There's nothing wrong with the Big Apple -- If you can make it there, etc. But if you live in New Jersey, there are some advantages to live music entertainment in the Big Blueberry (yes - that's the NJ State official fruit). No bus ticket. No bridge or tunnel toll. No parking garage. No $90 meal. No $250 show ticket. No hour and a half to get home when it's all over. And the music is performed by the same folks you'd travel to see in NY.
My tastes run to music that allows me to have a conversation with my dinner mates at a quiet speaking volume. That kind of eliminates places dominated by big screen TVs. But no matter, there are acoustic gems amongst all that noise. On alternate Monday nights, for the price of a diner meal, I get an hour and a half of seriously good live jazz, funk and standards at Parkwood Diner in Maplewood. Every Tuesday evening there is fantastic soft jazz guitar, often with keyboard as well, at Classic Quiche Cafe in Teaneck. They also have special events in the back room. (The healthy food is good, too!) Trend Coffee & Tea House in Montclair is all about live music, and they've got some amazing performers who entertain you while you relax on a couch eating cheesecake and sipping specialty coffee.
There's lots of outstanding music made by 100% Jersey musicians in casual, modestly priced, easy-going venues. But it's not always easy to find out about these places. So when you find a gem, share the information. Tell -- better yet, take -- your friends. Keep it live and local.