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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/31/25


By Danny Coleman

originally published: 07/31/2025

Back in March of this year, Christine Zemla of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation put together what has now become an annual sojourn to the place widely considered to be the birthplace of Blues music; Clarksdale, Mississippi. Seven hearty souls (Including this writer and "Rock On Radio's" Producer Claire) made the trip with Zemla and Scott "Blind Squirrel" Zemla (His given Blues name) for four days of fun, local cuisine, education, history and the most incredible music the Mississippi Delta has to offer. 

Once there, we had the opportunity to chat with Eric Meier, one of several partners of the Ground Zero Blues Club; an integral part of the town's landscape and culture. Juke joints and music clubs permeate the confines of Clarksdale but Ground Zero is different and during our conversation, Meier told us how it and Clarksdale in general have a "Unique" vibe all their own. 

"I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and my daughters, one has graduated and one went on to college and my ex-wife is here and I've had a passion for music," he said as he began explaining his journey into club management. "My first opportunity, I backed a band based near Portland that did quite well for an indie rock group, a band named Everclear and then I actually got involved with a Grunge club up in Seattle called, The Crocodile. Peter Buck of R.E.M founded it and then a bunch of local folks in the music industry who had a passion for music bought the club. We've since expanded the ownership team and it has become kind of a hallmark for the Grunge movement of the '90s; folks like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains; that was my first foray into being involved as a club owner. Then I was fortunate enough to go down to the Delta, I took my girlfriend and went down to the Mississippi Delta and met Bill Luckett who co-founded the club with Morgan Freeman and Howard Stovall and I met them and given some of my business experience with clubs and music, I joined them. It took about two years for them to vett me (Laughs) to make sure I was legit but I bought a home in the Delta with a buddy and basically got involved and over a series of time, I got more actively involved and it has been a great ride and in many ways as much of an ambassador role if anything being able to keep the Blues alive and serving as kind of a hallmark of Blues and fast forward to today and we've got a sister club on the coast; Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi. We've been closed but we're gonna reopen very shortly and continue to deliver world class blues music to the locals and the folks from around the globe who come here to enjoy music. We're actively involved in The Juke Joint Festival every April, there is a series of other festivals, The Sunflower Festival, there are events in the fall; it's as much a living shrine as it is a blues club. We've even taken it a step farther, we're touring with symphonies around the United States where we're playing a form of blues music integrated with symphony orchestras. So, we'll be doing a number of shows starting in late July in what we're calling Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience. We'll be up at The SummerStage in Central Park, New York CIty and in Chicago and in other venues around the country; it's highly authentic and we're playing classic Delta Blues but when you bring a 50 piece symphony to the party it is pretty impactful. The beauty of Clarksdale is that it's an authentic place with huge cultural and musical historical relevance and we've worked hard at the club to keep it authentic."

"Authenticity?" Clarksdale oozes authenticity. Whether it be from its architecture, its history or its people, one would be hard pressed to find anywhere that upstages it. Meier knows that the area's rich history and folklore from civil rights to the Crossroads and the music have inspired as well as piqued curiosities the world over. 




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"I find this part of the United States probably one of the most authentic places where the culture and the complexity of the region, the confluence and all sorts of things from music to social justice, the narrative of a hard scrabble environment; it's unchanged. Now, you can say that's good and bad but I think it has given it a unique DNA that frankly, people like yourself appreciate. This doesn't stop within the borders of our country, you get folks from all over the world who appreciate the legacy; look at the British rockers. These guys were arguably heavily influenced , The Stones, AC/DC, Zeppelin and even Fleetwood Mac was a blues cover band when they started. They found their own voice but they didn't lose the underlying impact of blues and the same thing with Gospel music. There is a really cool picture of John Lee Hooker and the backdrop is almost like a flow diagram on a chalkboard of all of the genres that the blues have influenced. That's part of the opportunity with our symphonic blues experience is to bring this relevant and acknowledge that this is an important genre which is still alive and well. Whether it's the music of Big A, Kingfish, Keith Johnson, Lala Craig, Lucious Spiller; these guys who are making their own flavor of music that was shaped generationally by the folks who preceded them."

Guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin is quoted as saying, "I don't deal in technique. I deal in emotions" and for blues musicians, no statement could be more accurate. Recently, Anthony "Big A" Sherrod made a second trip up from Clarksdale to put on a rollicking show at Monmouth University and all in attendance saw what emotions can do for a performance. Meier and his partners at Ground Zero understand the importance of this in Blues music and how it sets the atmosphere in the club as well as in the entire town.

"I'm a ukulele hack but I'm an optimist," he said with a laugh, "I asked Big A for some lessons and he took two fingers and tapped my heart and said, "Start here." My point being, Johnny "Mr. Johnnie" Billington taught him and he was fortunate enough to, at the ripe old age of eight years old to play with BB King; right place, right time but I think he understands the essence of what makes this music so impactful and the legacy and it starts with emotion first and he plays with his heart and it shows. I'm an American and I'm proud to be an American and this genre is classic American. It's rich in storytelling, it's authentic and as I've lived, learned and listened more, it's very heartwarming for me to hear music today and realize the impact of the Blues. I think it's the authenticity, the realness; I think this music could've died time and time again but it's had an incredible impact. I just like the fact that it's real, it's raw, it's got a lot of history to it and it's had a profound impact on music. I think that's the same reason why Morgan launched the club as did Bill and Howard." 

"This region, whether it's music, written prose, Faulkner, John Grisham, this place is an area that has so much folklore and Blues, in many ways, was the narrative of slaves and sharecroppers and folks that were modifying West African music and telling their stories through work songs which was the foundation of Blues. Morgan will be quick to remind you that it's a story of lament but it's on different levels and it has got such staying power and that's the thing that's so amazing." 

Clarksdale's site isn't the only Ground Zero around but it is one of less than a handful . So, with that in mind; what are their plans to stay the course and keep things "Real?"

"You could ask the same question of someone who owns a sports team or a restaurant," he said without hesitation."I come out of the healthcare software realm; if you have what I call product marketship; in other words, are you delivering something that people want to enjoy and you figure out how to run a good business, the rest will kind of take care of itself. So, I think, you've got to deliver an authentic solution or offering and we have to make sure that we stay true to our roots. Are we gonna go out and play Country music? Probably not but if there is an artist coming to town that has an American roots focus, absolutely but we have to stick to our roots and core of what we're doing and that's to be the preeminent Blues club in the world and, what does that mean? That means that the place needs to feel like a juke joint and we have to deliver music that's gonna align with that, there are probably certain food and drink offerings you're gonna expect to see and frankly; be nice. I think our management team does a phenomenal job of making sure there is an authentic experience where people feel welcome and there is something about the Mississippi spirit that's holistic; not that you can't get that in Trenton, I'm not poking fun of New Jersey, my daughter was born in New Jersey (Laughs) and I did what I call my "Tour of duty" working for Johnson & Johnson in Somerville. My point being, you want to make sure you have a good product and that you're delivering joy; it's sometimes hard to explain it. There is something about the place, the club, the environment, I don't know, you tell me but when my friends and family come out from the West Coast, I tell them, it's hard to explain, you just need to come out and experience it whether it's a New Year's Eve party or an anniversary party in May or a juke joint or whatever, it's almost like a revival as much as it is a true juke joint experience; the energy, you just want to bottle it." 

Meier is enthused about the club and its impact on Clarksdale's economy, history and tourism and loves how he was welcomed and absorbed by the town's people; some of which are transplants such as himself and others who have been there for generations and once again, it's the authenticity that makes it all possible.




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"That's what it is, it's authentic. You can find other places like that where there is a strong almost indigenous culture of locals and then you get infused with people like me and others who say, hey, I want to invest in the community and be a part of this and the community responds favorably. So, there are plenty of people like me that compliment people like Bubba (O'Keefe/VisitClarksdale.com) and Howard, Tamille and our managers have got a long history there and by and large, if you're willing to lean in, you'll be welcomed."

To discover more about Ground Zero Blues Club, please visit https://www.groundzerobluesclub.com/

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



This week's event listings


Ace Cafe 
15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia Night Hosed by Righteous Jolly
Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Keith Monacchio
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Rick Winow (7 p.m.) Ed & Tina Wall
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Diane Chiorello (6 p.m.) Bill Burns Lynch Duo
Mon. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed. 7 p.m. Skyline
Americana Kitchen & Bar 
359 U.S. Highway Route 130 North Hightstown
(732) 558-5999
Fri. 7 p.m. Prime Time Comedy Club Presents: Alan Malkin  
Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Arm & Hammer Park
1 Thunder Road Trenton 
(609) 394-3300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Irish Heritage Night" w/ Post Game Fireworks
Sun. 5 p.m. "Bark at The Park" 
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. 6 p.m. ART OF: Plant Based Nutrition
Fri. 5 p.m. Travels with Thomas George
Sat. 9 a.m. "yART Sale" 
Wed. 7 p.m. JAM: Jersey Art Meet-Up
Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Mike
Fri. 8 p.m. Juz Biz
Sat. 8 p.m. River Dogs
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Friends
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney
Bent Iron Brewing
70 Extonville Road Hamilton
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sat. 12 p.m. "1 Year Anniversary Luau" feat. (1:30 a.m.) Kyle Ahern (5:30 p.m.) Ridgemont High
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 7 p.m. LakeHouse/Music BINGO
Fri. 7 p.m. Old Man Lee Band
Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Tues. 9 p.m. / Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke 
Ages 21+ 
Blend Bar & Bistro   
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Acoustic Showcase #6 feat. Linda Eckman & Friends, Barry Wass, Sherry & Alan, Rich Phillips, Billy Mac
Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 
Boro Bean 
9 East Broad Street Hopewell 
(609) 466-6681 
Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott 
Bowman's Tavern 
1600 River Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan 
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio(6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Bristol Riverside Theater 
2501 Bath Road Bristol, PA
(215) 785-0100 
Tues. 5 p.m. National Night Out 
Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7:30 p.m.  The Dollyrots, Black Widow, Altarboy. $22.55, doors open at 7 p.m. / Mike Estabrook All Request Show
Fri. 7:30 p.m. "Be Kind & Rewind" the Ultimate '90s Tribute. $15-$25, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+
Sat. 8 p.m. "Burning Sky" A Tribute to Bad Co. $18-$37, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+ 
Bucks On Bridge
25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Poetry Night 
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia
Burlington County Library/Amphitheater
5 Pioneer Boulevard West Hampton
(609) 267-9660
Sat. 7 p.m. '80s Revolution
Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 
(408) 335-4400 
Sun 9 a.m. "Ellarslie Open 42" Juried Exhibition and Gallery Talk. $15 (Includes Continental breakfast fare)
Tues. 5 p.m. "National Night Out" feat. Men Of Soul  
Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille
1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 580-5469 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul
Chesterfield Inn
633 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield
(609) 298-1917
Sat. 8:30 p.m. LakeHouse
Club Atlantis
1858 Street Road Bensalem, PA 
(215) 944-1777 
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Robbie Tronco 
All Events Ages 21+ and Dress to Impress 
Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cats On The Bus / Reality Check Experiment
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) Se7en / DJ John Rossi
Sat. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Band Jam 
Cream Ridge Winery
145 Route 539 Cream Ridge 
(609) 259-9797 
Sat. 6 p.m. Big Foot County w/ Mike Jaskewicz
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Sangria Sunday 
Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sat. 2 p.m. Meg Russell
Sun. 2 p.m. Bunny Barnes
Cryout Cave
601 Doctor Martin Luther King Boulevard Suite #2 Trenton
(862) 234-5353
Sat. 2 p.m. "Got It You" Youth Open Mic
Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo  
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Dacey's Pub 
215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night 
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Fri. 7 p.m. The Sonic Collective
Sun. 3 p.m. Carie McCay w/ Father Son Duo, Heart Fulla Bluz, Wreck This Night
Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. Stanley Jordan Plays The Dead. $45 (advance)
Fri. 8 p.m. A Tribute to "Old & In The Way" $15 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Ripplewood Presents: The Jerry Garcia Live Bad Experience. $15 (advance)
Sun. (1 p.m.) Acoustic Jam Circle ($10 suggested donation) (6 p.m.) The Reverend Graham Ford: Songs of Jerry Garcia
Wed. 7 p.m.  DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Falls Township Community Park 
9125 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 
Sun. 6 p.m.  Big Band from The Valley
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Fri. 6 p.m. "First Friday" Polynesian Luau
Founding Father's Sports Bar & Grill 
2900 Street Road Bensalem, PA 
(215) 923-1100
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob Pantano Dance Party w/ DJ Joe Castro
Friendly's 
1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville 
(609) 426-9203 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise Night 
Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin McGowan and/or Gino Formaroli (Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.)
German American Society 
215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton 
(609) 585-5200
Fri. 6 p.m. Dockside 
Sat. 6 p.m. Line Dancing and Lessons
Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo / “Ladies Night” Hosted by Best Choice Productions 
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (8:30 p.m.) The Naturals
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Fab Fly
Sun. 3 p.m. Bad Hombres
Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Tues. 7 p.m. Music BINGO
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616 
Sat. 3 p.m. Line Dancing
Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge
Halo Pub (Fete) 
9 Hullfish Street Princeton 
(609) 921-1710 
Sat. 6 p.m. Karen Payne Duo
Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays 
Hamilton Veterans Park 
1865 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton  
Tues. 5 p.m. "National Night Out"
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Jam Hosted by Mikey Jr. & The Slidewinder Blues Band
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Four Sticks" Led Zeppelin Tribute (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (3 p.m.) Side Project (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6:30 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hopewell Train Station 
2 Railroad Place Hopewell
Mon. 7:15 p.m. Summer Concert Series feat. Blawenburg Band
Hopewell Valley Golf Club
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell
(609) 737-1199
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. James Kelly
Wed. 5 p.m. "Dine for a Cause" Benefitting the Hopewell Community of Associated Music Projects feat. (7 p.m.) The Jack Furlong Jazz Orchestra
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Dave Berminham
Sat. (1 p.m.) Rob Messina's Dave Matthews Experience (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. James Popik
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Blue Jersey Band
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ John W. 
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Mikey Jr
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco
Il Portico Restorante Italiano 
273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jazz Night
Fri. / Sat. 7 p.m. Live Music w/ Tony O
Irish Rover Station House 
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412 
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night
Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111 
Sat. 5:30 p.m. Carmen Marranco
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
All shows 21+    
Jimmy's American Grill
140 US Route 130 South Bordentown
(609) 291-0200
 Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981 
Sat. 8 p.m. IceBlynk, Loose Panic, EmoSpaceBird
Sun. (3 p.m.)  (9 p.m.)
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic  Night(Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Tues. 7 p.m. Visionary Woman: Tarot Deck Launch Party & Art Show w/ Kristine Gorman
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Kelly's Bar n Banquet Hall
14 Railroad Avenue Fort Dix
(732) 230-6169
 Tues. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night
Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) Bryan Hill (7 p.m.) The Fry Boys
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Mark Sacco (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Lofash (10 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (1 p.m.) Ty Mares
Mon. 7 p.m. Music BINGO
Tues. 5 p.m. Kids Night: "Glow Party"
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 
11 Bridge Street Lambertville 
(609) 397-8300 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Fri 6 p.m. "Pure Petty" Tom Petty Tribute                                               
Langhorne Summer Concert Series
115 West Richardson Avenue Langhorne, PA
Wed. 7 p.m. Rustic Revival
Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Sip & Snip u-Pick Flowers. $40 (6:30 p.m.) Paint & Sip "Sunflowers" $50 (Includes one glass of wine)
Fri. (5 p.m.) Sip & Snip u-Pick Flowers. $40 (5:30 p.m.) Summer Clam Bake. $36
Sat. (12 p.m.) Sip & Snip u-Pick Flowers. $40 / "Latino Fest" $14
Sun. 12 p.m. Sip & Snip u-Pick Flowers. $40 / "Latino Fest" $14
Lawrenceville Main Street 
17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. Alex Otey Trio  (Weeden Park FREE admission) 
Library Company of Burlington
23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
Lillipies Bakery
30 North Harrison Street Princeton 
(609) 423-2100  
Thurs. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff
Sun. 11 a.m. Live Jazz
Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 6 p.m. Jumper Duo
Fri. 7 p.m. The Traveling Soleburys
Sat. 7 p.m. Mosaic Grove
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Java Sway Quartet
Magikava
87a South Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2739 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Astrology Readings by Riss Cottrill 
Mon. 6 p.m. Magik "Art Mondays" 
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night  
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 9 p.m. AJ Slick
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Mercer County Park (Boathouse at Mercer Lake)
334 South Post Road West Windsor 
(866) 683-3586 
Thurs. 6 p.m. The Meg A Tones
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds 
Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor 
(609) 448-1947
Fri. 6 p.m. Summer Concert Series: Yacht Rock Gold Experience w/ Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass. ($5 Parking Fee) 
Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "The Sponge Bob Musical"
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "The Sponge Bob Musical"
Sun. 3 p.m. "The Sponge Bob Musical"
Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Mike & Danny
Fri.  8 p.m. First Friday Karaoke w/ DJ Triiish!
Sat. 7 p.m. Left Tenants & Emmet Drueding
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Fri. 7 p.m. FREE Movie Night feat. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ll: The Secret of the BOOZE Screening
New Egypt Flea Market Village 
933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge 
(609) 758-2082
Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market 
Wed. 8 a.m. Flea Market
Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Fly On The Wall
Sat. 6 p.m. Allison Landon
Sun. 1 p.m. Local Artisan Fair
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night
Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Nomad Distilling Company
20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623
Thur. 9 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. El Ka Bong
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
Tues. 4 p.m. Pies On The Patio feat. (6:30 p.m.) Anthony Cannuli
Ages 21+   
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 
200 State Road Croydon, PA 
(215) 785-6998 
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
 Old Barracks
100 Barrack Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Concerts by Candlelight 
Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Fri. 3 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (7 p.m.) The Falcons
Sat. 6 p.m. Where's Tony B?
Sun. 2 p.m. Bluegrass Jam 
Palmer Square 
40 Nassau Street Princeton 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Movie Night on the Green: "Shrek"
Sat. 12 p.m. Summer Music Series feat. Swingadelic
Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Brooks Brothers Blues Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial                                                             
1 Memorial Drive Trenton 
(609) 984-8400
Sun. 4:30 p.m. "SUNDARI" A Kathak Lavani Musical
Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Bad Hombres
Picture Perfect Affairs
76 High Street Mount Holly
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday Lyrics To Go Open Mic and Showcase
Pita Chip (Oxford Oaks Shopping Center)
1623 Big Oak ROad Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4173
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Righteous Jolly
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury
(609) 799-4013
Sat. 9 a.m. Guided Kayaking Tour 
Wed 5 p.m. Sunsets & Lemonade. All ages
Princeton Country Club
1-Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Live DJ
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour 
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch
Princeton Makes 
301 North Harrison Street Princeton 
Fri. 5 p.m. Triumph Pop-Up Beer Tent feat. (6 p.m.) WomenRock!
Sat. 8 p.m. Movies On The Green: "Jumanji"
Princeton Public Library (Hinds Plaza)
65 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-9529 
Sun. 4:30 p.m. Chin & Blum w/ David Ross
Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Recklesstown Farm Distillery
2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046 
Fri.. 6 p.m. Ant Cannuli
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night 
River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Gina Corso
Fri. 7 p.m. Maci Miller Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Liz Du Four
Wed. 5 p.m. Kat Rivers
Rose Bank Winery 
258 Durham Road Newtown, PA  
(215) 860-5899
Sat. 1 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" feat. Smokin' Joe Duo. $10 
Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Fri. 8 p.m. '80s Undercover
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics
Sandy's Beef & Ale
2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo  
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Shady Brook Farm 
931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA 
(215) 968-1670 
Thurs: 6 p.m. Blackwater Bristol
Fri. 6:30 p.m. "UnWINEd" Concert feat. WitZend. $12 (advance/online, $15 at door), doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Sat. "Peach & Sunflower Festival" feat. (12:30 p.m.) Andrew Lobby (6:30 p.m.) Righteous Jolly
Sun. "Peach & Sunflower Festival" feat. 12:30 p.m. Mike Brill
Simply Pure
1531 North Olden Avenue Trenton
Sun. 4:30 p.m. Jazz in the Grass (FREE live Jazz)
Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest
Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 7 p.m. BD Lenz
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Cara Cartney
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton 
Tues. 7 p.m. Johnny Betz 
Wed. 8 p.m. 
Stacy Park
1901 Riverside Drive Trenton
Fri. 5 p.m. Robert Ruffin
Starving Artist Cafe
18 Bridge Street Stockton
Sat. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk
21 Locks Brewing
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
(917) 626-2352
Sat. 11 a.m. Vinyl & Craft Fest
Sun. 12 p.m. Wood & Doormat Workshop
Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
 
Temperance House
5 South State Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8050
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Neville Esquire
Tues. 7 p.m. Beginner Line Dance Lessons w/ Jeremy Line Dance. $40/4 Weeks   
Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Fri. 5 p.m. Sips & Sounds feat. Mark Miklos
Sat. 1 p.m. "Just Peachy Festival" feat. Zuko Phillips Cohn & Star
Sun. 1 p.m. "Just Peachy Festival" feat. On The Fly
TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  
TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night 
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra
The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Gilligan
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo
The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
The Corner Inn
24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment
The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Sun. 2 p.m. Gerry Timlin
The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam 
Sat. 9 p.m. Supertrain
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
The HOB Tavern 
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020 
Fri. 8 p.m. Chet & Ari
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Bingo (10 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Warriors
Sat. 8 p.m. All Lit Up
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Movie Club: "Fandango" Doors open at 7 p.m. 
Wed. 10 a.m. FREE Kids Movie: "Zathura"
The Penguin Rocks (24 Hour On-Demand Music/Radio)
www.thepenguinrocks.com 
Mon. -  Fri. "Radio Jersey" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki 
Sun. - Sat. "Classic Jersey" Hosted by Gary Wien
Sun. - Sat. "Beyond The Palace" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki 
Sun. - Sat. "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" feat. Renee Maskin, Conrad Warre, Elliot King Smith
Sun. - Sat. "From The Basement" Hosted by Mike Marrone
Sun. - Sat. "Deuce Radio" Hosted by Matt Barker
Sun. - Sat. "Altrok Radio" Hosted by Sean Carolan
Sun. - Sat. "Lighty's Corner" Hosted by Gary Wien 
Sun. - Sat. "The Troubador Show" Hosted by John Godfrey
The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Tiki" Thursday
Fri. 9 p.m. Krystal
Sat. 9 p.m. East Coast Funk 
Mon. 7 p.m. Music BINGO
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 8 p.m. The Launch. $15 (advance),  Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 10 p.m. R&B and Chill at The Waterfront Afterparty. Doors open at 9 p.m.
The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Rough Cut
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Redbird
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" 
All Shows 21+ 
Trenton Free Public Library
120 Academy Street Trenton
(609) 392-7188
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday"
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Music (TBA)
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Sat. 8 p.m. Maraki Jams
Sun. 1 p.m. Jet Weston Trio
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
20 Pamer Square east Princeton 
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 6 p.m. Keith Chasin Trio
Sat. 6 p.m. Digba Ogunbiyi Trio
Union Coffee
49 North Union Street Lambertville 
(609) 460-4637
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday" Tarot Meet-Up w/ Kristine Gorman
Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Tallitsch Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. John Sheridan Trio
Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. This N That
Fri. 6 p.m. Sam the Trivia Guy
Sat. 1 p.m. Ronnie Brandt
Sun. 1 p.m. Rich Boland
Tues. 4 p.m. Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Wed. 6 p.m. Sea Glass Framed Art Workshop
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 a.m./7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"


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.

 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Cassville Lights" by Jackson Pines

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Cassville Lights," the latest single from Jackson Pines' forthcoming album, "Wheel."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/4/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 2-8, 2025




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Big Trucks Win" by Chris Vincent






 

MORE NEWS

(BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- Roy's Hall presents singer-songwriter James McMurtry on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8:00pm. He's been called "one of this generation's most unflinchingly potent and powerfully erudite recording artists" by American Songwriter.


bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd




Wicked Cool Records releases "It's A Wicked Cool Christmas" - All-star Holiday Compilation




Sean Marshall Returns to his Roots with "Golden" - His Fourth Studio Album




Blue Hawk Records to Release 26th Compilation






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.


Irish Trio Socks in the Frying Pan Plays Holiday Concert at Roy’s Hall on December 12




The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Michael Gabriele and Spook Handy on December 12th




The Landis Theater presents Mysterious Ways - The U2 Christmas Experience






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