By Danny Coleman
originally published: 05/20/2021
"For me it's where I started; I started in the blues-rock world and that's kind of where I am," says blues rocker Dustin Douglas as he discussed his band The Electric Gentlemen, their new record, video and more.
"All rock and roll music is rooted in the blues," is a quote many a rock musician has heard and/or lived by but some such as Dustin Douglas understand this to their very core. The blues music genre runs neck and neck with progressive rock as perhaps the toughest to sell and market; both always seeming to simmer beneath the music landscape until something erupts and pushes them to surface and in this ever changing climate of digital versus analog, downloads versus physical product, Douglas knows that one thing MUST be a constant and that is honesty.
"I like my blues pretty injected with volume and power but the feeling and the vibe and honesty of the traditional blues guys is what really makes me gravitate to that music. When I listen to that music it's the honesty; all of the Kings, Albert, Freddie and also there's Muddy and all of those dudes; "Zeppelin I" was my bible. I mean these dudes in these white suits took these blues tunes and injected them with power and that's all I really try to do; carry the flag or the torch. Whether it's Jack White or Black Keys, I just kind of re-imagine it for a new crowd and hopefully that crowd goes back and says; where did this all come from? For me that's the purpose of it all; just kind of putting a fresh spin on the old honesty of the blues and that's what it's all about for me."
Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen are in the process of assembling their still untitled third album and in doing so are navigating some uncharted territory; releasing singles and a video before the project is complete and yet while adapting, they have also managed to keep busy which makes Douglas very happy.
"I have a solo record out; I was in The Badlees for a few years playing second guitar and after that kind of dismantled I recorded a solo record and then The Electric Gentlemen were formed," he explained. "We have a self-titled and our latest which is about two years old called "Break It Down;" so, this will be our first new music in about two years."
"Yeah," he continued with a laugh; "It's nice to say that we are busy these days. We just put out a new single on April 30 and we're kind of doing it the way the industry is going right now; you give away half the CD as singles and then the CD comes out (laughs). So, yeah, we're going to release a few singles first to just try and ease us back into things and that seems to be kind of the norm right now from what I see; whether it's John Mayer or Royal Blood; it's amazing. I mean you're talking five singles before the record comes out and you have half a released record and half not. I think it's the A.D.D mindset really setting in; the beautiful thing about making a record is that it could be a cohesive piece like the concept albums used to be and that's where I feel like it is just going away because you have to go into it today with a mindset that every song is a single. Man, times are changing again and it's a daily thing and you just have to roll with it. There's great bands doing stuff out there but it is certainly harder to access and it is certainly not in the forefront."
Like the rest of the world, things ground to a halt for Douglas and the band over the last year and as is the case with many other artists they have used their time away from the stage to get creative.
"Honestly, the machine shut down and it took a bit to adapt that; not being locked into a schedule or the calendar book and obviously it took a little bit to adapt to that but once I got used to that I thought; let's make the most of it. I spent time with my fiancé and my dog and it was nice to relax and then I thought, I've got to do something or I'm going to go nuts. Then the writing began and we went into the studio and recorded four tracks, about half of a record so we have four done already. We started sending ideas back and forth to each other and there might be another solo record in the future; there was a lot of music written in our down time."
So, with half an album recorded, the decision was made to release "Broken" along with a video to accompany the single and it just so happens that they found the perfect location; even if the cold temperatures upstate were less than ideal.
"We worked with an awesome director who we've worked with in the past, his name was Jonathan Edwards. There was this old theater which is currently being restored in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania where we are from; The Irem Temple Performing Arts Theater and back in the day it was "The spot" and after years and years of it not being used it was kind of dilapidated. So, I thought it was the perfect scene for the vibe, a broken-down theater; "Broken" being the single. We went in there and I do believe it was one of the coldest days (laughs), I believe it was warmer outside than it was inside and we did about a 13-hour shoot; although I felt like I needed my feet amputated at times the result was pretty good (laughs) and it was released first on "Rock Blues and Muse" and then worldwide."
So; how did they discover such a location?
"Ironically, I was scrolling through Instagram and a photographer who we worked with named Brittany Boote was down there taking pictures for something to do with The Irem Temple restoration project and I saw the pictures and we were starting to get ideas for shooting a video and thinking about locations but nothing was really wowing us and she put up pictures and I sent her a text saying; where are you? What is this? Fortunately the director that we were going to work with was friends with the head of the restoration project and it all worked out and there's nothing better when that happens."
When asked about a potential release date for the upcoming record, Douglas was confident it will be later in 2021.
"I would say in the fall; I know that after "Broken" we are going to release another single pretty quickly, probably about two months after so we can get something out there and keep things moving; we have a few working titles but nothing yet."
Featuring a true blues line-up; the band consists of three members and as the calendar turns from Spring to Summer; things are heating up for the unit.
"We are a power trio with myself at the helm doing vocals and guitar, Matt "The Dane" Gabriel on bass guitar and Tommy Smallcomb on the drums. I couldn't ask for a better rhythm section, they hold it down and I'm excited to say that we have quite a busy schedule coming up over the next few months. We celebrated the release of the single on May 1 at The Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania which is a beautiful little theater. We've got a few things that are crackin', a hometown show here at a club called Karl Hall and that's an outside series; the phone has been ringing and the calendar has been filling up and that's a beautiful thing and it's a good thing to be coming back."
With no tour on the horizon just yet; they have booked a series of local shows near their home town of Wilkes-Barre; to discover more about those dates or more about Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen, please visit www.dustindouglasmusic.com .
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
Al's Airport Inn636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Wed. 7 p.m. Jessica DiDonato
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Sat. 7 p.m. "Cafe Improv" feat. Eric Sommer
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6 p.m. Alex Otey
Wed. 6 p.m. Neil Podgurski
Broken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Sat. 8:30 p.m. "5th Annual 80's Party" feat. Mike Estabrook and his BMX BANDits.
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic w/ Cara Cartney
All Shows 21+
Carpool Cinema204 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 483-5237
Sat. 8 p.m. "Abominable." Lot opens 7:30 p.m.
Championship Bar 931 Chambers street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Tuesday 8 p.m. "Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb
Ages 21+
Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 771-0400
Fri. 6 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. various artists and Dave Caponetto of The Live Test Show
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Deep Release
Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" feat. Jerry Monk (8 p.m.) Ear Candy
Sat. 8 p.m. Spare Parts
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov
Mon. 7 p.m. "Sunny Monday Blues Jam" and Country Music Night
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Karen and Mark
Wed. 12 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays'
All Events Ages 21+
Dacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Fri. 6 p.m. Random Notes Duo
Dog & Bull Brew House 810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Fri. 6 p.m. Box Of Books
Sat. 5 p.m. Eddie
Sun. 4 p.m. Brian Elliot
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Wiese
Sat. 8 p.m. Brian & Mindy
German American Society 215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton
(609) 585-5200
Sat. 3 p.m. "6th Annual Dubs In The Shrubs" Camp Out, Car Show and Swap Meet.
Sun.3 p.m. "6th Annual Dubs In The Shrubs" Camp Out, Car Show and Swap Meet.
Gleason's Bar6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Thurs. 7 p.m. Weekly Corn Hole Tournament
Fri. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night w/ "Gina the Balloon Girl"
Greenhouse 90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1657
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Musicians Night Out" Hosted by Lovelight
Sat. 9 p.m. Joe Hoyer and Mark Sacco
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Sam Ryan
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Dwayne Dunlevy
Grounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Thurs. 10 a.m. "Spring Blooms"
Sat. 10 a.m. "Member Mornings" "Spring Blooms"
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Sun. 4 p.m. The Sensational Soul Cruisers
HG New Hope Pizza6510 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-1740
Sat. 6 p.m. Stranger Things
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Sahara Moon
Sat. (1 p.m.) Acoustic Road (2 p.m.) Wayne Freitag Outdoor Art Show (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. DC Duo
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Band
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Mario and Frank
Sat. 2 p.m. Bob O
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. "Thursday Night Dance Party"
Sat. 8 p.m. Kevin Toft and The Alternators
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Girls Night Out" w/ Radio Fiction
KUO Social2360 Route 33 Suite 106 Robinsville
(609) 208-9988
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. The Blue-Eyed Balladeer
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. 6 p.m. Pasta Night "All You Can Eat." $29
Sat./Sun. 12 p.m. "The Magic Food Truck Fair" $8 (Kids age 12 and under FREE)
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
More Than Q 13 Klines Court Lambertville
(609) 773-0072
Sat. 2 p.m. Sam Ryan
Music Mountain Theater1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "The Fantasticks"
Sat./Sun. 3 p.m. "The Fantasticks"
New Egypt Flea Market Village933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge
(609) 758-2082
Sun. 8 a.m. Spring Crafters Market
Mon. 5 p.m. Full Moon Market
New Hope Winery 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. PettyBreakers (Tom Petty Tribute)
Sat. (1 p.m.) Foreigners Journey (8 p.m.) Highway Run (Journey Tribute)
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Sat. 7 p.m. Sarah Heine
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ray Coleman
Fri. 6 p.m. Kenny Raye Band
Sat. 6 p.m. The B-Street Band (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)
Sun. 4 p.m. Juliano Brothers
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Sara and The Sound
Palmer Square40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. Live "Strolling" Musician
Sat.12 p.m. John Abbott Trio
Sun 4 p.m. The Suyat Band
Pasquale's Sports Bar9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (TBA)
Sat. 7 p.m. DJ or Live Band Entertainment
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Princeton Country Club1 Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382
Sat. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Recklesstown Farm Distillery2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia
River Horse Brewing Company2 Graphics Drive Ewing
(609) 883-0890
Sat. 2 p.m. "Summer Kick Off"
Romeo's Restaurant & Pizza10 Schalks Crossing Road Plainsboro
(609) 799-4554
Fri. 7 p.m. The Blue-Eyed Balladeer
Rosedale Mills101 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 737-2008
Sat. 1 p.m. Outdoor Line Dancing. $10 (Rain date Sundays 12 p.m.)
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney
Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Brian Botnick
Sun.1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Billy O'Neal & Andy Koontz
The Beer Garden at Snipes Farm 890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music at Snipes Farm Spring 2021" feat. Steal Your Peach w/ Ron Holloway / Wes Knorr. Gates at 5 p.m., $25
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. 7:30 p.m. The Danny Lynch Project
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke 7 p.m. The Gyrl Band Reunion Concert
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Asylum Choir
The Irish Horne Bar & Restaurant882 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 942-4000
Fri. 9 p.m. The Kickbax Trio
The Morrisville Tavern376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Fri. 7 p.m. Dan Ward
Mon. 7 p.m. "Country Night"
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Sat. 8 p.m. Plush Duo
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+
Vault Tap Room19 West College Avenue Yardley, PA
(267) 907-8550
Thurs. 7 p.m. Comedy Night w/ Tommy Gooch
Fri. 6 p.m. Brick Acoustic Duo
Sat. 6 p.m. Easy Driver
Water's Edge Gastropub and Lounge1067 Totem Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-2095
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cornhole "Blind Draw." $10
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Spring Into Summer" Vendor Event (7 p.m.) "Comedy on the Crick"
Sun. 12 p.m. Drag Brunch
Wed.7 p.m. Drag Bingo & Karaoke
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Williamsboy
Sun. 2 p.m. Brooke DiCaro
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
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
