Joined by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird, the core Cowboy quartet returns to Monmouth for a retrospective of their three decades playing (and listening to) all manifestations of popular music. Expect an evening that runs the gamut from the folky intimacy of the band’s earliest efforts, to an always surprising selection of covers — although simply delivering “the expected” has never been part of the Cowboy Junkies playbook.
Tickets on sale Friday July 17 at 10 AM. The Weeklings
With A Little Help From Our Friends
After performing on Broadway as a member of both Beatlemania & Rain, Glen Burtnik and bandmates Bob Burger, John Merjave & Dave Anthony have created a new theater production. The evening promises to be a night of all things Beatles & beyond. The Weeklings will be joined by their friends The Barefoot Strings, Maxximum Horns with a special appearance by Max Weinberg. Together, they will perform the best and greatest songs of The Beatles, as well as The Weeklings performing their own Beatle-inspired songs.
New Jersey’s favorite entertainers take the stage to share the music of Van Morrison with their friends. Legendary front man Rob Paparozzi (Original Blues Brothers Band, Blood Sweat ‘n Tears) and Master Song Stylist Pat Guadagno (BobFest, The Candle
Brothers) will lead an all-star band on a musical journey through the lifework of one of
the most influential and unusual artists of our time. Last year’s capacity crowd was mesmerized by an eclectic selection of Morrison’s mystical compositions, performed by an ensemble of Jersey musical nobility that included Pam McCoy, Steven Delopoulos (Burlap to Cashmere) Irish Tenor Steve Reilly, Michael Ghegan (Michael Jackson Cirque de Soleil), John Korba, (Hall & Oates, Phoebe Snow, Roseanne Cash) Tom Labella, Joe Bellia & Jillian Reyes McCoy (Jon Bon Jovi’s Kings of Suburbia). The memorable evening was highlighted by a surprise visit from ‘the worlds most recorded drummer’ Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. The whole crew is back for a transcendental evening of genre defying music presented by Charles Moran and Christopher Neary to benefit Autism Speaks on what is sure to be A Marvelous Night ….You will be healed!
Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell have been singing together for 25 years. And they’ve talked about making a record together for just as long. In summer 2014 an extraordinarily successful Kickstarter campaign raised the initial goal of $40,000 in 24 hours, going on to ultimately reach over $85,000, to bring that desire to fruition under the band name “The Pine Hill Project.” “Tomorrow You’re Going,” an Americana masterwork of great songs, gorgeous harmonies, and stunning production was released in 2015. The album is at turns meditative, joyful, rollicking, and deeply moving, and a one of a kind musical event. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see and hear Richard and Lucy perform as “The Pine Hill Project” live in the perfect setting of Pollak Theatre.
Tickets on sale July 8 at 10 AM. Colin Hay is familiar to millions as the frontman, songwriter, and vocalist of pop sensation Men at Work (Down Under, Overkill, Who Can it Be Now?). Hay is justifiably proud of his place in pop history, but since moving to Los Angeles in 1989, he’s made 11 critically-acclaimed solo albums, including the highly successful Man at Work, and has recently announced the release of his new album Next Year People. Next Year People is the work of an artist who is a true master of his craft. Over the past 15 years Hay has reinvented himself as a solo artist, regularly selling out theaters and listening rooms across the US and around the world and introducing himself to a new generation of fans in the process. The frequent use of Hay’s music in TV and film—including hit shows such as Scrubs, Army Wives and Modern Family and on soundtracks to the films Garden State and Words and Pictures—has proven the timeless appeal of his songs.
“The only thing that matters is the song,” says singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux. That conviction along with a ‘one of a kind’ voice, has carried the Jazz artist from busking on the streets of Paris, all the way to mainstream recognition. Through intensely distinctive renditions of old classics and modern tunes by the likes of Leonard Cohen and The Beatles, Peyroux has proved to be an uncannily insightful ‘interpreter’ with her consistently impeccable choice of material. Peyroux’s new album, The Blue Room, sees the genre-blending singer reworking some landmark musical gems, in a repeat collaboration with longtime Peyroux producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Walter Becker, Tracy Chapman, Herbie Hancock) The result is a sophisticated album that rather than just ‘crossing over’, seamlessly fuses musical styles together to create an entirely new sound. Peyroux has come a long way from the streets of Paris to the word’s grandest concert halls and collaborating with the some of the world’s finest musicians. Still, where other artists might rest on their laurels and bask in the glory of countless gushing reviews, Peyroux continues to fearlessly explore new territories.
Hugh Masekela, a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer, and defiant political voice, combines his talents with powerhouse pianist Larry Willis for a show of epic proportions. These two giants of the jazz world put on a one-of-a-kind show together, after decades of cultivating careers apart. Willis and Masekela met while they were both students at the Manhattan School of Music some 50 years ago. After coming under the tutelage of Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, Masekela went on to carve out a five-decade-long (and counting) career, releasing over 40 solo albums. His 1986 anti-apartheid anthem “Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)” became a rallying call around the world for Mandela’s release from prison. At the same time, Willis has performed or recorded with almost every great jazz musician of the modern era, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Cannonball and Nat Adderley, and Stan Getz. Don’t miss this rare chance to watch these two jazz legends (and dear friends) perform together.
Glen Burtnik, Salvatore Boyd, Bob Burger & Arne Wendt, performing as The Band, will be joined by local and national talent to recreate not only the music but the celebration, camaraderie and talent that took over the stage November 25 back in 1976.
Celebrating his 25th year at Monmouth University, the ever lovable and expressive Reverend Alphonse Stevenson returns to conduct the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea in a well-established Christmas tradition at Monmouth University. There’s simply no better way to start the holiday season than to spend a special evening with Father Alphonse, his 42-piece orchestra and distinguished vocalists as he provides humorous and personal anecdotes amidst a program of holiday classics and carols. This Christmas tradition is sure to sell out so get your tickets early! 25th Anniversary pre-show reception at 6:30. Reception tickets are $25.
An evening of seasonal music for choir, orchestra, and handbells performed in the majestic and festive atmosphere of Wilson Hall. The concert is conducted by Professor Michael Gillette and
Dr. David M. Tripold and features the Colts Neck Reformed Church Exultation Ringers conducted by Maggie Tripold.
