By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/30/2021
Well, another challenging year has come and gone; venues have closed, artists have struggled and the overall vibe has not been fully restored to what it once was but don’t fret my friends. You see, the musicians and entertainers of this era are tough, they have survived lockdowns, cancellations, job loss and everything else thrown their way; kind of like all of us.
Through division and in some cases self-segregation we have become an industry and nation of; which side do you fall on? There’s no need to spell it out here as the case is made clear every time one opens their cell phone, tablet or laptop. Be it political, medical or one’s own ideology the simple truth is; you have a right to an opinion no matter how wrong or right it may seem to another.
The good thing about the arts, be they music, visual, interpretive, comedic or theater is that everyone who participates or views their favorite form takes away something from each performance, in short; it means something different to everyone.
So, keep that in mind before you mock, criticize, un-friend, block or look upon with disdain another member of your race; the HUMAN race. We all have differences, it is what makes the world go around but like a picture hanging in an exhibit or a certain poem or song; we are all not going to see it the same.
As we move into 2022, let’s try and support one another, respect our differences be they in ideas or of opinion and realize that in the grand scheme of things we can either make enemies or make a difference.
Thank you all for reading and sharing this piece every week, for listening to “Danny Coleman’s Rock On Radio” and “Danny Coleman’s Got The Blues,” thank you for supporting New Jersey Stage Magazine and may you all have a less stressful, healthy and Happy New Year!
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
Sat. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Brunch (6 p.m.) "Sunday Funday" w/ DJ Spinning
Mon. 5 p.m. Ed Wilson
Tues. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot
Wed. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Fri.10 a.m. “Studio Time” at Princeton Makes Hosted by Adriana Groza (Takes place at Princeton Shopping Center 301 North Harrison Street)
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+
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Fri. 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party w/ Meg Hanson Group
Boro Bean9 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-6681
Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Andrea Carlson Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sun. (12 p.m.) Steve Guyger (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Broken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 7 p.m. “NYE Gala 2022” Hosted by Steve Trevalise, feat. Mike Marino / Jerrold Benford. $156.50 (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
Sat. 7:30 pm Presenting “T” the Voice of Tony Soprano
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Fri. 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve w/ Tanglewood
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Fri. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. “13th Annual Rock On Radio Christmas Spectacular” w/. various artists
Cooper's Riverview50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. Club Night feat. Rotating DJs (inside event)
Fri. 6 p.m.“New Year’s Eve Party” feat. WitZend / DJ EnerJetic. $20-$115 (Prices vary based on package purchased)
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Michael Hoffman
Wed. (12 p.m.) "Wine Down Wednesdays" (7 p.m.) Blues Jam on the Deck / Disco Hustle Night (Inside)
All Events Ages 21+
Havana New Hope 105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Open Blues Jam Hosted by The Slidewinder Blues Band
Fri. 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve w/ Se7en. $20
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun (6:30 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. (9 p.m.) "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" Hosted by Cyannie Lopez (9 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Dwayne
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hopewell Theater 5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell
(609) 466-1964
Thurs. 7 p.m. Holiday Film Fest: “Christmas Vacation.” $12.50
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Brian Elliot
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo
Fri. 6 p.m. Happy Hour w/ Johnny Betz
Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Monday w/ DJ Code Redd
Wed. 10 p.m. Beer Pong w/ DJ
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 4 p.m. Wayne Palmer & Friends
Sun. 2 p.m. Bud Belviso
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sun. 6 p.m. Karaoke Latinos
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 7 p.m. Wayne Bilotti Duo
Fri. 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve Bash w/ DJ Ahmad
Sat. 10 a.m. New Year’s Day Brunch Pajama Party w/ DJ Jimmy G
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 1 p.m. First Call
Wed. 12 p.m. Girls Night Out: Ages 21+
Logan Inn 9 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. “The Bash” New Year’s Eve Party w/ DJ Yanko & Jony. $200 (Includes open bar, hors d’oeuvres, food stations, dessert, champagne toast)
Marie's Kozy Korner111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Fri. 6 p.m. “New Year’s Eve Celebration” w/ (9 p.m.) Hindsight. (Buffet, champagne toast at midnight)
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Fri. 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve w/ Last Call
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam
Naked Brewing Company212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Sat. 11 a.m. New Year’s Brunch
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. “Naughty” Trivia Night
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Sun. 4 p.m. LeCompt (Full Band)
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs.9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis
Oldestone Restaurant15 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-7044
Thurs. (6 p.m.) Scott Gurney (Deco Bar) (7 p.m.) Scott McCallister (Jazz Lounge)
Fri. 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party w/ Grand Central. (FREE no cover/cash bar)
Sat. 10 a.m. New Year’s Day Brunch w/ Aaron Quarterman. $79.99 (Reservations required)
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Fri. 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party w/ The Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
River House at Odette’s274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Fri. 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve at Odette’s feat. Big Band Music, open bar, ages 21+
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Welcome 2022 w/ DJ Beenice. (Bar snacks, hats/noisemakers, Champagne toast)
Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Fri. 12 p.m. Backstage Party (FREE beer, pizza, music, prizes. MUST pre-register to attend)
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. Members of Nami Lane
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
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kevin Kirk
Fri. 11 a.m. All Day New Year’s Eve Party w/ Love Junk / DJ Vinny
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Thurs. 8 p.m. DJ Ran D
Fri. (7 p.m.) New Year’s Irish Eve (9 p.m.) New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball Karaoke w/ DJ Dave
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Five Four Bar & Grill 8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam
The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
The Morrisville Tavern376 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
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. “Christmas Light Walk-thru” (Daily thru January 1, 2022)
Fri. 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party w/ 80’s Undercover. FREE/Pay as you go food and drink or $100 (Includes a 4-course meal, bottle of wine and champagne toast)
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Kickbax Acoustic Trio
Sat. 5 p.m. RCJ Band
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 5 p.m. Annual “Irish New Year’s Eve” Party w/ Seamus Kelleher
Sat. 3 p.m. New Year’s Day Irish Sessions
Trenton Social 449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday"
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Tobias & Lea (Sign-ups at 7:30 p.m.)
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sun. 12 p.m. Kevin McGowan
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.
Joe Russo's Almost Dead
Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJJoe Russo's Almost Dead is Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger and Joe Russo. We're a Grateful Dead cover band.
Mccarter At The Museum: An Evening With Jason Robert Brown
Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Princeton Art Museum
45 Elm Drive, Princeton, NJJoin us for McCarter at the Museum - renowned performing artists in one-night only events at the Princeton University Art Museum.
Jason Robert Brown is a four-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World, 13, The Bridges of Madison County, Honeymoon In Vegas and The Connector, has performed as a soloist or with his band in venues around the world, including sold-out shows at the London Palladium and Carnegie Hall. His albums as a singer-songwriter include Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes and How We React and How We Recover on Ghostlight, and Coming From Inside the House and Live In Concert with Stephen Sondheim on Concord.
With Special Guest Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe. Tony Award-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe is currently starring as Audrey in the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, following her recent Broadway run as Madeline Ashton in the hit musical Death Becomes Her. She previously originated the title role in Joy, the new musical inspired by inventor Joy Mangano, and earned a 2023 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her celebrated performance as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet. Other Broadway credits include starring as Jenna in Waitress, Cordelia in the acclaimed revival of Falsettos, Bullets Over Broadway, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Everyday Rapture, and 110 in the Shade, as well as her critically acclaimed performance as Cathy in the Off-Broadway revival of The Last Five Years. Wolfe made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Die Fledermaus and has appeared as a guest artist with more than 65 symphony, pops, and philharmonic orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra, with performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Her screen credits include First One In, Estella Scrooge, CBS’s Instinct, and the film adaptation of The Last Five Years. Wolfe is also the co-founder of BroadwayEvolved, the acclaimed musical theatre training program she launched in 2018 to train and mentor the next generation of theatre artists.
A limited number of early access tickets for McCarter Director’s Circle members and members of the Museum’s Partner Circle are available, on sale Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM. General public on sale begins Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
Please be aware there is no public drop-off or parking at the Museum. For visitors with mobility needs, please contact the Museum at least three business days in advance of your visit to request special access to the Museum via Elm Drive. Call 609-258-3788 and select option 1 to speak to a visitor services staff member, or email Louise Barrett at [email protected].
John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJThe legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock’n’roll group JOHN CAFFERTY & THE BEAVER BROWN BAND began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the “Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack”. The hit single “ON THE DARK SIDE” held the “#1” position on the Billboard Rock charts and the MTV video charts for five consecutive weeks.
Griffin House
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” —American Songwriter
Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJFLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Relix present Joe Russo's Almost Dead on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band was formed in Brooklyn, NY in 2013. While they are a Grateful Dead cover band, they are known more for interpreting songs by the Dead rather than attempting to replicate the band's work.
NJPAC presents Gregory Porter with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell
(NEWARK, NJ) -- With a voice that can fill a concert hall and make every listener feel personally embraced, Gregory Porter has become one of the most beloved artists in contemporary jazz. On Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm, the two-time GRAMMY® winner returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with special guests Madeleine Peyroux and Catherine Russell for an evening of soulful expression, exquisite storytelling and remarkable vocal artistry, presented as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller who has been making records for over 20 years.
KANSAS to perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- One of classic rock's most iconic bands, KANSAS, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner, and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. A limited number of tickets remain.
NJPAC presents Jesse Cook on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Victoria Theater at 8:00pm. A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music's power to connect people across cultures and continents.
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
