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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...8/28/14

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 08/28/2014


"There has been no bigger impact on the whole band, we didn't know it at first but the overwhelming impact was just astounding," says Young Dubliners guitarist and front man Keith Roberts as the band readies to make their third appearance on September 7 at 7 p.m. EST in the Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness Series. "The raw emotion that comes with doing this, Eric's love for his wife and the circumstances that have prompted him to do this have really moved us. We get asked to do charity events all the time but this one, well, is really profound."

The "Eric" of which Roberts speaks is Eric Miller; founder of the
Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness Series. A series of concerts designed to draw attention and awareness to Epilepsy; of which Eric's young wife Carolina passed away of at the age of 25. Carolina was felled by SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy and ever since, Miller has made awareness his passion.

The Candlelight Concert Series began as a string of house concerts in Miller's living room. Artists such as Jeffrey Gaines, Living Colour's Corey Glover, Eric Bazilian of The Hooters and multiple others performed in front of literally a "Packed House" as Miller turned nobody away; seating as many as 40 people in his townhome's living space.





 

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As word got out and interest grew, Miller decided to reduce the number of shows from as many as three a month, to one every few weeks or months; opting for a larger venue. Recently, Collective Soul's Ed Roland and his Sweet Tea Project, Ed Kowalczyk of Live, Joan Osborne and even a reunited Living Colour have all signed on and performed at the 300 seat Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing, NJ in support of the cause.

Roberts and the rest of the Young Dubliners are one of a handful of acts who have made multiple appearances in the series. "It's something we look forward to, we really do; it's such a great thing that Eric is doing and we are very happy to be part of it," said Roberts as he elaborated on what the band has been up to since their last trip to our area. "We have a new record called "9" and we've been out on tour supporting it. Since March we've made two trips to Europe and as of right now, we are in an airport waiting on a flight; we're heading to Alaska."

"9" is the latest release from this Celtic rock influenced band based out of Los Angeles, CA.; a self funded effort which had the group concerned."Yes, this album is our first self funded one. We were scared at first (laughing) because it was our money and we wondered what would happen if it didn't do well but it's not been the case. This one has so far turned out to be our best; it's been our most critically acclaimed one to date and we are very happy about that."

A fun group of extremely talented musicians, the Young Dubliners have been a cohesive unit for years now; keeping the same line up intact for quite some time. When questioned as to what to expect at the September 7 show, Roberts was very enthusiastic. "Well, there've been no changes in the line up, not yet anyway; but there's a week until the gig so...." he laughed. "The fun thing is that we're supporting a new record, so there will be lots of new music. It is also the end of the east coast run so we'll be good and ready to put on a show. You know, when a band tours as much as we do, every couple of years you try to revamp the show and we are really comfortable with what we are doing right now as we revamped a short time ago; so this should be a lot of fun."




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Opening for the Young Dubliners are two incredibly authentic and talented singer/songwriters; John Alberici and The Williamsboy. Both from the Jersey Shore area, these are two of the most prolific and heartfelt writers and performers who have captivated coffee houses and smaller listening rooms with their musical styles. Very few artists have the ability to paint mental pictures with their lyrics and this show will have two whose brushes never seem to run out of solution.

Tickets for this September 7 show are a scant $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 1985 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ directly across the street from the main entrance gate of The College of New Jersey.

To discover more about the Candlelight Concert series, please visit www.candlelightconcert.org and to read up on Young Dubliners, go to www.youngdubliners.com .

Saturday, August 30, Pete's Steak House in Hamilton will see Santa Ray & The Arctic Blasters featuring Deb & Mike take to the stage at 10 p.m. Usually found delivering the goods around the Jersey Shore; Santa and the crew will be making their first Hamilton appearance. Playing classic rock covers, oldies and some newer material, they are always a good time and ready to rock!

Also on Saturday, making what has become a rare area showing; The Mojo Gypsies are at Palermo's of Hamilton. Dave Orban leads his band of Gypsies playing blues and rock covers and possibly some other surprises as well. Start time at this Klockner Rd. eatery is 9:30 p.m.





 

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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 Trio

Sun. 9 p.m. Thomas Perkins

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. Lonnie Youngblood

Sat. 8 p.m. Robert Bruce

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. 8 p.m. Shattered Sanctity

Sat. 7 p.m. Civil Pilots, Impulsive Kind, Climbing The Walls, Reckless Serenade, The Stimes

Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton





 

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(609) 245-8887
Fri. 8 p.m. Sharon Lia Band

Sat. 9 p.m. ZQ Acoustic feat. Mike & Steve

Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612


Sat. 3 p.m. Lee Hogans 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. The One2s, Shade By Giants, Children's Books, Aniqatia, Christian Diana and The Foxfires, Khalid Quesada. All ages, $8/$10

Sat. 5 p.m. Cut The Act, Red Eye Flight, N.A.S.H, Results Not Typical, Automatic 253, Kylan Hillman, (TBA). 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
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
Thurs. 8 p.m. Drag Show

Sat. 8 p.m. Polish Nannies

Sun. 3 p.m. Jim Adler

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 p.m. "Think Pink" Pink Floyd Tribute. Doors at 6 p.m., $15


Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals

Sun. 7 p.m. JB Kline

All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke

Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
All shows 21+


John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981

Thurs. 9 p.m. '80's Backseat w/ Crypt Keeper 5

Fri. 9 p.m. Ammunition

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Skip's Museum

Sun. 3 p.m. Pumpkin's Drag Show

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 p.m. The Mojo Gypsies

All shows 21+
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008


Fri. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Santa Ray & The Arctic Blasters feat. Deb & Mike
RHO Waterfront


50 Riverview Plaza Trenton


(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night "Welcome Back TCNJ" w/ DJ Jeff Scott

Fri. 8 p.m. Friday Nightlife on The Deck w/ DJ Jimmie Palumbo


All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante

3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton

(609) 585-5255
Check web site for upcoming entertainment
Sunsets at Cream Ridge

181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge

(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Misfit Johnny

Sat. 9:30 p.m. That Acoustic '80's Band


Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345


Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong

Sat. 9 p.m. Steve (the band)

Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket

216 4th St. Fieldsboro

(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Sun 3 p.m. Bikes, Beers, Burgers w/ Jeff Palmer & Friends
The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau St. Princeton

(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr

Fri. 10 p.m. River Dogs

Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee

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. 1960's Garage A-Go-Go Dance Party. 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. Alright Alright

Sat. 9 p.m. Riversbend

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. Some Assembly Required

Sat. 9 p.m. Tommy Glover's 50th Birthday Celebration

All shows 21+
Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: "Nancy, Please"

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. JP Harris & The Tough Choices. $5 (cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers. $5 (cover charge)

Sun. (2 p.m.) Frank Viele (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+

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

Joe Russo's Almost Dead

Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

Joe Russo's Almost Dead is Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger and Joe Russo. We're a Grateful Dead cover band.

 
Mccarter

Mccarter At The Museum: An Evening With Jason Robert Brown

Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Princeton Art Museum
45 Elm Drive, Princeton, NJ

Join 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

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ

The 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

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

Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd

Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

FLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.  



 


 


EVENT PREVIEWS

(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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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.