By Danny Coleman
originally published: 01/09/2014
Welcome to my musical world! This is one man's attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!
Lately, a debate tending to spring up in our local area music establishments seems to be on the topic of available venues in comparison to the amount of performers. Also included in the discussion is the ratio of cover bands vs. that of original acts, along with their differences.
It is a well documented fact, that we are blessed with a plethora of fantastic cover acts; any of which can be found every weekend strutting their stuff in various watering holes. A recent discussion which took place on my "Rock On Radio" program this past Sunday between myself and members of Mercer County stalwarts Gunsmoke, centered around shrinking amounts of venues and the stagnant or shrinking amount of pay for the entertainment. We joked about, how in the early '80's, we were making the same amount of pay as we are today, perhaps even less in some cases.
We also took a trip down memory lane based on this very space and how it was nearly thirty years ago. The author, just like the times, was different but the glaring difference was that there were two printed pages full of business card sized, smaller and larger ads of Trenton and surrounding area bars/restaurants and their featured entertainment. Names like "Off White," "Aviator," "Back Steppin'," "Expressway," "The Cop Shoo Bops" and many more used to fill this center spread as our choices for live entertainment were many. Bars such as the "Merry Go Round," The Red Carpet Lounge," "The Manor Hotel (aka The Whitehead Manor)," "Carnegie Hall," "Don Young's," "Brothers Saloon," "Casey Jones (aka Jessie's, Savoys)," "The Woodside," "The Windsor Manor" all had music; even the old "Treasure Chest," on South Clinton and Beatty, a "dancing establishment," had bands play on Saturday evenings with "dancers" in between sets.
Well, it's today and this space occupies one page, cover bands vie to get their time and original acts are pretty much left out of the equation. Since there are literally only several area clubs willing to take a chance on these creators of perhaps the next big hit, and so few people give original artists a chance, the solo acts and bands are forced to use the internet as their primary source of exposure or drive to thriving original music scenes like Philly or the Jersey shore to ply their trade.
In last week's piece, I featured local blues greats Paul Plumeri, TJ Nix and Blues In Disguise. I was extremely enthused to arrive at RHO Waterfront in Trenton on a cold snowy evening and find it difficult to get a close parking space as the venue was filling up quickly. The big room at RHO had no tables and nary a seat available as many were also forced to stand and witness one of Trenton's most talented bands. This was a CD/DVD Release Party for their self titled disc and their live performance was spectacular. To see the throngs of fans and local musicians come out to support their own was a great experience.
Speaking of the blues, I did a piece a while back which ran around the fourth of July called "Red, White and Blues." In this piece, I discussed the perceived "death of the blues" with great players like John Patrick, Jerry Monk, Chuck Lambert and Jo Wymer. They all lamented the genre's "fading popularity" and how "kids today and the younger generation don't enjoy or appreciate the blues." I wrote the piece but never agreed entirely with their assessments. Granted, the majority of blues players that I seem to come across are of "veteran musician" status but I do notice that no matter what the generation, I've never seen anyone stay still when watching or listening to a blues band. Just some food for thought, as the blues are the foundation of all rock 'n' roll music.
Locally this week: Jersey Shore artist John Alberici returns to our area Thursday evening at 9:30 p.m. at Centro Grille on Rte. 33 in Robbinsville. Alberici, with his syncopated guitar style and smooth vocals definitely has the "WOW factor" working in his favor.
The Ivy Tavern located on South Broad St. in Hamilton features great bands on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The Ernie White Band returns for their first 2014 appearance on Friday evening and The Aldrich Brothers Band returns on Saturday. Both are 10 p.m. start times. I'd like to wish Dan Aldrich a speedy recovery, as he unexpectedly found himself in the hospital with a collapsed lung. Dan's doctors won't let him sing but he tells me that he will be playing some guitar; if you stop out, make sure to wish him well.
There are two new bands playing the Sticky Wicket, also on South Broad St. in Hamilton. Once again, Friday is Steamboat and Saturday is Kharma Train. I am not familiar with either group, so I am counting on one or more of you to e-mail me a review of this fresh talent.
Saturday afternoon, one of the area's best jazz players will be at The Candlelight Lounge on Passaic St. in Trenton as the Bob Smith Trio takes to the stage. Smith is an amazing talent who's mastery of the frets is just plain jaw dropping to witness. Show time is 3 p.m.
Also on Saturday night, my favorite husband and wife duo, Deb & Mike entertain the late dinner/early bar crowd at the Revere Ristorante on River Rd. in West Trenton. Playing popular covers and great duets, they're always a lot of fun to behold.
This space welcomes any suggestions and/or comments. Please send them to: [email protected]
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
Sun. 9 p.m. Thomas Johnston
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night Hosted by Eric Puliti
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Living The Dream
Tues. 7 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Blend
911 Rte. 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 7 p.m. Polish Nannies
Tues. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Bob Smith Trio. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Cedar Gardens Pub
661 Hwy. 33 Hamilton
(609) 587-0930
Fri. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Bob & Tom
Sat. 9 p.m. January Jam Night
All shows 21+
Centro Bar And Grille
2360 Rte. 33 Robbinsville
(609) 208-9300
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. John Alberici
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
(609) 394-7437
Fri. 6 p.m. Autocracy East, Valacar, Community Service, Picaxe, The Makeshift Uprising, Drowning Swans, Results Not Typical. All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Another Day Wasted, Under The Radar, When Thieves Are About, The Cavalry Is Us, Windermere, D'Bkle, In Aviation. All ages, $10
Sun. 5 p.m. "Fix Champs Fundraiser" feat.: Triggered Impulse, Paralysis, (TBA). All ages, $8
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Sun. 4 p.m. Irish Sessions w/ Billy O'Neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals
Sun. 4 p.m. Rocky & His Friends Band
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. 8 p.m. "Wino Wednesday" Local Unplugged feat. Conor Choi
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. The Ernie White Band
Sat. 10 p.m. The Aldrich Brothers Band
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike DiAlto Holiday Hangover Comedy Show
Fri. 9 p.m. Rebels Been Rebels
Sat. (3 p.m.) Cross Cut Saw (9:30 p.m.) The Hyde w/ The Burgeoning
Mon. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. Matt Setzer
Wed. The Invitational (Featuring John & Peter's House Band)
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Mastoris Lounge
144 Rte. 130 Bordentown
(609) 298-4650
Fri. 7 p.m. DJ Chris Barlow
Mill Hill Basement
300 South Broad St. Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Thurs. 9 p.m. The Sirs, City Limits, The Howl, The Young Leaves. $6
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. Trivia Night
All shows 21+
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Mercer County Pour
The Revere Ristorante
802 River Rd. West Trenton
(609) 882-6365
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. (5 p.m.) Matt & Rachel (8 p.m.) The Verdict Is In (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmie Palumbo. $10 (cover charge includes buffet, bands and DJs)
Sat. 9 p.m. "Let It Glow" A UV Active Event feat. DJ Entertainment
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Hutch Ford
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Soul Gypsies
Star Subs Café
621 Rte. 130 Buckley Plaza Hamilton
(609) 333-1230
Wed. 7 p.m. Acoustic Open Mic. Night hosted by Bri LoBue
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. (8 p.m.) Sarcasm Comedy Night (9 p.m.) Whiskey Fueled
Sat. 9 p.m. The Night Out
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Kinky Bingo
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Kevin Toft and His All Star Band
Wed. 5 p.m. DJ Chris Barlow
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Jules Shear w/ Pal Shazar. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (advance)
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Steamboat
Sat. 9 p.m. Kharma Train
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Sun. 8 a.m. Heavy Hitters Cheerleading. $12, $10, Children 6/under Free
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Seamus Kelleher
Sat. 9 p.m. Greg Carpenter
Tues. 9 p.m. Taylor Reed
Wed. 9 p.m. Tommy Glover
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
www.trentonsocial.com
Thurs. 7 p.m. Social Thursdays w/ DJ Tangency
Fri. 7 p.m. Social First Fridays
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-JayKountree
Tues. 9 p.m. LiveMusic/Open Mic.
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
www.triumphbrewing.com
Fri. 10 p.m. La Capitana. $5 (coverage)
Sat. 10 p.m. Root Glen. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. (2 p.m.) John Danaher w/ The Walking Flukes (7 p.m.) Open Jam Night hosted by The Lawsuits
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
www.wildflowersinnrestaurant.com
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
About the author:
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
Joe Russo's Almost Dead
Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJJoe Russo's Almost Dead is Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger and Joe Russo. We're a Grateful Dead cover band.
Mccarter At The Museum: An Evening With Jason Robert Brown
Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Princeton Art Museum
45 Elm Drive, Princeton, NJJoin us for McCarter at the Museum - renowned performing artists in one-night only events at the Princeton University Art Museum.
Jason Robert Brown is a four-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World, 13, The Bridges of Madison County, Honeymoon In Vegas and The Connector, has performed as a soloist or with his band in venues around the world, including sold-out shows at the London Palladium and Carnegie Hall. His albums as a singer-songwriter include Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes and How We React and How We Recover on Ghostlight, and Coming From Inside the House and Live In Concert with Stephen Sondheim on Concord.
With Special Guest Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe. Tony Award-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe is currently starring as Audrey in the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, following her recent Broadway run as Madeline Ashton in the hit musical Death Becomes Her. She previously originated the title role in Joy, the new musical inspired by inventor Joy Mangano, and earned a 2023 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her celebrated performance as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet. Other Broadway credits include starring as Jenna in Waitress, Cordelia in the acclaimed revival of Falsettos, Bullets Over Broadway, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Everyday Rapture, and 110 in the Shade, as well as her critically acclaimed performance as Cathy in the Off-Broadway revival of The Last Five Years. Wolfe made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Die Fledermaus and has appeared as a guest artist with more than 65 symphony, pops, and philharmonic orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra, with performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Her screen credits include First One In, Estella Scrooge, CBS’s Instinct, and the film adaptation of The Last Five Years. Wolfe is also the co-founder of BroadwayEvolved, the acclaimed musical theatre training program she launched in 2018 to train and mentor the next generation of theatre artists.
A limited number of early access tickets for McCarter Director’s Circle members and members of the Museum’s Partner Circle are available, on sale Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM. General public on sale begins Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Please be aware there is no public drop-off or parking at the Museum. For visitors with mobility needs, please contact the Museum at least three business days in advance of your visit to request special access to the Museum via Elm Drive. Call 609-258-3788 and select option 1 to speak to a visitor services staff member, or email Louise Barrett at [email protected].
John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJThe legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock’n’roll group JOHN CAFFERTY & THE BEAVER BROWN BAND began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the “Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack”. The hit single “ON THE DARK SIDE” held the “#1” position on the Billboard Rock charts and the MTV video charts for five consecutive weeks.
Griffin House
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” —American Songwriter
Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJFLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band was formed in Brooklyn, NY in 2013. While they are a Grateful Dead cover band, they are known more for interpreting songs by the Dead rather than attempting to replicate the band's work.
NJPAC presents Gregory Porter with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell
(NEWARK, NJ) -- With a voice that can fill a concert hall and make every listener feel personally embraced, Gregory Porter has become one of the most beloved artists in contemporary jazz. On Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm, the two-time GRAMMY® winner returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell for an evening of soulful expression, exquisite storytelling and remarkable vocal artistry, presented as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller who has been making records for over 20 years.
KANSAS to perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- One of classic rock's most iconic bands, KANSAS, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. A limited number of tickets remain.
NJPAC presents Jesse Cook on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Victoria Theater at 8:00pm. A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music's power to connect people across cultures and continents.
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
