By Danny Coleman
originally published: 01/09/2014
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: [email protected]
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
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Living The Dream
Tues. 7 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Blend
911 Rte. 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 7 p.m. Polish Nannies
Tues. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Bob Smith Trio. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Cedar Gardens Pub
661 Hwy. 33 Hamilton
(609) 587-0930
Fri. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Bob & Tom
Sat. 9 p.m. January Jam Night
All shows 21+
Centro Bar And Grille
2360 Rte. 33 Robbinsville
(609) 208-9300
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. John Alberici
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995
Fri./Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
(609) 394-7437
Fri. 6 p.m. Autocracy East, Valacar, Community Service, Picaxe, The Makeshift Uprising, Drowning Swans, Results Not Typical. All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Another Day Wasted, Under The Radar, When Thieves Are About, The Cavalry Is Us, Windermere, D'Bkle, In Aviation. All ages, $10
Sun. 5 p.m. "Fix Champs Fundraiser" feat.: Triggered Impulse, Paralysis, (TBA). All ages, $8
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Sun. 4 p.m. Irish Sessions w/ Billy O'Neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals
Sun. 4 p.m. Rocky & His Friends Band
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. 8 p.m. "Wino Wednesday" Local Unplugged feat. Conor Choi
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. The Ernie White Band
Sat. 10 p.m. The Aldrich Brothers Band
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike DiAlto Holiday Hangover Comedy Show
Fri. 9 p.m. Rebels Been Rebels
Sat. (3 p.m.) Cross Cut Saw (9:30 p.m.) The Hyde w/ The Burgeoning
Mon. Open Mic.
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
Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Mastoris Lounge
144 Rte. 130 Bordentown
(609) 298-4650
Fri. 7 p.m. DJ Chris Barlow
Mill Hill Basement
300 South Broad St. Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Thurs. 9 p.m. The Sirs, City Limits, The Howl, The Young Leaves. $6
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. Trivia Night
All shows 21+
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Mercer County Pour
The Revere Ristorante
802 River Rd. West Trenton
(609) 882-6365
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. (5 p.m.) Matt & Rachel (8 p.m.) The Verdict Is In (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmie Palumbo. $10 (cover charge includes buffet, bands and DJs)
Sat. 9 p.m. "Let It Glow" A UV Active Event feat. DJ Entertainment
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Hutch Ford
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Soul Gypsies
Star Subs Café
621 Rte. 130 Buckley Plaza Hamilton
(609) 333-1230
Wed. 7 p.m. Acoustic Open Mic. Night hosted by Bri LoBue
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. (8 p.m.) Sarcasm Comedy Night (9 p.m.) Whiskey Fueled
Sat. 9 p.m. The Night Out
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Kinky Bingo
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Kevin Toft and His All Star Band
Wed. 5 p.m. DJ Chris Barlow
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Jules Shear w/ Pal Shazar. 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. Steamboat
Sat. 9 p.m. Kharma Train
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Sun. 8 a.m. Heavy Hitters Cheerleading. $12, $10, Children 6/under Free
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Seamus Kelleher
Sat. 9 p.m. Greg Carpenter
Tues. 9 p.m. Taylor Reed
Wed. 9 p.m. Tommy Glover
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
www.trentonsocial.com
Thurs. 7 p.m. Social Thursdays w/ DJ Tangency
Fri. 7 p.m. Social First Fridays
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-JayKountree
Tues. 9 p.m. LiveMusic/Open Mic.
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
www.triumphbrewing.com
Fri. 10 p.m. La Capitana. $5 (coverage)
Sat. 10 p.m. Root Glen. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. (2 p.m.) John Danaher w/ The Walking Flukes (7 p.m.) Open Jam Night hosted by The Lawsuits
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
www.wildflowersinnrestaurant.com
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 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
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The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th
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Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101
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Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th
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The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford in concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. With a legacy that spans nearly five decades, Lita Ford continues to inspire generations of musicians— solidifying even more, her place as an icon, pioneer, and true Queen of Rock.
Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Thompson Park. This celebration of the arts features more than 50 specially selected artists in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, and more. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, engaging art demonstrations, and children’s art-based activities.
