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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...12/25/14

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 12/25/2014


"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more." .... Dr. Seuss via The Grinch.

Maybe it does, maybe it means a lot more. Perhaps it means the "15th Annual Ernie White Christmas Show" in Hamilton where approximately $200,000 has been raised to help the less fortunate. Maybe it's Cook Smith's "Winter Solstice Show" in Asbury Park where the food and monetary donations go directly to a local food bank. Maybe it's the amazing work of Holiday Express and other organizations such as Musicians on a Mission that means so much more to so many.


Maybe, just maybe, it's the continuous unselfishness of music communities all across our globe that embodies the spirit of giving as well as support for and love of our fellow man. No matter what the case; music brings people together. Different genres, styles, sounds nor geography stand in the way of the powers of unification made possible by music.


So while most of us are off over the next week, try and focus a bit on what we can do to support our local musicians, food banks, soup kitchens and shelters. Try not to get caught up in the "Retail" meaning of Christmas. Instead choose to remember those less fortunate and what one can do to help; there's no musical ability needed for that gig, it's strictly a solo performance.


Rock On Radio has a new home. Effective 12/28/14 the program will be broadcasting live from " A 40 Foot Hole Studio" (www.40footholestudio.com) at 10 p.m. EST. This move will allow the program to do full electric performances versus strictly acoustic as well as bring the show to you visually through a live video stream. Listeners can now interact via their laptops in four ways, audio, video and through a Facebook chat room. The program will also now have a live audience in attendance and all are encouraged to come on down and support the station and Rock On Radio for this free event! This Sunday, Point Pleasant, NJ solo artist Scott Brandt will be the first guest of the program in its new surroundings and we are very excited to have him.
There's a light holiday schedule this week in the area entertainment scene but the quality is never less than stellar.


I would like to personally wish all of those who make this space possible and the readers a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season! I thank you for your continued support and talents!


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That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!


THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS


Amalfi's Restaurant

146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville




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(609) 912-1599
Fri./Sat. 8:30 p.m. (TBA)
Amarones Windsor Inn

29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Cager & Debbie

Fri. 8 p.m. Lonnie Youngblood

Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds of The Street

Wed. 7:30 p.m. DJ John Rossi
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge

835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington

(609) 267-1200
No music scheduled until 2015
Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton

(609) 245-8887
Sat 9 p.m. ZQ Acoustic w/ Mike & Steve

Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. I Am The Trireme, Godless A.D., (TBA). All ages, $10




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Sat. 5 p.m. Who Killed Marilyn?, The Silverhounds, The Damn Long Hairs, Electric Puke, Zero Gear, A Crisis of Confidence, (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612


Sat. 3 p.m. Victor North Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995


Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Chickie's & Pete's

183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Sun. 4 p.m.Billy O'neal


Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen

Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Fran's Pub

116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.

(215)862-5539
No music scheduled until 2015

All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897

Thurs. Closed for Christmas

Fri. 8:30 p.m. Bigg Romeo


Sat. 8 p.m. "Earth Wind and Fire Tribute" w/ Earth Wind and Fire Review. Doors at 6 p.m., $25

Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline Band

Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke in the Bar w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget

Wed. 9 p.m. "New Year's Rockin' Eve" w/ Se7en Band (a.k.a Chris James Band). $10

All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke

Sat. 10 p.m. Polish Nannies
All shows 21+





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John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981

Thurs. Bar is OPEN (no entertainment)

Fri. 9 p.m. Ben Vaughn Quintet w/ Cliff Hillis

Sat. (3 p.m.) Rev. B-Ill's Christmas Spectacularrrrrrr (9 p.m.) Bluebalz

Sun. (3 p.m.) Miss Pumpkin's Drag Show Benefit (9 p.m.) Sugar Burns

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night

Tues. 9 p.m. Sage

Wed. 9 p.m. New Year's Eve Party w/ DJ aggrEschen
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern

2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-2678

Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979


Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing

1339 River Rd. Titusville

(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. (TBA)

Sat. 7:30 p.m. (TBA)
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008


Fri. 9:30 p.m. That Acoustic 80's Band
RHO Waterfront


50 Riverview Plaza Trenton


(609) 393-7300
Fri. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Free Buffet Customer Appreciation Party w/ DJ Frank Olivetti

Sat. 9 p.m. "Alsato Navideno" Hosted by Paul Perez w/ DJ Coqui, Freestyle Contest, Kombo Latino. $20

Wed. "New Year's Eve Gala" w/ DJ Bob-E-Luv. $50/$65


All Shows 21+


Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345

Fri. 9 p.m. Steve The Band

Sat. 9 p.m. Far Cry

Wed. (8 p.m.) Karaoke Night (10 p.m.) "New Year's Eve Party" feat. live music, 2 seatings, $25/$28
The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau St. Princeton

(609) 921-8555
Thurs. Closed

Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong

Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
The HOB Tavern

146 Second Street

(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Wed. 9 p.m. New Year's Eve Party w/ DJ A3RO
The Millhill Basement

300 South Broad St Trenton

(609) 989-1600
Sat. 9 p.m. "My God Damn Birthday Party" feat. The Cryptkeeper 5, Brick Mower, GameDay Regulars, The Jukebox Romantics / DJ Streams of Whiskey w/ Jay Insult
The Record Collector

358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown

(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $18 (advance)

Sat. 8 p.m. Ben Vaughn Quintet / Cliff Hillis. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (advance)
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554

Fri. 5 p.m. Bill Shannon

Sat. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson

All shows 21+
Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: (Closed)

Fri. 10 p.m. Friday night w/ Jay Kountree & Jaxx

Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300

Fri. 10 p.m. Alycat. ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Mercer County Pour. ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night

Tues. 9 p.m. Acoustic Grateful Dead feat. members of Splintered Sunlight

Wed. 10 p.m. New Year's Eve feat. Pure Jerry. ($5 cover charge)

All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn


2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington


Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke



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

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
Bergen County

Bergen County's "Music At The Barn" Series presents The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, III and the Board of Commissioners invite the public to attend a free music concert featuring The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday, July 26 from 4:00pm– 6:30pm at the Wortendyke Barn Museum, a County Historic Site (13 Pascack Rd in Park Ridge, NJ). This is the first concert in the 2026 music series.
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.

The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Jeffrey Gaines

Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Deadgrass

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Stone Flower - ​Santana Tribute Band

Saturday, August 01, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ