By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/24/2015
Born in "South Jersey," Doreen Taylor has expanded far beyond the Philadelphia, PA skyline that is only a stone's throw from her suburban roots. A performer since childhood; Taylor has parlayed her passion for music and entertainment into a career which continues to blossom with each passing season.
"My Christmas Wish," is her latest effort; a single with a corresponding video which she's chosen to release for various reasons at this point in her career. "I think it was the right step professionally to release it now," she explained. "Coming off the success of my my last video for my song "Toy," I thought that enough time had passed; I did it to remain relative. I wrote the song because I'm growing tired of hearing "Oh Holy Night" done and redone by everybody; there are so many different versions of that song and every other Christmas standard by so many artists and in so many genres that I wanted to be different. I wanted to write something about the Christmas time that I remember as a little girl growing up and the traditions that many families share and hopefully it strikes a chord with those who hear it."
Recently, Doreen was the chosen headline act at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ as part of a show honoring the late, Ben E. King. Here is where she performed "My Christmas Wish" for one of the first times in public. "I was very excited," she gushed as she elaborated on the passed event. "I had seen the poster right before the show and I realized that I was the headliner; I was like, Wow, that's an unexpected surprise! This was a great show, Holiday Express put it on in conjunction with the PAC and I was honored to do it. I got the gig through my radio promoter Jerry Lembo, a former VP at Columbia Records; he was instrumental with the success of "Toy" and he has pushed the Christmas song too."
An avid supporter of multiple charities; Taylor tries to "Pay it forward" as often as possible and has done numerous fundraising events or advocated for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Operation Warrior Foundation and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America just to name a few. The video for "My Christmas Wish" was shot at the "Boys and Girls Club of Camden County," not far from her home.
Recently, Taylor has partnered with Bose and QVC where "My Christmas Wish" has been featured on the shopping network almost daily. "I've had a relationship with QVC and Bose for a while now," she stated with obvious excitement in her tone. "So when I decided to do the Christmas song, I contacted Bose and told them what I've got going and they moved on it fast. We had a contract signed and QVC was on board with it literally within what seemed like only a couple days, maybe less; QVC started with it right away. I wasn't even aware that they started using it until a fan posted on my fan page that I was heard as part of "Today's Special Value." I had just woken up for the day and saw that; it was definitely nice to wake up to!"
Between recording and shooting videos as well as performing, Taylor splits time between the east and west coast; where she finds herself equally as busy and time off is rare. When asked what the future held, she laughed as she discussed its certain uncertainty. "Take a day off maybe? I really don't know what that is anymore. I am planning on starting a new album in 2016, finishing it and then my dream is to go on the road. This past year, 2015 was surreal, I was the celebrity spokesperson for Failte Vodka, the newest celebrity face of Hades Footwear and then the video; it's been a great year. Things are popular for me right now, I wake up and I never know what's going to happen; it really is a great feeling."
To discover more about Doreen Taylor, please go to www.doreentaylormusic.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
Alchemist & Barrister28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Sun. 9 p.m. Kenny Cunningham
Wed. 9 p.m. Spanky's Garage
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Sat. 8 p.m. Larry D
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers St. Trenton
Sat. 5 p.m. Dead Robins, The World's Afterparty, (TBA). All ages, $10
Sun. 5 p.m. Never Fall Silent, (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Carrie Jackson Quartet (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Brian Bortnick
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (3 p.m.) Wizard Duo
Mon. 8 p.m. Brian Cono
Tues. 8 p.m. Mark MacManus
Wed. 8 p.m. Paul Donavan
Fran's Pub116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Sun. 3 p.m. The Mojo Gypsies
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Soul Custody. $7 (cover charge)
Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Sat. 6 p.m. The Jackalopes
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Sergio & Lars
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Sat. 10 p.m. "After Christmas party" w/ The Dawgs
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 8 p.m. Christmas Eve w/ The Brooks Sisters
Fri. 9 p.m. "A Spitune Christmas" w/ Spitune
Sat. 9 p.m. Sinking Ship Reunion
Sun. (3 p.m.) Miss Pumpkin's Drag Show Benefit (9 p.m.) Collin J. Rocker
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Tues. 9 p.m. Snackpile
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Rd Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Wed. 10 p.m. "Saturday Night Party" w/ Dueling DJs
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Check web site for upcoming events
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Sat. 9:30 p.m. "Post Christmas Party" w/ The Drunk Monkeys
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web page for upcoming events
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $18 (advance).
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Aero
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Sat. 10 p.m. Skunkmello / "6th Annual Holiday Throwdown with VHS" ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All sho
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.
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.
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJMulti-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. The band’s first three albums — their self-titled EP (1983), The Warning (1984) and Rage for Order (1986) — all hit gold status selling over 500,000 units each.
Jesse Cook
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Victoria Theater
1 Center Street, Newark, NJA global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJTwo iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.
