The next installment of the Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness series takes place on February 7 at 7 p.m. Once again at the Trinity United Methodist Church located at 1985 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ; featuring special guest Mary Fahl.
Formed in the late 80's with roots in Montclair, NJ, songwriting partners Julie Flanders and Emil Adler were introduced to Mary Fahl during a meeting in New York City. By 1993 the band was signed to Epic Records and experienced commercial success. Securing some late night TV appearances and movie soundtrack placements, as well as opening for major touring acts; the band seemed poised for a breakout when suddenly, Epic "Terminated their contract without explanation." The band chose to go their separate ways with members pursuing other endeavors.
Fahl, like her prior band mates, never stopped playing, recording and doing live shows. "That's how I met Eric," explaining her involvement with the Candlelight Concert Series. "Eric knew me from my October Project days and had invited me to do his smaller house concerts. His wife was a fan, or they were both fans of the band and I recall them coming out to see a show. I am one of the lucky ones, I got to meet his wife before she passed away, such a tragic thing; I am glad he asked me to do this."
Not being directly effected, Fahl, like one out of every twenty six people, knows someone with epilepsy. "You know, I am not personally affected but I have a very dear friend who was recently diagnosed and she's in her sixties! One never knows, as I said, I met Eric's wife and there are just no words...." As her voice trailed off, Fahl seemed to contemplate the magnitude of what her appearance means to this awareness series.
The show's opener is Jersey Shore area solo artist Jerzy Jung. Yes, Jerzy is her given first name. A name incredibly unique, yet one her father had seen somewhere and liked. "Yes," she declared emphatically. "It is my real name. My dad read the name somewhere, I'm not sure where; a newspaper maybe? Wherever it was it just clicked for him. I wish I could say it was something more interesting but that's it," she said with a laugh. "I never quite got it. My dad always said that it's the greatest gift he ever gave me and as a kid I never quite understood but now that I'm an entertainer I embrace it; guess he was right."
Like Fahl, Jung had no personal ties to epilepsy; or so she thought. "You know what's so funny? I thought that I didn't know anyone that is effected but my cousin's husband just posted on Facebook that he had seizures as a child. I've known him for years and I honestly never knew; it's scary. I've been following Eric on Facebook for quite some time now. Eric's story is just so, so, sad and tragic. What happened with his wife due to epilepsy just doesn't seem fair. I had met Eric some time ago, I don't remember where exactly but he liked my music and he asked me to be part of this and I'm very excited to do it!"
Jung who says she's, "Got a lot of stuff going on" musically claims that we can expect pure Jerzy at the show on the seventh. "I think the plan right now is, well, it's going to be a stripped down version of my music. I'm going to go for it; it will be just me and the piano. I'm going to play some of my new songs and see how they go over and my older material; I'm just going to have a lot of fun with it. Right now I'm working on a four song EP at Lakehouse Studios. I work there, I teach voice and piano. So I am recording there, my new material has a more aggressive sound, it's a super raw sound that is different for me."
Fahl has the same thought process when it comes to debuting new material; using her audiences as the supreme judge of any and all new material. "I never put anything on a record that I don't test on an audience repeatedly," she stated with a laugh. "My audiences are the best litmus test for any new material, I mean if it doesn't go over live, will it go over on a recording? I've been touring a lot and I have about forty dates coming up. I just played the City Winery in Chicago and I'm going out to L.A. and these shows have been some solo, some with the full band. I'm getting these albums out there and this is the gestation period for my next album so I'll be trying out some new material at this show. I'll be bringing the band with me and my music director is fantastic; his name is Mark Boyle. I'll be doing some October Project stuff which is where people primarily know me from and some of my stuff along with a few covers; the show will be a panorama of me."
After this show, both Fahl and Jung have great happenings coming down the road. Fahl will be doing a series of performances with the New Jersey Symphony; one of which is at the State Theater in new Brunswick. "This something big! It is a really big thing. I've never done anything like this before; it's a nail biting experience that's for sure." Jung says that she'll continue to "Write every day" but she'll be busy in other areas as well. "I have a duo with a guy from England on this web site called "Hit Record." His name is Andrew Keeble and he is amazingly talented. We send our recordings back and forth to each other on line and things have worked out well. Then I've been asked to return for the "Hit Record" TV show. The first season can be found on "Pivot" and we are about to start filming the second season; so I'll be busy right into the summer."
Tickets to see these two fantastic ladies of song are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and can be purchased by going to www.candlelightconcert.org .
The Trenton Elks are celebrating their 127th. birthday on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. at the lodge located at 42 Decou Ave. in Ewing, NJ. The two man blues wrecking crew of Paul Plumeri and TJ Nix along with the rest of Blues In Disguise will be providing the entertainment for the evening.
It is a very sad day for the Trenton/Hamilton music scene. The recent passing of Cedar Pub bar keep and music man Ted Zegarski has left a huge void in most of our musical hearts. Ted's re-opening of a long dormant club and his support for live and/or original music were well known and respected in the area. "Teddy Z" as he was known, could be found hurrying his acts along, imploring them to get their gear packed up at night's end so that he could possibly make it to another local venue and support yet another band. Many a time, he could be found arriving late at the Ivy tavern or Pete's Steak House to check out his favorite local bands. Multiple times, this writer had opportunities to work with Ted. There were often times where he would send a CD my way or suggest, no, make that urge me to have a group on my radio program, "Rock On Radio." "I'm tellin' ya' Danny, these guys are good; ya' gotta have'em on your show," I can still hear his words. Being both a writer and a musician, my relationship with Ted was unique and one forged out of respect and the desire to do right by the musical community of the Trenton area. Ted's attempts to help the scene flourish were much appreciated by all who came in contact with him and his gallant efforts to do what no other local establishment does, support original acts on a consistent basis; was and still is lauded by the countless players who he booked at Cedar Pub. "Everything in life is temporary," a friend once said to me. With Teddy's passing his temporary time on earth has come to an end but the mark that he's made on all of us musicians both young and old will remain for a life time. Rest in peace our friend, you earned it.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
Amalfi's Restaurant
146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Cager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Gyrl Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Greg Martiello & Chosen Few
Wed. 7:30 p.m. DJ John Rossi
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge
835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington
(609) 267-1200
Thurs. 8 p.m. Country Night
Fri. 7 p.m. Plantation, Kid Felix, Alright Junior, Wonder and Fury
Sat. 7 p.m. Garden State Line, You Do You, The Aponic Blue, Yeah Son
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. hosted by Reji B. feat. Soundbots Motif
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 5 p.m. "Pirate Fest" feat. Alestorm, Swashbuckle, The Dread Crew of Oddwood, Shadows of Dawn, Stealing Fame, Endless Lament, w/ special performances by Karnevil Circus Sideshow. All ages, $20
Sat. 6 p.m. The Slackers, Molly Rhythm, Backyard Superheroes, Autocracy East, The Bad Parts, Seeing Snakes. All ages, $18/$20
Sun. 5 p.m. Fit For An Autopsy, Lorna Shore, Sicker Than Most, Proletariat, Reborn Divided, The Blessing Of This Curse, Fulfill the Prophecy, Draped In Dread. All ages, $12/$14
Wed. 8 p.m. Wu-Wednesday. Age 21+, $5
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. John Simon Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995
Fri./Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Faraway Guys
Fri. 9 p.m. Heather Heather
Sat. (11 a.m.) Saturday Brunch feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Jeffrey Washington
Sun. (11 a.m.) Sunday Brunch feat. Evolution Jazz Band (3 p.m.) Dick Gratton
Mon. 8 p.m. The Keith Lesnik Trio
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Sat. 8 p.m. Blue Meanies
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat the Clock" DJ Dance party
Fri. 8 p.m. Best of The Eagles (Eagles Tribute). Doors at 6 p.m., $25
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Big House Band
Sun. 1 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. 8 p.m. Original Music Series hosted by Pat Foran
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Papa Deluxe
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. The Mayflys
Fri. 9 p.m. Ammunition w/ Grasshopper
Sat. 3 p.m. Lifeguard Nights
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Tim
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Ave. Lawrenceville
(609) 392-0599
Fri. 9 p.m. That Acoustic 80's Band
Paint the Roses Tea and Café
37 West Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-8200
Sat. 11 a.m. Bryan Hill
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Out of The Red
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Soul Kitchen
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sun. 12 p.m. Pre-Super Bowl / Randy's Knee Replacement Party. Free Man Cave Hot dogs / Entertainment feat. Todd "The Mod" Ellis and Les The Mentalist
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 10 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Wessy Wes
Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet (8:30 p.m.) In The Cut
Sat. 9 p.m. Dance Party
All Shows 21+
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Timeless
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Tangled
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Sat. 9 p.m. No Limits
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. Matt & Rachel
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Jam Lab
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Theme Night" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Millhill Basement
300 South Broad St Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Check web page for upcoming shows.
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming shows.
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Polish Nannies
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. (5 p.m.) Ed O'Neal (9 p.m.) John Byrne
Sat. 9 p.m. Mike Barniskis
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ Kathy DeAngelo and Dennis Gormley
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: "Freestyle Love"
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday Presents: "Young at heArt" a Watercolor Exhibit by Nonagenarian Stephen M. Marusky
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
Fri. 10 p.m. The Brummy Brothers. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers. ($5 cover charge)
Tues. 9 p.m. Acoustic Bengal Gold
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
