New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...9/17/15

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 09/17/2015


"I'm sailing away, set an open course for the virgin sea. I've got to be free, free to face the life that's ahead of me..." 
 
Decades after the classic rock band Styx penned those iconic lyrics, a deep space craft from NASA's New Horizons team reached within a close distance of its destination; Pluto's smallest moon, known also as Styx. 
 
In the midst of a summer tour with Def Leppard and Tesla, members of the band were invited to the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD to view some of the first photos taken by the unmanned New Horizons space craft. The event, which took place several months ago and happened to coincide with the east coast leg of the tour, brought an extra special treat for keyboardist Lawrence Gowan who since youth has been fascinated by outer space and its exploration. "I've been a NASA enthusiast since I was a kid," stated an excited Gowan. "I find the entire thing just incredible! I actually had the chance to go on the space shuttle "Endeavor" and not just a mock up but the real thing and it was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. I've been on the Mercury program launch pad and this New Horizon project just amazes me. NASA launched this on January 26, 2006 and here, nine and one half years later it's arrived at its destination and we're seeing the first photos. The first ones we saw were of Pluto itself, then the ones of the closest moon; the name of it being Styx was very cool too," he said as he laughed in approval. 
 
Drummer Todd Sucherman and ageless guitarist Tommy Shaw joined Gowan as the trio received a tour of the facility and mission control from Operations Manager Alice Bowman. "What a fantastic day basking in this team's accomplishments," added Gowan. "You could just see them all smiling as well as us too in the reflective glow of their achievements; it is truly special." 
 
Currently only Def Leppard remains a tour partner as the bands hit their west coast swing and Gowan says they couldn't mesh any better. "They're just great guys! We've toured together in the past so when we decided to do this it was like meeting old friends," said Gowan with a touch of nostalgia in his voice. Adding that, their tour mates have such a positive effect and maybe even get their competitive juices flowing a bit. "Touring with these guys I became a fan of theirs all over again. It doesn't matter whether we go on first or second, performing with them; they make you elevate your game. You have to try and be just as good as they are in order to share the stage with them; it definitely brings out the best in us." 
 
Gowan also remarks that Styx shows no signs of slowing down and as long as the fans are coming to shows; the band will continue to tour."We're really a band of this era if you think about it,"  Gowan says as he explained the longevity and success of the group. "There are maybe a dozen classic rock bands that tour as much as we do; we've not taken a break because the demand is there. Styx and our music is the soundtrack of many people's lives. They hear certain songs and for them it is instantly recognizable with a certain period of their life. Various hits of ours represent cross sections or experiences they've had in their lives and it's a good feeling to know that we can take them back, maybe even to a happier time, or an old love or just to cut loose a bit. There are generations of fans now, people are bringing their kids and grandchildren to our shows; we are embracing old and new fans every city and every show." 
 
One of the things about bands such as Styx and Def Leppard is that like other artists and groups of their veteran status; their concerts have evolved into "Greatest Hits" shows. These acts are able to perform all of their most popular tracks and not worry too much about introducing new material because their demographic wants to hear the timeless classics; not the case with Styx however. "We are always working on new music. Yes, we play a show that features all of our biggest and most recognizable hits but we also throw in some unexpected tunes off of our older albums and we try to feature something for everyone. We definitely have future plans for new material but that is really subjected to our live schedule. We tour well over a hundred dates a year and we don't want to just take new music and throw it out there, we're working on it; well maybe we keep hacking away at it is a better way to put it (laughs)!" 
 
Gowan and his Styx band mates are tearing up the western states with only two nights off between now and the end of September. To discover more about the band and their current tour; please go to www.styxworld.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. 9 p.m. "Thursday Jazz" feat. Abe Ovadia Trio

Sun. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson

All shows 21+

 

Amalfi's Restaurant




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville

(609) 912-1599

 Fri 8:30 p.m. Paul Plumeri Band





 



Amarones Windsor Inn








29 Church St. Windsor

 

(609) 448-7144

 Fri. 8 p.m. Kindred Spirit



Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


Sat. 8 p.m. Shore Soundz


















 

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. 7 p.m. I Am The Trireme, Seraph In Travail, Ethereal Tyrant, Malphas, Burn The Empire. All ages, $10



Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


Sat. 5 p.m. Percussor, Descendency, Antistasis, One With Nothing, Sentience, Sapremia, (TBA). All ages, $10

Wed. 4 p.m. Lich King, Hatchet, Thrashole, Paralysis, Panic, (TBA). All ages, $10/$12

 

Candlelight Lounge 

24 Passaic St. Trenton

(609) 695-9612



 Sat. 3 p.m. Lee Hogans Trumpet Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)

 

Cedar Garden / Princeton Manor Banquet 

661 Rte. 33 Hamilton

(609) 587-1511

Fri. 8:30 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief / Honey Spot Blvd. Age 21+, Doors at 8 p.m., $5 

 

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 U.S. Hwy. 130 South East Windsor

(609) 426-9400



Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


Fri. 9 p.m. That Acoustic 80's Band

 

Corner House Tavern

24509 East Main St. Columbus

(609) 298-8543

Sat. 9 p.m. Deep Release

 

Dog & Bull Brew House

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

(215) 788-2855

Thurs. 8 p.m. Brian Bortnick

Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Cecil Middleton (9 p.m.) Soul Kitchen

Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Jazz 180 

 

Fran's Pub



116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.

(215)862-5539

Sat 8 p.m. Kim Yarson Band

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. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party



Fri. 8 p.m. "Hello I Must Be Going" Phil Collins Tribute. Doors at 6 p.m., $15


Sat. 8 p.m. John Herington Band w/ Stolen Rhodes. Doors at 6 p.m., $35

Sun. 4 p.m. Rocky and His Friends

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

Wed. Pat Foran and Friends

 

Ivy Tavern 

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton

(609) 888-1435

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Fri. 10 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie

Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit

Tues. 7 p.m. Teddy Z Memorial Jam

All shows 21+



 

John & Peter's 

96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-5981

Thurs. 9 p.m. Jerry Feiss

Fri. 9 p.m. Rainbow Fresh

Sat. 9 p.m. Bottle Cap Rockets

Sun. (3 p.m.) Jamie Salvatore (9 p.m.) Justin Pope

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Justin



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

 

Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series at the Capital Green

201 Barrack Street Trenton

Sat. 7 p.m. Danielia Cotton / Chalk and The Beige Americans. All ages, Free outdoor event

 

Millhill Basement

300 S. Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-1600

Wed. 9 p.m. Divided Heaven, The Penske File, Dead Broke, (TBA). 

 

Palermo's Of Hamilton

310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton

(609) 838-7979







 Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction

All shows 21+ 

 

Patriot's Crossing

1339 River Rd. Titusville

(609) 737-2780

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Buffalo Trixx

Sat. 7:30 p.m. Blues In Disguise

 

Pete's Steak House

523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton

(609) 585-8008

Fri. 9 p.m. The Polish Nannies

Sat. 9:30 p.m. F2 & The Anchovy Brothers

 

 Randy Now's Man Cave

134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 424-3766

Fri. 7:30 p.m. "Garage a GoGo Weekend" feat. The Doughboys, Spanking Charlene, The Insomniacs. All ages, Doors at 7 p.m., $15 (one night pass) / $25 (two night pass)

Sat. 7:30 p.m.  "Garage a GoGo Weekend" feat.  The Grip Weeds, Palmyra Delran, Soraia, The Droogettes. All ages, Doors at 7 p.m., $15 

This show takes place at The Open Arts Stage 146 Rte. 130 South Bordentown

 

RHO Waterfront








50 Riverview Plaza Trenton



(609) 393-7300

 Thurs. 9 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Mica Harris. Ages 21+, $5 (with college ID), $15 (without)

Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) Xcluzive

Sat. 10 p.m. "Virgo Birthday Bash." Men ages 25+/Ladies 21+, $20 (advance)



Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown

(609) 426-9345

Fri. 9 p.m. Rule Thirty Five



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. Jam Lab

Sat. 10 p.m. Milan and The Sour Goat

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

Wed. (8:30 p.m.) Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron

 

The Record Collector

358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown

(609) 324-0880

 Fri. 8 p.m.  Commander Cody. All ages, Doors 7:30 p.m., $28 (advance)

Sat. 8 p.m. John Ford Coley w/ The Cryers. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $18 (advance)

Sun. 8 p.m. Jack Semple Band. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (advance)

 
The Sticky Wicket 

2465 South Broad St. Hamilton

(609) 439-0007

Fri. 9 p.m. Drunk Monkeys

Sat. 9 p.m. Reaction

 

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. Birmingham 6

Sat. 12 p.m. "Half Way to St. Patrick's Day" feat. Seamus Kelleher, Diarmuid McSweeney, Some Assembly Required

Tues. (7 p.m.) "Rock On Radio Happy Hour" Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. The Williamsboy (9 p.m.) Open Mic. w/ Jerry Monk

Wed. 9 p.m. Diarmuid McSweeney




All shows  21+





Trenton Buzz

702 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 Presents: "Old Work Meets New" by Howard Michaels

Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P

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. Jack And The Bear ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Doghouse Charlie & Co. ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m.)



All shows 21+

 

Wildflowers Inn



2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington

Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock 

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.


EVENT PREVIEWS

MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th

MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th

Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music

The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage

Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season

(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Country Icon Trace Adkins in September

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Trace Adkins will bring his 30th Anniversary Tour to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, September 18, 2026, for one night only. The show is part of Adkins' nationwide headline tour celebrating 30 years of chart-topping hits and powerhouse live performances. Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 22nd

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Hanging Coats and Lawns, part of New Brunswick's basement music scene, take the stage for an audio-visual performance on October 2 , 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Rutgers student is injecting some sonic youth from the New Brunswick music scene into this year's New Jersey Fall Film Festival.
CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour

CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour

(CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS

Melissa Etheridge: RISE

Wednesday, September 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Dion

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Moondance - Van Morrison Tribute

Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Saturday, September 12, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

The Nighthawks

Saturday, September 12, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


 



New Jersey Stage

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the
Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and on our RSS feed

Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Advertising | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy