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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






 

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

 





 

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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.



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.