By Danny Coleman
originally published: 11/25/2021

The year was 1978, a then teenaged future writer was prepping to go to his first ever concert at Jadwin Gym on the campus of Princeton University. That concert was Emerson, Lake & Palmer; an event which not only left a lasting impression but also increased a hunger for live music while broadening horizons to include a genre called “Progressive Rock.”

Sadly, ELP, as they are commonly known are no longer an entity but fortunately for us;  Carl Palmer is and he is doing a magnificent job of keeping the band and its music very much alive through his ELP Legacy project.

Before his recent and final show of the current tour in Wayne, NJ at Shea PAC at William Patterson College, Palmer chatted about the 50^th Anniversary of ELP, the cast of players, the present tour and show content, a new box set and some very interesting things in the future which re-visit days past while staying very much in the now. 

“Yes, it’s Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, same band,” he began, “I’ve got Paul Bielatowicz, Simon Fitzpatrick and myself; we’ve been together a few years now. Because it’s an anniversary period, I tried to cover as much as I could in the hour and 45-minutes. We’ve started using vocals; we’ve got Paul singing on “Welcome Back” and “Knife-Edge,” on “Lucky Man,” “Stones of Years” and songs like that and “Tarkus;” which we play. We play “Schizoid Man” which is one of the first pieces of music that ELP ever played together and we’ve got that in the set. We are playing “Fanfare For The Common Man” which was a big hit for ELP; so, this set will progress and change as time goes by and we develop the anniversary period. We’ve also introduced a piece called “Benny The Bouncer” from “Brain Salad Surgery” which I sing on so, yeah…”  

So, it seems that Palmer has dug into the ELP vault and created a live show that encompasses a little bit from various albums and eras but he has not stopped there. With the unfortunate passing of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, Palmer is left to ensure the band’s storied history and career carries forth. Recognizing a need beyond the live concert performances to do so; he has really gone back in time and put out a box set

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“The box set; basically we wanted to highlight the big moments for ELP, such as California Jam, Montreux, The Isle Of Wight,  Montreal, the Olympic festival with the orchestra and also the very last concert that ELP played in n’97. I worked closely with John Wilson from BMG in London and we came up with what we thought would represent the progression of the band during those first five years because those first five or six years was the most important time. The first album, there was “Pictures At An Exhibition” which  was a live recorded album, there was “Trilogy,” “Tarkus” and “Brain Salad Surgery.” All of these albums came in that first five and a half or six years and that’s what we were trying to capture were those big moments from those albums in a live situation. Montreal Olympic Stadium was huge for us, California Jam was and I think we’ve got it; there’s also a vinyl box set which is out with all similar material.” 

“We’ve managed to pick up some live recordings from way back in the ‘70’s which were not released before which are available in some of the box sets as well,” he continued. “We recorded every night as ELP and some of the recordings are good and some of them were not very good. We managed to find one from Sheffield and what we did was, we had a box set that had vinyl and CD and a book and a pin and in that particular box set there was a vinyl of this live recording which was made way back in he early ‘70’s that had not been released before.”

With this year coming to an end, Palmer has an eye to the future and moving “Forward” while incorporating the past.

“This was a very short tour, it was about three weeks and 15 concerts and what we will do is; we’ll be back in January and doing some dates with Alan Parsons and that will be another sort of three weeks. Hopefully by the end of 2022 we’ll have a new stage presentation together using live footage of Greg and Keith playing and I will play in sync too with them along with Paul and Simon. We’re dealing with all of that now and the footage we’re using is from The Royal Albert Hall. The footage is really good, all of the sound bites and stems with the audio tracks are very clean and we’re hoping that we can incorporate that into what we are doing.  So, we’re looking at the end of 2022 and come January 2022 I’ll be looking at what progress we’ve made but it is looking very positive at the moment. We might be able to cover things like “Lucky Man,” “Knife-Edge,” ”Hoedown;” who knows? There are various songs where we can have Greg singing and Keith playing along with Paul, Simon and myself.”  

To find out more about Carl Palmer, the ELP box sets and all things related; please visit www.carlpalmer.com .

Many thanks to Joe “Rocky” Vitella for taking me to that first ever concert and Rose Martin Barbaree for coming along; we will be forever intertwined.

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Happy Thanksgiving to those here in the United States and much health and happiness to all of the rest here and abroad!

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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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Sat. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Brunch (6 p.m.) "Sunday Funday" w/ DJ Spinning
Mon. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers
Tues. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit Duo
Wed. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot

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Arm & Hammer Park
1 Thunder Road Trenton
(609) 394-3300
Tues. 4 p.m. “Santa/Rookie” Meet & Greet. (Bring a new unwrapped toy to get a picture)                 
 
Arts Council of Princeton  
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-8777
Fri. 10 a.m. “Studio Time” at Princeton Makes w/ Adriana Groza (6:30 p.m.)  (Takes place at Princeton Shopping Center 301 North Harrison Street) (7:30 p.m.) 

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Bill's Olde Tavern  
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton  
(609) 586-0192  
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Tues./Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ "Super" Dave Curtis
Ages 21+

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Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
Sat. 4 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting (Center of town @ Crosswicks Street)

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Boro Bean
9 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-6681
Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott

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Bowman's Tavern  
1600 River Road New Hope, PA  
(215) 862-2972  
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Wendy Simon Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Steve Guyger (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott

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Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Fri. 12 p.m. “Zombie Turkey Paintball Black Friday Party” (8:30 p.m.) Class A Kings 
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Pink Floyd Tribute w/ “Us & Them”

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City Streets   
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor   
(609) 426-9400 
Fri. 9 p.m. Douglas Brothers
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays"    
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea

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Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 771-0400
Fri. 7 p.m. Slim and The Perkolators

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COARadio.com  
125 South Main Street Hightstown  
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. The Wag

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Cooper's Riverview
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. Club Night feat. Rotating DJs (inside event)
Fri. 5 p.m. "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" 
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov (7 p.m.) Shot of Southern. $10
Tues. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Michael Hoffman
Wed. (12 p.m.) "Wine Down Wednesdays" (7 p.m.) Blues Jam / Disco Hustle Night
All Events Ages 21+

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Cross Pollination Gallery
2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. "Friday Happy Hour." (Talk art, wine and musicians who bring instruments)

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Dacey's Pub
215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo

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Dadz Bar and Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Fri. (6 p.m.) Funky Business Band (9 p.m.) DJ C-Rob
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ C-Rob

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Dog & Bull Brew House  
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.  
(215) 788-2855  
Fri. 11 a.m. Black Friday Brunch
Sat. 4 p.m. Snap Dragons
Sun. 4 p.m. Brian Elliot & Mike Battaglia

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Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Keep The Change

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" w/ Casey Welborn (9 p.m.) Troublemakerz  
Sat. 7 p.m. Sight Unseen Trio 

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Havana New Hope   
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.   
(215) 862-9897 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Triple Rail Turn (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 4 p.m. Tea Dance Party LGBTQ + Sunday Out
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dwayne
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo

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Hopewell Theater    
5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell  
(609) 466-1964  
Fri. 8 p.m. “The Quickest Thinkers In Comedy: Baker & Mark.” $32
Sat. 8 p.m. “The Evolution of Joni Mitchell.” $40
Tues. 7 p.m. The Art of Living Well: “Precious Guru.” $12.50

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Hopewell United Methodist Church
20 Blackwell Avenue Hopewell 
(609) 466-0471 
Sat. 6 p.m. Hopewell Hayride (Old Time Country & Bluegrass). $15 (Suggested donation adults)

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Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn   
15 East Broad Street Hopewell   
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Sat. 5 p.m. Grant Peterson and Martin Goldberg

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards  
46 Yard Avenue Pennington   
(609) 737-4465   
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Rick Winow 
Sat. (1 p.m.) Tune Bandits (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Deb & Mike
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Band

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill   
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA   
(267) 914-4517   
Fri. (6 p.m.) Happy Hour w/ (8 p.m.) Midnight Sun
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam   

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Irish Rover Station House
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA
(215) 970-5412
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Entertainment Paula & Sam Dance Party
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Party Hosted by Paula & Sam

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Iron Plow Vineyards  
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus  
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Spoondrift
Sat. 2 p.m. Joe Hoyer & Tim Hendrix

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Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room
61 High Street Mt. Holly
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Wayne Palmer & Friends

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Ivy Tavern   
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton   
(609) 888-1435   
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 8 p.m. "Comedy at The Ivy" Hosted by PJ Stansbury feat. Dan Regan, Andrew McSween, Katie Berben, Kurt Zimmerman. $10 (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.) 
Sat. 8 p.m. Unleashed
Sun. 5 p.m. “Latin Sunday” Karaoke w/ DJ Daner En Los Controles
All shows 21+       

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John & Peter's  
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa   
(215) 862-5981  
Fri. 9 p.m. The Throwbaxx + Mike Dialto Comedy  and Friends
Sun. 3 p.m. Karen Bella 
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational   
All shows 21+

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Killarney's Publick House  
644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton 
(609) 586-1166 
Fri.10 a.m. Black Friday Brunch

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Laurita Winery   
85 Archertown Road New Egypt   
(609) 752-0200 
Sat. 11 a.m. “2021 Final Food Truck Festival” feat. Fireworks (At Dusk/Dark). $12 (Ages 21 +, ages 20 /under FREE)
Sun. 11 a.m. “2021 Final Food Truck Festival.” $12 (Ages 21 +, ages 20 /under FREE)
Wed. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out. “Everlasting Holiday Tree Workshop.”  Ages 21+

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Logan Inn  
9 South Main Street New Hope, PA  
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Adam Shaber
Sat. (5 p.m.) Tree Lighting (8:30 p.m.) Max Rogers

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Mamma Rosa's  
572 Klockner Road Hamilton  
(609) 588-5454 
Sat. 6 p.m. Phil McAuliffe
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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MarketFair
3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard)
(609) 452-7777
Fri. 10:30 a.m. “Santa Arrival Party”.

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Marie's Kozy Korner
111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Thurs. 12 p.m. “Thanksgiving Buffet” $7.95 (First come first served)

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McGuinn's Place  
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence   
(609) 392-0599  
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke   
Ages 21+    

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McStews Irish Sports Pub   
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA   
(215) 949-9570  
Fri. 8 p.m. Knights Reign (Ronnie James Dio Tribute) / Whole Lotta AC/DC (AC/DC Tribute)
Sat.  9 p.m. Metallica Triute w/ “Orion”
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam

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More Than Q
13 Klines Court Lambertville
(609) 773-0072
Sun. 2 p.m. Packy’s Sunday Brunch feat. Sim Cain, Dave Haneman, Keith Hartel

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Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Elf: The Musical" 
Sat. 3 p.m./8 p.m. "Elf: The Musical"
Sun. 3 p.m.  "Elf: The Musical"

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Naked Brewing Company
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Sat. 11 a.m. “Holiday Brunch” (Seating available until 3 p.m. by reservation only)

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Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Sun. 11 a.m. Mame: Miniature Jade Slip Pot Bonsai Workshop

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New Egypt Flea Market Village
933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge
(609) 758-2082
Sat. 10 a.m. “Small Business Saturday”
Wed. 7 p.m. 2’ Fence Post Snowman Class (Check for availability)

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New Hope Winery  
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331
Sat. (1 p.m.) Mark & Ralph (Pour House) (5 p.m.) Rob McMahon (Pour House) 
Sun. 1 p.m. Stranger Things (Pour House)

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Fri. 6 p.m. Kate and Bob
Sat. 6 p.m. Joe & Krista

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Fri. 8 p.m. LeCompt (Full Band)
Sat. 8 p.m. Rougarou

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Nottingham Tavern   
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square   
(609) 587-6623  
Sat. 9 p.m. Spellbound
Ages 21+ 

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O'Connors American Bar & Grille 
1383 Monmouth Road Easthampton 
(609) 261-1555
Thurs. 11 a.m. "Thanksgiving Buffet" 

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Old Town Pub  
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown   
(609) 291-9232  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Sat. 7 p.m. Mario & Frank

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Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street Princeton
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) .(5 p.m.) Tree Lighting
Sat. 12 p.m./4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) w/ Courtney’s Carolers w/ Strolling Santa
Sun 12 p.m./4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) / Harmonics Quartet w/ Strolling Santa

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Pasquale's Sports Bar
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Fri. (5 p.m.) Happy Hour (8 p.m.) Dance Party w/ DJ Double S…
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ or Live Band Entertainment
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic

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Patriots Crossing   
1339 River Road Titusville   
(609) 737-2780 
Thurs. Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"

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Princeton Public Library
65 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-9529
Fri. 12 p.m. “Artist Chalet Winter Village” (Runs through 12/19 and takes place on Hind Plaza)

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Ralphie's
2295 2nd Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5408
Fri. 8 p.m. Blue Reign

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Recklesstown Farm Distillery
2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Sat. 12:30 p.m. “A Tasting of Aged Spirits” feat. Music of The Williamsboy

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Revere Restaurant
802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Thurs. 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Buffet (Eat in or take out available)

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Rosedale Mills
101 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 737-2008
Sat. 1 p.m. Outdoor Line Dancing. $10 (Rain date Sundays 12 p.m.)

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Small World Coffee  
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton   
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 6 p.m. Fear Of Dancing

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Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Never Enough

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Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson
600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Tues. 5 p.m. “Backstage Party”

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1675 Spirits
2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Sat. 6 p.m. Joe and Krista

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Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown   
(609) 286-2300   
Fri. 9 p.m. Suburban Sensi
Sat. 9 p.m. Amptons

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Temperance House  
5 South State Street Newtown, PA  
(215) 944-8050  
Fri. 7 p.m. Bad Hombres
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney

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Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Thurs. Open 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" “Cheers to Fall Wine Trail" feat. Bud Belviso

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Fri. 6 p.m. Katelyn Cryan & Kevin Cryan
Sun. 1 p.m. Ed Wilson

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The Bog (Cranbury Golf Club)
49 Southfield Road West Windsor
(609) 799-0341
Sat. 7 p.m. Guns 4 Hire

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The Buck Hotel
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. (12 p.m.) Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner (7 p.m.) Kevin Kirko
Fri. 7 p.m. Juliano Brothers & Love Junk
Sat. 9 p.m. The Soul Cruisers
Tues. 6 p.m. Danny Lynch

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The Cool Cricket  
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro  
(609) 291-9110  
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8:30 p.m. El Ka Bong

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The Dubliner 
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Zaire
Sat. 7 p.m. JB Rocks
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" 

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The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Fri. 9 p.m. Supertrain
Sat. 9 p.m. Kickbax
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Joe Juhas

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The Ivy Inn   
248 Nassau Street Princeton  
(609) 921-8555   
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Darius The 1st
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Strange Brew Crew
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron

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The Morrisville Tavern
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Mon. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Tim
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night

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The Roost  
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge   
(609) 208-0050 
Fri. 8 p.m. Jack Furlong Duo
Sat. 8 p.m. Twice As Good

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The Sycamore Grill  
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA   
(215) 908-6326  
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Kickbax Acoustic Trio
Sat. 8 p.m. Casey Welborn

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Third State Brewing 
352 High Street Burlington 
(609) 387-1620 
Fri. 7 p.m. Black Friday Blues w/ “Timothy James”
Sat. 7 p.m. Radio Fiction

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Plumeri Duo

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Tir Na Nog  
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton  
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" 
All Shows 21+ 

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Trenton Social   
449 South Broad Street Trenton  
(609) 989-7777 
Sat. “Live Music Saturday”
Sun. “House Social” w/ DJ
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Tobias & Lea

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Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Dave Posmontier Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Carol Hamersma Trio

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Wilson's Pub
1870 Brownsville Road Trevose Heights, PA
(215) 355-4739
Sat. 7 p.m. Keep The Change

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Working Dog Winery   
610 Windsor-Perrineville Road Hightstown  
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 12 p.m. Nick Moccia
Sun. 12 p.m. Rob Messina

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WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"

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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