By Danny Coleman
originally published: 09/02/2021

When a band leaves the comfort zone of its own backyard and tests the waters beyond their own sphere of influence, a.k.a. friends, family and local venues; there is a certain amount of trepidation and perhaps self-doubt. Will these new audiences like us? Will they like our music? Our stage show? Will the venues and sound guys work with us? These are all legitimate questions and have kept many new road warriors awake at night and then there are others who welcome the challenge, throw all caution and concerns to the wind and view any failures or setbacks as experience and part of a learning curve. 

Southern Avenue is not one of those bands; as a matter of fact, in Asbury Park, New Jersey at the legendary Stone Pony, they put any doubts to rest; grabbed the crowd by throat, threw caution to that very wind and rocked the Summer Stage to its very core. 

Signed as the first local act in 40 years to Stax Records and firmly ensconced in their Memphis roots, this unit is the perfect blend of blues and soul with a bit of New Orleans style jazz thrown in like icing on the proverbial cake. High energy is an understatement as their approximate 45-minute set opening for headliner Jason Mraz garnered so much enthusiasm that one had to wonder whether Mraz was possibly second guessing his choice of openers. 

Ah but alas, it seems that Mraz has a hand in the band's latest release which became available on August 27 and he was more than accommodating to them as they toured in advance of its debut; Mraz you see, gets co-write credit for "Move Into The Light" a horn laden upbeat composition, "Suitable for framing." as has been said. "Be The Love You Want" is their third effort and as they showcased song after song from the yet (At the time) unreleased album, the crowd and this journalist became quickly enamored. 

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Vocalist Tierinii Jackson commanded the stage like no other as she danced, twirled, incited and engaged the denizens on a humid Jersey evening in ways that would make Tina Turner blush. Jackson's powerful range and raw talent were on full display as she belted out some new tunes, older material and a stoked cover of Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady." 

Supported by guitarist and co-producer of the new album, Ori Naftaly, bassist Evan Sarver and keyboardist Jeremy Powell; Jackson goes about her business in a way that just sucks you in and doesn't let go but it is her interaction with her sister, drummer Tikyra Jackson that stands out immediately. 

First off, Jackson herself; like all the others in this group, is extremely talented; she sings, plays and sings while she plays and does so with impeccable timing and a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts. When John Bonham passed away, the remaining members of Led Zeppelin said they chose not to go on because it was no longer Led Zeppelin.  After watching this band interact and how the sum of their parts makes it whole; it is difficult to imagine how they could ever recreate the presence and charisma they currently exude when on stage with any others in the mix. 

Songs such as "Don't Give Up," "Move Into The Light," "Push Now," "Whiskey Love" and the title track "Be The Love You Want" were all stand-out moments from this Grammy Award nominated and  2018 Blues Music Award winning juggernaut. They were the perfect opener as they whipped the crowd into a frenzy setting the tone for Mraz who also gave a very spirited performance along with his multiple piece band complete with horns, backing vocalists and a top-notch exchange between the percussionist and drummer which was easily one of the evening's highlights. 

Southern Avenue is currently on the move in Colorado with a series of shows on their western swing and to purchase tickets or find out where they will be next; please visit www.southernavenuemusic.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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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Brunch (6 p.m.) "Sunday Funday" w/ DJ Spinning

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Bill's Olde Tavern     
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton     
(609) 586-0192     
Thurs. 7 p.m. DJ Moe Green 
Fri. 7 p.m. Moot Davis And The Lizardmen
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Tues./Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ "Super" Dave Curtis
Ages 21+ 

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Broken Goblet Brewing   
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA   
(267) 812-5653   
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook 
Sat. 8:30 p.m. "First Saturdays" w/ Bridge Beat Duo 
Sun. 6 p.m. Kulick w/ The Boastfuls & Desoto Jones
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic w/ Cara Cartney 
All Shows 21+

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Candlelight Lounge     
24 Passaic Street Trenton     
(609) 695-9612     
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam Hosted by The Mojo Gypsies. $5 (Includes hot buffet) 
Sat. 3 p.m. Jazz feat. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)     

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City Streets     
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor     
(609) 426-9400   
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich G. Aveo    

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Clubhouse at Mountain View
 (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing  
(609) 771-0400  
Fri. 7 p.m. River Dogs

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COARadio.com     
125 South Main Street Hightstown     
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Jake Thistle w/ a call from Dean Friedman and new music from SOF

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Cooper's Riverview 
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton 
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Philly Rock and Soul (9 p.m.) Club Night feat. Rotating DJs (inside event)
Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" feat. Barry Wasserman (8 p.m.) Tom Petty Tribute w/ "Full Moon Fever" 
Sat. (8 p.m.) Pez Head Band (9 p.m.) "Back 2 School Party" w/ DJ Michael T. Ages 21+, Contests, prizes. 
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov 
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Karen and Mark
Wed. (12 p.m.) "Wine Down Wednesdays" (7 p.m.) Blues Jam on the Deck / Disco Hustle Night (Inside)
All Events Ages 21+

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Cream Ridge Winery   
145 Route 539 Cream Ridge   
(609) 259-9797 
Fri. 6 p.m. "Bark For Bottles" Hosted by Amazing Mutts w/ DJ Party Hardy, Wine Tasting. $15 (Portion of proceeds to Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue) 
Sat. 6:30 p.m. "Latin Night"
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Sangria Sunday w/ Paul

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Cross Pollination Gallery
2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. "Friday Happy Hour." (Talk art, wine and musicians who bring instruments) 
Sat. 5 p.m. "Third Anniversary Celebration" 

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Dacey's Pub 
215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA 
(215) 295-4838 
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night 
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo 

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Dadz Bar and Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night

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Dempster's Pub
437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday/Ladies Night" w/ DJ entertainment feat. retro 70's, 80's and 90's music.
Fri. / Sat. 9 p.m. DJ entertainment

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Dog & Bull Brew House     
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.     
(215) 788-2855     
Fri. 6 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 4 p.m. Jay Regan
Sun. 4 p.m. Gabe Guma

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Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Crabby from Bigg Romeo

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Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. The Zings Band
Sat. 8 p.m. 90's All That! Pool Party

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German American Society   
215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton   
(609) 585-5200   
Fri. 8 p.m. Rainbow Full Of Sound & Jazzadelic w/ Kenny Brooks. (Outdoor Biergarten event)

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Thurs. 7 p.m. Weekly Corn Hole Tournament
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" w/ (TBA) (9 p.m.) Dance Party w/ DJ In D Groove
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke

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Grover's Mill Coffee House
    
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction     
(609) 716-8771       
Sat. 11 a.m. Chris Singh

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Halo Pub (Fete)    
9 Hullfish Street Princeton   
(609) 921-1710   
Sat. 6 p.m. Maggs and Bud/Outside The Box feat. Bob Daley

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Hamilton Tap & Grill  
557 US Route 130 North Hamilton  
(609) 905-0925  
Tues. (5 p.m.) Central Jersey Classic Car Show (8 p.m.) Quizzoholics Trivia 

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Havana New Hope 

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105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.     
(215) 862-9897    
Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk n' Blues Jam 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party 
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6:30 p.m.) JB Kline
Mon. (9 p.m.) "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" (11 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Dwayne 

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HG New Hope Pizza
6510 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-1740
Sat. 6 p.m. Stranger Things

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards     
46 Yard Avenue Pennington     
(609) 737-4465     
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.)Bad Hombres  (8 p.m.)  
Sat. (1 p.m.) The Mac Paige Band  (2 p.m.)  (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Just Us
Sun. (10 a.m.) "Art on the Vineyard (1:30 p.m.) "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Chris P
Mon. 1:30 p.m. Tune Bandits

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Howe Commons 
Main Street Pennington
Thurs. 5 p.m. J4 feat. Joe Vadala, Joe Kramer, Jerry Monk, Joe Falcey

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Irish Rover Station House  
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Entertainment Paula & Sam Dance Party
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke Party Hosted by Paula & Sam

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Iron Plow Vineyards     
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus     
(732) 306-9111  
Fri. 6:30 p.m. John Rossi
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Monk & Monk
Sun. 2 p.m. Maggs & Bud w/ John Bastiani

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Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room
61 High Street Mt. Holly 
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Wayne Palmer & Friends

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Ivy Tavern     
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton     
(609) 888-1435     
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. "Thursday Night Dance Party" 

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John & Peter's     
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa     
(215) 862-5981    
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational     
All shows 21+   

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Joseph Lawrence Park
317 Ward Avenue Bordentown
Sat. 4:30 p.m. Bordentown End of Summer Fireworks (Begin at dusk)

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Killarney's Publick House     
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton    
(609) 586-1166    
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Girls Night Out" w/ 7 p.m. Radio Fiction  
Sat. 5 p.m. Mario & Frank

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Laurita Winery     
85 Archertown Road New Egypt     
(609) 752-0200   
Fri. (12 p.m.) "Wine In The Grove Friday" (5 p.m.) "Cornhole Tournament" (6 p.m.) BBQ Grill Night w/  Adults ages 13+ $34.99, Kids ages 6-12 $19.99. Ages 5 and under FREE. (7 p.m.) "Be Your Own Van Gogh" Paint and Sip. $40
Sat. Grape Stomp Food Truck Fair feat. (11 a.m.) AudioPilot (2:30 p.m.) The Rangers Nouveau (6 p.m.) The Darla Rich Quartet. (Fireworks after dark) $12 Ages 21+ (advance), Under 21 FREE
Sun. Grape Stomp Food Truck Fair feat. (11 a.m.) Rhyme & Reason (4 p.m.) Fast Forward 80's 
Mon. 12 p.m. "Customer Appreciation Day" 
Wed. 12 p.m. "Girls Night Out" Ages 21+

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Lawrenceville Main Street
17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. Kindred Spirit (TBA) (Weeden Park FREE admission)

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Makefield Highlands Golf Club
1418 Woodside Road Yardley, PA
(215) 321-7000
Fri. 5 p.m. Brick Duo

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Mamma Rosa's     
572 Klockner Road Hamilton     
(609) 588-5454   
Fri. 6 p.m. O.G.S.
Sat. 6 p.m. Meg Hansen w/ "Guest" drummer
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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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     
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam

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Millhill Basement     
300 S. Broad Street Trenton     
(609) 989-1600     
Fri. 9 p.m. Glass Spitter, KPG, Grape Arch Vector, GNSG, Abby Cadaver. $5-$10 donations are much appreciated

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More Than Q 
13 Klines Court Lambertville 
(609) 773-0072
Sat. 2 p.m. (TBA)
Sun. (11 a.m.) Packy's Sunday Brunch feat. Sim Cain & Dave Haneman w/ "Special Guests" Keith Kenny, Bill Fowler, Keith Hartel and more. (2 p.m.) "3 Days of Peace & Brisket" feat. Dinosaur Stampede w/ Mike Greenblatt and 18 additional acts.

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Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. Carousel
Sat./Sun. 3 p.m. Carousel

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Music On Main 
25 East Main Street Yardley, PA
Sat. 6 p.m. Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m.  Trivia Night
Sat. 6 p.m. The Real Fugitives

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Fri. 8 p.m. Ryptyde
Sat. 8 p.m. AJ Slick
Wed. 7 p.m. LeCompt Acoustic Duo

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O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill
200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment

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Old Hights Brewing
123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 

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Old Town Pub     
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown     
(609) 291-9232    
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia   

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Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Locals Night" w/ Live "Strolling" Musician 
Sat.12 p.m. Phil & Ron Duo

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Pasquale's Sports Bar
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ or Live Band Entertainment 
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic

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Patriots Crossing     
1339 River Road Titusville     
(609) 737-2780    
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"   

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Pete's Steak House     
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton     
(609) 585-8008     
Fri. 9 p.m. Cover Up

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Rosedale Mills
101 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 737-2008
Sat. 1 p.m. Outdoor Line Dancing. $10 (Rain date Sundays 12 p.m.)

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Sav'Aged Designs
110 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(609) 937-6104
Sat. 10 a.m. The Art of Adriana Groza

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Screamin' Hill Brewery
83 Emleys Hill Road Cream Ridge
(609) 401-2025
Fri. 4 p.m. Successful Failures

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Small World Coffee     
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton     
(609) 924-4377 x2   
Thurs. 8 p.m. The Art of Elina Lorenz (Runs daily thru 9/7)

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Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Dance Parties w/ the Paula & Sam Livingston

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Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson
600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Sat. 11 a.m. "Tailgate Party" and FREE Demos

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Tankard Pub
440 Keim Boulevard Burlington
(609) 306-5079
Thurs. 7 p.m. The Williamsboy

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Tara's Tavern    
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown     
(609) 286-2300     
Fri. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sat. 9 p.m. The Amptons

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Tavern On The Lake      
101 Main Street Hightstown     
(609) 426-9345     
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

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Temperance House     
5 South State Street Newtown, PA     
(215) 944-8050     
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney

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Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton  
(609) 924-2310  
Fri. 4 p.m. "Sips & Sounds Friday" feat. Dark Whiskey

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The Buck Hotel
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kevin Kirko
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. 9 p.m. Shameless

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The Cool Cricket     
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro     
(609) 291-9110     
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke  
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit

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The Dubliner   
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA   
(215) 693-1816  
Sat. 7 p.m. Sean Fleming
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" 

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The Morrisville Tavern
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night

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The Roost     
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge     
(609) 208-0050   
Fri. 8 p.m. Jack Furlong and Pat Kerssen

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The Sycamore Grill     
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA     
(215) 908-6326     
Fri. 8 p.m. Sister Blue

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Thomas Sweet Ice Cream
183 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 683-8720
Sat. 7 p.m. Dragonfly

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown   
(609) 526-8651    
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Thirsty Thursdays" 
Fri. 7 p.m. Tiltin' Catz

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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   
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage 
All shows 21+   

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Wilson's Pub
1870 Brownsville Road Trevose Heights, PA
(215) 355-4739 
Wed. 10 p.m. Beer Pong Wednesdays

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Working Dog Winery     
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown     
(609) 371-6000 
Sat. 1 p.m. Spoondrift
Sun. 1 p.m. Jersey Sure Cats

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WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues" 

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Yankee Doodle Tap Room
10 Palmer Square Princeton
(609) 921-7500
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dueling Piano Night (Palmer Square)

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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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