By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/01/2018

"I love that Willie has expanded into these little towns. I'm a huge fan because he's so personable; I'm a huge fan," said an obviously elated Meryl Greig as she exited the recent Willie Nile show at The Hopewell Theater in Hopewell, NJ.

On this night, Nile combined all facets of his music, the recent CD, his love of Tom Petty and many past efforts into one rip roarin', story filled night that gave the crowd a glimpse into the world of this rock 'n' roll grandfather. 

"This place is only four months old and very clean; we'll fix that," said Nile  and with that they ripped into theyre opening number.

Pausing only for a quick four count, they next launched into Tom Petty's, "Runnin' Down A Dream" which Nile punctuated with a, "God bless Tom Petty" at the end and then followed that with, "This Is Our Time." 

The Hopewell Theater is a dinner theater with booths lining the walls and tables with chairs set up all over the floor and a small balcony above but on this night there was dancing in all available spaces as one could tell that the band was having a special evening. 

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A quick introduction of the band ended with, "This is a song that I wrote with Frankie Lee. I wanted to write one like AC/DC and this is what came out of it" and he went back to 2000's, "Beautiful Wreck Of The World" album as the opening chords of, "Black Magic White Lies" split the air. 

 "Golden Down" was next and then Willie was off to his recent successful Bob Dylan tribute album. "I recently did an album of Bob Dylan songs," he began as the crowd reacted enthusiastically. "It was a total labor of love. The City Winery had contacted me and asked me to come play some songs to celebrate Bob's 75th birthday. I was humbled, The Beatles, Stones and Bob Dylan were my influences and well, God bless Bob Dylan" and they played an upbeat version of, "The Times They Are A-Changin'."

"I have four Children and four grandchildren and it's always cool to hear them say, "Grandpa you rock" but my one little four year old always asks me to play the, "Johnny's in the basement" song. So this song will forever be known as, "Johnny's in the basement" in my house. This version is what I imagine would happen if The Beastie Boys met Chuck Berry in the basement of the Bob Dylan Hotel" and "Subterranean Homesick Blues" got the crowd revved up as Nile pounded his way through the timeless classic. 

A pause to refresh and a notation that the theater is a BYOB establishment were next, "Since this place has no liquor license; I assume that you've all come completely drunk," he stated with a laugh. "One of the reasons that I made this record was so that my grandchildren would know who Bob Dylan was" and "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall" was the offering as the crowd continued to be held in reverent appreciation. 

Stepping away from Dylan, Nile reached back a short way to his critically acclaimed, "American Ride" album for, "She's Got My Heart" and "If I Ever See The Light." 

Dylan was once again re-visited as, "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" was next on the list; once again as was the case with all of the Bob classics; in an upbeat, rockin' style. 

"House of a Thousand Guitars" was followed by, "Everybody Needs a Hammer" as Nile and the boys were gathering  for a strong push to the finish line. 

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A hard hitting version of Lou Reed's, "Sweet Jane" was next with a very nice call and answer featuring bassist Johnny Pisano and guitarist Matt Hogan along with a snappy but short drum solo by John Weber. A still raucous crowd who were dancing in the aisles all night were still very much raring to go when Nile hit his last tune, Dylan's, "Blowin' In The Wind." 

A quick thank you and good night was followed by a one minute pause leading up to the encore of, "One Guitar" and "You Gotta Be a Buddha (In A Place Like This)." 

The 17 song set (including encores) was approximately an hour and forty-five minutes of high energy, raucous, fun filled pure rock 'n' roll with more highlights then one can mention. Suzanne Stahl who traveled from Basking Ridge felt the same, "Loved it! I loved his spin on the old classics and he's very entertaining; we were up off our seats all night!" Laura and Brendan Wolf echoed those sentiments as they drove down from Asbury, NJ to see the show,"I wasn't sure what to expect, this was my first time seeing him but he was great; was a good show," said Brendan. Laura was more happy with the cover material, "I loved all the Bob Dylan, he's fantastic!" 

Overall, the show was well worth the price of admission and the Hopewell Theater is a great refurbished, intimate venue and perfect for bands like Nile. 

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"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Please check web page for upcoming events 

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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
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
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
 

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
 

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Bung's Tavern
2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
 

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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
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" 
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
125 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Lisa Kovacs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 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. One Hot Mess
Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith
 

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Diamond's of Hamilton
661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Fri./Sat 9:30 p.m. Live DJ Entertainment
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano. 
 

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Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Jeff Zambino
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Gypsy Mother
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (4 p.m.) Brian Elliot

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Frans Pub
116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 7 p.m. "Cups For A Cause" Fundraiser for Lukemia/Lymphoma Society. $15 (Entry fee) 

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Freddies Tavern
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle & Ernie White
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
Thurs. 9 p.m. "College Beat The Clock Night"
Fri. 7 p.m. "Night Out for St. Baldrick's" Fundraiser in honor of Dominic Liples feat. Bigg Romeo. $50 (Advance includes dinner, drink voucher) (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (6 p.m.) Anna Nalick. Doors at 4 p.m., $25/$50 (VIP Meet and Greet) (8:30 p.m.) LeCompt with Downtown Horns  (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 1 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran 

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Hopewell Theater
5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Check web page for upcoming events

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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. Jerry Steele
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. The Lifters
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hazelrigg Brothers
 

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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
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
 

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob O & Jess
Sat. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson & Carol Brooks
Sun. 1 p.m. Bob Daley & Dave Dedrick 

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Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Cover Up
Sat. 9 p.m. Smoked Ice
All shows 21+
 

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Jake's Eatery
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Julian Roso
Sat. 9 p.m. Queen Helene
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
 

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John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Sat. (3 p.m.) Dirty Soap (9 p.m.) Mike Montrey Band "CD Release Party"
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Jo Jo's Tavern & Restaurant
2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Jerry Monk, Paul Plumeri, Joe Kramer

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Jimmy G
Sun. 3 p.m. "Parade Kickoff" feat. Billy O'Neal & Friends

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Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Girls Night Out" Pound and Pour
Fri. 6 p.m. "Roaring 20's" Murder Mystery 2.
Sat. (1 p.m.) Rave On (7 p.m.) Awesome 80's Dance Party
Sun.1 p.m. Rick Winow

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Logan Inn
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Zeke Sky Band
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Colleen Ryan
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Zeke Stambovsky

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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
Sat. 10 p.m. Asylum Choir
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
 

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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. 9 p.m. Fish Out Of Water
Sat. 9 p.m. F.F.O.G
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
Thurs. 9 p.m. The Cryptkeeper Five, The Jukebox Romantics, Seeing Snakes, Tim & Dim. Ages 21+, $9
Sat. 9 p.m. Mr Payday, Sound&Shape, Alpha Rabbit. $8
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
 

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Mojito Cuba Caribe
90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(267) 740-2900
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris

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New Hope Winery
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. Sensational Soul Cruisers. Doors at 7 p.m., $25
Sun. 6 p.m. Enter The Haggis. Doors at 5 p.m., $25

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Nook's PourHouse
2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Sat. 9 p.m. Drunk Monkeys
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
Fri. 9 p.m. Deep Release
Sat. 9 p.m. Spellbound
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+

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Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
 

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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" w/ DJ George Dennis
Fri. (9:30 p.m.) The Exceptions (10 p.m.) DJ Eric Vanderslice
Sat. (5 p.m) Shot Of Southern (9:30 p.m.) Love Seed Mama Jump (10 p.m.) DJ 2CoolC
Wed. 8 p.m. Jessica Kirson 

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Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat.8 p.m. Mark Stuart. $12

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

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Salt Creek Grille
1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Keith Franklin
Sat. 8 p.m. Jackie Jones
 

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Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Rick Fiori Jazz
 

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1867 Sanctuary
101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 8 p.m. Alex Otey Trio. $20
Sat. 8 p.m. Ralph Pagano. $20
Sun.7:30 p.m. "Moonlight in Empty Rooms" feat. Heidi Breyer, Alexander Volkov, Leonor Falcon. $30

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Tara's Tavern
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
 

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Tavern On The Lake
101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
Sat. 9 p.m. Steve the Band
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. Steve Guyger
Sat. 7 p.m. Jeff Corbett
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan
 

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Between Sleep and Awake
 

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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. DJ Copacetic
Sat. 10 p.m. Papa D'Lux
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. Barefoot Bobby & The Breakers
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 (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert  (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Mon. 9:30 p.m. "Lipstick Monday" Drag Show
Tues. 8 p.m. Bearlesque

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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. Vince Berardi Band 

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The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
 

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The Cure Insurance 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. Steve Tesluk
Fri. 8 p.m. Stage Left
Sat. 8 p.m. Scoville Blues Band

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Third State Brewing
352 High Street Burlington
(609) 3871620
Check web site for upcoming events

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Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sat. (12 p.m.) "Kickoff to St. Patrick's Season" feat. Billy Walsh. (9 p.m.) Billy Walsh
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ McDermott's Handy
All shows  21+
 

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Trenton Buzz
702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman

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Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 10 p.m. Muscle Tough. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Tweed. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.) 
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

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Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Frank Cervantes

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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