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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
FEATURED EVENTS
