Jersey musicians will play songs from the “Now That’s What I Call Music” albums at the Strand in Lakewood in November, February and April.
It will surely be the only concert of the year at which you’re guaranteed to hear both Hanson’s “Mmmbop” and Radiohead’s “Karma Police.”
On Nov. 27, an assortment of artists will perform the 1998 U.S. debut album in the hit-filled Now That’s What I Call Music! anthology series, in its entirety, at the Strand Theater in Lakewood. Participants will include (Note: This list has been updated on Nov. 24) Constantine Maroulis, Williams Honor, Emily Grove, The Barefoot Strings, Justin and Alina, Kiirstin Marilyn, Williams Honor, Virginia Cavaliere, Bone & Marrow, The Shady Street Show Band, Brielle Von Hugel, Mad Feather Group, Tommy Shafer, Kayla Dillon, Chris Rockwell, Bre Cade, Jennifer Nelson, The Color Atlantic and Zach Westfall.
The show was conceived by the Strand’s new producing artistic director Anthony D’Amato, who performs under the name Remember Jones. Remember Jones will serve as the show’s host.
Songs from the second NTWICM! album will be performed on Feb. 12, and songs from the third, on April 8. Tickets are $20 per show, $30 for two, or $50 for all three; visit strand.org.
The first Now That’s What I Call Music! album featured the following songs:
“Together Again,” Janet Jackson
“As Long as You Love Me,” Backstreet Boys
“The Way,” Fastball
“Flagpole Sitta,” Harvey Danger
“Say You’ll Be There,” Spice Girls
“All My Life,” K-Ci & JoJo
“Never Ever” (Single Edit), All Saints
“If You Could Only See,” Tonic
“Mmmbop,” Hanson
“Zoot Suit Riot,” Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
“Shorty (You Keep Playin’ With My Mind),” Imajin
“Anytime,” Brian McKnight
“Barbie Girl,” Aqua
“Karma Police,” Radiohead
“I Will Buy You a New Life,” Everclear
“Fly Away,” Lenny Kravitz
“Sex & Candy,” Marcy Playground
Originally launched in the United Kingdom in 1983, Now That’s What I Call Music! has grown into an international juggernaut, with sales of more than 100 million worldwide.
There are currently 56 albums in the U.S. Now That’s What I Call Music! series, not to mention offshoots such as Now That’s What I Call Country! and Now That’s What I Call Christmas! So this series could go on for a while.
CONTRIBUTE TO NJARTS.NET
Since launching in September 2014, NJArts.net, a 501(c)(3) organization, has become one of the most important media outlets for the Garden State arts scene. And it has always offered its content without a subscription fee, or a paywall. Its continued existence depends on support from members of that scene, and the state’s arts lovers. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to NJArts.net via PayPal, or by sending a check made out to NJArts.net to 11 Skytop Terrace, Montclair, NJ 07043.
