By Danny Coleman
originally published: 02/11/2021
"We just finished another record and we'd love to be out playing but that's not going to happen because everything is closed down. So, the record company is trying to promote the record which just shipped out on the fifteenth of January and they're doing the best they can and the publicists and all that to promote it. So, that's that; I know that's kind of dull but there is nothing going on because of COVID. We are lucky enough to have a label that's active, Carry On but yeah, most people are making music and then it's; what do I do with it now?"
Since their self-titled 1975 debut, Crack The Sky has never asked that question and according to lead vocalist/guitarist John Palumbo; they have no intention on starting now as is evident by the release of their eighteenth studio album, "Tribes."
"Tribes" is a 13-track effort that continues to reinforce the band's reputation as one of the strongest progressive rock units ever assembled and one which still features the majority of its original line-up.
The first record we put out was in 1975, so we've been together a long time; of course we were all 12 years old when we did that," he said with a laugh. "We're still alive and kicking, we're still making music, we won't stop; we are stubborn and we won't quit. Right now we still have four original members but people come and go in and out; we have a new bass player and new keyboard player. I say "New" but they've been with the band on and off for 30 years so we might as well count them as original members."
Like most in today's COVID climate, Crack The Sky has been slowed but as stated not stopped. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending one's perspective; they began the recording process just prior to the big shutdown. So; what have they been doing since the pandemic slowed world progress?
"Lots of interviews and trying to get press and honestly; that's it," Palumbo said with mild frustration. "Normally you finish up the album and go out on the road. So, everybody is kind of scratching their heads thinking; what can we do to get this thing rolling? We started the album about a year ago and once you start you don't stop. We just kept going; there's a process obviously and we kept just pushing forward not knowing like everybody else what the hell is going to happen and here we are."
"I'm lucky enough to be the writer and I try to write every day; that doesn't mean that I get a song out every day but I try to keep writing, otherwise; what do you do? Stare at your feet? This is what I do, so I just keep doing it to maintain some kind of normalcy; I think our last gig was sometime in February."
Today's technology allows for bands to be in the same room even when the distance is great. Tools such as e-mail, Zoom and other software products have made tracking new music far easier than in the past. There is no scheduling of studio time or worries of travel to get all of the players together; with the click of a computer key the world and the music are at one's fingertips. Palumbo explained the process he and the band have used; given they are somewhat scattered about.
"I used to be in Baltimore but I've lived here in South Jersey for about 25 years now. We are spread out all over the place; a couple of people in Baltimore, a couple of people in Columbia, Joey is in Gettysburg, Rick is in West Virginia; so we are kind of spread out. Four of us have a studio; I'll write a song and put it together based on what I think musically in a demo with the harmonies and all of that stuff and I'll then send it to Rick's studio and there two or three of the guys will go live depending on scheduling and put their own twist on it depending on what I've sent. So, it really is a band situation; it's bizarre (laughs)."
With titles such as, "Another Civil War" and "Another Beautiful day," as well as the title cut; "Tribes" has won high praise from a both their fan base and critics alike, in part because it runs the gamut of emotions and musical stylings. Considering their longevity, an ever changing world and other variables that arise in the creative process; does Palumbo find writing music different today than when the band first formed?
"Well, there's no real discernable difference that I can put my finger on but I know for myself that I try to keep pushing ahead, moving forward and doing different things. So, it's not so much the environment as it is my own kind of low threshold of boredom and I really push hard to come up with fresh stuff and the rest of the band is of the same mindset. Right now I'm writing for an acoustic album that we've been talking about doing and I'm about five tracks deep into that and I have a solo album that's next to come out depending on the schedule of the record company and then ideally the acoustic one. So, yeah we will keep going."
Crack The Sky currently consists of Palumbo, guitarists Rick Witkowski and Bobby Hird, bassist Dave DeMarco and keyboardist Glenn Workman and as soon as they get the all clear they intend on going full tilt doing what they do best; writing, recording and performing but until then, Paumbo says that the best place to obtain their music is, "The website www.crackthesky.com and from our record company Carry On Music and it's on all of the outlets; you can pretty much find it anywhere.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Bangz Salon of New Hope3 Market Place New Hope, PA
(215) 862-9877
Fri. 8 p.m. "Experience Janis" The Music of Janis Joplin
roken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Derek Petaccio & Pete Macartney
Sat. 8:30 p.m. "First Saturdays" w/ Dana & Ron
Sun. (12 p.m.) "Valentine's Day at Broken Goblet" w/ Dr LaLuv's Trivia. $30 (4 p.m.) "Valentine's Day at Broken Goblet" w/ Deej Roisin. $30. (Reservations required)
All Shows 21+
Championship Bar 931 Chambers street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Tuesday 8 p.m. "Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb
Ages 21+
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Sandi Joy / Grey DeLisle
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Sara and The Sound "Valentine's Party"
Fri. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 7 p.m. The Launch
Sun. 11 a.m. "Sunday Latin Brunch"
Mon. 7 p.m. "Sunny Monday Blues Jam" and Country Music Night
Tues. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Karen and Mark
All Events Ages 21+
Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 1:30 p.m.
Fri. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
Sat. 4 p.m. Eddie from NBAN
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale (4 p.m.) Skylar Love
Gleason's Bar6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Fri. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ Casey Weldon
Greenhouse 90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1657
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Musicians Night Out" Hosted by Lovelight
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Sam Ryan
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Dwayne Dunlevy
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. DC Duo
Sat. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. FOGLight
Sun. 1 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Jillian Ashcraft Trio
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Girls Night Out" w/ Radio Fiction
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 7 p.m. "Valentine's Dinner" feat. Andrew Kosinski. $70 (+ 20% gratuity)
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
Palmer SquareNassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Fri. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Sat.12 p.m./4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Sun 12 p.m./4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Recklesstown Farm Distillery2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia
Revere Restaurant802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Wed. 7 p.m. David Boyd
emperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7p.m. "Blues Night" w/ Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Anders Hyatt
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Sat. 7 p.m. Legacy Duo
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Asylum Choir
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 6 p.m. Mario & Frank
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8 p.m. Danny Lynch Project
Train Wreck Distillery25 Madison Avenue Mount Holly
(609) 288-6300
Thurs. 6 p.m.
Fri. 7 p.m. Radio Fiction
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage
All shows 21+
Village Idiot Brewing Company42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270
Sat. 7 p.m. "Americana Night" feat. The Williamsboy, Northampton, Roswell King
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 1 p.m. Chris Giakas
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
