On September 23, RiverJAM Music hosted its sixth official Listening Room: Songs & Stories event in Red Bank, New Jersey. The evening highlighted and honored four local musicians: Cole Hallman, Johnny Kasun, Sandi Joy, and Jack Romano.

The night began with an introduction from Reagan Richards and Gordon Brown of Williams Honor, members of the RiverJAM team and mentors within the organization. The duo welcomed attendees, introduced the evening’s featured artists, and shared a look ahead at RiverJAM’s upcoming songwriting events.

As each artist took the stage one by one, they brought more than just their music with them. Songs & Stories gives local musicians the opportunity to share the stories, experiences, and inspirations behind their work, creating an intimate evening that allows audiences to connect with the artists on a deeper level.

The circle began with Jack Romano, a West Milford native whose deep connection to Johnny Cash has greatly influenced both his musical style and singing voice. Romano performed several of his original songs, including “The Green Gowin’ Trees” and his hit single “Haunted Man.” Between songs, Romano shared stories about growing up in a rural community, the ways toxic masculinity has affected his music, and his experience working with the Cash estate as a Johnny Cash tribute artist. His stories offered an intimate look into the experiences that have shaped him as both a musician and a person.

Next up was Cole Hallman, best known for his appearance on American Idol. Rather than focusing on his experience with the show or his musical accomplishments, Hallman brought the audience into some of the more personal, human stories behind his songs. Before performing “Saturday Detention,” Hallman spoke about his experiences as a middle school teacher. He followed it with “House on the Highway,” sharing the story of the rundown house he lived in while in Hawaii—a place that was repeatedly robbed during his time there.

Assisting each artist throughout the evening was a talented backing band, with Joe Bellia on percussion and Liam Bornovski on pedal steel. Their playing added another layer to each performance without taking away from the intimate, stripped-back nature of the event.

Sandi Joy was next in the rotation, bringing a fresh energy to the predominantly male lineup. Accompanied by Kasun on guitar, Joy performed original songs including “I Told You So,” “Even If,” and “Sorry Ain’t Enough,” each one highlighting her vocal range and songwriting ability. Between songs, Joy opened up about her creative process and how her musical abilities developed following her epilepsy diagnosis.

For her final song, Joy stepped away from her originals to pay tribute to her late brother with a cover of Alison Krauss’ “Away Down the River.” The emotional performance brought a deeply personal moment to the evening and served as a touching close to her set.

Lastly, Kasun returned to the RiverJAM stage, this time sharing stories about how he first met the other artists featured throughout the evening, as well as his background in fingerstyle guitar. He performed instrumental pieces including “Limestone” and “Navesink,” both named after places that inspired him. Through each song, Kasun demonstrated his ability to capture a sense of place through instrumental music, translating the character of these locations into sound.

At the close of the rounds of songs, Richards and Brown returned to the stage to join the artists for a rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.” The cover brought all eight musicians together for one final moment of music and unity before the night came to a close.

Events like these remind everyone in the room why creating spaces for local artists matters. RiverJAM continues to bring musicians and listeners together, one song, one story, and one connection at a time.