By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/28/2017

Most artists who record their original music do so for various reasons. Some relate their life experiences, others to promote a point of view and still others just because they have something inside them screaming to get out. Kate Grom however had a different set of reasons and circumstances for the recording of her nine track release, "Heroine."

"This album was inspired by a Nora Ephron quote which was, "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim," said Grom with conviction. "I was going through a very difficult time in my life and I needed to be inspired so I moved around. I moved to Nashville, then London, New York City and then from New York to France; where I knew absolutely nobody. It was just me and a guitar but it's a very freeing culture and it helped me center myself."

 Back home in the U.S, this lady from the Metro New York area went to work on the album and the release of a Christmas single, "All I Want for Christmas is You." "I'd been searching for the right Christmas tune to cover. I wanted to hit rewind but in a classic timeless way and I heard Mariah Carey's version of it and wanted to be authentic yet in my style so I went with it. This was a lot of fun to record and it's Christmas so it's fun; right?"

Grom plays both guitar and piano and says that she writes her music between both instruments; lyrics with her guitar and music on the piano. However, it's her influences which when combined have produced her unique sound. "I was actually a classical music major in college," she said with a slight tone of surprise as if she herself was unsure. "Transitioning from one style to another though was fairly easy and that's thanks to my Uncle. I had a Woodstock attending uncle who'd pick me up from school and tell us stories about the festival but the best part was his actual knowledge of music and the things he taught me. Thanks to my Uncle Oz I heard a lot of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Led Zeppelin, America, Bruce Springsteen and the Joanie Mitchells of the world. He opened up a whole world of things for me; I like Bob Dylan and when I went to Nashville I was inspired by blue grass music. I may never have been so open to so many things had it not been for Uncle Oz and when he passed away it was a great loss for all of us but he left me things I'll remember forever." 

Being an artist with classic influences is no easy task in this day and age of the copy and paste, perfect sounding pop music world but Kate is not worried about being lost in the shuffle; she feels that if one is willing to search a bit, finding quality is only a click away. "So much today, I feel that the market is, I hesitate to say; oversaturated. I don't think that the authenticity of recordings are as strong as they were with the availability of the internet. I think it's harder to find full length records that are quality but they are out there; there's just a lot more to sift through before you find them. I do believe that the internet has also allowed for some great music to be created but for me it is just more of a search to find what I like."

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 These influences have also created a great mix of music; one that cannot be defined or slipped into a genre as the record is very much, "Old School;" as in that it has style not repetition. All of the songs sound like Kate Grom but none sound the same and in today's age of cookie cutter efforts, it is very refreshing. Even her version of, "All I Want for Christmas is You" is done in her own fabulous style complete with hand percussion and real instrumentation.

So what is in store for this talented siren with the enchanting voice? "I had one more show in 2017 and now I'm going to take a break," she said with a laugh. "I am going to start writing again; I've been touring for about two years and I need a break so that I can get creative again."

 To discover more about Kate Grom, please visit www.kategrom.com.

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

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This week's event listings

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Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Sun. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)

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Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers Street Trenton
Sat. 4:30 p.m. "Ron Gilbert Memorial Show" feat. Float Face Down, The Merciless Concept, Existence, Knuckle Up!, Sirens, Dahmed, Trauma, Hounds, Triple Threat, On Sight, Reborn Divided. All ages, Doors at 4 p.m., $10 
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+

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Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sun. 8 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ DJ John Rossi. $15 (Includes champagne toast)
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia  Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ash & Snow
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Bruce Klauber Trio
Sun. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Tues. 6 p.m. Fermenters Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. Soul Custody

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Sat. 9 p.m. Gypsy Mother

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Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)

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Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia

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City Streets
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sun. 9 p.m. "2017 New Year's Eve Bash" Hosted by Mark Harding Jr. (Free admission)
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval

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COARadio.com
Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. 9th Annual Christmas Spectacular Replay

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Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. (7 p.m.) "Paint Night" (9 p.m.) DJ Jason Byrd / "Beer Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. Al's Pals
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. (8 p.m.) "New Year's Eve Party" w/ One Hot Mess Duo. Ages 21+, $10 (Includes giveaways, champagne, party favors, desserts)
Tues. 8 p.m. "Game Night"

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Diamond's of Hamilton
661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Fri. 8:30 p.m. DJ Ron Meisner
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Moment In Time
Sun. 9:30 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ DJ Ron Meisner

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Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Lynsay Salera
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) Dustin Beck
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Michael Leggerie
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (9 p.m.) New Pony
Mon. 9 a.m. "New Year's Day Pajama Brunch" w/ Dick Gratton

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Freddies Tavern
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Rich Scanella Group
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ The Jim Delre Band (Dining room) and The Rich Scanella Group (Bar area)
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala

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Grover's Mill Coffee House
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker

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Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8:30 p.m.) Se7en Band (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Jump OFF. $7 (Cover charge) (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ Coast 2 Coast. $15
Mon. 9 p.m. "New Year" Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local & Original Music" Hosted by Pat Foran

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Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn
15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. James Popik & Friends
Fri. 6 p.m. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
Sat. 6 p.m. John and Carm
Sun. 2 p.m. (TBA)

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Sun. 9:30 p.m. "New Year's Eve Party" w/ Witzend. Ages 21+, $10 (Includes buffett, party favors, champagne toast)
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 2 p.m. Audio Pilot
Sun. 9 p.m. "Plowing Through New Year's Eve" w/ Bob O & The Grouser Girls. $50 (Includes food, savory treats, champagne)

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Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Zero 8619
Sat. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
All shows 21+

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Jake's Eatery
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Ladies Night" feat. The Danny Lynch Project
Sat. 9 p.m. Matt Sevier
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night

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John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. "The Holiday Comedy Show" Hosted by Mike DiAlto feat. Sean Lynch, JoJo Collins, Chris Dolan, Marc Kaye.
Fri. 9 p.m. Billy Hector Band
Sat. (3 p.m.) Three Dogs Live  (9:30 p.m.) Jonah Lloyd & Friends
Sun. 8 p.m. "New Year's Eve Party" w/ DJ AGGReSCHEN. (Free admission)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Beef & Beer Fundraiser for Police Unity Tour"
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Jimmy G

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Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike
Mon. 1 p.m. First Call

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Mamma Rosa's
572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider

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McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Domino Domino
Ages 21+ 
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" w/ DJ Favs. & MC Fredo Ages 21+
Sat. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve Eve" feat. The Madeleine Haze, Old Man Savage, The Age of Truth, Agents of Aggression. $5
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" feat. Last Call. $10 (Includes party favors, champagne toast, hot breakfast buffet)
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment

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Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Sat. 9 p.m. Real Rude Dude Girl, Little Vicious, Ernest, Alpha Rabbit. $5
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase

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New Hope Winery
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. Jeffrey Gaines. Doors at 7 p.m., $25

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Nook's PourHouse
2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics

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Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+

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Olde Liberty Tavern
2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ Accelerator.

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Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +

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Parx Casino (360 Bar)
2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(888) 588-7299
Thurs. 9 p.m. Latin Night
Sat. (5 p.m.) Stems and Seeds (9:30 p.m.) LeCompt (10 p.m.) DJ Capps. Ages 21+

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Patriots Crossing
1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. Tom Trovas Group
Sat. 8 p.m. "Pajama Jammie Jam" w/ DJ Bobby Jones

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Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ Out Of The Red. (Free breakfast buffet at 1 a.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

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Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Fri. 8 p.m. Raymond The Amish Comic. $15

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Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. (TBA)

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Salt Creek Grille
1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Eric Mintel
Sat. 8 p.m. Michael Bernabe
Sun. 8 p.m. Rainbow fresh

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Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. B.D. Lenz

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1867 Sanctuary
101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Closed for holidays

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Tara's Tavern
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Billy Walton Band
Sat. 10 p.m. Those Two Guys
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's eve" Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G

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Tavern On The Lake
101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. One Flight Up
Sat. 9 p.m. Smoke and Mirrors
Sun. 10 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ Asylum Choir
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

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Temperance House
5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Jeff Corbett
Sat. 7 p.m. John & Maggs
Sun. 8 p.m. "New Year's Eve Party" w/ DJ. (Free admission)
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. "Jazz Night" w/ John Sheridan and BCCC

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Cowboy Bob
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ DJ Chino Cougar Devine. (Free admission, midnight champagne toast and buffet)

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The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)

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The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. John Gosselin
Sat. 10 p.m. Dueling Piano Dudes
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron

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The Pines Tavern
6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Cathouse Blues Band
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.

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The Raven
385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (8 p.m.) Will & Grace Viewing Party (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (7:30 p.m.) Fox Cats. $15 (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert  (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Wed. 7 p.m. Dena Underwood

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The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Please check web page for upcoming events.

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The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ The Suspects. (Free admission)

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The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve Party" w/ the Drunk Monkeys
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events

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The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Bob Rotondo
Fri. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsman
Sun. 8:30 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ The Bob Rontondo Band. (Champagne toast at midnight)

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Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frank Connell's farewell Party" feat. multiple musicians.
Sun. 5 p.m. "New Year's Eve" Dual Celebrations 7 p.m. (Ireland) 12 a.m. (United States)                                                                 
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by The Williamsboy
All shows  21+

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Trenton Buzz
702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.

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Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ Jay Kountree (Live DJ all night)
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Wed. 6 p.m. "Jazz and Sushi Night" feat. Dick Gratton

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Zeke Skye Band. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Brad Staudle & The Funky Onions. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 9 p.m. "New Year's Eve Party" $10
All shows 21+

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Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Beth Callen
Sun. 10 p.m. "New Year's Eve" w/ Some Assembly Required
All shows 21+

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Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Ages 21+
 

About the author:

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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.

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