Live Music Fans! Catch Alanis Morissette in NJ

Okay, I admit that I love seeing live music of all types -- jazz, pop, rock, yacht rock, hip hop, old, new, and everything in between. I love the atmosphere, the singing along, the crowds, the vibe.

I try to catch live music a couple of times a month, and that could mean a singer-songwriter doing their thing in a cafe or a touring show at a place like the Stone Pony.

With that lead-in, you can probably tell that I consistently check to see who is coming our way.

One place I check the schedule for often is PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. I probably see two or three shows there a season. My favorite last year was the Goo Goo Dolls and OAR. Not so much because of the music, although it was certainly a good show with a bunch of sing-along songs, but more because 12 of our friend group went there to have a great time, and we did.

So far, on my watchlist is Hootie and the Blowfish, which, if you remember, had a bunch of hits from one album, "Hold My Hand", "Let Her Cry", "Only Wanna Be with You", and "Time."

And now, just announced, Alanis Morissette is coming to PNC Bank Arts Center on a holiday week, no less -- July Third. If you grew up in the era of Alanis dominating the charts, then you'll appreciate the desire to see her live in concert.

Her album "Jagged Little Pill" was a monster, selling 33 million albums and earning her a Grammy for Album of the Year. I mean, check out the list of songs from that album: "You Oughta Know," "Hand in My Pocket," "Ironic," "You Learn," "Head Over Feet," "Uninvited," "Thank U," and "Hands Clean."

If you're new to Alanis or maybe a bit unfamiliar with her music, artists from Avril Lavigne to Kelly Clarkson to Taylor Swift have all been said to be influenced by her style and songwriting -- so if you like those artists, you might want to give Alanis a listen. I'd also recommend that you check out her HBO documentary 'Jagged' for a look at her influence and popularity.

And if you're like me and you grew up in that era, this could be the perfect nostalgic show from an artist who really shaped the sound of the '90s and beyond.

To get more information on her tour date to New Jersey, go here.