When I first heard The Smithereens on the radio in 1986, I moved closer to my Marantz receiver and turned up the volume. Their single “Blood and Roses” captured my attention with the type of ferocious guitar based jangle that made even the more well known New Jersey Boss, Bruce Springsteen take notice; The Smithereens were a band to contend with. 

He wasn’t alone in praising these NJ based musicians for their recipe of power-pop inspired by Buddy Holly, The Who, The Clash The Kinks, Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe amongst their more prominent influences. Sadly, the bands guiding light Pat DiNizio passed away in 2017 but the band decided to persevere and invited Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson (of the Gin Blossoms) to trade vocal duties and the praise for these New Jersey legends continues unabated. 

On December 3rd 8pm, music loving Woodbridge residents at  Fox Hill Run,  Forest View, Evergreen East, Evergreen Forest and Cloverleaf Gardens can enjoy this revived iteration of one of New Jersey’s most lauded rock and roll bands when The Smithereens return to the Garden State this year with a celebration of their Jersey roots and the musical heritage that shaped their sound. 

By clicking here you’ll be taken to the website of the nearby Cartaret Performing Arts and Events Center where tickets are available for purchase. While there’s no telling who might show up for this show, past surprise guests have included artists like Steven Van Zandt, Dave Davies, Ted Leo, Lenny Kaye, Southside Johnny, Bebe Buell, Richard Barone, Tony Shanahan, Graham Maby, Freedy Johnston, Kenny Howes, John Jorgenson, Peter Zaremba, Keith Streng, producer Ed Stasium and Andy Burton to name a few! Expect an exciting evening of their hits and 60s classics!

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