Welcome to my musical world! This is one man's attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!
Lately, a debate tending to spring up in our local area music establishments seems to be on the topic of available venues in comparison to the amount of performers. Also included in the discussion is the ratio of cover bands vs. that of original acts, along with their differences.
It is a well documented fact, that we are blessed with a plethora of fantastic cover acts; any of which can be found every weekend strutting their stuff in various watering holes. A recent discussion which took place on my "Rock On Radio" program this past Sunday between myself and members of Mercer County stalwarts Gunsmoke, centered around shrinking amounts of venues and the stagnant or shrinking amount of pay for the entertainment. We joked about, how in the early '80's, we were making the same amount of pay as we are today, perhaps even less in some cases.
We also took a trip down memory lane based on this very space and how it was nearly thirty years ago. The author, just like the times, was different but the glaring difference was that there were two printed pages full of business card sized, smaller and larger ads of Trenton and surrounding area bars/restaurants and their featured entertainment. Names like "Off White," "Aviator," "Back Steppin'," "Expressway," "The Cop Shoo Bops" and many more used to fill this center spread as our choices for live entertainment were many. Bars such as the "Merry Go Round," The Red Carpet Lounge," "The Manor Hotel (aka The Whitehead Manor)," "Carnegie Hall," "Don Young's," "Brothers Saloon," "Casey Jones (aka Jessie's, Savoys)," "The Woodside," "The Windsor Manor" all had music; even the old "Treasure Chest," on South Clinton and Beatty, a "dancing establishment," had bands play on Saturday evenings with "dancers" in between sets.
Well, it's today and this space occupies one page, cover bands vie to get their time and original acts are pretty much left out of the equation. Since there are literally only several area clubs willing to take a chance on these creators of perhaps the next big hit, and so few people give original artists a chance, the solo acts and bands are forced to use the internet as their primary source of exposure or drive to thriving original music scenes like Philly or the Jersey shore to ply their trade.
In last week's piece, I featured local blues greats Paul Plumeri, TJ Nix and Blues In Disguise. I was extremely enthused to arrive at RHO Waterfront in Trenton on a cold snowy evening and find it difficult to get a close parking space as the venue was filling up quickly. The big room at RHO had no tables and nary a seat available as many were also forced to stand and witness one of Trenton's most talented bands. This was a CD/DVD Release Party for their self titled disc and their live performance was spectacular. To see the throngs of fans and local musicians come out to support their own was a great experience.
Speaking of the blues, I did a piece a while back which ran around the fourth of July called "Red, White and Blues." In this piece, I discussed the perceived "death of the blues" with great players like John Patrick, Jerry Monk, Chuck Lambert and Jo Wymer. They all lamented the genre's "fading popularity" and how "kids today and the younger generation don't enjoy or appreciate the blues." I wrote the piece but never agreed entirely with their assessments. Granted, the majority of blues players that I seem to come across are of "veteran musician" status but I do notice that no matter what the generation, I've never seen anyone stay still when watching or listening to a blues band. Just some food for thought, as the blues are the foundation of all rock 'n' roll music.
Locally this week: Jersey Shore artist John Alberici returns to our area Thursday evening at 9:30 p.m. at Centro Grille on Rte. 33 in Robbinsville. Alberici, with his syncopated guitar style and smooth vocals definitely has the "WOW factor" working in his favor.
The Ivy Tavern located on South Broad St. in Hamilton features great bands on both Friday and Saturday evenings. The Ernie White Band returns for their first 2014 appearance on Friday evening and The Aldrich Brothers Band returns on Saturday. Both are 10 p.m. start times. I'd like to wish Dan Aldrich a speedy recovery, as he unexpectedly found himself in the hospital with a collapsed lung. Dan's doctors won't let him sing but he tells me that he will be playing some guitar; if you stop out, make sure to wish him well.
There are two new bands playing the Sticky Wicket, also on South Broad St. in Hamilton. Once again, Friday is Steamboat and Saturday is Kharma Train. I am not familiar with either group, so I am counting on one or more of you to e-mail me a review of this fresh talent.
Saturday afternoon, one of the area's best jazz players will be at The Candlelight Lounge on Passaic St. in Trenton as the Bob Smith Trio takes to the stage. Smith is an amazing talent who's mastery of the frets is just plain jaw dropping to witness. Show time is 3 p.m.
Also on Saturday night, my favorite husband and wife duo, Deb & Mike entertain the late dinner/early bar crowd at the Revere Ristorante on River Rd. in West Trenton. Playing popular covers and great duets, they're always a lot of fun to behold.
This space welcomes any suggestions and/or comments. Please send them to: Rockonradio1460@hotmail.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
Sun. 9 p.m. Thomas Johnston
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night Hosted by Eric Puliti
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- As part of their new All That Jazz series at Hamilton Stage, UCPAC, WBGO, & Smooth Jazz NJ Present: Stanley Jordan: Stanley Plays The Grateful Dead on Saturday, June 1, 2024. He will perform shows at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.
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.
