By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/03/2014
"I guess you can say I'm the new guy and I've been with the band for over ten years," said (hed) p.e. guitarist Jackson Benge with a laugh as he discussed the upcoming July 22 release by Pavement Entertainment of their ninth CD "Evolution."
(hed) p.e. formed in California in the early to mid '90's by front man Jahred, whose desire was to cultivate the area sounds into his own personal preferences; resulting in a mixture of punk, metal, hip-hop and statement making funk that has blazed a trail to this day. "Our music," explains Jackson, "Is a mix of musical multiple personality disorders," he said once again with a hearty laugh. " We mix many genres and we try to hit them all; punk, hip-hop, metal, rock, we don't discriminate that's for sure."
Up until now, 2003's "Blackout" was the benchmark for the group and still their most successful album to date but with the upcoming release of "Evolution," Benge feels that the band may have hit their musical mark and definitely their stride. "This disc really is two different styles. We still have what we like to call a "Doom Sound," yet more riffs that are simpler; if that makes sense. There is more of a one note at a time approach and letting them ring out to give it a bigger sound; we are actually quite happy with it. Then there's what Jahred likes to call the "Champagne Room." The other side of the disc is more Reggae style and I think between the two styles, "Doom Metal" and Reggae, we did really well selecting the tracks. We are very happy with the way this CD has come together from start to finish, I think it's one of our best to date. This is the sixth one that I've been a part of and I am very excited about it!"
From the band name, to their music, Benge feels the reason they've been able to keep it together so long is due to staying within themselves, their yearning for social commentary and cooperation within their own ranks. "Our name, like us, is pretty unique. Jahred came up with it; hed is the phonetic spelling for head and p.e. stands for planet earth or planetary evolution. The planet, like our music, is ever changing, evolving, we get involved with some social issues, trying to relay some messages through our music. We are also a band who stays true to what we write. So many guys take every opportunity to over play; we don't do that. Jahred has a vision and when we go into the studio he takes on more of the producer role. We all have a hand in things and for me, I wanted to let the band know that I can write too. I started submitting songs, I mean we all do but Jahred's voice is the signature of the band, so whatever we do it has to fit him and his style. He plays percussion so that adds to the overall sound as well."
The band is heading out on the road with shows in various locations across the U.S. in what Benge calls a "Quasi national tour." "Right now we are taking time off before the disc is released. This our first one on Pavement Entertainment and we are very excited about it; they are doing a great job promoting its release and we are gearing up to head out on the road. We've got some dates in July to warm up and then in August we head out in earnest; we tour a lot and we love it."
July 8 the band kicks off the tour with a show in Lexington, KY and will criss-cross from Florida through Texas and the mid-west with stops in West Virginia, Tennessee and Ohio as well; bringing their brand of hard driving, in your face sounds to their hungry fan base.
To find tickets, tour dates and more about (hed) p.e. please go to www.hedperocks.com.
Here's an upcoming show to watch for; the Doo Wop Show scheduled for July 12 at The Princeton Manor Banquet Hall (formerly Cedar Gardens) on Rte. 33 in Hamilton, NJ. The Drifters, The Marvelettes and the Blue Notes will be taking the stage with original members, Rick Sheppard and Rhonda Franklin in attendance. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $95 for the VIP package and can be obtained by calling Linda Reimer at 609-838-1313.
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
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night Hosted by Eric Puliti
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-714
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Sat. 8 p.m. The Blue Moons
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Wed. 7 p.m. FREE Salsa Lessons
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge
835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington
(609) 267-1200
Sat. 7 p.m. Sakima, Lurk, Rinse Repeat, Left of Logic
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Blend
911 Rte. 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Annual Jazz BBQ (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995
Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
(609) 394-7437
Sat. 6 p.m. Steel Nation, Manalive, Silence Equals Death, Inhale, No Friends, Life Sentence, Guttersnipe. All ages, $10.
Tues. 7 p.m. Breathing Theory, Mesmeria, (TBA). All ages, $8/$10
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Thurs. 6 p.m. The Mighty Stef
mSun. 4 p.m.Billy O'neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215)862-5539
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Night
Sat. 7 p.m. Stellar
Sun. 3 p.m. Little Red Rooster
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Mic Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Halo Pub
9 Hullfish St. Princeton
(609) 921-1710
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m. Eagles Tribute w/ Best of The Eagles
Fri. 9:30 p.m. July 4th DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Kharma Train
Sun. 2 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridge
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran w/ Jo Wymer, Mike Montrey
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Sat. 10 p.m. The Dawgs
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Satellite Hearts
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Billy Hector Band
Sun. 9:30 p.m. Southern Fried Funk
Mon. Open Mic. w/ Tim
Tues. 9 p.m. Matt Setzer
Wed. The Invitational (Featuring John & Peter's House Band)
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
Fri. 9 p.m. Alright Alright
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. River Dogs
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sensei Juan and The Blackbelts
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
All Shows 21+
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Tangled
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Something Shiny
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Open Jukebox
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Out of The Red
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ TDOGG
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Sat. 7 p.m. Trenton Freedom vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sat. 9 p.m. Tommy Glover
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Taylor Reed
Wed. 9 p.m. Paul Weise
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: Documentary Night "Mel Leipzig: Everything is Printable"
Fri. 10 p.m. Friday night w/ Jay Kountree & Jaxx
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Tues. 9 p.m. LiveMusic/Open Mic.
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Southern Fried Funk. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Jason Ager. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
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.
Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music Of Pink Floyd
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJFLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJMulti-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. The band’s first three albums — their self-titled EP (1983), The Warning (1984) and Rage for Order (1986) — all hit gold status selling over 500,000 units each.
Jesse Cook
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Victoria Theater
1 Center Street, Newark, NJA global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJTwo iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Song Of The Meadowlark
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 2:30pm
Highland Design Farm
159 Van Dyke Road, Hopewell, NJA meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry and live painting.
EVENT PREVIEWS
NJPAC presents Jesse Cook on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Jesse Cook on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in the Victoria Theater at 8:00pm. A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music's power to connect people across cultures and continents.
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.
Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor
(PRINCETON, NJ) — The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor on Friday, November 20, 2026 in an evening of upbeat and bubbling song filled with enthusiasm and love. The concert takes place at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. Showtime is 8:00pm. A livestream option is available as well.
Private Eyes Brings the Greatest Hits of Hall & Oates to the Strand Center for the Arts
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Few musical acts defined the sound of the late 1970s and 1980s quite like Daryl Hall and John Oates. On Friday, November 20, 2026, the Strand Center for the Arts will celebrate their extraordinary catalog when Private Eyes – The Premier Tribute To Daryl Hall & John Oates takes the stage for an evening of classic pop, rock, and blue-eyed soul. Showtime is 8:00pm.
NJPAC to Celebrate Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday with All-Star Concert on November 21st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday Concert on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 8:00pm. This special one-night only celebration is part of NJPAC’s 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 6-22). Several of today's leading Broadway stars and vocalists unite for a spectacular birthday bash performance toasting the legendary actor/dancer/singer Ben Vereen who turns 80 on October 10, 2026.
