ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...3/22/18

By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/22/2018

Jersey Shore area artist Gil Velazquez has done it once again. He has released more music and done so in the shortest of manners; a three song EP titled, "Sol Celebration." 

Velazquez draws from a range of influences. Which are evident in this far too short collection of well written  reflections he has assembled. "I've slowly been working on this project and it's a very interesting set of songs," he stated in a recent interview. "I've got so much in my head and in my heart musically that I just can't paint myself into a corner with what I record."

The collection is a triumph over sadness and loss and served as an outlet for Velazquez. Track number one is a heavily latter day Carlos Santana influenced piece with Rob Thomas type vocal inflections called, "Out of My Mind." The song begins with some nicely done guitar work and swells, setting the Latin tone for the rhythms to come. Gil performs all of the instruments and did some drum tracking on this cut which immediately breaks into an upbeat Latin percussion laden toe tapper after the intro. The thing which stands out a bit is the vocal track; something Velazquez doesn't always employ, let alone with the strength that he does here. "Gotta get you out of my mind, it's gonna take a lot this time," no explanation needed here as to this one's inspiration; the only thing more prominent may be the soaring guitar solo in the middle and at the end. 

Track number two is the title cut which once again has a very Latin flavor and is a return to Velazquez's trademark; an instrumental work that can best be described as big. Every step of the way, this tune swells, ebbs and flows (mostly flows) and is reminiscent of something from a movie soundtrack. Well placed percussion and a backdrop of keys at opportune times with searing yet sometimes weeping guitar and a great drum track take you on the emotional journey that he intended to convey when it was recorded. This was 10 years in the making and is very personal for Gil, "Sol Celebration" was a genesis of dealing with loss in a spiritual way years ago when my dad passed," he explains about the EP in the disc's booklet. "Years later while finishing up on this production, my mom was transitioning from living independently to a nursing home. She was a lover of life, food, music and people. Her passing while I was finishing this production really struck once again the analogy of our, "Sol" our inner light that I believe does transcend into another light, another energy. I feel it has to be a celebration in some ways as our souls move on." 

"Somebody," is the final offering and starts off with a keyboard intro which transitions into vintage Velazquez; heavy rhythms and eerie sustains of single notes. Shortly into this more of a rock sounding and definitely driving tune there is a solo with a Wah Pedal buried just beneath the surface of his in your face solo. "Sometimes somebody just says good bye," is the simple message punched home with authority in this once again, reality based tune. 

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Overall, "Sol Celebration" is a quick trip through the musical and at times eclectic mind of Velazquez. We feel his ups, downs and intentions not only lyrically but through the music as well; a rarity in much of today's pop driven commercial market. 

To discover more about Gil Velazquez and find out how to obtain his music; please visitwww.gilvelazquez.com. 

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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Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Please check web page for upcoming events 

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Bill's Olde Tavern 
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton 
(609) 586-0192 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia 
Sat. (9 a.m.) "St Patrick's Day Parade" feat. (12 p.m.) Billy O'Neil (2 p.m.) The Polish Nannies
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes) 
Ages 21+ 
 

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Blend Bar & Bistro 
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887 
Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade After Party" w/ DJ John Rossi
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia  Jam 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
 

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Bowman's Tavern 
1600 River Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2972 
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Ed Wilson
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan 
Sat. 7 p.m. David Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch w/ Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo 
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott 
Tues. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi
Wed. 6 p.m. Gary Reed & Arturo
 

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room 
19 E. Union Street Burlington 
(609) 733-356 
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Byrd

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Broken Goblet Brewing
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5653
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Stealing Fame, Jay Skull in Spades. 
 

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Bung's Tavern 
2031 Route 130 South Burlington 
(609) 499-1355 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
 

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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"  
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 
125 South Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 241-7103 
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Deal Casino                                   

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Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton 
(609) 267-4344 
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night w/ DJ Phil
Fri. 10 p.m. Nobody's Business
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Karaoke Dance Party
Sun. 4 p.m. Cathryn Manning Duo
Tues. 5 p.m. "Twilight Tuesdays-Sounds of the Oldies" w/ J-Dubbs Music 
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Christine Smith 
 

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Diamond's of Hamilton 
661 Route 33 Hamilton 
(609) 981-7900 
Thurs. (6:30 p.m. Crosswicks Ballroom) Boheme Opera of NJ. $95 (7 p.m.) "Ladies Night" w/ DJ Frankie "O"
Fri. 6 p.m. Tymes 2
Sat. 9 p.m. "Back In The Day" 80's Dance Party w/ DJ Anthony Bradley
Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. Ambiance The Duo
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano.  
 

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Dog & Bull Brew House 
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA. 
(215) 788-2855 
Thurs. 8 p.m. Pop Fiction
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) New Pony
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft and The Alternators
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (4 p.m.) Ricky & Jenny

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Frans Pub 
116 South Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-5539 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd

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Freddies Tavern 
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing 
(609) 882-0978 
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala 

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Fri. 9 p.m. Little Miss Love Jones & the Archangels
 

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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.) Jump OFF (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party 
Sat.  (8:30 p.m.) A tribute to the Talking Heads w/ Start Making Sense. Ages 21+, Doors at 6:30 p.m., $20 (Advance) (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke 
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Showcase" Hosted by Pat Foran feat. Sharon Lia Band
 

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Hopewell Theater 
5 South Greenwood Avenue Hopewell 
(609) 466-1964 
Check web page for upcoming events 

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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. John & Maggs
Fri. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Craig Leah Group
Sat. 6 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Deb & Mike
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Jazz On Purpose

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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 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Dick
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Great Scott Band
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. Lefty Mann
Sat. 2 p.m. Ed Wilson & Carol Brooks
Sun. 2 p.m. Gregg Parker
 

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Ivy Tavern 
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke 
Fri. 9 p.m. Audio Pilot
Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge
All shows 21+ 
 

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Jake's Eatery 
869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA 
(215) 322-6787 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Bob Tomlinson
Sat. 9 p.m. Matt Sevier
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Bob Tomlinson 
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. Mike DiAlto's "Stand Up Comedy"
Fri. 9 p.m. Essie & The Big Chill
Sat. (3 p.m.) Anthony Sacchetti (9:30 p.m.) The Fletchers
Sun.(3 p.m.) Pumpkin's Drag Show (9:30 p.m.) Human Adult Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational 
All shows 21+

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Killarney's Publick House 
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Byrd
Sat. "St Patrick's Day Parade" (2 p.m.) Bantry Boys (6 p.m.) Successful Failures (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
 

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Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Wine Bottle Painting"
Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing
Sat. 1 p.m. B-Street Duo
Sun. 1 p.m. Steve Berger Duo

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Legend's Pizza
318 High Street Burlington
Sat. 6 p.m. Kim Yarson & Sandy Zio
 

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Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300 
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Stephanie Chin
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Ed Wall
Sun. 11 am "Jazz Brunch" feat. Dave Dales

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Mama Flora's Trattoria & Catering
1750 North Olden Avenue Ext. Ewing
(609) 434-1188
Sat. 6 p.m. Bryan Hill
 

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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. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ O_Geez
Sat. 8:30 p.m. "Hard Rock Hallelujah" feat. Uprise Shadow, Souls Of Rebellion, Suicide Conspiracy, Part Death. Ages 21+, $5
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 
Sat. 9 p.m. "Benefit 2" feat. Meeko Brando, Cheeky, Bodega Satellite, Shagbark, Caruso. 
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase 
 

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Mojito Cuba Caribe 
90 South Main Street New Hope, PA 
(267) 740-2900 
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Chris 
 

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New Hope Winery 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. 8 p.m. The English Beat. Doors at 7 p.m., $50

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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 
Fri. 8 p.m. Cover Up
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow 
Ages 21+ 
 

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Old Town Pub 
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232 
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA) 
 

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Palermo's Of Hamilton 
310 Klockner Road Hamilton 
(609) 838-7979 
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 + 
 

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Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780 
Fri. 8 p.m. The Receptors
Sat. 8 p.m. Spanky Garage
 

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Parx Casino (360 Bar) 
2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA 
(888) 588-7299 
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Latin Night" w/ DJ George Dennis
Fri. (5 p.m.) Plush (9:30 p.m.) Split Decision (10 p.m.) DJ Capps
Sat. (4 p.m) Sensational Soul Cruisers (9:30 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (10 p.m.) DJ Eddie Tully
Sun. 4 p.m. 40 North Country
Wed. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd  

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Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton 
(609) 585-8008 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Suspects
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 
Sat. 8 p.m. A Pixies Tribute w/ Gigantic. $10

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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. Party Of 3
Sun. 8 p.m. Brad Mandingo
 

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

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1867 Sanctuary 
101 Scotch Road Ewing 
(609) 392-6409 
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. (Free Admission)
Sat. (2 p.m.) "Trumpet Summit" feat. Danny Tobias & George Rabbai. $20 (8 p.m.) "Solo & Chamber Music" w/ (TBA)
Sun. 3 p.m. Capital Opera Trenton/Princeton: "Wesendonck Lieder Abend" Feat. Kyle Walker, Katherine Dennis, Steve Kramer, Sarai Cole. $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. Thunder Moon
 

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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. Kick Back
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. Anders Hyatt
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Decker
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz w/ John Sheridan 
 

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

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The Cranbury Inn
21 South Main Street Cranbury
(609) 655-5595
Fri. 7:30 p.m. REJS Entertainment Presents: Nelson Rangell. Doors at 7 p.m., $40  

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The HOB Tavern 
146 Second Street Bordentown 
(609) 291-7020 
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment 
Tues 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night 
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA) 
 

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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. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 10 p.m. River Dogs
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 
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 (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 

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The Record Collector 
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 324-0880 
Sat. 8 p.m. Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20 (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. No Way Out
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke 
 

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The Cure Insurance 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. Nick and Maryanne
Fri. 8 p.m. Catch 22
Sat. 8 p.m. Monique and Bob Rotondo

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Paul Wiese
Sat. 9 p.m. Williamsboy
Wed. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Mike DQ & Steve Z
All shows  21+ 
 

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Trenton Buzz 
702 Pine Street Trenton 
(609) 392-6000 
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic. 
Sat. 10 p.m. "Buzzed Saturdays" w/ Bockman 
 

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Trenton Social 
449 South Broad Street Trenton 
(609) 989-7777 
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 
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA) $5 (cover charge) 
Sat. 10 p.m. Pepperwine. $5 (cover charge) 
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night. (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)  
All shows 21+ 

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Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. Rich Scanella Group

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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

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Working Dog Winery 
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown 
(609) 371-6000 
Sat. 1 p.m. Ginger Coyle

About the author:

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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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