On January 7, 2026, the New Jersey–based nonprofit RiverJAM Music will host its third installment of The Listening Room: Songs & Stories, an intimate evening of live music and personal storytelling. This edition brings together an impressive lineup: Ricky Byrd, James Maddock, Reagan Richards, and Gordon Brown.

Similar to their previous installments, the event will take place at Triumph Brewery in Red Bank, New Jersey. Doors open at 6 p.m., giving attendees the chance to meet and chat with the artists as well as get a bite to eat before the show begins at 7 p.m.

“As we do more of these shows, I feel as if the mission of the nonprofit is being understood, and the response has been wonderful,” said Meredith Kasun, founder and Chief Operating Officer of RiverJAM. “It is heartwarming and inspiring to see just how much fostering an original music community and creating space for art matters to people.”

Their last event contained local acts Jake Thistle, Johnny Kasum, and Erik Mason, but this time around, the artists extend outside the Garden State. “Our artists for this upcoming Songs and Stories show have all led such fascinating lives and have written songs that reflect on their unique journeys,” said Kasun.

She continued, “Ricky Byrd is an enthusiastic guitar player, singer, songwriter, and producer. He was the guitarist for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for over a decade and has a passion for sharing stories from different chapters of his life. James Maddock is an English singer-songwriter. His songs touch on themes of love, life on the road, and change.”

Richards and Brown, the final performers of the night, are not only celebrated members of country duo Williams Honor, as they also serve as mentors at RiverJAM Music by guiding emerging musicians through songwriting, recording, production, and more. Of the duo, Kasun said, “Reagan Richards and Gordon Brown of Williams Honor give their hearts and souls to all performances and write songs that resonate with listeners.” 

Kasun concluded that the heart of The Listening Room lies in the connection it fosters. “These artists’ stories will bring the audience closer to the music—whether it’s learning about the songwriting process, the experience behind a song, or the lives of the musicians on stage. It will be another fantastic night of music and storytelling,” she concluded.

Tickets are available now for the event, all the proceeds of which directly support RiverJAM Music.