The Grammy people (NARAS) has named one of our own, Jon Bon Jovi, as the 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The gala event—with artists interpreting his songs—takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 2 before the February 4 Grammys.

With the release of Marco Benevento’s ‘Barn Burner: Live At Levon’s’ (on the Royal Potato Family label), the Livingston-born singer-songwriter-keyboardist takes a giant career leap forward. The album won’t be available until March 29 but you can taste some here.

He stands 7’1 and weighs 325 pounds. Born in Newark 51 years ago, he’s known as Diesel and he’ll be headlining the second night of Tahoe Live on December 16 at Palisades Tahoe, located near Lake Tahoe in California. Long known as one of America’s premier ski resorts, the backdrop to this event is the perfect complement to what promises to be a psychedelic-electronic dance party for the ages.

Metal fans of Descendents, Dropkick Murphys, Cannibal Corpse, Bad Religion, The Misfits and others can now buy their pup heavy metal collars (or you might want to get one for yourself).

American treasure Bettye LaVette, who resides in Essex County, has been nominated for the seventh time in her illustrious career for a Grammy Award in honor of her current ‘LaVette!’ masterpiece.

In its 22-year fight against Parkinson’s Disease and related illnesses, the Light of Day Foundation has raised money and awareness into funding research for possible cures, plus improved treatments and support for patients and their families. From its inaugural benefit show in Asbury Park to 70+ shows in 13 countries, almost six million dollars has been raised thus far.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation’s annual “Stand Up For Heroes” benefit usually features Bruce Springsteen but this year, he was to be in Canada with the E Street crew until an ulcer forced him off the road. Yet there he was, on November 6, at David Geffen Hall within Lincoln Center in New York City, onstage solo for acoustic versions of “Dancing In The Dark,” “Working On The Highway,” “The Power Of Prayer” and “Addicted To Romance.”

How could you have a Marianne Faithfull tribute album without Tammy Faye Starlite? The Hoboken hottie, already with a Faithfull alt-cabaret show of her own, duets with Barry Reynolds on “The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan.” ‘The Faithful: A Tribute To Marianne Faithful’ (In The Q Records)—due December 8—is a 19-track 25-artist double-album with Tracy Bonham, Josie Cotton, Cat Power & Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson of Garbage with Peaches, Bush Tetras, Lydia Lunch and others covering songs Faithful recorded between 1964 and 2004.

Dennis P. Laverty—creator of such indie documentaries on Southside Johnny, Clarence Clemons and John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band—has finished a three-hour doc on Bobby Bandiera with concert footage, interviews, photo stills and clips from the ‘Aquarian Weekly’ and other regional newspapers

Bob Dylan’s “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour will have the 82-year old legend performing at NJ PAC downtown Newark November 20 and 21. If the set list for Chicago last month is any indication, expect plenty of surprises.

Tony Orlando was honored October 29 at NJ PAC in Newark with fellow inductees singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa (Deal) and producer-writer-director David Chase (The Sopranos) of Clifton and North Caldwell, in the entertainment category. New York Giant running back Tiki Barber (Florham Park) and WNBA all-star Sue Wicks, a Rutgers alum, were also inducted, in the sports category.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ‘The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle,’ Bruce Springsteen took to the podium at the Bruce Springsteen Archive & Center for American Music, housed within Monmouth University in West Long Branch, and looked back on the album. Read here what he said.

Jon Bon Jovi has joined a growing list of artists donating personal artifacts in support of Raven Drum Foundation’s third annual online “12 Drummers Drumming” charity auction. Co-Founded by Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen to benefit veterans, first-responders and trauma survivors, over $120,000 has been raised so far.

‘Mixy’ is the second effort of Paterson singer-songwriter Jalisa Rey (she’s since left her Passaic County home for the glitz of Los Angeles). The seven-tracks—produced by Pagani and JulesTheWulf—are filled with regret, lust and unfiltered emotion.

How many people know that today, Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea operate three non-profit restaurants with no prices on the menu. The JBJ Soul Kitchen Community Restaurants features a pay-what-you-can premise that has been helping people in Red Bank, Toms River and Newark for years.

‘Banded Together: The Boys From Glen Rock High’ is a documentary that came out last year. It keys in on Music Teacher Joe Sielski whose students went on to have long-lasting careers playing alongside Bruce, Donald Fagen, Al Kooper and others.

The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton will host the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market On December 9 and 10 this year with food trucks, hundreds of national vendors, celebrity guests, live music, tattoo artists, “Evil Holiday Portraits,” author signings and more amid a “Wreck The Halls” holiday shopping bonanza.

Expect more music, cinema, stand-up, panel discussions and art because the North To Shore Festival that happened this year for the first time in Asbury Park, Newark and Atlantic City was successful enough for a return engagement. June 10-16 in Asbury, June 17-23 in A.C. and June 24-30 in Newark are the 2024 dates.

Monmouth University in West Long Branch announced recently it would build a building to house its Springsteen Archives. The plan for the $45 million structure—not due until 2026—is to erect a 30,000-square foot space containing a 230-seat concert room, artifact exhibits, workshops, symposia, film screenings and lectures.

SUSS, Seawind Of Battery, Kendraplex, DJ Stepdad and The Royal Arctic Institute will share the White Eagle Hall stage 337 Newark Avenue, in Jersey City, for one night only on November 16 for the first annual Ambient Country Fall Festival.