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ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...3/17/16

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 03/16/2016


"I've been a long time fan of rock music; I write about subjects that I'm passionate about," says author Greg Prato as he discussed his newly released work; "Scott Weiland - Memories of a Rock Star" (CreateSpace Publishing). "When I write my books, I do them on topics that are familiar to me. I like to know the story line and in this case I was familiar with Weiland; I was a fan." 
 
Prato has penned multiple works; the majority are music based. he is an avid New York sports fan and has written the best seller, "The Seventh Year Stretch: The New York Mets,1977-1983" as well as books on the New York JetsYankees and Islanders. Music,however, is his forte and he is a prolific producer on the topic.
 
No stranger to being published, Prato has been a contributor to "Rolling Stone," "Classic Rock Magazine" and "All Music Guide" and with nearly 20 books on the racks; his proficiency is astounding. The Weiland book was recently released and it came together in an amazingly short two months time. "Like all of my books, I pretty much mapped out the story line and the topics that I wanted to write about, then the interviews followed; it was very natural, it all fell into place and took approximately two months. I started in December of 2015 and it was completed and published in February of this year." 
 
Why Scott Weiland? When the question was posed to him, Prato did not hesitate with his response; "I was a fan and I was curious to see other people's views on him," he stated. "He obviously recently passed and I was able  to speak with Kevin Kerslake and Josh Taft who produced and directed the STP videos for "Plush" and "Interstate Love Song" and David RitzChris Goss and Matt Pinfield, all people who worked in close quarters with Scott; I got some interesting insight as to what it took to work with him and the band."
 
Over his literary career, Prato has written books on various genres, bands and music but he confessed that some of his favorite memories have come from several classic rockers. "My favorite interview of all time had to have been with Eddie Vedder. What was supposed to be a 20 minute phone call turned into us being on the phone for over two hours! Johnny Rotten was another good one and I got to interview David Lynch when I worked for Rolling Stone; that was really cool." 
 
Prato says that he's already in the "Planning stages" for his next projects and that the next one will again be about another music related topic; possibly something in the metal arena. In the mean time, this Long Island, New York author will support this latest release and continue to bring his passions to the forefront when the time is right. 
 
"Scott Weiland - Memories of a Rock Star" is available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other retail outlets; prices range from $9.99 for the downloadable versions to $19.99 for the print edition.
 
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
 
Amalfi's Restaurant
146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri. 8:30 p.m. PapaDelux
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Take 5
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
 Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Sat. 8 p.m. Rockin' Rhythm
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam 
Backstage at Championship Bar 
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Thurs. 5 p.m. The Relapse Symphony, Phantoms, Lethal Affection, Suburban Murder, Nightmare In Wonderland, Silent Future, (TBA). All ages $10/$12
Fri. 7 p.m. Iron Front, Shattered Skin, Inari One, Midnite Hellion, Deadkick. All ages, $10
Sat. 4 p.m. Affiance, XXI, It Lives It Breathes, Versus, Set To Stun, Johnny B Morbid, The Great Airport Mystery, Surrender The Night, Unholy Dispute.  All ages, $12/$15
Candlelight Lounge 
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
 Sat. 3 p.m. Sylvia Cuena Quartet. $10 (cover charge)
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
Columbus Flea Market
2919 Route 206 South, Columbus
(609) 267-0400
Thurs. 5 p.m. Sweetie Pie
Dempster's Pub
437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dick Gratton
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Cecil Middleton (9 p.m.) Wizard Duo
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Jazz 180 (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft & the All Stars
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Joe Robinson Brunch Jam (3 p.m.) Pop Fiction
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Glory Days Tavern
1200 Hornberger Ave. Roebling
(609) 499-0896
Thurs. "St. Patrick's Day" all day drink specials.
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Audio Pilot
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa. 
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Se7en
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Fish Out Of Water
Sun. 4 p.m. Rocky & His Friends
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Generation Of Jazz
Fri. 6 p.m. Silent Q
Sat. 6 p.m. John & Carm
Sun. (2 p.m.)"Jazzy Sundays" feat. Lars & Friends (6:30 p.m.) Vintner's Dinner. $29
Ivy Tavern 
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Never Enough
Sat. 10 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. J & P's Comedy Presents! "St. Patrick's day Shenanigans"
Fri. 9 p.m. Paul Gargiulo
Sat. (3 p.m.) King of Nowhere "Annual Near St. Paddy's day Show" (9 p.m.) River City Healers / Mike Sailor
Sun. (3 p.m.) Sean Faust & Robert Fulton (9 p.m.) Sugar Burns
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night 
Tues. 9 p.m. Matt Woods & Big Shoals Band
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
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 11 a.m. "St. Patrick's Day Festival" Live music, food trucks, vendors
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Rd Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. (4 p.m.) "St Patrick's Day Party" feat. Stem. (10:30 p.m.) "Beer Pong" w/ DJ Codie
Fri. 10 p.m. Ketosis, Half Ton Of Humanity, We... Our War, Stealing Fame
Sat. 10 p.m. "Saturday Night Party" w/ Dueling DJs
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Check web site for upcoming shows
Mill Hill Playhouse/Passage Theatre
205 E. Front Street, Trenton
(609) 392-0766
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Everything's Fine!"
Fri. 8 p.m. "Panther Hollow"
Sat. 8 p.m.  "Mention My Beauty"
Sun. 3 p.m.  "Remembrance Day" 
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille
1383 Monmouth Road, Easthampton Mt. Holly
(609) 261-1555
Thurs. 7 p.m. "St Patrick's  Day Party" feat. Radio Fiction
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Out Of The Red
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Virago
Olde Liberty Tavern
2114 Liberty Street, Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
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. 8 p.m. Blues In Disguise
Sat. 8 p.m. DT & The Burnerz
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Plumstead Grill
457 Route 539, Cream Ridge
(609) 758-5552
Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check Website for upcoming events. 
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 10 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Paul Desisto. Doors at 9 p.m., 21+ 
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (9 p.m.) The Soul Cruisers
Sat. 7 p.m. Laff Out Loud Comedy Presents: "Ladies Night Tour Live!" Hosted by B-Phlat. Doors at 6 p.m., $35 (advance)
Take 5 Gourmet Cafe
1065 Washington Blvd., Robbinsville
(609) 443-6800
Fri. 7 p.m. Gravity Centered
Sat. 6:30 p.m. BYOB Tropical Paint Party
Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Thurs. 9 p.m. "St. Patty's Day Party" feat. Ned Ryerson
Sat. 9 p.m. Billy Hector Band
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Shore ratz
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night 
The Cool Cricket
216 4th Street, Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8:30 p.m. John & Maggs
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Twisted Charm
Sat. 10 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band
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 Collector 
358 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Professor Louie & the Crowmatix / Sad Bastards of Brooklyn. (2 Band CD Release Party). All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance) 
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Band w/ TJ Nix / Aurical. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
The Roost 
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. No Way Out
Sat. 9 p.m. Sharon Lia band
The Sticky Wicket 
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. General Krank
Sat. 9 p.m. Money Shot
The Sun National Bank Center 
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Thurs. "St. Patrick's Day Celebration" feat. Successful Failures, Some Assembly Required
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ Diarmuis MacSuibhne
Tues. (7 p.m.) "Rock On Radio Happy Hour" Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. Bryan Hill (9 p.m.) Open Mic. w/ Jerry Monk
All shows  21+
Trenton Buzz
702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic. 
Trenton Social
449 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
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. "St. Patty's Day Party" w/ Clancy's Pistol
Fri. 10 p.m. Erin Harpe and The Delta Swingers. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. The Naked Sun. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m. at hostess stand)
Tues. 9 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock feat. DiRty ReD Unplugged
All shows 21+
 




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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

(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.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th

Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.

 

MORE EVENTS


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


The Elvis Spectacular

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ



 

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