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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...2/26/15

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 02/27/2015

"It's a funny story actually," says the dynamic Jocelyn Arndt. "We were playing in a band at the Fonda Fair. We were assigned to play the beer tent; which was kind of cool and we notice this guy wearing a really weird hat. We noticed that he was really paying a lot of attention to us and as the set went on we saw him speaking with our parents..."

The guy in the hat turned out to be David Bourgeois of Bridge Road Entertainment who took an immediate interest in Jocelyn and her very talented brother Chris. That chance meeting and subsequent parental discussion led to the signing of a deal with Bourgeois and Bridge Road Entertainment which has produced a seven song debut disc entitled "Strangers In Fairyland."

"This is my first release with Davis and Bridge Road," says Jocelyn. "We are on a developmental deal. We recorded the tracks at White Lake Music in Albany, N.Y. and it was such an amazing experience."

Jocelyn and Chris grew up in a family where music was a constant. According to both, their parents diverse tastes nourished their appetite for their talents. "Our parents listened to everything," said Chris with a laugh. "They had a wide range of musical tastes. They would listen to Queen, Elton John, Shania Twain, country, rock, jazz and blues and if they were listening so were we." Jocelyn says that her parents were not only "Huge in their musical influences" but very much behind them as well. "As soon as Chris and I started playing together in elementary school our parents have been super, super supportive. They were always telling us no matter what you do make sure you do it well and do it to the best of your abilities."

Currently Jocelyn and her guitarist brother are enrolled as students in a school which some may be familiar with; Harvard University. These two academics have placed an emphasis on balancing their passion with their need to further their education; with Jocelyn focusing on being an English Major and Chris admitting that he's "Still searching." When asked why they chose Harvard, their response was; "Why not?" "We worked very hard in high school and our parents instilled that academics are very important," said Jocelyn. "We are totally all on the same page there," says Chris. "Even though I have zero idea what I want to do yet; I take random classes but I am sure I'll figure it out," he said with a big laugh.

What they've both figured out is their desire to write, play and perform music; their own music. "Strangers In Fairyland" is a well constructed, well produced and gutsy performance from Jocelyn with Chris playing some blistering guitar licks behind her powerful vocals. Arndt performs at a level both live and on this debut effort that is far above her years of experience; totally complimenting her all star cast of Gov't Mule's Danny Lewis on the B3 organ, Tony Miceli on vibes, Bourgeois on drums, a host of session players and a "Surprise guest" whose identity is being kept under wraps at this time. "We went in the studio with eight or nine tracks in mind that we had written to choose from and settled on seven for the disc," they explained. "Working with such talented musicians was just an unbelievable experience."

Talented studio players is one thing; so how is it working together as siblings? "You know what? Ninety nine percent of the time it's great," said a laughing Jocelyn. "We always have easy access during a stroke of creative genius," added Chris. "We definitely know how to keep one another in line; we don't allow each other to get too big."

Shall these talented young artists keep moving forward as they are; many things are going to get very big. Their music is hard driving, straight ahead rock 'n' roll that most younger players do not embrace; yet Arndt not only embraces it but squeezes it so tight that she leaves no doubt who is in charge. Jocelyn's command of her material is second to none and her desire to bring it home, drop it on a plate and serve it up is not only admirable but should be a model for her peers. "We are going to keep playing, keep pushing and writing music," she said as she pondered their next move. "This, music, it's our first love, it's really what we want to do; as David says, "We're going to throw the ball down field;" hopefully we'll score."

Jocelyn's music is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Spotify. To learn more about Jocelyn Arndt; please visit her web site at www.jocelynarndt.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

Amalfi's Restaurant

146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville

(609) 912-1599

Fri. 8:30 p.m. Blue Meanies (Beatles Tribute)

Sat. 8:30 p.m. (TBA)

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

Amarones Windsor Inn

29 Church St. Windsor

(609) 448-7144

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Country" Ron Crites

Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D

Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds of The Street

Wed. 7:30 p.m. Robert Bruce

Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington

(609) 267-1200

Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.

Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton

(609) 245-8887

Fri. 9 p.m. Rob Silvers & Sean Cox

Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam

The Backstage at Championship Bar

931 Chambers St. Trenton

Fri. 7 p.m. Moxie and Rebel, Outbreak, Imankita, Still Searching, Parkwood. All ages, $10

Sat. 5 p.m. The Afraid Brigade, UMan ERA, Astrokatz, The Stonewall Vessels, Empty November, Canamara, The Damn Long Hairs. All ages, $10

Wed. 8 p.m. WU-Wednesday. Ages 21+, $5

Candlelight Lounge

24 Passaic St. Trenton

(609) 695-9612

Sat. 3 p.m. Vince Ector Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)

Chickie's & Pete's

183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-9182

Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs

Dog & Bull Brew House

810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.

(215) 788-2855

Thurs. 8 p.m. Twin Ghost

Fri. (4 p.m.) Keli Vale Jazz Duo (9 p.m.) CP Duo

Sat. 9 p.m. Jack McTamney

Sun. (11 a.m.) Sunday Brunch feat. The Evolution (3 p.m.) Soul Custody

Mon. 8 p.m. Keith Lesnik Trio

Tues. 8 p.m. Sister Blue

Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

Fran's Pub

116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.

(215)862-5539

Fri. 7 p.m. Luck Brothers Band

Sat. 8 p.m. Strange Brew Crew

Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam

All shows 21+

Halo Pub

4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-1811

Sat. 7 p.m. Blue Jersey Band

Havana New Hope

105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-9897

Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat the Clock" DJ Dance party

Fri. 8 p.m. Hmfo (Hall & Oates Tribute). Doors at 6 p.m., $10 (advance)

Sat. 8:30 p.m. Shot of Southern

Sun. 1:30 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra

Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran and Friends

All shows 21+

Ivy Tavern

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton

(609) 888-1435

Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke

Sat. 10 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.

All shows 21+

John & Peter's

96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-5981

Fri. 9 p.m. The Hyde

Sat. (3 p.m.) The Trip Dogs

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Tim

Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational

All shows 21+

JoJo's Tavern

2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-2678

Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke

Paint the Roses Tea and Café

37 West Broad Street Hopewell

(609) 466-8200

Sat. 11 a.m. Bryan Hill

Palermo's Of Hamilton

310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton

(609) 838-7979

50 Riverview Plaza Trenton

(609) 393-7300

Thurs. 10 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Paul Desisto

Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet (8:30 p.m.) In The Cut Band

All Shows 21+

Spigola Restaurant & Lounge

3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road Hamilton

(609) 585-5255

Sat. 8:30 Jessica DiDonato

Sunsets at Cream Ridge

181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge

(609) 208-2500

Sat. 9 p.m. Tangled

Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown

(609) 426-9345

Fri. 9 p.m. Kickback

Sat. 9 p.m. Sneak Attack

Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

The HOB Tavern

146 Second Street

(609) 291-7020

Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Jam Night hosted by Larry Archer

The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau St. Princeton

(609) 921-8555

Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron

Fri. 10 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band

Sat. 10 p.m. The Goods

Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv

Wed. 10 p.m. "Theme Night" w/ DJ Rockn Ron

The Millhill Basement

300 South Broad St Trenton

(609) 989-1600

Fri. 9 p.m. You Vandal.

The Record Collector

358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown

(609) 324-0880

Sat. 8 p.m. Joe Keris & The Good Week (CD Release Party) / Evening Edition. All ages, Doors 7:30 p.m., $10 (advance)

The Sticky Wicket

2465 South Broad St. Hamilton

(609) 439-0007

Fri. 9 p.m. Undercover

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. 9 p.m. Mike Brill

Sat. 9 p.m. The Shantys

Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ Kathy DeAngelo & Dennis Gormley

All shows 21+

Trenton Buzz

702 Pine St. Trenton

(609) 392-6000

Sat. 9 p.m. "Brown Sugar & Friends" Hosted by Bearded Hipster

Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777

Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: Iceberg Slim: "The Legend of Cool Disco Dan"

Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday

Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree

Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.

Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton

Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)

400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-8300

Fri. 10 p.m. The Lawsuits. ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Kings and Comrades. ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night

Tues. 9 p.m. Challenge Accepted

Wed. 9 p.m. Matthew Szlachetka

All shows 21+

Wildflowers Inn

2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington

Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock

Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke

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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

EVENT CALENDAR

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

Phoenix Productions Presents: In The Heights
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 2:00pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: theatre

Click here for full description
Waiting for Godot
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
category: theatre

Click here for 2:00pm | Click here for 7:30pm
The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music

Click here for full description
Selling Kabul
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 3:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre

Click here for full description
Story Pirates: The Amazing Adventure Tour
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 1:00pm & 5:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: kids

Click here for 1:00pm | Click here for 5:00pm
10,000 Maniacs
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 7:00pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

Click here for full description
From Inside of Here – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5PM
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 5:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: film

Click here for full description
Bulrusher
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: theatre

Click here for full description
Trombonist Marshall Gilkes
Sunday, September 24, 2023 @ 4:00pm
William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
category: music

Click here for full description
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Alabama Story"
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 2:00pm
South Camden Theatre Company
400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
category: theatre

Click here for full description
Waiting for Godot
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
category: theatre

Click here for full description
George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist"
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: theatre

Click here for full description
Waiting for Godot
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 10:30am & 7:30pm
Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
category: theatre

Click here for 10:30am | Click here for 7:30pm

For more event listings, click here

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