Recorded in a Nashville church, “Christmas Isn’t Christmas” is the first new music from Bon Jovi since the release of the band’s 15th album ‘2020.’

The Weeklings will be leaving their Asbury Park home base to travel south as they were invited to participate in the “International Beatles On The Beach Classic Rock Festival” January 24-28 on Delray Beach, Florida.

‘Free To Be Naked’ (Goliath Publishing) is the new book by Brooklyn photographer Ellen Stagg, and she will be signing, smiling and posing for pictures with readers who buy the book at the Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park on Sunday December 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Trixter’s Steve Brown has been in the studio co-producing Ace Frehley’s ‘10,000 Volts’ with the ex-KISS guitarist (not due until February 23.) The title track single, which he co-wrote, is out now.

Last month, metal historian Eddie Trunk hosted “Bowl For Ronnie,” a celebrity bowling party to benefit the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout” cancer fund. It raised over $80 grand.

Livingston-born singer-songwriter-guitarist Marco Benevento can be heard on the new ‘Benefit Concert Volume #20,’ due December 8 from Evil Teen Records/Mascot Label Group.

“Xmas Eve On Venice Beach,” by Andy B.AND SoulFolk, is the latest from one of Central Jersey’s longest-lasting characters, Andy Bernstein, a.k.a. Andy B, a singer-songwriter-percussionist. He was, is, and likely will forever be, a member of Roots Rockers The VooDUDES. He labels his current sound "Garageband Americana," likening it to the summers he saw Levon & The Hawks (later The Band) down the shore.

Singer-Songwriter-Drummer-Guitarist-Pianist-Producer Rachel Ana Dobken, from Asbury Park, is having “Just A Dream,” the first single off her forthcoming ‘Acceptance’ album, co-produced with Paul Ritchie of The Parlor Mob and Erik Romero of The Front Bottoms.

The 43rd annual John Lennon Tribute concert will take place at Town Hall in New York City on December 2 with Graham Nash, Judy Collins, Rosanne Cash, Marc Cohn, Willie Nile and Lisa Fischer. But we’re most excited about Soul Goddess Bettye LaVette adding her royal presence to the festivities.

South Plainfield’s Jem Records has re-released ‘Under The Influence Of Christmas’ by The Grip Weeds with guests Jim Babjek and Pat Dinizio [1955-2017] of The Smithereens as guests. The 11 tracks have psychedelic flair amid sumptuous harmony.

Jessie Wagner asks that musical question, “Are You Scared” in her new single featuring Scott Martin. The back-up Disciple of Soul singer has also sung on stages with Lenny Kravitz, Chic and Duran Duran besides fronting her own Army of the Underdog.

Watch Stevie Van Zandt on ‘60 Minutes’ November 19, 2023

They called him Funky. George Brown started Kool & The Gang in 1964 Jersey City with brothers Ronald and Robert “Kool” Bell and neighborhood friends Spike Mickens, Dee Tee Thomas, Ricky Westfield and Charles Smith, as a jazz-pop-funk-soul collective. By the time of their 1969 self-titled debut album, they were opening shows for Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. Brown passed away November 16 in Los Angeles at the age of 74.

Bruce Springsteen has been nominated for a Grammy Award for the 51st time. (He’s won 20.) His album ‘Only The Strong Survive’ will compete as “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” against ‘Sondheim Unplugged (The NYC Sessions)’ by Various Artists, ‘Holidays Around The World’ by Pentatonix, ‘Bewitched’ by Lauley, ‘Pieces Of Treasure’ by Rickie Lee Jones and ‘To Steve With Love: Liz Calloway Celebrates Sondheim.’

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.