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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...7/2/15

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 07/03/2015


"Known for living up to their name, the band partied so long and so hard that even Keith Richards thought they needed to slow things down." 
 
The above quote is from the FX Network's website as it "Amps up" the promotional volume for the debut of "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll;" starring comedian/actor/musician Dennis Leary and Nickelodeon's Elizabeth (Liz) Gillies. 
 
The show is based on a fictional '90's New York rock band called The Heathens, whose claim to fame is that they fell apart and broke up on the same day their first album was released. Leary plays lead singer "Johnny Rock" whose on and off stage antics added to the bands reputation as a "Kick ass" live act and hard partying mythical force.  
 
Leary, Gillies and band drummer Bobby Kelly recently held a New York City press conference where members of the media were privy to the first three thirty minute episodes prior to the show's debut on July 16. Episode 1 provided feedback on the band's background; minor details such as, the band's break up ensued because Leary's character was found in bed with the wife of "Flash," the band's lead guitarist (played by John Corbett). We also discover an amazing ironic twist existing between "Gigi" (Gillies) and Leary's character. 
 
The cast, rounded out by bass player "Rehab" (played by John Ales), Johnny's longtime girlfriend "Ava" (played by Elaine Hendrix), Leary and crew do an outstanding job at recreating the sometimes drama filled life of a rock band. One particular scene where the band discusses the ground rules on dealing with Gigi and parts of her anatomy stands out in particular, if you've ever been in a band you'll understand; if not you'll still see the humor. 
 
Episodes 2 and 3 reveal more of the shows subplots involving drug use, egos, shattered and potential dreams. Here again the cast is superb and are a perfect dysfunctional family, a marriage of people who fight for one another; yet will not trust each other one iota. The use of classic rock stars both in name and in cameo appearances is both well done and well timed. The show is fast paced, much like Leary's old stand-up routines but easy to digest. They mince no words in the script nor in Episode 3 where some strong character development takes place, if you're not sucked in fully by the end of Episode 1; you'll be totally addicted by the end of the third. 
 
Post previews; Leary, Gillies and Kelly held an old fashioned Q & A where Leary took the lead and was his classic self. Using expressive, colorful and quite descriptive adjectives; Dennis explained the premise and experiences that led up to the shows concept and development. "I've been in the same band for twenty five years," he started; "This whole thing came very easily to me." 
 
Confessing that he found Gillies from the recommendation of two younger children who were fans of the Nickelodeon show "Victorious" and comedian turned drummer Bobby Kelly from working the circuit together; Leary is rightfully pleased with the ensemble cast. Gillies, along with John Corbett and John Ales all had a variety of entertainment backgrounds; while Kelly learned to play the drums for his role on the program. "Who thought that at my age I'd learn to play the drums? It is the coolest thing I've ever done! It wasn't the easiest but it's definitely the coolest," said an obviously happy Kelly. 
 
Overall, the show really delivers. The cast is spectacular, Leary is outstanding as a washed up rocker trying to make a comeback, Corbett is the perfect antagonist, Ales the unassuming one and Kelly the lovable glue who tries to hold them all together. Musicians and non-musicians alike will love this program; it packs a lot of thought provoking laughs and moments into thirty minutes. This program is definitely Emmy worthy and much more.
 
For more info about "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," and the July 16 premier; please go to www.fxnetworks.com/shows/sex-drugs-rock-roll/episodes 
 
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. Spanky's Garage

All shows 21+

 


Amarones Windsor Inn








29 Church St. Windsor


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(609) 448-7144

 

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

Fri. 8 p.m. Lonnie Youngblood

Sat. 8 p.m. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday

Tues. 8 p.m. Ambiance the Duo



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Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton

(609) 245-8887

 

Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam 

 

The Backstage at Championship Bar 

931 Chambers St. Trenton

 



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Fri. 7 p.m.  The Shit Show, Forsaken By Destiny, Reverse Psychology, (TBA). All ages, $10

 

Candlelight Lounge 

24 Passaic St. Trenton

(609) 695-9612



 

Sat. 3 p.m. Annual Jazz BBQ Special 

 

Chickie's & Pete's

183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-9182

 

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

Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night

 

Dog & Bull Brew House

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

(215) 788-2855

 

Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld

Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Johnny Moskal

Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group



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Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Tommy Griggz

Mon. 8 p.m. The Keith Lesnik Trio

Tues. 8 p.m. Sister Blue

Wed. 8 p.m. 

 

Fran's Pub



116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.

(215)862-5539

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call

Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam

All shows 21+  

 

Havana New Hope

105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa. 

(215) 862-9897

 



Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party

Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party


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

Sun. 4 p.m. Ladies 2000

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

Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends

 

Hopewell Valley Vineyards

46 Yard Rd. Pennington 

(609) 737-4465

 

Sat. 6 p.m. Deb & Mike

 

Ivy Tavern 

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton

(609) 888-1435

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Fri. 10 p.m. Papa Deluxe

Sat. 10 p.m. Perfect Strangers

All shows 21+



 

John & Peter's 

96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-5981

 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Justin Pope

Fri. 9 p.m. Caffeine Machine

Sat. 9 p.m. Kuf Knotz

Sun. 3 p.m. Ran Tan Toon

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

Tues. 9 p.m. Front Royal, Patrick Leaver, Nick Voyack



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

 

Laurita Winery

85 Archertown Rd. New Egypt

(609) 752-0200

 

Sun. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike

 

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. Mike Macmanus

 

Pete's Steak House

523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton

(609) 585-8008

 

Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Separations

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday

 

Randy Now's Man Cave

134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 424-3766

 

Check web site for upcoming shows

 

RHO Waterfront








50 Riverview Plaza Trenton



(609) 393-7300

 

Fri./Sat. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday

Sun. Selecta Bamm Bamm Presents: "Foam Party" w/ DJs Volume 1, Young Rass, Banky Hype. $10 (Before 11 p.m.)



All Shows 21+

Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown

(609) 426-9345

 



Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)

Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)

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 Fatha Ramzee

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

 

Fri. 9 p.m. Entropy, The Young Rochelles, (TBA). $6

 

The Record Collector

358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 324-0880

 

Thurs. 8 p.m. Runaway Dorothy / Danielle Steward. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)

 

The Sticky Wicket 

2465 South Broad St. Hamilton

(609) 439-0007

 

Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment

 

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. (TBA)

 

Tir Na Nog 

1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton

(609) 392-2554

 




Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)

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. (TBA) ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Spiritual Rez. ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night

Wed. 9 p.m. Joshua Fletcher



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

Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Michael Allman Band - Matinee Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Michael Allman Band - Evening Show

Sunday, July 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Joe Jackson + Band

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ

Chris O'Leary Band

Thursday, July 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


 



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