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New Jersey Notes: Spider Rockets
at The Brighton Bar
By Bob Beucler
originally published: 02/09/2018
Spider Rockets brought its tight, punk-infused power rock to The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, as part of a showcase of rock and metal acts hosted by New Jersey’s own champion of the scene, Don Jamieson of That Metal Show fame. Spider Rockets is a classic four-piece line-up that blasted through its set with strong chops and dynamic stage presence. The group’s aggressive brand of power rock is fronted by Helena Cos, whose roaring vocals are full of passion and emotion. Her color palette is provided by guitarist Johnny Nap, bassist Jimmy Mui and drummer Dale Whitaker. 
One can tell a lot about a player’s equipment of choice, and Nap’s rig is pure rock: a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack. It screamed and his playing had a biting tone that was the gritty foil for Cos’ melodic vocals. Mui and Whitaker are perfect anchors for Cos and Nap: Mui being content to hang to his side of the stage and let Cos and Nap take the spotlight while he laid down thundering bass lines and provided backing vocals. Whitaker is an exceptional rock and metal drummer who kept it solid, choosing to cut loose when the songs called for it. There isn’t a weak player in Spider Rockets; all are essential to the sound and attitude that the band has. It’s obvious that the band had put a lot of work into its music and its set - Spider Rockets is polished and pro. Spider Rockets: Helena Cos (vocals), Johnny Nap (guitar), Jimmy Mui (bass), Dale Whitaker (drums). 
Text & photos by Bob Beucler. Bob is a lifelong a musician and fan of rock photography who lives in central New Jersey. You can see more of his photography at www.BobBeucler.com. 
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(TEANECK, NJ) -- On Saturday, December 8th, singer-songwriter and recording artist, Jann Klose will perform at Ethical Brew on behalf of Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, a community arts and cultural center for children and teens located in Bronx, New York. Doors open at 7:30, show begins at 8:00pm.
Kenny Chesney To Perform At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Focusing on smaller venues and markets not directly impacted by his massive stadium tours, Kenny Chesney sought to make his Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour mirror the intimacy of its namesake album. Inspired by the resilience of the people around him, Chesney doubles down on the human connection for his 2019 tour by seeking those members of No Shoes Nation who have spent the past decade and a half making the trip to stadium markets for what is now a summer tradition. On Saturday, May 11, 2019 he brings the tour to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, NJ.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Friday, December 7 at 8:00pm, Saturday, December 8 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sunday, December 9 at 2:00pm. Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a division of Cirque du Soleil, has become a critically acclaimed, state-of-the-art Broadway musical, and a fun-filled, holiday family show. Tickets range from $35-$98.
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(BRANCHBURG, NJ) --The RVCC Chorale will give its annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 8 at 8:00pm in the Welpe Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College’s Branchburg campus. The program will feature Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata, Das Neugeborne Kindelein, as well as a cappella pieces from by Sergei Rachmaninov, Zoltan Kodaly and Giuseppe Verdi. The program also will include an audience singalong of traditional carols.
"Great Music!" Tavares and Harold Melvin's Blue Notes LIVE! at the Strand Theater
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"An Amazing Musical Genius!" Brian Wilson LIVE! at the State Theatre
In the music room in the back of our house, there’s an electric bass and amp, two acoustic guitars, a microphone and PA speakers, several pieces of music recording equipment, and a bookcase filled with books on music, not to mention a slew of assorted music memorabilia. But, perhaps, one of the most highly prized items in the room is hanging directly above the piano next to the college music diplomas.
Jazz Saxophonist Don Braden LIVE! at Toms River’s Grunin Center
It’s a breezy day for a new installment of the Jazz On a Sunday Afternoon concert series at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center of the Arts this Sunday Oct. 27, 2018 afternoon. Today’s special 3pm performance is entitled Earth, Wind and Wonder and is presented by jazz saxophonist Don Braden.
Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, The Classics IV, and The Brooklyn Bridge LIVE! at The Strand, Lakewood
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PODCAST: Grammy Winner Terri Lyne Carrington At TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Drummer, leader, and composer Terri Lyne Carrington made history as the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz for her album “Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue.” Now, she brings her interpretation of Duke Ellington’s “Money Jungle” to the TD James Moody Jazz Festival at NJPAC on November 11, 2018, as part of a program called “Jazz Vinyl Revisited.” Producer Susan Wallner talks to Carrington about her connections to the jazz greats Clark Terry and Max Roach; her newest project, the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice; and why she thinks drummers make natural leaders.
Event calendar
Saturday, Nov 17, 2018
MUSIC
THEATRE
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Annie @ Broad Street United Methodist Church, Burlington - 8:00pm |
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Annie @ Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal Park - 2:00pm and 8:00pm
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Apples In Winter @ Centenary Stage Company - Kutz Theater of the Lackland Center, Hackettstown - 8:00pm |
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Kiss Me Kate @ Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman - 2:00pm and 8:00pm
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Into the Woods @ Studio Playhouse Upper Montclair, Upper Montclair - 8:00pm |
COMEDY
DANCE
KIDS
LECTURE
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