By Danny Coleman
originally published: 04/26/2018
Danny Blu formed Echo Black in 2015 and this New York City based outfit has just released their first full length album; “Dawn” and are currently out on the road with City of the Weak on, “The Turn It To Eleven Tour.”
Kicking off on April 7 in Fayetteville, NC and making stops in Florida, Texas, South Dakota and many more in between, the schedule is heavy on dates with three of the last four being area shows in Asbury Park, NJ, Philadelphia, PA and New York City.
May 2 sees them stop in Jersey's best music town; Asbury Park with a show at the Asbury Park Music Foundation located at 621 Lake Avenue. Joining them and City of the Weak are New York City metal band In Loving Memory.
May 3 has the same three acts across the river in Philadelphia, PA at the very intimate Voltage Lounge located at 421 North 7th Street; followed by a May 4 show at the Knitting Factory. The Knitting Factory is located at 361 Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.
Press releases have them labeled as; “Dance rock” but these four men are a definite mix of multiple genres. Some may consider them, “Glam rock,” others, “Metal”and still others, “Power Pop” but one thing is for sure; they’re chock full of energy. The paradox here is that along with that energy they have somewhat dark lyrical content both of which are on display in their music and corresponding videos.
Debut album and single of the same name, "Dawn" are throwbacks to 80's and 90's techno, retro, new wave rock with a definite edge. Their stage presence consists of bygone glam rock days and make up with a vintage Duran Duran look, encapsulated in ebony. "I'm so glad that you caught the reference," said Blu. "Most guys don't catch that and we kind of did that intentionally. Those bands back in the day, that whole look and stage show; we're kind'of paying tribute to the music and bands that we grew up on."
According to their website, "Dawn" is their, "Coming of age story" and was,"Completely funded by their fans via Indiegogo." "We've got a great fan base and we are so grateful for their support."
The tour is a whirlwind of dates with the group only having seven off dates from start to finish but Blu says the band intends on bringing it to their fans nightly without fail. "When you come see us be ready to rock and dance. We're high energy and ready to rock. We love connecting with the crowd."
To discover more about Echo Black, please visit www.echoblackmusic.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. "Pasta and Sinatra Night"
Wed. 10 p.m. (TBA)
Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Check Website for Details
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 7 p.m. David Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Larry Tamanini Trio
Sun. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Ed Wilson
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-356
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Sara M
Sat. 9 p.m. Basmati Vice
Broken Goblet Brewing
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5653
Sat. 8 p.m. "Kinky Quizzo"
Bung's Tavern
2031 Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 499-1355
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
Sat. 8 p.m. The Few
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
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)
Cedar Gardens
661 State Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 931-9464
Sat. 7 p.m. "Comedy Show" feat. Rich Vos $23.16 Doors at 6
Championship Bar
931 Chambers Street Trenton
(609) 396-5457
Sat. 7 p.m. Waiting For December, Sawce, Mike Mulshine and the Manic Pixies, Broth. All ages $10
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
City Streets
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Fri. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
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
COARadio.com
125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio"
Diamond's of Hamilton
661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 981-7900
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night" and Dance Party w/ Frankie "O"
Fri. 6 p.m. Paul Plumeri
Sat. 9:30 p.m. The G-Man
Sun. 12 p.m. "Jazz Brunch" feat. Ambiance The Duo
Wed. 7 p.m. "Dine and Dance" w/ Radio Personality Bob Pantano.
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 9 p.m. Stephen Anthony
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Monaco and Robinson
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Jazz Brunch" feat. Kelli Vale Jazz (4 p.m.) Paul Donovan
About the author:
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.
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJTwo iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Song Of The Meadowlark
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 2:30pm
Highland Design Farm
159 Van Dyke Road, Hopewell, NJA meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry and live painting.
The Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling
Wednesday, November 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJBlues guitar virtuoso Nick Moss and harmonica wizard Dennis Gruenling have been on a winning streak since they first joined forces in 2016. With relentless nonstop touring and the release of their Alligator Records debut, The High Cost Of Low Living, in 2018, The Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling has been playing for wildly enthusiastic fans and winning over critics and radio programmers worldwide.
Michael Mcdermott
Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJMichael McDermott’s brand of rock n’ roll brims with the kind of well-honed style and wisdom that can only come from a career on the road and a pedigree in the studio. Effortlessly blending natural folk sensibility, pop hooks, and honest rock, McDermott’s music is as much for the outcast as the congregation. It’s an exploration of the dark corners of life’s journey and it resonates middle class truths through the passionate filter of a kid that grew up on Chicago’s Irish South Side.
10,000 Maniacs
Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ10,000 Maniacs – 45 Years of Timeless Music
EVENT PREVIEWS
Forte Piano Music Company presents Exquisite Contrasts: Haydn & Schubert Piano Trios
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.
Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.
Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor
(PRINCETON, NJ) — The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor on Friday, November 20, 2026 in an evening of upbeat and bubbling song filled with enthusiasm and love. The concert takes place at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. Showtime is 8:00pm. A livestream option is available as well.
Private Eyes Brings the Greatest Hits of Hall & Oates to the Strand Center for the Arts
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Few musical acts defined the sound of the late 1970s and 1980s quite like Daryl Hall and John Oates. On Friday, November 20, 2026, the Strand Center for the Arts will celebrate their extraordinary catalog when Private Eyes – The Premier Tribute To Daryl Hall & John Oates takes the stage for an evening of classic pop, rock, and blue-eyed soul. Showtime is 8:00pm.
NJPAC to Celebrate Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday with All-Star Concert on November 21st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday Concert on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 8:00pm. This special one-night only celebration is part of NJPAC’s 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 6-22). Several of today's leading Broadway stars and vocalists unite for a spectacular birthday bash performance toasting the legendary actor/dancer/singer Ben Vereen who turns 80 on October 10, 2026.
Musicians on a Mission to Celebrate 16th Anniversary with Gala Concert at Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Musicians on a Mission (MOAM) will celebrate sixteen years of friends helping friends through music with a special anniversary gala and concert on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove.
