MUSIC EVERY MONTH: Garden State Sounds is a new monthly music showcase at the Arts Council of Princeton, founded in partnership with musician CJ Coward shown here. (Photo by Anthony Ping)
The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced Garden State Sounds, a new monthly music showcase celebrating homegrown artists and original music from across the Garden State.
The inaugural concert will take place on Friday, October 9, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the ACP’s Solley Theater, creating a new gathering place for musicians, music lovers, and curious listeners to discover both emerging and established independent talent.
Presented in partnership with CJ Coward, the program is designed to be more than a concert series. Each month will feature a thoughtfully curated lineup of original acts representing North, Central, and South Jersey, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the wide-ranging sounds and perspectives coming out of the state’s independent music community.
“As a musician in the area, I noticed there aren’t a lot of opportunities to play. If you are in Central Jersey, it takes an hour to get to venues in North or South Jersey, making it difficult to get the three music scenes, who all have great music and art, together into the same space,” said Coward. “It’s also difficult to connect with fans in different areas. Bringing all three scenes together became the catalyst for this program.”
With its intimate theater setting, Garden State Sounds aims to create an atmosphere where the focus stays on the artists and their music. Audiences can expect a night of live performances alongside opportunities to meet fellow music fans and become part of a growing community of independent music enthusiasts. The series celebrates the diverse sounds and creative stories that makes New Jersey a music hub.
The October 9 inaugural showcase will feature bands KayRoman representing North Jersey, Teen Idle representing Central Jersey, and Under the Weather representing South Jersey. The plan is to continue as a monthly series, building a recurring platform for independent musicians while inviting Princeton audiences to listen, connect, and support the artists shaping New Jersey’s music landscape. Bands interested in playing future shows can reach out via the booking form on the Garden State Sounds Instagram account @gardenstate
soundsnj.
The Arts Council is at 102 Witherspoon Street. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for tickets and more information.