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Here is a look at shows taking place from May 5-11, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
Most of these show previews were created by New Jersey Stage but you can send press releases to [email protected] to have your events considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be run up to 3 months in advance for the cost of one ad.
FEATURED EVENTS
Friday, May 8 – Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania. (CARTERET, NJ) — Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of the Eagles.
Friday, May 8 – The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell. (TUCKERTON, NJ) — The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on Friday, May 8, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
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Saturday, May 9 – Grunin Center presents Taylor Simon King. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Grunin Center for the Arts presents Taylor Simon King – Celebrating Three American Troubadours on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. The show features James Gedeon, Lisa Sherman, and Alice Leon paying tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King. Limited tickets remain.
Saturday, May 9 – MPAC presents The Doo Wop Project. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) — Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Doo Wop Project on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Saturday, May 9 – WBGO Presents All That Jazz at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage featuring saxophonist Eric Darius. (RAHWAY, NJ) — WBGO Presents All That Jazz at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage featuring saxophonist Eric Darius on Saturday, May 9, 2026. With a trademark jump and crowd-captivating energy throughout his live show, the New Jersey born artist is breaking the mold of modern jazz. He will perform shows at 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Saturday, May 9 – Outpost in the Burbs presents The Lone Bellow. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Outpost in the Burbs presents The Lone Bellow on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Eli Kollman will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Wednesday, May 6 – Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of “Live Wire” EP on Wednesday. (NEW YORK, NY) — Lily Vakili will celebrate the release of her Live Wire EP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at The Francis Kite Club. Doors are at 8:00pm; Showtime is 8:30pm.
Thursday, May 7 – RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th. (BRANCHBURG, NJ) — Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Student Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm. The concert will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College’s Branchburg campus. The group is directed by RVCC faculty member Jeremy Sweet.
Friday, May 8 – The Lovin’ Spoonful to Perform in Newton. (NEWTON, NJ) — The Lovin’ Spoonful will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. They were America’s answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard’s top-10 charts virtually overnight.
Friday, May 8 – Adelphi Orchestra to present “Soaring Melodies” in NJ and NYC. (RIVER EDGE, NJ) — The Adelphi Orchestra, under the direction of Kyunghun Kim, presents Soaring Melodies, an inspiring program of classical masterworks to be performed on May 8 in NJ and May 16, 2026 in NYC.
Friday, May 8 – Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile. (FORT LEE, NJ) — Ann Talman brings her award-winning show Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile to the Barrymore Film Center on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. Ann joined Actors’ Equity with co-star Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 when she landed the plum role in The Little Foxes playing Miss Taylor’s daughter on Broadway. The Little Foxes traveled the world for eighteen months including six months in London and their loving friendship lasted for the rest of Miss Taylor’s life.
Friday, May 8 – Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101. (PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) — On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:00pm, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Music That Tells a Story, a free event for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an opera star. The presentation will take place at Westrick Music Academy (231 Clarksville Road, Suite 8) in Princeton Junction.
Saturday, May 9 – Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — The Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is touring in support of the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, Bringing Down the Horse. The band will perform their classic album in its entirety, in sequence.
Saturday, May 9 – The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th. (NEWTON, NJ) — The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford in concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. With a legacy that spans nearly five decades, Lita Ford continues to inspire generations of musicians— solidifying even more, her place as an icon, pioneer, and true Queen of Rock.
Saturday, May 9 – Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th. (LINCROFT, NJ) — The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Thompson Park. This celebration of the arts features more than 50 specially selected artists in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, and more. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, engaging art demonstrations, and children’s art-based activities.
Saturday, May 9 – Serbian Cellist Maja Maja Bogdanovic to Perform with Princeton Symphony Orchestra. (PRINCETON, NJ) — Serbian cellist Maja Maja Bogdanovic makes her anticipated Richardson Auditorium debut with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) at concerts the weekend of May 9-10, 2026. Designated as this year’s Edward T. Cone concert, the program features Ms. Bogdanović in performances of Camille Saint-Saëns’ melodic Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33. Other works include Aaron Copland’s Letter from Home and Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100. Both concerts are conducted by Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov.
Saturday, May 9 – Scottish Rite Auditorium presents The Robert Cray Band. (COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) — Scottish Rite Auditorium presents The Robert Cray Band on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things – and more.
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Saturday, May 9 – “A Musical Celebration with a Purpose” to Bring Grammy-Winning Musicians to Leonia. (LEONIA, NJ) — Everyone is invited to an unforgettable evening of music and philanthropy at “A Musical Celebration with a Purpose”, a benefit concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church in Leonia, NJ.
Saturday, May 9 – Cape May Music Festival opens with “WCCat;100: The Westminster Choir Looks Forward” on May 9th. (CAPE MAY, NJ) — Performing a program celebrating the rich history of choral music, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) welcomes the renowned Westminster Choir of Westminster Choir College in New Jersey to open the 37th Annual Cape May Music Festival, Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent (712 Franklin Street) in Cape May. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Saturday, May 9 – Westminster Conservatory celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with a recital on May 9th. (LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) — On Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:00pm, Westminster Conservatory of Music of Rider University will present a faculty recital in celebration of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. The concert will take place in the Gill Chapel and is open to the public free of charge.
Saturday, May 9 – Cumberland Players Concert Series presents Steven Lemon and Friends on Saturday. (VINELAND, NJ) — Cumberland Players Concert Series presents Steven Lemon and Friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:00pm. He will be joined by Della Valla Trio, Lizz Sooy, and Eric Shorter.
Sunday, May 10 – Music at Bunker Hill presents Trio Zimbalist. (SEWELL, NJ) — Music at Bunker Hill presents Trio Zimbalist in their first appearance on their series on May 10, 2026 at 3:00pm. Trio Zimbalist has been celebrated for its “highly charged performances” (The Strad) and its “liveliness and vigor of playing” (Athinorama).
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Friday, May 8 @ 7:30pm – Richard Shindell at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Friday, May 8 @ 8:00pm – Eaglemania at Carteret Performing Arts Center, 46 Washington Ave, Carteret
Saturday, May 9 @ 7:30pm – Three American Troubadours Tribute at Grunin Center – Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, May 9 @ 7:30pm – The Harrisons at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, May 9 @ 7:30pm – That Motown Band at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, May 9 @ 8:00pm – The Doo Wop Project at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Saturday, May 9 @ 8:00pm – The Lone Bellow at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
Sunday, May 10 @ 7:30pm – Vanessa Collier at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
COMING SOON
Westminster Choir College to celebrate 100th anniversary (LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) — Westminster Choir College of Rider University is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of excellence in music education and performance. Centennial events in Lawrenceville and Princeton honor legacy while supporting future generations of musicians.
Punch Brothers to Kick off 28-City Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center on May 14th (MORRISTOWN, NJ) — The Grammy Award-winning Punch Brothers will begin a twenty-eight city U.S. tour on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC). Tickets range from $53-$85. Showtime is 7:30pm.
McCarter Theatre presents Madeleine Peyroux’s “WE ARE AMERICA: American Songs That Give Us Hope” on May 14th (PRINCETON, NJ) — Madeleine Peyroux brings her WE ARE AMERICA: American Songs That Give Us Hope tour to McCarter Theatre Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
2026 Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival to take place May 15-17 (CAPE MAY, NJ) — The Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place May 15-17, 2026. Twice a year, the festival takes over the historic seaside town, transforming it into a music village that welcomes an impressive array of cultures and musical styles, including blockbuster jazz, NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy-winning legends and crowd favorites.
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Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night? Eddie Skuller to bring the Ballads of Tom Waits to Hoboken (HOBOKEN, NJ) — Jersey City based singer Eddie Skuller will perform a personal tribute to the songwriting of Tom Waits on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the 503 Social Club. Eddie returns for a night of classic Waits songs, interpreted by this skilled, masterful singer. A moving experience guaranteed!
The Newton Theatre presents The Wailers on May 16th (NEWTON, NJ) — The Wailers are celebrating 50 years of “Rastaman Vibration” with a tour honoring one of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ most influential albums. The tour comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Raul Midón Takes the Stage at the Grunin Center’s Prima Theatre on May 16th (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts welcomes Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Raul Midón to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation Studio Theatre on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $35.
The Masterwork Chorus presents “An American Tapestry” (MADISON, NJ) — On Saturday, May 16, 2026, The Masterwork Chorus presents An American Tapestry at The Concert Hall at Drew University. This is a musical journey through 250 years of Americana celebrating the the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Masterwork Music and Art Foundation to Honor Wayne Walters At 65th Birthday Celebration on May 17th (MORRISTOWN, NJ) — The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation will celebrate its 65th Anniversary with a gala at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (21 Normandy Heights Road) in Morristown on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3:00pm. The event will showcase some of its grant awardees plus honor Wayne Walters, a well-known New Jersey musician who sings, composes, conducts, and has taught and influenced many over the years.
Sentimental Journey Big Band Takes the Stage at OCC’s Grunin Center on May 17th (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Enjoy the music of the Greatest Generation when the Sentimental Journey Big Band presents “It Might as Well Be Swing” at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Showtime is 3:00pm.
White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary Shows (JERSEY CITY, NJ) — White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary shows on May 22-23, 2026. The band will be performing The Good Earth and Crazy Rhythms albums.
Centenary Stage Company presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on May 23rd (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company in partnership with the Hackettstown Rotary Club presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center with proceeds in part to benefit the many initiatives of the Hackettstown Rotary Club.
The Barrymore Film Center presents “A Heavenly Evening” featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang (FORT LEE, NJ) — The Barrymore Film Center presents “A Heavenly Evening” featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of “Live Wire” EP on Wednesday
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th
The Lovin’ Spoonful to Perform in Newton
Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th
Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101
Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th
The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th
Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th
MORE EVENTS
