By Danny Coleman
originally published: 09/24/2015
"It's alive! It's alive! It is alive!" A famous quote from the movie "Frankenstein," where a supposed mad doctor creates a human being from multiple parts of deceased others and brings it to life with a power surge from a lightning strike. Today's music climate sees multiple artists forming "Franken-bands" as they are varying from their main or defunct groups to collaborate in side projects.
One of these mixed bags is comprised of Dream Theater alumni Mike Portnoy on drums, bassist Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai, David Lee Roth) and former Poison guitarist and longtime Mr Big mainstay Richie Kotzen; who together form; The Winery Dogs. "The chemistry in this band is, umm, interesting," said Kotzen with a laugh as he elaborated on the personalities which are what he considers the band's strong point. "We all have very different strengths and styles. We don't all always agree but when we do find common ground it becomes The Winery Dogs."
The Winery Dogs grew from the efforts of Portnoy and Sheehan. The two were working together late in 2011 but utilizing the talents of another guitarist. Reports have it that the trio didn't mesh as well as hoped and Kotzen had been suggested by a friend of the duo, the rest as they say; is history.
The trio first got together in January of 2012 and in their first meeting wrote three songs. One month later they returned for a second time and wrote five additional tunes; they all clicked and knew that they had something special. "When we're together in a room," explains Kotzen; "We come up with skeletons of songs. We probably have about God knows how many songs we've started or tried or are in the concept mode. We find it also depends on what we were listening to at the time or the night before. Like if I'm listening to R & B, my style tends to reflect that or if Mike is listening to whatever he was into at the moment or Billy; it comes out and hopefully we can make it work or blend it into something."
October 2 the band plans on releasing their second studio disc titled, "Hot Streak," followed by a tour which kicks off on October 3 in Ridgefield, CT. "The title comes from a song on the record and we feel it shows the evolution of the band; it also resonated with me for some reason," says an excited Kotzen who, as he laughed added, "It also describes the attitude of the band, especially on stage; we're a bunch of hot dogs!"
Kotzen says that this tour and the record release are "Big Stuff" for the band and hopefully for the fans as well. "Oh yeah this is big stuff for us! The new record is coming out and we really feel that we've outdid ourselves. This is a bigger record, we took more chances, my producer is very excited and we are anxious to play the new material for our fan base. We've been playing "Oblivion" for a while and it's been going over well so we're pretty excited."
Along with the scheduled release and coinciding tour, Kotzen is releasing a live DVD from his solo tour; also on October 2. "I'm going to get it all out there," he stated with confidence. "Besides The Winery Dogs, I have no other bands. Mike is always touring with somebody, Billy is involved with some other things and me; I'm not really a multiple band guy. I did a stint with Poison and of course with Mr Big but it's The Winery Dogs for me right now and that's it; I can't be in several bands at one time. If not with these guys, I'd be doing my solo thing. I love to write and record and tour and I'm very excited to release the DVD with our CD."
A native of northeastern Pennsylvania, Kotzen says that the band loves playing Philadelphia, New York City and Los Angeles since they have "Home town connections" to these cities but loves how the band has been received throughout the country. Claiming that the fans will determine the length of the tour, Richie and the band know that regardless of the outcome, those who come to the shows are in for a high energy, good time. "Well, hopefully the fans will love the new record and more shows will be added and we'll tour far into 2016; so it all depends on them really. It could happen that way or they hate the new record and we go home (laughs). Now if that happens then I'll probably take a year off or maybe I'll make another record; I don't know. I do know this; we are ready to tour, we are anxious to hit the road and play the new material and we're going to give it our best every night!"
"Hot Streak" is a 13 track effort on the Loud and Proud label. To discover more about the upcoming release and tour; please go to www.thewinerydogs.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. 9 p.m. "Thursday Jazz" feat. Keith Franklin Trio
Sun. 9 p.m. Kenny Cunningham
All shows 21+
Amalfi's Restaurant
146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri 8:30 p.m. Papa Delux & MSG
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Ron Kraemer
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds Of The Street
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 6 p.m. "Nice Guy Booking and Headbang For The Highway Present: The Battle For Knotfest Day 1" feat. The Blessing Of This Curse, Proletariat, Premonitions, Enemy Within, NoraStone, (TBA). All ages, $15
Sat. 6 p.m. "Nice Guy Booking and Headbang For The Highway Present: The Battle For Knotfest Day 2" feat. Suicide Conspiracy, Throat, Lethal Affection, Common Wealth, Unholy Dispute, Stealing Fame, (TBA). All ages, $15
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Jullian Pressley Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
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. Twin Ghost
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Keli Vale Jazz Duo (9 p.m.) Vic's Mix
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Deb & Mike
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale jazz Duo (3 p.m.) Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Mon. 8 p.m. Dustin Beck
Tues. 8 p.m. Mark Macmanus
Wed. 8 p.m. Paul Donavan
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Sat 8 p.m. Catch 5
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Plumeri Joe Kramer Jerry Monk
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. 8 p.m. Sammy Flow / Paul Plumeri Band
Sat. 8:30 p.m. An Evening With Ace Frehley. Ages 21+, Doors at 6 p.m., $55 (general admission)
Sun. (1 p.m.) "Wounded Warrior Project Benefit and Carlos Del Catilla Tribute" (6:30 p.m.) JB Kline CD Release Party
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Wed. Pat Foran and Friends
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Rd. Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Michael Gallant w/ James Popik
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Beatles Pie
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. "J & P's Comedy Night" w/ Sinners & Saints
Fri. 9 p.m. Keith Kenny CD Release
Sat. (3 p.m.) Run To Sandy (9 p.m.) Ammunition
Sun. (3 p.m.) "Miss Pumpkin Presents" A Drag Show Benefit (9 p.m.) Collin J. Rocker & The Burning Barrels w/ Justin Wells
Mon. 9 p.m. Husky Burnette
Tues. 9 p.m. DJ Aggreschen
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
Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series at the Capital Green
201 Barrack Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Dean Ween Group, Good Graeff, Molly Rhythm. All ages, Free outdoor event
Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Wed. 9 p.m. Austin Lucas, Sammy Kay, Johnny Ott, Brian Rothenbeck, Steve Burks. $10
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. Back Porch Jug Band
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Chris & Tommy's Good Time Show
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Les The Mentalist. All ages, Doors at 7 p.m., $10
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Wessy Wes. Ages 21+, $5 (with college ID), $15 (without)
Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) The Grace Little Band
Sat. (1 p.m.) "Trenton Animal Shelter Fundraiser" w/ keynote speaker CBS Meteorologist Carol Erickson. $40 (9 p.m.) "Risk Taker 45th. Anniversary and Birthday Celebration for FEE and Bark Da Ripper" $20 (advance), VIP $30
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. FarCry
Sat. 9 p.m. WarHammer
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. River Dogs
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 Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Popa Chubby. All ages, Doors 7:30 p.m., $20 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Ricky Byrd & Deuces Wild / Voodoo Fix. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
Sun. 8 p.m. Wishbone Ash. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $35 (advance).
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Never Enough
Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
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. 9 p.m. Mike Brill
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 Presents: "Old Work Meets New" by Howard Michaels
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
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. Apache Trails. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Suburban Living. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m.)
Tues. 9 p.m. The Crane Wives
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
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.
