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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...5/28/15

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 05/28/2015


I just want to say that we're having a blast on this tour and we want to thank everyone; I mean everyone. We are really happy with the way it's going and it's a great combo of bands," says Justin Symbol of the band that bears his name as they have joined  forces with Requiem and William Control and the Neuromantic Boys on their most recent tour. 
 
"How great is this tour going? I was annoyed to be home yesterday," he said with a laugh. "The fact that it sucked so much having a day off is an indication of how good this tour is; the other bands are great! Requiem and William are treating us, well let's say, there's a lot of mutual respect."  
 
Respect in the music biz isn't always easy to come by; many artists are haunted by demons, addictions, self-destructive behavior and poor choices. Symbol toiled in local New York City bars and clubs doing a solo act, playing a mix of typical generic cover tunes interspersed by his original work; yet he longed for more. Dubbing himself the  "King of Negativity,"  he found his desire to create, if even from a very dark realm, was the driving force behind what would eventually become his band. "I guess you can say that this whole project started on Halloween 2014 with the release of "VOIDHEAD," he explained. "I had material and put together a band prior to releasing the disc but that other band wasn't as serious as I liked. I asked our drummer Will E. Vill and bassist Fox to join along with guitarist Soda and we morphed into a rock band; it was really cool how it just kind of happened. During the making of "VOIDHEAD" I was bottoming out with drug and alcohol addiction and dark was the only mood I was able to convey. There are a few songs on the album that are upbeat but with psychotic dark lyrics. The night we did the video for "Purgatory" I got arrested; it wasn't my best moment." 
 
Marilyn Manson co-founder and guitarist Daisy Berkowitz contributed heavily to the making of "VOIDHEAD" and helped garner the aforementioned respect that artists crave. Symbol speaks fondly of his working relationship with Berkowitz; explaining the connection came through a mutual friend. "Yeah, Daisy and I had a mutual friend, he was an older dude and he was kind of eccentric; he may even be dead by now. This guy told me about an audition that was taking place for a band that he thought I would fit and when I got to this hotel where the auditions were being held; there was Daisy. We hit it off and we've been kind of working together ever since."
 
Berkowitz's crisp yet haunting guitar work lends to the over all tone of the disc; furthering Symbol's image of a dark and brooding tormented soul. On the road of course, the guitar work is left up to Soda and the rest of the band to recreate the studio sound and for the moment; Justin's compositions. " Yeah, I would say that I am the principal songwriter; definitely of the latest disc and our re-mix album but that may or will all change. Now that I'm working with this great band, our next album is definitely going to be more band driven; we'll do it together." 
 
Even though the band is having a blast, touring can cost some serious cash. Justin and the group have taken to using an Indie Go-Go campaign as a way to fund their road trip. "Touring is expensive," said Symbol with a laugh. "We love being on the road and as I said this tour is going great but the fact is; we need money to eat and put gas in the vehicle. So we figured we would go this route and so far we are doing good with it." 
 
The route they are now on is taking them to the west coast and three shows in California before heading home. Shows in Anaheim (June 5), Fresno (June 7) and Oakland (June 8) round out their portion of the tour which officially comes to a close on June 11. 
 
Symbol seems to finally have made peace with himself, accepting his demons and addictions; staying strong and positive in total contrast to his on stage persona. His open honesty was both refreshing and a pleasant surprise; not holding back both positive and negative thoughts. To support the band's tour and Indie Go Go campaign, please go here,  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/justin-symbol-u-s-punishment-tour/x/10621509 or to learn more about Justin Symbol please visit www.justinsymbol.com . 
 
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. The Beagles

Sun. 9 p.m. Kenny Cunningham

All shows 21+



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Amalfi's Restaurant


146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville

(609) 912-1599

 

Sat. 8:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit

 






Amarones Windsor Inn


29 Church St. Windsor

 

(609) 448-7144



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Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Country" Ron Crites

Fri. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice

Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds of the Street

Tues. 8 p.m. Ambiance the Duo

 

Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton

(609) 245-8887

 



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Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam 

 

The Backstage at Championship Bar 

931 Chambers St. Trenton

 

Fri. 7 p.m. The Afraid Brigade, Skysleeper, Above The Mendoza, Crash Landing, Old City Revival. All ages, $10

Sat. 5 p.m. Electric Puke, Action Man, A Crisis Of Confidence, Cut The Act, Tripping For Life, Government Of Sheep, The Brandon Smith Band.  All ages, $10

 

Candlelight Lounge 

24 Passaic St. Trenton

(609) 695-9612



 

Sat. 3 p.m. James Stewart Tenor Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)

 

Chickie's & Pete's

183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-9182

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Lip-sync Contest

Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs

Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night

 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


Dog & Bull Brew House

810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.

(215) 788-2855

 

Thurs. 8 p.m. Twin Ghost

Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Visoon (9 p.m.) CP Duo 

Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Dave Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Big Soul Chicken

Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Mike Ghantt

Mon. 8 p.m.  The Keith Lesnik Trio

Tues. 8 p.m. Nytrous

Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson

 

Dubh Linn Square 

167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-7100

 

Thurs. Ladies Night

Sun. 4 p.m. Irish Sessions

Mon. Military Day

 

Fran's Pub



116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.

(215)862-5539

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call

Fri. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band

Sat. 9 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief

Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam

All shows 21+ 

 

Halo Pub

4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square

(609) 586-1811

 

Sat. 7 p.m. Joe Zook & Paul Plumeri

 

Havana New Hope

105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa. 

(215) 862-9897

 



Thurs. 8 p.m. Anna Nalick. Doors at 6 p.m., $35 (reserved seating)

Fri. 8 p.m. Jah People (CD Release Party). Ages 21+, doors at 6 p.m., $15


Sat. 8:30 p.m. Coast 2 Coast

Sun. 4 p.m. Rocky and Heather and Their Friends

Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron

Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends 

 

Ivy Tavern 

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton

(609) 888-1435

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke

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. Jerry Feiss

Fri. 9 p.m. Ammunition

Sat. (3 p.m.) Kelly Zullo (9 p.m.) Jason Ager & Blackrue

Sun. (3 p.m.) Miss Pumpkin Presents: A Drag Show Benefit (9 p.m.)Patrick Sweany w/ The Silks

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/Tim



Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational

All shows 21+

 

JoJo's Tavern

2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-2678

  

Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke

 

Paint the Roses Tea and Café

37 West Broad Street Hopewell

(609) 466-8200

 

Sat. 11 a.m. Bryan Hill

 

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. Danielle Stewart

Sat. 7:30 p.m. McMillan & Company

 

Pete's Steak House

523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton

(609) 585-8008

 

Fri. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Deep Release

 

Randy Now's Man Cave

134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 424-3766

 

Check site for upcoming events

 

 RHO Waterfront








50 Riverview Plaza Trenton



(609) 393-7300

 

Thurs. 10 p.m. College Night Dance party w/ DJ Wessy Wes

Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) Black Frost



All Shows 21+

Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown

(609) 426-9345

 



Fri. 9 p.m. ArHouse

Sat. 9 p.m. Steve The Band

Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night 

 

The HOB Tavern

146 Second Street

(609) 291-7020

 

Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke

 

The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau St. Princeton

(609) 921-8555

 

Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron

Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Darius

Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong

Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv

Wed. 8:30 p.m. Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron

 

The Millhill Basement

300 South Broad St Trenton

(609) 989-1600

 

Check web page for upcoming shows

 

The Record Collector

358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 324-0880

 

Fri. 8 p.m. Reach Around Rodeo Clowns / Crash Gordon & Debra Dynamite. 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. D*Luxe the Band

Sat. 9 p.m. Drunk Monkeys

 

The Sun National Bank Center 

81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton

(609) 656-3200

 

Check web site for upcoming events

 

Tilted Kilt 

557 US Hwy. 130 North, Hamilton

(609) 585-1800

 

Fri. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies

 

Tir Na Nog 

1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton

(609) 392-2554

 




Fri. 5 p.m. Ed Wilson

Tues. 9 p.m. Bob Daley

All shows  21+

Trenton Buzz

702 Pine St. Trenton

(609) 392-6000

 

Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat

 

Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777

 

Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents:  (TBA)

Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday

Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree 

Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.

 

Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)

400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-8300

 

Fri. 10 p.m. Levee Drivers. ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Cold Roses. ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night



All shows 21+

 

Wildflowers Inn



2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington

Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock 

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.


EVENT PREVIEWS

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August

BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August

(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th

Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th

The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.

Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69

Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.

Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.

The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.

 

FEATURED EVENTS

EagleMania – The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Cimarron 615

Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Niko Moon - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ

Totally 2000's Party - Y2K Night

Friday, August 14, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

The Janis Joplin Experience starring Lisa Polizzi

Friday, August 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


 



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