By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/21/2017

"We are super stoked to come up and meet the other bands that we're playing with," says guitarist Tyler Plazio of the Virginia based duo Soldiers of Suburbia as he discussed their two upcoming shows in New Jersey next week. "We jokingly call each other "Bounce Punk" because we have such high energy, always have a good time on stage and in reality; we're just an upbeat dance band."

Currently on a two week mini tour of the area, Tyler and drummer John Brooks are looking to expand their fan base beyond the Virginia and Washington, DC borders as well as promote a new 10 track CD due at the end of January called, "The Depressed Storm Trooper." "We have the MillHill Basement in Trenton on December 28 and then The Chubby Pickle on December 29 in The Highlands," said Plazio excitedly. "The Chubby Pickle gig, we'll be releasing our first single, "Pulp Fiction" and then the album is set to be released on January 26 in Vienna, VA at Jammin Java. I don't know what it is but we're trying to get out of the DC scene a bit. We've nothing against it but there are always so many things going on there and people are hesitant, for whatever reason to come to DC; we felt that we needed to branch out a bit and we booked some shows up here in NJ. Originally we were supposed to play three shows but the one in Asbury Park was cancelled; so if you know anyone looking to book a band next week please hit me up (Laughs)."

"The Depressed Storm Trooper," a unique title from a unique band with a unique name all derived from unique circumstances. "I started playing in bands about six years ago," explained Plazio. "No matter what band I've been in, I've always carried the name with me which came from the song, "Jesus of Suburbia" by Green Day. We were having a text conversation about names for the band and somebody threw that song title out there and since they really got me into music we changed one word and went with it. We think it fits because we all live in the suburbs and we're fighting to be heard and get the music out there. The album was kind of another one of those things where we were brainstorming titles and with the new, "Star Wars" movie coming out we thought, that's kind of cool. So basically we just kind of found it online; I wish I had a better story for you but I don't (Laughs)! I do know this, we are really excited to put it out." 

Plazio says their sound has derived from multiple influences and has evolved over their time together as well as their struggles to find a bass guitarist who fit them to their liking. "Early Green Day, early pop punk, Weezer all kind of aided in our sound development; some people have compared us to the Black Keys because we're guitar and drums which is cool but we don't really sound like them. I play guitar and also play bass at the same time, sort of," he said with a laugh. "We tried to find a bass player but it was becoming difficult to do, so I work a bass sound off of my guitar through a pedal board and it has been working out pretty well."

To discover more about Soldiers of Suburbia, please go to www.soldiersofsuburbiaband.com . 

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That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

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This week's event listings

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Alchemist & Barrister 
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)

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Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes) 
Ages 21+ 

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Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia  Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen

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Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Neil Podgurski Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. David Dales Trio
Sun. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Tues. 6 p.m. Lovey Williams
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. (9 p.m.) Bryan McPherson (11 p.m.) DJ Sara M
Sat. 9 p.m. Mantic

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Candlelight Lounge 
24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
 Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet) 
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)

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Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia 

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City Streets 
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval

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COARadio.com 
Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. 9th Annual Christmas Spectacular Replay

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Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Jason Byrd / "Beer Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. Billy Walton Band
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. Rick Winow
Tues. 8 p.m. "Game Night"

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Diamond's of Hamilton
661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Fri. 8:30 p.m. DJ Frank
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Ron Meisner

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Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Christine Warren
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Faraway Guys
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Monaco and Robinson
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Kelo Vale Jazz
Tues. 8:30 a.m. "Boxing Day Breakfast Buffet"
Wed. 8 p.m. Pop Fiction

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Fedora Café
2633 Main Street Lawrenceville
(609) 895-0844
Wed. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk

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Freddies Tavern
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. the Zone
Sat. 8 p.m. Jim Delre Band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala

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Grover's Mill Coffee House
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker

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Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA. 
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8:30 p.m.) 52 Pick Up (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Jumper (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local & Original Music" Hosted by Pat Foran

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Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn
15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Steve Kaplan's Fascinating Rhythms Jazz Combo
Fri. 6 p.m. Deb & Mike
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" Ugly sweater Contest / Craig Leach
Sun. 2 p.m. (TBA)

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. John & Maggs

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Ivy Tavern 
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
Sat. 9 p.m. Unleashed
All shows 21+

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Jake's Eatery 
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Ladies Night" feat. Carol Cosmos
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night

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John & Peter's 
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Cosmo Iacavazzi
Fri. 9 p.m. The Dana Gaynor Band
Sat. (3 p.m.) Ryan Zimmerman (9:30 p.m.) The Great Bonfire
Sun. (3 p.m.) Melanie Snyder (9:30 p.m.) Bill & Fred's Excellent Adventure
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Jo-Jo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton 
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. The Suspects

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Jimmy G

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Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 1 p.m. Rick Winow
Wed. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out 

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Mama Flora's Trattoria & Catering 
1750 North Olden Avenue Extension Ewing
(609) 434-1188
Sat. 6 p.m. Bryan Hill
Mamma Rosa's 
572 Klockner Road Hamilton 
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider 

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McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+

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McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" w/ DJ Favs. & MC Fredo Ages 21+
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Kirchner Entertainment

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Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. The Cryptkeeper 5, Doc Rotten, Roy Orbitron, After The Burn. Ages 21+, $7
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase 

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New Hope Winery
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. Glen Burtnik's "Christmas Extravaganza." Doors at 7 p.m., $49
Tues. 8 p.m. Steven Kellogg / Chris Koza. Doors at 7 p.m., $25

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Nook's PourHouse
2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics

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Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+

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Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +

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Parx Casino (360 Bar)
2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(888) 588-7299
Sat. 5 p.m. Boss Radio AM Gold. Ages 21+ 

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Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

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Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Fri. 8 p.m./10 p.m. Richie Cole's Holiday Madness. $15

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Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ernie White

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Salt Creek Grille
1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Tim Brent
Sat. 8 p.m. Party of 3

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Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Joe DiVita

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1867 Sanctuary 
101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 7 p.m. Fourth Friday Open Mic 
Sat. 8 p.m. Richie Cole Christmas. $20

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Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Billy Hector
Sat. 10 p.m. Black Brant

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Tavern On The Lake
101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 9 p.m. Strictly 60's
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

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Temperance House
5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Christopher
Sat. 7 p.m. Kate Sottile
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. "Jazz Night" w/ John Sheridan and BCCC

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir

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The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. "A Sir Xerri Christmas" w/ Sir Xerri
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Radio Fiction Duo

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The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. River Dogs
Sat. 10 p.m. Papa DeLux & the MSG
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron

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The Pines Tavern
6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Soul Custody
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.

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The Raven 
385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (8 p.m.) Will & Grace Viewing Party (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert  (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Wed. 7 p.m. Dena Underwood

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The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Tues. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd Annual After Christmas Comedy Show. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $18 (Advance

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The Roost 
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050 
Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Band

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The Sticky Wicket 
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. Rapid Pulse
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Louis
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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The Sun National Bank Center 
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events

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The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Thurs. 8 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle
Fri. 8 p.m. Go Hamm

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Third State Brewing
352 High Street Burlington
(609) 387-1620
Fri. 7 p.m. John Johnson
Sat. 7 p.m. "Christmas Thrivia" Holiday Trivia

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by ZQ
All shows  21+

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Trenton Buzz
702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic. 

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Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ Jay Kountree (Live DJ all night)
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Pepperwine. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Skunkmello Charity Show. $5 (cover charge)
All shows 21+ 

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Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. James Calleo
All shows 21+

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Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+

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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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