ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...9/11/14
By Danny Coleman
originally published: 09/11/2014
"Really, I don't have any personal connection to anyone with epilepsy but I'm hoping to do some good for the cause."
Those are the words of Grammy winner and seven time Grammy nominee Paula Cole on her upcoming appearance in the Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness Series on September 20 in Ewing, NJ.
This talented songstress, whom "Rolling Stone" once called "An extraordinary songwriter with a gorgeous voice," is far removed from the days of her mega hit "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone," preferring the less travelled road of teaching at Berklee College of Music in her home state of Massachusetts and carefully choosing her performance dates.
"I was raised in Rockport, Massachusetts," explained the soft spoken Cole. "I wanted out desperately, wanted more, wanted to make it; so I wound up spending most of my adult life in New York City. It's funny how things come full circle isn't it? I'm back home now so that I can raise my daughter near family and grandma and grandpa," she said with a little laugh.
Cole's young daughter may be the reason she's back to her roots but one gets the impression that there's more beneath the surface of this seemingly relaxed artist. When questioned on her Grammy Award victory and nominations; Cole seemed slightly uncomfortable, even somewhat un-phased by it all. "My Grammy? It's resting on a high shelf, it gets little notice but it does make a good bookend," she said with that little laugh turning into a hearty roar. "Seriously though, it blew my mind at the moment. I mean it's a great thing to be recognized but I look at things differently now. I need to be true to my muse, my music, keeping the purity of art; I figured out that I can't get too depressed if I'm not liked. There were times before the accolades started coming my way that I wanted to give up but as a woman that's hard to do; so I kept trying. Now that there are no record company execs., nobody hovering over my shoulder in the booth: I can be true to myself even if it means I'm unsuccessful commercially for a while, I'm willing to accept that."
Cole has worked with some of the industries heavyweights. Peter Gabriel, Dolly Parton, Herbie Hancock and Annie Lennox have all either covered or asked her to perform with them. "That came out of the blue like a lightning bolt," she explained, referring to Lennox contacting her. "I was totally humbled. I adored Annie Lennox, she was a huge influence. I'm a Gen-X-er and I grew up essentially listening to her; when she contacted me it flipped my lid! I studied jazz, meeting Herbie and working with him, he's got such an innocence, a child like attitude; he's a hero of mine and it's all pretty incredible."
Cole is a methodic producer of material, releasing only six full length albums in just over 18 years; she doesn't rush things. "In 2006 I released "Raven," that was my first indie release. Major labels, well let's just say I wanted autonomy. As a matter of fact, I'm in the studio at the moment with my original band and I'm also using an upright bass player as I experiment a bit. I don't want to say too much but there will be some new music coming from me. Being in the studio again is nice but between teaching and being a mom things are moving at a much slower pace these days and that's good; I like it. Recording with these guys, they're dear friends and bad ass musicians so I can't ask for more."
Paula seems in no hurry to return to the touring life of a rock musician anytime soon. Preferring a take it slow and an as it comes approach; one can tell she's at a crux in her career. "I feel like time will tell. I had an abrupt assent, hits came fast, I was young and I didn't like the attention; it was really tough on my psyche. Emmy Lou Harris said to me, "Paula, it happened too fast." As I said earlier, I'd get too depressed if I wasn't well liked or received and I'd let that get to me; not so much anymore. I think moving forward, there will be more dialogue, more meaningful work, maybe less live shows so I can concentrate on more things."
"Less Live shows....," a quote that signals perhaps an extended break or possibly being selective about where and when she performs. One thing is for sure, Paula Cole will be performing at the Trinity United Methodist Church located at 1985 Pennington Rd. in Ewing, NJ. Opening for Cole will be Jersey shore resident, the amazing Emily Grove. Emily has two CD's to her credit and has shared stages with some of the largest names in rock music, along the coast line and beyond. Show Time is 7 p.m. and tickets are a scant $30 in advance. To purchase tickets or discover more about the series, please go to www.candlelightconcert.org. To find out more about Paula Cole, log onto www.paulacole.com. Emily Grove can be found at www.ourstage.com/profile/emilygrove.
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. Harry Nagy & The Dusty Rivers Band
Sun. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night
All shows 21+
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 Gager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Just Us
Sat. 8 p.m. Larry D
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
Thurs. 7 p.m. Aly Cat, The Racket Boys, Hey Lady
Fri. 7 p.m. Joint Session, Knuckle Puck Time, (TBA)
Sat. 7 p.m. Siravo, Godshed Eyes, Allora Mis, The Wailing Kids
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Fri. 8 p.m. Jim Gaven
Sat. 9 p.m. Barry Wasserman, Daniel Satz, Daniel Buglio
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Bob Smith Jazz and Blues (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. 4 p.m. Monuments, Polyphia, Villains, Lionfight, Proletariat, Inventure, That Of A Lion, Extractus, Earthbound Immortal. All ages, $12/$14
Sat. 5 p.m. Sicada, Apatheist, Godless A.D., Road To Violence, Midnite Hellion, Fiakra, Seax. All ages, $8/$10
Wed. 4 p.m. Suffokate, Dark Sermon, Blood Of the Martyrs, Colossus, Impulses, Winchester, Circuit Of Suns. All ages, $12/$14
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. 4 p.m.Billy O'neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Wed. Half Way To St. Patrick's Day
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215)862-5539
Sat. 7 p.m. Duane Chez Band
Sun. 3 p.m. Mayflies
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. 9 p.m. An Evening with Rusted Root. Doors at 7 p.m., $35
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Fish Out of Water
Sun. 3 p.m. Ladies 2000
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke in the Bar w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran w/ JB Kline, Gregg Cagno
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Tangled
Sat. 10 p.m. The Dawgs
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. The Danny B. Harvey Rockers
Fri. 9 p.m. Corkscrew
Sat. (3 p.m.) Chowder (9:30 p.m.) The Burgeoning
Sun. 3 p.m. Jamie Salvatore
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Lauren
Tues. 9 p.m. The Silks
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
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
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Dan Zimmerman & The Torquebillies
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Crosswick
Sat. 9:30 p.m.Jeff Palmer & Friends
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night "Welcome Back Rider and TCNJ w/ DJ Paul Desisto
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) DJ Wes/Buffet (8:30 p.m.) The Eddie Testa Band
All Shows 21+
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Jumbo and The Flatleaver Band
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Jam Lab
Sat. 9 p.m. Alter Ego
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. New Dawn
Sun. 3 p.m. Bikes, Beers, Burgers, Bands w/ Polish Nannies
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Darius
Sat. 10 p.m. All For Bette
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. Iain Matthews / Joe Orlando & Friends. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $20 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Exotica a Night of Exotic Percussion. 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. War Machine
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. Galway Guild
Sat. 9 p.m. Mike Barniskis
Tues. 9 p.m.Bill Shannon
Wed. 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: "For No Good Reason"
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. (5 p.m.) JD Eicher w/ Charlie Oxford, Christian Lopez. (10 p.m.) Dragon Fly. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Mustered Courage. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night
Tues. 9 p.m. Acoustic Grateful Dead w/ members of Splintered Sunlight
Wed. 9 p.m.
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 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.
