By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/27/2014
Welcome to my musical world! This is one man's attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!
The Jersey shore area has spawned its share of talent, both musical and otherwise but rarely has it produced someone the likes of Michael Ghegan. This multi-instrumentalist and much sought after artist, will be taking the role of "featured saxophonist" in Cirque Du Soleil's "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour," this Friday and Saturday at The Sun National Bank Center in Trenton.
Ghegan, a graduate of Rutgers University's prestigious Mason Gross School of The Arts, has mastered the saxophone, keyboards, guitar and flute as well as being a vocalist, programmer and producer. His skills and determination have paid off well as he has travelled the world and shared stages or collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Aerosmith, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bolton, The Allman Brothers Band and Colin Hay. Ghegan has performed for the President and written and produced music for TV; claiming credits on shows such as Extra, Ellen DeGeneres, TMZ, Entertainment Tonight and The Bachelor. One of his earliest breaks came from a result of his years at Rutgers. "Rutgers was fantastic," he told me rather enthusiastically. "I mean, it was tough; it was the Conservatory, where they want you to work. My involvement with Elton was like serendipity; I was in the right place at the right time, he saw my picture and his people actually called my parents."
With his self titled debut CD, Ghegan has added yet another feather to his cap; although, with all of his accomplishments, it's more like a headdress by now. Reflecting back on those accomplishments, Michael's sincerity came through as he said, " I've been fortunate. I am lucky to have my TV and film writing and all the other various projects, my music etc.; it is me, it's in my make up. I can't imagine things any other way."
Ghegan developed a relationship with Cirque Du Soleil in 2007 and more than welcomed a return to their fold when asked. "I had just come off the road with Justin Timberlake when I got the initial call from them. Honestly, I'm not even sure how they knew who I was or got my name (laughs). They asked me to do a show in Montreal, I did that for two years and now I got the call for this and I am very glad about that."
Perhaps he's glad because of his featured role, or the fact that it's a Cirque Du Soleil production; maybe it's all of the above? Regardless of the reasons, Ghegan tells me that it promises to be a night which those in attendance will definitely remember. "This is really special," he explained. "I'll be performing with Michael Jackson's touring band; we'll be performing a live concert of his music to Michael's vocals. Those who are coming to Trenton will be treated to a complete escape.They will be immersed in Jackson's history from when he was young, to his brothers and beyond. Sometimes people fail to realize that he really was a magnet for others, for people around the world. Jackson's mark on fashion and pop culture over his career are undeniable; he influenced more than music."
Micahel Ghegan and the rest of Cirque Du Soleil's "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour" have two 8 p.m. shows scheduled with the doors opening an hour prior to each performance. Ticket prices range from $45 to $150 and can be purchased at the arena box office or on line at www.sunnationalbankcenter.com . To discover more about the amazing talents of Michael Ghegan, please go to www.michaelghegan.com .
Tonight (Thursday), former member of Live, Ed Kowalczyk, will be lending his hand at drawing awareness to epilepsy by performing at the first Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy of 2014. Opening for Kowalczyk will be Pete Donelly. Doors at 7 p.m. and the ticket cost is $35.
Friday, none other than Bill Kirchen returns to our area as he makes a return appearance at The Record Collector on Farnsworth Ave. in Bordentown City. Join this former member of Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen as he tells stories, performs his music and shows off the skills that have him dubbed "The Titan of The Telecaster." Tickets are $20 in advance.
Saturday, Pete's Steak House will come alive with the great sounds of F2 and the Anchovy Brothers playing their brand of classic rock tunes for your listening pleasure. Pete's is located on the point at the intersection of Whitehorse - Mercerville and Whitehorse - Hamilton Square Rd. in Hamilton.
Also on Saturday, Tangled, with new lead singer Mark Giovi in tow, will be rocking Sunsets at Cream Ridge; located on Rte. 539 at the Cream ridge Golf Course in Cream Ridge. This is a great band that just got even better with the addition of Giovi's superior vocal skills.
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
Thurs. 10 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Sun. 9 p.m. Thomas Johnston
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night Hosted by Eric Puliti
All shows 21+
Amalfi's Restaurant and Bar
146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Sat. 8 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-714
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. The Blue Moon Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Tony Malandro
Tues. 7 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Blend
911 Rte. 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Orrin Evans Birthday Jam. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Centro Bar And Grille
2360 Rte. 33 Robbinsville
(609) 208-9300
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
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. 7 p.m. Black Out Brandy, Respectably Average, Only On Weekends, Spoon Of Government Of Sheep, Backyard Superheroes. All ages, $8/$10
Sat. 7 p.m. Fiakra, Seax, Skull Hammer, Assayer, Throat. All ages, $8/$10
Sun. 10 p.m. "Punk Rock Flea Market After Party" feat. Liz Cisco Tre-L, Lurch Lightning, Base Bronson, JE Double F. Ages 21+, $5
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Fri. 9 p.m. Class A Kings
Sun. 4 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. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 8 p.m. Scoville Blues
Sun. 3 p.m. Billy Walton Band
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Mic Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. John & Carm
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 12 a.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Animal House
Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridge
Tues. 8 p.m. 92.5 XTU 30th Anniversary X-Stop!
Wed. 8 p.m. The Mighty Leoce
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Infinite Bandwidth
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. Ammunition
Sat. (3 p.m.) Tie Dye Hillbilly Dance Party w/ Hot Dose (9:30 p.m.) Jason Ager w/ Old Baltimore Speedway
Sun. 3 p.m. Drag Show
Mon. Open Mic.
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
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Never Enough
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Wendy Zoffer Group
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Andrea Carlson Band
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Mercer County Pour
Sat. 9:30 p.m. F2 and The Anchovy Brothers
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) Matt & Rachel Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (9 p.m.) Latin Night feat. Toby Love, DJ Lobo, DJ David Alvarez. Ages 21+, $30.
Sat. (6 p.m.) Trenton Freedom Football: Team Meet and Greet. (9 p.m.) Chambersburg Reunion w/ DJs John Rossi, Scott Valyo, Frank Oliveti, Mike Witzel, Danny Reed, Harry Warren, Mike Guerriero and live performances by Kim Yarson / Kelly Fragale.
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
Fri. 8:30 p.m. SA Anthony
Sat. 8:30 p.m. After Dark
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Joe Kaplow
Fri. (6:30 p.m.) Rob Silver Duo (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dave
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Tangled
Mon. 7 p.m. Open Mic. and Karaoke w/ Rich Barry
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. (8 p.m.) Sarcasm Comedy (9 p.m.) Far Cry
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
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. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
Fri. 10 p.m. Rainbow Fresh
Sat. 10 p.m. Stereo87
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E. Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Bill Kirchen. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $25 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Tumbling Bones / Gerry Thompson's Killing Aunt Grace. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance).
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Empty Fossil
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque de Soleil. Doors at 7 p.m., $45, $65, $100, $150
Sun. 2 p.m. Trenton Freedom vs. Richmond Raiders
The Yardley Inn
82 E. Afton Ave. Yardley, PA.
(215) 493-3800
Sat. 10 p.m. Paul Plumeri & Jerry Monk
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Greg Carpenter
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays
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
Fri. 10 p.m. Dirk Quinn. $5 (coverage)
Sat. 10 p.m. The Alchemystics. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m.Open Jam Night
All shows 21+)
Villa Romanza
429 Rte. 156 Hamilton
(609) 585-1717
Fri. 6 p.m. Arturo Romay
Sat. 8 p.m. Carole Lynne Jazz Trio
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
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.
