Max Weinberg, Smithereens teaming for free NJ concert. Yes, free

The E Street Band’s drummer since the mid-70’s and New Jersey’s own Max Weinberg has a gift for New Jersey. A free concert. No strings attached. And he’s teaming with The Smithereens, the New Jersey hard alt-rock band that inspired Nirvana.

The concert is happening at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Saturday September 10, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The lawn show (and it’s a huge park, don’t worry) is completely free of charge and you’re encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. You’ll find the park at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. It’s right next to Ash Brook Reservation and Union County Vo-Tech.

I’d get there early. This is going to be fun.

The Smithereens was formed in 1980 by three guys, Jim Babjak, Mike Mesaros and Dennis Diken who all went to high school in Carteret together. I grew up in Rahway so I know this area so well. They hooked up with who would become the frontman Pat DiNizio from Scotch Plains, and the rest was rock history.

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DiNizio passed away a few years ago but the guys have kept the act going with various guest vocalists and hasn’t missed a beat. If you liked The Who and the Clash, you’ll have a good time.

This is them back in the day appearing on “The Tonight Show.”

Of course Max Weinberg is the stuff of New Jersey legend. He grew up in Newark, South Orange and Maplewood. He knew he wanted to be a drummer at a very young age. He auditioned with the E Street Band in August of 1974 and quit college only 6 credits shy of a degree to take the gig. Smart move as it turns out. He’s been with the band ever since and was also the leader of the house band on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

He’s not only in the Rock Hall of Fame he’s also in the New Jersey Hall of Fame. His son Jay is the drummer for Slipknot.

Here’s a taste of Max with his Jukebox project.

Again this free show is at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on September 10 so get those lawn chairs ready. I hope Union County enjoys the hell out if this very New Jersey show. Who knows maybe I’ll run into you at Rocky’s or Butch Kowal’s afterwards.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: