Lately I've lamented my feelings as they relate to opinions, both of my own and some of my fellow musician friends who call the Trenton Music scene their home. I've related our feelings on cover bands, original bands, venues (or lack there of) and the trials and tribulations of various genres and the generation gap that faces music and in general, our culture today.
First on the list is the lack of venues. This topic is continually broached by musicians both young and old; as I wrote in a recent piece, the clubs/bars just are not there any longer. This past Sunday, veteran Trenton music man, Paul "The Bishop of The Blues" Plumeri was on my radio program "Rock On Radio." Paul and I discussed the once vibrant night life that existed in our city and what has occurred to alter that. We discussed drunk driving laws, smoking bans and housing busts as major contributing factors to the demise of music venues in Trenton; many of the same issues that are driving restaurants out of once vibrant neighborhoods, drove the bar business under long ago.
Recently I was afforded the opportunity to talk music with some of our area's elite players. I was privy to a rehearsal at Tom Reock's Squirrel Ranch Studio in Hamilton as he and his top notch assembly of players prepare for his next album showcase; Eric Clapton's "Journeyman." Without giving too much of next week's column away, Reock (one of the most respected multi-instrumentalists around), guitarist Mario DiBartolo and drummer Joe D'Angelo also spoke of the demise of various venues and Joe even took it a step further, giving me an honest opinion of today's "internet culture" and its effect on our youth and how it relates to music communities all over. "The culture is so different," he explained. "When we were eighteen years old the drinking age was eighteen; we were able to go out. You were either hanging in bars or a "jock" playing sports. Now if you were in bars, you were there to see bands and check out the girls (laughs); today's text and internet culture keeps kids on the couch. My generation was much more social, if I wanted to meet my friends or my girl, I had to shower, get ready and go out. We couldn't text or e-mail a picture of whose where or what was going on; we had to see for ourselves. We would go to these places and see drummers and guitarists and bands that would blow us away; it drove our passion to play and make music. Today's technology, well, the '90's, took a lot out of the music scene, seems they took the emotion out of music; it all changed with technology." Not quite as adamant but no less passionate, Reock added, "Have you noticed the age of the players? The majority of performers are us guys who've been around, why is that? There are several younger artists but I'm waiting for that new blood to come in like we did when we were younger. There's a lot of great talent in this area; I'm just waiting for it to blossom."
Perhaps, as D'Angelo said, it's an instant gratification via texts and internet, or maybe it's a lack of enthusiasm; whichever it may be (I'll go out on a limb here), I and all of my fellow musicians know one thing; we are not in it for the money! Once again, Plumeri and (in an earlier interview)his Blues In Disguise band mate T.J. Nix spoke of how "back in the day" we were making so called "good money." Nix chuckled as he said, "Gosh remember those days? A bar on every corner in Trenton and we were making a decent buck to do what we do. I recall what I was making then, thirty plus years ago and I remember thinking, I'm doing pretty well. Now here I am all these years later and the pay scale hasn't changed (laughs)! I mean, don't we get a cost of living increase? Something? Anything?"
This sentiment is echoed often by musicians of all skill levels, genres and styles. Earlier this week I spoke with a musician who elaborated on how many venue owners like to use a "sliding pay scale." That is the practice of paying the entertainment based on how many people they draw into the venue; even after they've agreed upon a set price prior to the act's appearance. This is usually done to the newer acts or the bands/solo artists who are afraid to stand their ground out of fear of not being re-booked at that establishment; hence, shrinking venues, more demand. "Well, you know," and "You guys didn't do as well as I'd hoped" are perhaps the most dreaded words when the end of a long night comes around. When those words are spoken, there's a good chance the club owner or bar manager is going to want to negotiate. "Seeing since you guys didn't bring anybody..." and "Where were all of your people?" These are guaranteed to be the prelude to being asked to take a cut in the previously set pay amount. Never mind that very few of these same business men refuse to spend a dime on any advertising promoting the artist's appearance or update their web sites to reflect the current month let alone a recent entertainment schedule; many place that burden on the musicians. I've heard these individuals say, "Have you seen the cost of advertising?!" "Nobody reads newspapers today." "If your band is any good you shouldn't need advertising." Yes, I've heard all of these; my personal favorite is, "What? Who needs advertising? Between the internet, Facebook, Twitter; we shouldn't have to worry about advertising."
So there it is my friends, musicians blame the venues and venues the musicians. A vicious cycle created long before I ever hit my first drum; a cycle which continues today and will continue far into the future. These complaints are not just localized; many of the Jersey shore area players and those across the river in PA. have the same issues as well.
Earlier I said that none of us are in it for the money; we are all however, in it for the passion. I've heard non musicians say that "all musicians and entertainers are narcissistic." I've heard my ilk called "egotistical," "snobbish" and "holier than thou" and this may be very well true for some but most are hard working, passionate , creative people who enjoy sharing their talent with any and all who are willing to listen.
So please, keep that in mind when your child asks to play an instrument or you venture out this weekend and beyond to support live music; passion in what they do motivates them to play for you. We've all got something to say, some of us express it through song.
Friday evening, the "Fast Freddy Birthday Bash" is taking place at The Sticky Wicket located on South Broad St. in Hamilton. Come join Freddy and his Dawgs band mates Doug and Monty as they rock the rafters loose with classic rock cover tunes.
Just down the street, Gunsmoke takes over The Ivy Tavern with their brand of southern style classic rock and original material. These guys are fantastic and some of the best performers that our area has to offer.
Shall neither of those choices be to your liking, one of my two favorite original bands, Honey Spot Blvd. will be at Cedar Pub on Rte 33 in Hamilton. HSB gets the mention often in this space because like Saturday's band at this establishment, Charles Laurita & The Mischief; they just flat out rock! Yes, Cedar is the place to be either or both nights for original music performed by talented players.
Tuesday evenings, mega talented Shaun Ruymen hosts an open mic. at Dubh Lin Square on Rte. 130 North in Bordentown. Shaun recruits some great artists for your listening pleasure.
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. Princeton Area Bluegrass
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. Pizza Party Night feat.Scott Gager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Phaze
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sounds of the Street
Tues. 7 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Blend
911 Rte. 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 9 p.m. Some Assembly Required
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Lee Hogan Trumpet Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Cedar Gardens Pub
661 Hwy. 33 Hamilton
(609) 587-0930
Fri. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
Sat. 9 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief
All shows 21+
Centro Bar And Grille
2360 Rte. 33 Robbinsville
(609) 208-9300
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Jerry Monk
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. 7 p.m. Our Wrecked Machine, Know Your Roots, And Shepherds We Shall Be. All ages, $10
Sun. 10 p.m. King Don & Mr. Popula, Liz Cisco, Diz, Scatta R. Pee. Ages 21+, $5
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Fri. 9 p.m. Class A Kings
Sat. (3 p.m.) Andrew Pitman (9 p.m.) Nog Bhoys
Sun. 4 p.m. Irish Sessions w/ Billy O'Neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Erini Restaurant
1140 River Rd. Ewing
(609) 882-0303
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Paul Plumeri, Jerry Monk, Joe Kramer
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Mike Matisa & Karly Coleman w/ Bob O
Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Kim Yarson
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Animal House
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron Sherr and Bridget
Wed. 8 p.m. CTA the Band feat. Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin. $60 (advance)
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Jeff Palmer & Friends
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Tim Nayfield
Fri. 9 p.m. Skip's Museum
Mon. Open Mic.
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
Olde Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer St. Hamilton Square
(609) 890-9819
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
All shows 21+
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. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Infinite Bandwith
The Revere Ristorante
802 River Rd. West Trenton
(609) 882-6365
Sat. 8 p.m. Deb & Mike
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. (6 p.m.) Dennise Rogers (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmie Palumbo. $10 (cover charge includes buffet, bands and DJs)
Sat. (8 p.m.) Latin Dance Event-Sabado Sabroson (9 p.m.) DJ / Live Band. $20 (all inclusive)
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
Fri. 8:30 p.m. DJ Dan Murphy
Sat. 8:30 p.m. DJ John Rossi
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.) DJ Night
Sat. 9 p.m. NFN (Not For Nothing)
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. 9 p.m. Alright Alright
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Charlene McPherson & Mo Goldner / Sad Bastards of Brooklyn (CD Release Party) All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. "Fast Freddy Birthday Bash" w/ The Dawgs
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Thurs. 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic. Doors 6 p.m., $15, $40 (VIP), $65 (rink side)
Fri. 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic. Doors 6 p.m., $15, $40 (VIP), $65 (rink side)
Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic. Doors 6 p.m., $15, $40 (VIP), $65 (rink side)
Sun. 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic. Doors 6 p.m., $15, $40 (VIP), $65 (rink side)
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Birmingham 6
Sat. 9 p.m. Mike Barniskas
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Chris Pinto
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
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
Thurs. 10 p.m. The Sun Parade
Fri. 10 p.m. Stroamata. $5 (coverage)
Sat. 10 p.m. Quimby Mountain Band. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 6:30 p.m. Super Bowl Party
All shows 21+
Villa Romanza
429 Rte. 156 Hamilton
(609) 585-1717
Fri. (6 p.m.) Arturo Romay. (9 p.m.) DJ Big Red
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
