"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..." "> "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..." ">

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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)



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Amarones Windsor Inn

29 Church St. Windsor

 

(609) 448-7144

 

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

Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D



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Sat. 8 p.m. Sounds of The Street

Wed. 7:30 p.m. Robert Bruce

 

Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge

835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington

(609) 267-1200

 

Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.

 

Blend Bar & Bistro



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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

 



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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

 



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






 

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Sat. 9 p.m. Out of the Red

All shows 21+ 

 

Patriot's Crossing

1339 River Rd. Titusville

(609) 737-2780

 

Fri. 7:30 p.m. McMillan & Co.

Sat. 7:30 p.m. Riverdogs

 

Pete's Steak House

523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton

(609) 585-8008

Fri. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White & Tom reock

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Buffalo Trix

 

Revere Ristorante

802 River Rd. West Trenton

(609) 882-6365


Fri. 8:30 p.m. Paul Plumeri & Jerry Monk

Sun. 5 p.m. F2 and the Anchovy Brothers


RHO Waterfront







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


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

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 

Starland Ballroom presents The Cab

(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm.  Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th

Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.

 

FEATURED EVENTS

Eric Johanson

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
Union, NJ

Three American Troubadours: Celebrating Taylor, Simon & King

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Kinderhook

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


 



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