New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 8 | Page 58

On September 8, Matthews returns to The Strand Theater in Lakewood to perform with Jim Fogarty in a special “backstage pass” setup. These shows place the artists and the audience on stage together. The Strand turns into something of an intimate listening room. Matthews said he plans to play songs from throughout his career including ones that might appear on the upcoming album by Matthews’ Southern Comfort, Like A Radio, which is due out in 2018. “I try to cover as much ground as possible, but ultimately only scratch the surface,” explained Matthews. “There will be old songs, but new songs too. I’ve played in all kinds of configura- tions and the Strand is a unique but workable one, featuring di- rect contact with your audience. Ray Coles is gracious enough to keep having me back.” His last album was called The Art of Obscurity, a thinly veiled statement to the music world that Matthews was not only still Watch a video for “Woodstock” by Matthews’ Southern Comfort NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 8 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 58