Mahwah Musician And His Band Bringing Free Rock And Roll

When a Mahwah resident formed a rock n’ roll cover band, “back in the mid 90’s,” he was building it on a lot of experience and talent.

The group’s lead singer, Adam, not only sings, but also plays the keyboard and trumpet.

Before forming his current band, he performed on stage at the 1988 Grammy Awards, performed with the group The Regents, most famous for their hit single “Barbara Ann” on the Jerry Lewis Telethon, and toured with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and other musical acts.

His success since putting the group together has continued.

The eight-piece band, Adam and the Newhearts, has appeared in music television specials on HBO and PBS.

Adam says he couldn’t have reached this point without the support of some very talented Newhearts.

“Our manager, George Wamsley, is the catalyst that helps get us all of these great shows.”

“Johnny Shoes, the bass player, is from Ridgefield. He really does live up to his nickname, ‘the gentleman of rock n’ roll,” Adam said.

“Tommy Lewis, our drummer, actually played with Bruce Springsteen’s band for a night. The audience really loves his personality.”

“Our horn section – Raul, Scott, and Phil – are so talented and add a lot to every show,” Adam said.

New York City guitarist, Seth, and Musical Director Richie Fusilli of Wyckoff, who coordinates and arranges the horn section, round out the lineup.

According to Adam, what sets this group, who performs favorites from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, is its performance.

“We are not a group that sits on stools and sings. We break that barrier with the audience immediately,” Adam said.

“Coming to one of our shows is a different experience. We like to entertain, put on a whole show, and get the audience up and excited.”

Concertgoers can expect some of the songs the group is known for, like Jay Black’s Cara Mia, and a song that “involves the drummer in a fantastic way people might not expect.”

Adam feels that the Mahwah show will be a way for him and the Newhearts to each out to the North Jersey community.

“I’ve lived here a long time, since 1992. The weird thing is that we have a pretty decent following in Pennsylvania and in upstate New York, but not here at home. We think that this show is a good opportunity for us to share our music with the community,” he said.

The July 9 performance, , at is free to locals, thanks to the on-premises , which is sponsoring the event.

Adam says he and the owner and operator of Field of Creams “thought it would be nice to do something for the town that really hasn't been done before.”

The performance, which is being presented by the Mahwah Recreation Committee, is from 6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, July 9, rain or shine.