ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...6/4/15
By Danny Coleman
originally published: 06/04/2015
"Oh I totally remember it," she said with an enthusiastic laugh.
"I even remember where I was. I was rehearsing for my second, no wait, maybe just prior to when my second album was released; my manager came in and said I was nominated for the "Best Rock Vocal Performance Female," or whatever the category was exactly, I don't think it even exists any longer. I never expected it; it was an amazing feeling. It took me until my fourth nomination to win one but it was still unbelievable. Just being there with the other performers and industry people and the parties; it was an honor."
Those are the words of the incomparable Melissa Etheridge, whose long career has spawned twelve CDs, multiple hits and admiration of many as she described how she felt upon receiving the first of her seventeen Grammy Award nominations.
Etheridge has fought many a battle over the years and not just in her struggles to reach and maintain rock stardom, her sexual orientation, the birth of her children and a well publicized bout with breast cancer have all left indelible marks on who she is; not only as a person but also as a performer as well. "My cancer, yeah, it changed everything," she started, speaking in slower more halted tones. "It was the biggest change ever. I'll tell you this; it put me in line with gratitude. I now have such a different view on life, my own health, food, what I put into my body. I pay attention to things more now, it's truly a life changing experience when you face something like that. It definitely made me appreciate life more, set me on a new spiritual path; I am so grateful for everything in my life, more so than ever before. Many people look at it like a curse, I look at it as an awakening and a positive thing; it definitely changed my perspective on life."
These events are just several which not only shaped Etheridge as a person but as an artist as well. Averaging an "Album about every two years," Melissa openly admits that each and every release is reflective of what was occurring in her life at the time. "Oh Absolutely," she stated emphatically. "Every single one of them have had something to say or reveal about what was happening. Now, not all of the songs were topical; that wouldn't be very likely but If I sat down with you and and went through each song on each album, I could tell you why it was written or what was going on at the time."
Melissa's latest release "This is M.E.," is a unique collection of tunes which are somewhat contradictory to the title. On this disc she has teamed up with multiple industry heavy weights whose styles are far different from her own. Jerrod Bettis (Adele, One republic), Jon Levine (Nelly Furtado, Selena Gomez), Jerry Wonda (Mary J. Blige) and Roccstar (Usher, Chris Brown) have all had their hand in the making of this latest effort."This album, well, it seems that I've fallen into making a new one every two years; which would explain why I have twelve over the last twenty four years but this one is different. Usually when I sit down to write or have new material in mind, I say I'm going to make it different from previous albums or previous things I've done; then I wind up still sounding like I did twenty years ago (laughs)! This time though, I went way outside the box to achieve something that is very different from what I've done in the past. I used these guys to prevent me from falling into the same routine. I'd get an idea or have something down and I'd say, "OK, what do you have for me?" Then they would come up with these ideas in their own styles and I would keep working with it until it eventually morphed into a rock song that sounded like nothing I'd done before. The whole process was just amazing. Then I heard Jerry Wonda and I thought, wow I really need to play with that band and I did and it's on the DVD. They are so talented, everyone who helped on this album is so talented."
The tour supporting the new disc kicks off on Wednesday June 10 in Chattanooga, TN including two shows in New Jersey; the first on June 12 at Caesar's Atlantic City and the second being June 17 at the restored and renovated Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Both of the shows in the Garden State will be solo acoustic presentations as Melissa gathers her road legs under her during the first month of this five month road show. Etheridge will be making both full band, as well as solo acoustic presentations on this jaunt which has her crisscrossing states at times but none the less enthusiastic. "Yeah, Monday is the first show. I had a few obligations at home first to take care of; my oldest daughter is graduating high school; which I can't believe that's happening already. It seems such a short time ago she was small and suddenly, wow. My other kids are finishing up school for the summer too, so I had to get that all wrapped up and now I'm ready to go. This tour is just about half or right around half solo and full band shows. The Count Basie and Atlantic City shows are solo but are different from what you may expect. I'm going to be surrounded by eight to ten guitars on stage and I'm using a few looping tracks to fill things up a bit; it's definitely more rocking than you'd expect from just a solo acoustic act. I'm doing my hits as well as a few new ones and a lot of the old favorites. The funny thing about a solo acoustic act is that it takes a real kind of crazy person to get out there and do this solo (laughs). I played for five years out in L.A. as a solo acoustic artist so I'm used to it but I particularly like it because I feel I've got more freedom, more spontaneity to change things up without having to worry about dragging the others with me. I can change up the song based on what I'm feeling at that moment and not worry about surprising anyone in the process; it's liberating at times."
Etheridge couldn't definitively recall whether she's ever made a stop in the Count Basie Theatre before but she had no problem recanting her "Bucket List" appearance with Jersey's native son Bruce Springsteen. The enthusiasm gushed forth from her openly when questioned about a duet she recorded with "The Boss" of his song "Thunder Road," years back during an "Unplugged" episode for MTV. "That ranks as one of the top five things that I have ever done; performing with him was awesome," she stated with obvious satisfaction."It is no secret that I am a huge fan of his. Back in '94 I was asked by MTV to do one of their "Unplugged" shows and a few days day before, they asked me who I'd like to do a duet with and I said, "Springsteen," of course never thinking he'd say yes. He said,"Yes" the very next day and I was just floored. I had never really met him and when he came walking in for the sound check we tried "Thunder Road," which I'd been doing in some of my sets anyway and it just meshed perfectly. He was just so cool about it all and that video has gotten so much mileage; it was one of the neatest things I've ever done."
Seemingly content and with so much going right for this now veteran rocker; Etheridge still seems to carry the excitement of her youth with her as she discusses her career and upcoming events. "This tour is going to be so much fun," she stated. "Between the solo stuff and the band shows; we are playing at some big festivals in Ohio and Michigan where we are co-headlining with Blondie and they're fantastic so it's going to be a great summer!"
To discover more about Melissa Etheridge and to see her complete tour schedule, or to purchase tickets; please go to www.melissaetheridge.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
Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Chris & Tommy's Good Time Show
Sun. 9 p.m. The Beagles
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Country" Ron Crites
Fri. 8 p.m. Lonnie Youngblood
Sat. 8 p.m. Meg Hanson Band feat. Billy Hill
Tues. 8 p.m. Ambiance the Duo
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 4 p.m. The Bunny The Bear, Reckless Serenade, Doing Better, Divination, Disaffect, Ingdorf, The Things They Carried, Dreams Of Demise. All ages, $12/$14
Sat. 5 p.m. (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Landom Brothers Drum & Alto Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chesterfield Inn
633 Arneytown Chesterfield Road Chesterfield
Fri. 9 p.m. SF Acoustic Trio
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. Trivia Night
City Streets
510 Route 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sat. 9 p.m. Gyrl Band
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Johnny Moskal
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Visoon
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Soul Custody Trio
Mon. 8 p.m. The Jangle Experience
Tues. 8 p.m. Sister Blue
Wed. 8 p.m. Mia Johnson
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Thurs. Ladies Night
Sun. 4 p.m. Irish Sessions
Mon. Military Day
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call
Sun. 3 p.m. Laurie Vosburg & 519 South
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Thirsty Thursday Beat The Clock" DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8:30 The Loop
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Slamm
Sun. 2 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. The Ernie White Band
Sat. 10 p.m. Tangled
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Collin J Rocker
Fri. 8 p.m. Midnight Sun Music Festival
Sat. (3 p.m.) Scott Ellison (8 p.m.) Midnight Sun Music Festival
Sun. 3 p.m. Brian Dolzani
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Chris
Tues. 9 p.m. Perennial Reel
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
Olde Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer Street Hamilton
(609) 890-9818
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
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
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sensei Juan & The Black Belts
Sat. 7:30 p.m. The Back Porch Jug Band
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check site for upcoming events
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 10 p.m. College Night Dance party w/ DJ Paul Desisito
Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) Kindred Spirit
All Shows 21+
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 10 p.m. Twisted Charm
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 8:30 p.m. Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron
The Millhill Basement
300 South Broad St Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Check web page for upcoming shows
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Christine Ohlman & The Rebel Montez. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $20 (advance)
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 9 p.m. No Way Out
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tilted Kilt
557 US Hwy. 130 North, Hamilton
(609) 585-1800
Sat. 9 p.m. Class A Kings
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. David Falcone
Sat. 9 p.m. Diarmuid McSweeney
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ Kathy D'Angelo & Bill Gormley
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents: (TBA)
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
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. Somebody's Darling. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(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."
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
(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
(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
(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
(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.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
MORE EVENTS
