reissues: Blue Note continues its commitment to both honoring its catalog and championing new artists. Their renowned Tone Poet and Classic Vinyl Reissue series are bringing timeless masterpieces back into circulation with unparalleled sound quality. Recent announcements also include exciting new releases from contemporary artists like Linda Sikhakhane, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Meshell Ndegeocello, ensuring the label remains at the forefront of modern jazz.
- Lee Morgan Tribute Compilation: A special double LP vinyl compilation is being released, featuring current Blue Note artists paying tribute to the legendary trumpet icon Lee Morgan. This collection includes powerful reinterpretations of his music, along with a previously unreleased alternate take of his sextet performing “Morgan The Pirate” from his 1964 Search For The New Land sessions – a true gem for fans!
The Blue Note Jazz Club Expands to Los Angeles!
In truly exciting news for jazz lovers on the West Coast, the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club is opening a brand-new venue in Hollywood, Los Angeles, this August! This expansion marks a significant moment, bringing the world-renowned club’s intimate atmosphere and world-class programming to a new city.
The club is partnering with the celebrated artist Robert Glasper to curate events in Los Angeles, building on his wildly successful “Robtober” residency at the original Blue Note in New York. The opening season lineup for the LA venue is already brimming with incredible talent, featuring performances by Robert Glasper himself, along with Andra Day, Charlie Puth, Esperanza Spalding, Branford Marsalis, Kamasi Washington, Killer Mike, Ben Folds, and many more. This promises to be a vibrant new hub for jazz and related genres on the West Coast.
Other Notable Jazz News:
- Wayne Shorter Celebration: Blue Note has also released “Celebration, Volume 1,” a powerful live recording honoring the late, great saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, capturing his genius in performance.
- Remembering Al Foster: We pause to remember the immense talent of drummer Al Foster, known for his indispensable contributions to countless jazz legends, who sadly passed away in May. His legacy continues to resonate through his incredible live recordings.
- Blue Note Jazz Festival New York: The 14th annual Blue Note Jazz Festival New York has announced an electrifying lineup, featuring an eclectic mix of artists including the legendary Grace Jones, Janelle Monae, and Branford Marsalis, showcasing the festival’s commitment to diverse and groundbreaking talent.
Tonight’s Feature: Live at the Blue Note Radio Show!
As we celebrate these momentous happenings, don’t forget to tune into tonight’s Live at the Blue Note Radio Show! If you’re yearning for a night out that combines great music, delicious drinks, and a lively atmosphere, then the Blue Note clubs around the world are the perfect destination. Our show is dedicated to bringing that experience directly to you, playing only live music recorded from any of the World Famous Blue Note Clubs around the World. Whether from a released CD or a newly discovered live recording, every track you hear has been captured in the vibrant, intimate setting of a Blue Note stage.
With a diverse schedule of performances from an array of talented musicians, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your taste. So settle in, relax, and let the authentic sounds of live jazz from the heart of the Blue Note fill your evening.
Cider Celebration Alert! Burnt Mills Cider Takes Over Taps at Pompton Craft House
Get ready, cider enthusiasts of New Jersey! A fantastic event is brewing in Pompton Lakes that promises to delight your taste buds and showcase the incredible craft cider scene right here in our Garden State. Pompton Craft House is hosting its very first Cider Tap Takeover, featuring the bold and refreshing flavors of Burnt Mills Cider, an acclaimed cidery proudly crafted in New Jersey.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 24, 2025, because from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Pompton Craft House will transform into a cider lover’s paradise. This special event is a unique opportunity to experience a variety of ciders from Burnt Mills, which focuses on producing premium hard cider from orchard to tap. A “tap takeover” means that a significant number of the bar’s draft lines will be dedicated to a single cidery, allowing guests to explore a wide range of their offerings all in one place.
Burnt Mills Cider, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, has quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and meticulous crafting processes. They’re known for their small-batch, award-winning ciders that burst with fresh flavor and local pride. This event at Pompton Craft House offers a perfect chance to delve into their diverse portfolio.
Expect to find an exciting lineup of ciders pouring, including:
- Jersey Blue Cider: A delightful option bursting with local blueberry charm.
- Pear Cider: Crisp, clean, and incredibly refreshing for a summer day.
- General George Cider: A classic, balanced cider with a nod to revolutionary spirit.
- Piña Colada Cider: Bringing tropical vibes and a vacation feel to every sip.
- Pineapple Cider: Sweet, tart, and perfectly ready for the warmer weather.
Whether you’re a seasoned cider aficionado eager to explore new variations or simply “cider-curious” and looking to discover a new favorite, this tap takeover promises an engaging experience. It’s a fantastic way to support local New Jersey businesses and savor the distinct flavors that come from homegrown craftsmanship.
Pompton Craft House, known for its wide selection of craft beverages, is the ideal venue for such an event. They consistently bring exciting and unique offerings to their patrons, making them a go-to spot for those looking to explore the best in New Jersey’s brewing and cidermaking scene.
So gather your friends, head to Pompton Lakes, and prepare for an evening celebrating the delicious world of New Jersey-made cider. It’s an excellent chance to chat with fellow enthusiasts, learn more about the cidermaking process, and, of course, enjoy some truly exceptional beverages.
For more details on this event and to discover other fantastic local breweries and cideries across New Jersey, be sure to visit Explore New Jersey Beer & Breweries. Don’t miss out on this flavorful opportunity!
Guiding the Green Frontier: Jessica Ferranti Launches The Mycelia Group for Cannabis, Psychedelics, and Tech in New Jersey
New Jersey’s burgeoning cannabis market, alongside the rapidly evolving psychedelics and technology sectors, demands experienced and adaptable leadership. Stepping into this dynamic landscape, Jessica Ferranti, a recognized leader with a diverse background, has just launched The Mycelia Group, a groundbreaking firm dedicated to providing fractional executive leadership for businesses navigating these innovative industries.
Ferranti’s impressive track record speaks volumes, showcasing multi-vertical leadership across a range of complex fields including tech, equipment manufacturing, product manufacturing, finance, and media, in addition to her deep expertise in cannabis. This extensive experience positions her and The Mycelia Group as a powerful resource for companies seeking high-level guidance without the full-time commitment and overhead of traditional executive hires.
So, what exactly is “fractional executive leadership”? In essence, it means bringing in a seasoned professional, often at the C-suite level (like a Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Technology Officer), to provide strategic direction and hands-on expertise on a part-time or project-specific basis. This model offers incredible flexibility and cost-efficiency for businesses, particularly those in rapidly growing or highly regulated sectors like cannabis and emerging psychedelics, where market dynamics can shift quickly. Instead of committing to a permanent, full-time executive salary and benefits, companies can tap into top-tier talent precisely when and where they need it most.
The Mycelia Group, inspired by the intricate, interconnected network of underground fungi known as mycelium, aims to help businesses strengthen their internal infrastructure for sustainable growth. Ferranti’s approach focuses on building scalable systems, enhancing training programs, improving operational efficiency, and driving revenue growth. For a new or expanding business in the cannabis and psychedelics space in New Jersey, having access to such specialized leadership can be a game-changer, helping them navigate regulatory complexities, optimize market entry strategies, and build robust operations from the ground up.
New Jersey’s cannabis market, in particular, has seen rapid expansion since the launch of adult-use sales. With growing consumer demand and an increasing number of licensed dispensaries across the state, the need for sophisticated business strategies and operational excellence is paramount. The Mycelia Group’s services, especially fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) engagements, can prove invaluable in helping these businesses not only secure their place in the market but also scale smartly and sustainably.
This innovative approach to executive leadership is particularly relevant in New Jersey, where both the cannabis and a potential future psychedelics industry are still maturing and face unique challenges and opportunities. Having access to experienced leadership that understands both the intricacies of these markets and the broader business landscape can significantly contribute to the success and responsible growth of these vital sectors.
The launch of The Mycelia Group highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and specialized expertise thriving within New Jersey’s business ecosystem. As new industries take root and existing ones evolve, flexible and impactful leadership solutions like those offered by Jessica Ferranti’s new venture will be key to unlocking their full potential.
For more information on the evolving landscape of cannabis, dispensaries, and related industries in New Jersey, be sure to explore Explore New Jersey Dispensary.
