By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/18/2014
"It started small, just a few musicians, it was a clothing drive and very small," said Ernie White as we spoke prior to this Sunday's 15th Annual edition of his now highly successful Christmas Show, taking place at The Princeton Manor Banquet Facility located at 661 Rte. 33 in Hamilton (formerly known as Cedar Gardens). "Yeah it's hard to believe it huh? Fifteen years?," he continued with a laugh.
White, one of the more popular and definitely one of the most well respected musicians in Mercer County and beyond, assembles an amazing array of local talented groups and solo acts, along with a "Rock 'N' Roll Choir" and a full house band to spread holiday cheer all in the name of charity.
"Uh, it's hard to calculate exactly how many bands and musicians will show from year to year," he said. "Last year we had a 40 song set list, this year we have a few more; we stand at 44 and it's a monster! Every year I say I'm going try and whittle it down and it gets bigger (laughing)! Plus my band will be the backing band for the solo artists; you know the people like Billy Hill who will once again be singing for us and the pit band led by Tommy Reock, we all know how amazing he is; he's my mainstay. I mean we rehearse at his place, he's my main partner in this. We have a full horn section and of course (laughing) the Rock 'N' Roll Choir."
Always a sell out (last year's crowd was close to 700 attendees) this event flies seemingly under the radar as does much of the benefit /charitable work which White does. "We started, as I said, just as a small gathering. Then our first bigger show was at The Conduit in Trenton. Then we moved over to what was then Katmandu and from there over to the War Memorial and now at Princeton Manor for the last couple of years. The War Memorial was more of a concert format, where you had seats. People began requesting the chance to talk, to mix and mingle; by having it in Princeton Manor, people can see the show up front and talk in the back."
Those who were there last year were treated to an appearance by former Bon Jovi band mate, Richie Sambora. "Yeah, how about that huh?," said white. "I didn't know until literally a couple of days before. Rich was in town because his mother was ill and she lives in the shore area. I got the call and he said he'd be coming by." This year Ernie claims that there are "No surprises; yet" but he did say that popular vocalist Mark Giovi will be back in town and contributing to the evening's festivities.
Over the decade and a half which Ernie has been doing this Christmas Show he says that funds raised for the various charities have been approximately $200,000. This year the recipient will once again be The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen; where last year's event netted approximatekly $16,000 for the organization. "We've donated here a few times," said White as he lamented the work that the T.A.S.K performs. "Yeah, several times they've received the money. We figured after donating to Sandy victims the year prior to last that we'd take it back home to Trenton then and again now. Dennis Micai does such a great job feeding so many people and we know he needs the help, so...." It should be noted that Ernie takes the check to T.A.S.K personally to see first hand the work which they do, and it motivates him to continue to do the great work that he does.
I'm told that this year's show will have the same great regulars and a few surprises, bands and players such as Honey Spot Blvd., John Bushnell, Paul Plumeri and Joe Zook will be returning once again, along with some new faces. "I can't give it all away," said Ernie with a chuckle, "But it will be a great cast once again! We've got Billy Hill coming back, Matt and Rachel from Radio Fiction, Duke Williams, Michael White will be joining his dear old dad on stageand a special appearance by some of my students and they are called Kids R Us."
All of this totals up to approximately 40 acts, each doing one holiday tune of their choice in what amounts to a human jukebox; as one act leaves the next takes over and so it goes over the course of this three hour program beginning at 7 p.m.Tickets for the event are $25 for this all ages show and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased at The Music Box, Princeton Manor, Cedar Gardens Pub or at any of Ernie White's band shows as well as on www.erniewhite.com.
Asbury Music Awards are tonight (Thursday 12/18) at the legendary Stone Pony located at 913 Ocean Avenue at 6 p.m.
Also in Asbury Park on Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Saint plays host to "Cook Smith's Annual Winter Solstice Party. Admission is $10, $8 if you bring a canned good or non-perishable food donation. The Saint is located at 601 Main Street.
Saturday night The Cryers Christmas Show will be rocking The Record Collector at 8 p.m. located at 358 Farnsworth Avenue in Boredentown City, NJ Tickets are just $12 and if unable to attend in person; it can be heard live and in its entirety on www.40footholestudio.com. DJ Dave a.k.a The Midnight Cobbler and Rock On Radio's Danny Coleman will be broadcasting beginning at 7:45 p.m.
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. Arnie Baird
Sun. 9 p.m. Pat Foran
Wed. 10 p.m. Open Mic. Night (sign ups 9 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Amalfi's Restaurant
146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri./Sat. 8:30 p.m. (TBA)
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Cager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Sat. 8 p.m. Tony Malandro
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge
835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington
(609) 267-1200
Thurs. 8 p.m. Country Night feat. Tony DeSimone Band.
Fri. 7 p.m. "Acoustic Christmas Weekend" Night 1: Solus Rex, Soraia, Astronauts Really Fly, Andrew Moorer, Jack and Our Now, Josh Holland, Brain Foy, (more TBA)
Sat. 7 p.m. "Acoustic Christmas Weekend" Night 2: John Faye, Corey James, Danielle and Jennifer, Carl Stokking, Dave Charles, Corey R-J, Noah Carmichael, Moving and Storage, (more TBA).
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Fri. 6 p.m. Happy Hour w/ Rich Schneider, Tom Schneider, Jim Peraino.
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 6 p.m. All Out War, Secret Santa, Lifeless, Palehorse, Rock Bottom, Sicker Than Most, Bottom Feeder. All ages, $15/$18.
Sat. 5 p.m. Volt, Laguaria, Unholy Dispute, Shitty Wedding Band, (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Monnette Sudler Guitar 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
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. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215)862-5539
Sat. 8 p.m. Love Street
Sun. 3 p.m. Little Red Rooster
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. 10 p.m. "Beat the Clock" DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Jumper
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Loop
Sun. 3 p.m. John Eddie Christmas Show. All ages, Doors at 2 p.m., $10 (children under 12)/$15 (12 and older)
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke in the Bar w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. CLOSED
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 10 p.m. Tangled
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Jerry Feiss
Fri. 9 p.m. Keith Kenny
Sat. (3 p.m.) Fellaheen (9 p.m.) 80's Backseat w/ Molly Rhythm
Sun. (3 p.m.) Jamie Salvatore (9 p.m.) the Orange Drop
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Tues. 9 p.m. Eric Sommer
Wed. 9 p.m. Christmas Eve w/ The Brooks Ensemble
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Matt & Rachel
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
Fri. 7:30 p.m. TJ Nix and Friends Music Variety Show
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Blues In Disguise
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Paul Desisto
Fri. 4 p.m. After Work Party
Sat. 9 p.m. "Naughty or Nice" Holiday Party. $10 (before 11 p.m.)
All Shows 21+
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Kickback
Sat. 9 p.m. Anything Goes
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
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 Copacetic
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Theme Night w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ A3RO
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Millhill Basement
300 South Broad St Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Check Web site for upcoming events
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Thurs. 8 p.m. Odessa Klezmer. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
Fri. 8 p.m. Dennis Gruenling w/ Steve Guyger & The Excellos. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. The Cryers Christmas show/Steve Holley. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
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. Eugene O'Neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Jerry Monk
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: "Black Mirror /White Christmas"
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
Fri. 10 p.m. Juggling Suns. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Anders & Friends. ($5 cover charge)
Tues. 9 p.m. Acoustic Grateful Dead feat. members of Splintered Sunlight
Wed. 9 p.m. Closing at 4 p.m.
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
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.
