Albert Music Hall: Honoring Its Heritage While Embracing the Future

On the weekend of November 16th and 17th, Albert Music Hall will host two exciting events: the Homeplace Show that honors the timeless traditions of its musical roots, and the Songwriters in the Pines Show that features five talented contemporary songwriters. The headliner for the songwriter's show will be The Carlile Family Band, who will make a special appearance at the Hall as part of their national tour.

On Saturday, November 16th the Hall will continue this years' celebration of its 50th Anniversary at the annual Homeplace Show. This event pays tribute to the traditional sounds of the Jersey Pines, honoring the musical roots that gave birth to the Hall. The name “Homeplace” was given to the Alberts’ cabin in Waretown where weekly jam sessions were once held. These jams grew and eventually led to the creation of Albert Music Hall.

This year’s Homeplace Show will feature a special guest performance by local singer-songwriter Pete Curry, one of the original musicians from those early jam sessions. Pete, who wrote the iconic song, "Come On Down to Waretown," will open the show with a few songs that reflect the early days of the cabin and the Hall. Also performing is Katie Sherwood Eaton, who is Janice Sherwood's daughter. Janice was also an original Homeplace musician.

The evening’s lineup includes Pete Curry, Greater Pinelands Dulcimer Society, Katie Sherwood Eaton, Jackson Pines, James Dalton, Easy as Pie, Doctor Creek and Sawmill Run Old Time String Band. The event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the Hall’s musical heritage.

Doors will open at 5pm with music starting at 5:45pm. Admission is $6 or $1 for children under 12.

On Sunday, November 17th, Albert Music Hall will present its Songwriters in the Pines Show as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration. This special event will showcase a diverse group of talented local songwriters performing their original music. A highlight of the show will be a performance by The Carlile Family Band, who will be making a special appearance as part of their national tour.

The event will feature performances from Redbird, Widely Grown, Emerson Woolf, The Successful Failures and The Carlile Family Band. Additionally, there will be a meet-and-greet with the performers, offering the audience a chance to connect with the artists.

Doors open at 1:00 PM, with music running from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5.

For both events, the food booth will be serving several hot food options and a wide selection of desserts and beverages. The gift shop is filled with a variety of music-related items, Albert Music Hall and Pinelands-themed gifts, as well as 50th Anniversary merchandise. Visitors can also purchase a copy of the iconic yellow songbook, which includes many of the songs featured in the Homeplace Show, including "Come on Down to Waretown."

There will be a 50/50 drawing and you can purchase Anniversary Raffle tickets in the foyer for $10. Parking is free and the Hall is wheelchair accessible. The venue is cash only.

Visit the Albert Music Hall website or follow the venue on Facebook and Instagram to see videos and updates about events as they approach.

*Albert Music Hall is run by the Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society (PCS), an all-volunteer, non-profit-501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation of the Pinelands Cultural Heritage. Since 1974, visitors and musicians have gathered at the hall for live Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Americana, Old Timey & Pinelands Music and to jam in the Pickin' Shed every Saturday night.