Sounding as if it was 1964 and not 2014, the recently turned 75 years of age Bonds took to the stage at 8:35 p.m. EST. With a broad smile and a lot of energy, he engaged the packed house sounding as good, if not better than he did 50 years ago. Upon finishing his initial offer, Bonds told a quick joke and acknowledged the presence of Bon Jovi alum and his friend Bobby Bandiera just off to the side of the stage.
A definite nostalgia permeated the room as the predominantly older crowd began to rock, roll, sing and sway along to the magic that Bonds was producing from his perch; just slightly above those crowding the stage. By the time drummer Lance Hyland Stark broke into the classic drum beat of "New Orleans," the crowd was ready to party it up as the palm trees on the beach and the Atlantic Ocean provided a beautiful backdrop for dancers who quickly exploded onto the floor, seemingly out of nowhere. A great call and answer with the audience, allowed Bonds to be in total control as the band and the crowd echoed his every phrasing.
Someone in the crowd shouted out, "Seven Day Weekend!," and the band, to the surprise of Bonds, broke into it; leaving him no choice but to follow along. Upon its completion a laughing Gary joked about somehow managing to "pull that one off" before going into "Rendezvous."
This night was full of anecdotes and references to friends both past and present as Bonds next acknowledged his good buddy Southside Johnny as one of those in attendance. Saying next that "This one was one that may have started it all," as the Roadhouse Rockers broke into a medley of "Twist, Twist Senora" and "School Is Out." During these upbeat rockers, Bonds whipped out a cell phone and acted as though he was taking video of saxophonist Joey Stann as he played two horns at once during one of his many searing solos.
Up next was "Murder In The First Degree," a nice change of pace with great dynamics but also featuring members of the Roadhouse Rockers; highlighted by a technically blazing bass solo by Hal Selzer, even as he jumped from the stage and ran through the crowd.
Little Steven Van Zandt was the next in line for praise from Bonds just prior to the ballad "Daddy's Come Home." Bonds heaped praise upon the E Street guitarist for his inspiration and friendship.
"Love Is A River Running So Deep" was followed by a quick joke about his other buddy, Bruce Springsteen; who Bonds claims, "Still owes me five bucks!" Jokingly he said, "Maybe he hasn't paid me because he's off tour; so this song is appropriate." With that, the band broke into "Out of Work" followed by a rip roaring, crowd loving version of "Dedication."
Two covers were up next, "Under The Boardwalk" and "My Girl;" the latter featuring local Jersey shore musicians Eddie Testa and Joe Bonanno on vocals.
"Quarter 'Til Three," his only number one hit and consequently a gold record, closed the set at 9:58 p.m. The band stayed on stage and awaited the sure encore that would follow as Bonds did an immediate turn around and evoked the name Chuck Berry as the band broke into a medley which began with "Johnny B. Goode" and ran through "Be Bop A Lu-la," "Hound Dog," "Lucille," "Rock 'N' Roll Music," "Whole Lotta' Shakin' Goin" On," "Sea Cruise," "I'm Walkin'," "Keep a Knockin'" and then came full circle back to "Johnny B. Goode."
Bonds walked off the stage for the night at 10:12 p.m. and the band finished up before descending themselves but not before announcing that Bonds would be "hanging around" to sign autographs, take pictures and sell merchandise.
All in all, a great show, from a rock legend which was more than I think many had anticipated. Bonds did not disappoint and his performance was worth well more than the $20 ticket price for admission. Bonds has some time off before heading back out on the road but be sure to check out www.garyusbonds.com for all of his upcoming tour dates.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Arnie Baird
Sun. 9 p.m. Kenny Cunningham
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds of the Street
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Wed. 7 p.m. FREE Salsa Lessons
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge
835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington
(609) 267-1200
Fri. 7 p.m. Swift Technique, Black Stars, Eastside Vibe
Sat. 9 p.m. Throddle
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Clifford Adams Quartet (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995
Fri./Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. Gears, Agents of Agression, Pool of Thorns, (TBA). All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Somebody's Problem, Nautilus, Molly Rhythm, Visuals, Encoder, First of Autumn, For The Quitters. All ages. $8/$10
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Fri. 9 p.m. No Assembly Required
Sun. 3 p.m.Billy O'neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215)862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Joe Bee & Friends
Sat. 8 p.m. BKWG
Sun. 3 p.m. Billy Walton Band
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Mic Blues Jam hosted by Jimmy Pritchard
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. Beat the Clock College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Frisky
Sat. 8 p.m. Sweet Loretta Fat "Beatles Tribute." Doors at 6 p.m., $15
Sun. 6 p.m. Jerry Watkins
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridge
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 10 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Bitches Brew
Fri. 9 p.m. The Judy Chops w/ Justin Pope
Sat. (3 p.m.) Hank Woji (9:30 p.m.) The Billy Walton Band
Sun. 9:30 p.m. Collin Rocker
Mon. Open Mic. w/ Tim
Tues. 9 p.m. DJ Aggreschen
Wed. The Invitational (Featuring John & Peter's House Band)
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Mill Hill Basement
300 South Broad St. Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Iron Reagan, Night Birds, Meek is Murder, ASD. Doors at 7 p.m., Ages 18+ (21 to drink), $10
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Steve Bross
Sat. 7:30 p.m. McMillan & Co.
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Joe Zook and Blues Deluxe
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. (5 p.m.) $10 Buffet (8 p.m.) The Verdict (10:30 p.m.) DJ Jimmie Palumbo
Sat. Summer Deck Party
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
(609) 585-5255
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Steve Bross
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Slippery Kool
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. FarCry
Sat. 9 p.m. WarHammer
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sun. 3 p.m. Bikes, Beers, Burgers, Bands feat. Gunsmoke
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Joey El
Sat. 10 p.m. Jah Guide
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
The Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8 p.m. "Triviasaurus" pop Culture Trivia Contest w/ "Gentleman" Jim Norton. Free admission, Doors at 7:30 p.m., BYOB
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Please check web site for upcoming events
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Monzter Zero
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Aero
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Gregg Carpenter
Sat. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: Be Good
Fri. 10 p.m. Friday night w/ Jay Kountree & Jaxx
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 10 p.m. DJ Trubblemaker
Fri. 10 p.m. Caroline Reese & The Drifting Fifth w/ Matt Romagna. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Alycat. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
