"Yes, we do, “Closer To The Flame" and it came out April 1st in Europe and on April 15 here in the States," said an enthusiastic Riot Act guitarist Rick Ventura as he discussed their new record which was born from the ashes of the past, affected by the present and the always unpredictable future of the industry.
The term "Metal" in and of itself has evolved since the blazing, crunchy guitar sounds of the '60s dubbed "Heavy Metal" came to be but the alchemy involved in its creation has managed to remain close to the original recipe; add guitar, turn it up and go full speed ahead. No matter who the "Alchemists" are, one thing is certain; you're going to get a raucous, straight forward, in your face piece of work which appeals to metal-heads of all levels and tastes.
"Closer To The Flame," is such an offering and Ventura explains just how it and Riot Act came to be.
“We started this a few years ago in 2019," he began slowly, "It initially started with my old friend Lou Kouvaris, he was the guitarist with Riot on the first album and we had been inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of History in 2018; that could be wrong, I get the years mixed up especially with these last few years of craziness. Anyway, Riot was inducted and the band was finally acknowledged after so many years of being under the radar and Lou would call me up and say, “Hey, you know, we should do something, it may be the time to do something” and after that induction, I returned his call and said, you know, it just seems right; because there was always talk of Riot and this whole line-up and there was always something special about that period. Lou and I had never played together because I had come in on the second album, “Narita.” I replaced him after he left beginning with that album and we had never gotten to play together but you run into each other throughout the years and we were friends to each other so, we decided hey; why not? There were a number of other events that led up to this coming together but that's how it initially started. We got together and we played some old Riot songs and we just had a blast; it was so much fun just to play with him and our guitar styles really meshed and I was already playing with the current bass player and drummer Paul Raineri and Claudio Galinski and so we said, let's try these guys out, let's see how it works. So, we did it and it sounded quite good and we needed a singer and we had a friend who turned us on to our vocalist Don Chaffin who knew a few Riot tunes and was vaguely familiar with the band. So, we crossed our fingers and said, please let this work and he just belted out the songs and put life into them and we said, wow, this is just too good to be true; it's like an instant band and that's how it came about.”
With a renewed energy and vigor, the band was ready; ready to hit the road, ready to perform and ready to reclaim their spot on the metal map but the world had other plans, plans which stopped their agenda cold in its tracks.
“No, believe it or not no," said Rick when asked if they had played any live shows. "During the whole COVID period we really didn't perform. The only time before (The pandemic) was January of 2020 at the Heavy Metal Hall of History. We were asked to come back the following year and perform and we played two tunes and that was it and it was a blast playing because I finally got to play with Lou on stage and it was his only performance with this line-up on that show; it's on Amazon Prime and people can check it out if they’d like to see it. That was his last show and the only show we did and two months later Lou passed away from COVID; in fact, it's just a few months ago that it was two years since he passed away. We just stopped everything, so it was a very rough period and yeah, we're looking forward to playing again. We did the album, “Closer To The Flame” during that time period but we’re not going to be performing again probably until July. We are planning on going to England; we have August and September dates and also Spain. So, that'll be our first live performances in over two years so, it's gonna be kind of wild. We always had a good base in Europe from touring extensively back in the day and it's always been good. So, we’re going to go there first and then hopefully have some dates in The States in October and that'll be exciting to be back on stage again after being idol for all of these years.”
Ventura's tone turned somber when asked how the album came together but quickly became upbeat when he discussed its title, the songwriting and the "Bonus" that comes along with it.
“We decided after Lou passed away; I was really reluctant to do this and I had said no, that's it, it's just not meant to be because it was just too devastating for those first few months and then COVID hit and that led to a lot of personal problems and we were just idle for a few months. Then we got together and spoke and said, there is some good here and I had a lot of music in me that I needed to get out and I knew it was gonna come out sooner or later; we had the right combination of people to do it so, we started writing and I would do demos at home and send them out and it was an unusual process with everybody working from their home. We actually did a quarantine video and wrote songs on the drive so, yeah, it was really unusual; it was definitely unusual but we got the ball rolling and the songs started pouring out. So, I guess it was just meant to be, everything just came alive and we’re really proud of it.”
“A far as the title; well, you can look into it anyway you’d like actually,” he said with a laugh. "The Eternal Flame, people reaching for something; it can be taken a number of ways; it really wasn't meant to be anything specific; it’s the title track of the album and we thought it would be a good title and opener and everything just fit. It's 10 tracks, 10 new tracks and a bonus 12 track CD of old Riot tunes from the first three albums; that’s how it initially started. Lou and I, we were asked to do a six song EP when we first got together and when the band first started people wanted to come hear us; OK, what are these guys about? So, we did that to show them yeah, you know, we still have it (laughs) and it turned out really well and it was crazy recording those songs again, having them re-energized with modern technology and they just sound really, really powerful. So, that was fun and it's cool and what's nice about it is that Lou is on there and the fans will get to hear Lou and I play it together; so, it's kind of tribute to him. The Majority of the tunes were written as a band collaboration. Don Chaffin does the vocals and lyrics but in this band, everybody contributes; in bands there is always one member that has a vision but you always want everybody to feel a part of it and contribute something to it. So, at the end of the day there is going to be one or two main writers and that’s just the way it is but we are very flexible and everybody is open minded and willing to listen to each other.”
Armed with the new record and several corresponding videos the band heads across the Atlantic and hopefully will be tearing up the stages here in the U.S. as well; so, what happens next? Ventura says they have no plans of relaxing.
"After the dates in Europe; for a while there were dates available and then tours were cancelled because of COVID so, it's been really rough but it looks like it's really happening in August and the dates are starting to come in slowly. We already have another album in the works and we’re gonna start working on that because our attitude is, let's get this work out because we have a lot in us and a lot that I want to get out there, a lot we all want to get out there and secondly, we want to show that it's gonna be great! We’ve been working on videos for our new material and they are due out and yeah, we’re looking forward to seeing where we can go with this project.”
To discover more about Riot Act or to purchase "Closer To The Flame," please visit http://riotactband.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
Al's Airport Inn 636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton (609) 883-5252 Thurs. 5 p.m. Diane Chiorello Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Aaron Quarterman, Jr Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch (6 p.m.) DJ Bobby Jones Mon. 5 p.m. Edison Wilson Tues. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot Wed. 7 p.m. AudioPilotAristaeus Brewing 2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA (215) 757-2337 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 7 p.m. Matt Kresge Sat. 3 p.m. Ryan Sab Sun. 10 a.m. “Sunday Funday Brunch” (2 p.m.) Faye MeyerArm & Hammer Park 1 Thunder Road Trenton (609) 394-3300 Thurs. 7 p.m. Irish Heritage and Fireworks Night Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-8777 Thurs. 6 p.m. "Summer Nights" Concert Series feat. Kindred Spirit (Takes place at the Princeton Shopping Center 301 North Harrison Street) Fri. 7 p.m. Story & Verse: A Storytelling and Poetic Open Mic. (Takes place at Pettoranello Gardens) Artworks Trenton 19 Everett Alley Trenton (609) 394-9436 Sat. 12 p.m. Sunflower Letters Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton (609) 586-0192 Thurs. 7 p.m. Paul Plueri Fri. 7 p.m. Black Brant Sat. 7 p.m. Pin Heads Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Night Tues./Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ "Super" Dave Curtis Ages 21+Blue Bottle Cafe 101 East Broad Street Hopewell (609) 333-1710 Wed. 6 p.m. Brian ElliotBoro Bean 9 East Broad Street Hopewell (609) 466-6681 Sat. 11 a.m. John AbbottBowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA (215) 862-2972 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Patrick & Debra Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan Sat. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Trio Sun. (12 p.m.) Larry Tamanini (6 p.m.) Lorenzo Wed. 6 p.m. Andy PrescottBristol Riverside Theater 2501 Bath Road Bristol, PA (215) 785-0100 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Commodores. $45 Sat. 7 p.m. Russell Thompkins Jr & The New Stylistics w/ Special Guest Eddie Holman. Broken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA (267) 812-5653 Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook Sat. 2 p.m. "Gobletstock 8" feat. (2:15 p.m.) MJ (3 p.m.) Doubtful (4 p.m.) Ryan Gaughn (5 p.m.) Jay Skull in Spades (6 p.m.) Greg McGarvey (7:30 p.m.) Jugs and Hoses. (FREE event) Sun. 3 p.m. Music Bingo Tues. 7 p.m. Luck of the Draw Weekly Dart Tournament Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Hosted by Righteous Jolly Brother's Pizza 871 Highway 33 Hamilton (609) 586-2727 Wed. 6 p.m. Anthony "Fast Ant" CannuliCandlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton (609) 695-9612 Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam Hosted by The Mojo Gypsies. $5 Sat. 3 p.m. Aaron Graves. $20Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 102 Carnagie Center Princeton (781) 568-1471 Fri./Sat. Peaches Rodriguez. 7:30 p.m. $23.69, Doors open at 7 p.mChickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown (609) 298-9182 Fi./Sat. 8 p.m. DJ EntertainmentClubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio) 850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing (609) 538-0808 Fri. 6:30 p.m. River DogsCOARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown (609) 241-7103 Fri. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues" Sat. 3 p.m. “Rock On Radio Indie Hour” Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Matt O'Ree Band Color Me Mine (Princeton Shopping Center) 301 Harrison Street Princeton (609) 581-9500 Fri. 6 p.m. Kids Night Out Mon. 10 a.m. Summer Camp "X Marks The Spot"Continental Tavern 2 North Main Street Yardley, PA (215) 493-9191 Sat. 8 p.m. Matt BusbyCooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton (609) 393-7300 Thurs.(7 p.m.) Cosmic Jerry Band (9 p.m.) Club Night w/ DJ Ran D. Ages 21+ Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) Led Zeppelin Tribute w/ "The Flying Circus" Sat. 9 p.m. Club Night w/ DJ Sun. 11 a.m. "Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov (6 p.m.) Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke Wed. (7 p.m.) Tailspin w/ Micro Wrestling All Events Ages 21+Cream Ridge Winery 145 Route 539 Cream Ridge (609) 259-9797 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Friday Music Nights. $5, Ages 21+ (Monies collected go to a local charity) Sat. (11 a.m.) Yoga at the Winery (6:30 p.m.) "2nd Annual Ladies Night" w music by Alex English. $5 Sun. 1:30 p.m. Sangria SundayCrossing Vineyard and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA (215) 493-6500 Thurs. 7 p.m. "Chalk, Talk & Wine" Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. Beach Boys Tribute w/ "Still Surfin." Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+, $15 (advance) Sat. 2 p.m. Meg Rusell Sun. 2 p.m. Larry TritelCross 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)Curran’s Irish Inn 1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA (215) 245-1800 Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Fri. 9 p.m. Old School Tues. 7:30 p.m. Lunch Money Quizzo Dacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA (215) 295-4838 Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo Dadz Bar and Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton (609)267-4344 Thurs. (4 p.m.) "Yappy Hour" (7 p.m.) Open Mic Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Put-It-On Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs Sun. 4 p.m. Oldies with DJ Deuce Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Edgar Anderson Wed. 7 p.m./9 p.m. Poker Night Decades 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton (609) 439-0007 Fri. 8 p.m. We Love Third Fridays w/ Ted Brown, Mark Lewis, Barry Be Sat. 8:30 p.m. "Throwback Saturday" w/ DJ Matty Bruce Tues. 8 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by DJ Wildman MannyEddington House Bensalem 2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA (215) 639-1220 Wed. 7 p.m. Music Bingo El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar 1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA (267) 685-0725 Wed. 7 p.m. "Speed Dating" Hosted by Andrea. Ages 30-49 (Sign up required) Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA (215) 968-0600 Fri. 6 p.m. KirkoFalls Township Community Park 9125 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA Sun. 6 p.m. Tri-County BandFlying Pig Tavern & Tap 167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown (609) 899-7447 Wed. 8 p.m. TriviaForsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe (732) 521-0700 Fri. 6 p.m. Karaoke Friendly's 1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville (609) 426-9203 Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise NightGerman American Society 215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton (609) 585-5200 Sat. 6 p.m. "Cheers to 3 Years " Biergarten Anniversary Event feat. (7 p.m.) Unleashed. Gleason's Bar 6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA (215) 943-4781 Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo / “Ladies Night” Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Never EnoughGlennmore Farm 105 Pennington Hopewell Road Pennington Sat. 10 a.m. "2nd Annual Rainbow Moon Fest. an Ecstatic Dance, Art & Music Festival" feat. Tommy & Mommy, Monica Misra, Suan Limone, Perpetual Motion, Faqeer, Open Mic/Spoken Word w/ Alison Natalie, Veronica Carpenter, Kimberly Kubicke, Shane Matthews, Jacob Evan Smith Band, Mindful Melodies feat. Jody & Emily, DanceDad, Jayadeva, Elyse Matthews, Abby Way, Faye Adinda, Minka, Megan Kelley, Richie Parella & Kyrie Onelove, Arielle Wortzler & David Siller, Open Mic w/ Faye Adinda, Miss Cantaloupe, Grant Tamutus, Lior Allay, Castle Lane, Jeff Eisenberg & The Rock & Ram Kirtan Band, Genevieve Abby & Arielle, Mary DiMeglio, Joy & Rob w/ The Beagles, April Centrone, Harry Bo & Lavina D'Anjolell, Sound Sirens/Earth Ephect, Ecstatic Dance w/ DJ Ursidae/DJ Kallum, Sound Journey w/ Devachanna. $20-$50 (Kids under age 12 FREE)Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio 240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA (215) 504-7277 Fri. 8 p.m. Virus Sat. 8 p.m. Bougie & the BeastGrounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors way Hamilton (609) 586-0616 Sat. 6 p.m. Summer Sound BathGrover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction (609) 716-8771 Sat. 11 a.m. Tom JohnstonHalo Pub (Fete) 9 Hullfish Street Princeton (609) 921-1710 Sat. 6 p.m. The Rangers Nouveau BandHamilton Tap & Grill 557 US Route 130 North Hamilton (609) 905-0925 Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs Wed. 7 p.m. TriviaHavana New Hope 105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA. (215) 862-9897 Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk & Blues Jam Hosted by The Slidewinder Blues Band Fri. (7 p.m.) Van Morrison Tribute w/ "Tupelo Honey" $25 (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Se7en (11:59 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party Mon. (9 p.m.) "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" Hosted by Cyannie Lopez (11 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Dwayne Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper DuoHightstown Memorial Park North Main Street Hightstown Fri. 5:30 p.m. "Fun Fridays" feat. Lara Grant and Lisa Marie PalacioHopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington (609) 737-4465 Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Christine Havrilla Sat. (1 p.m.) Modern Rewind (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Rainbow Fresh Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Darla & RichHurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (267) 914-4517 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ John W. Fri. (6 p.m.) Happy Hour w/ Johnny Betz (9 p.m.) Jukebox Graveyard "B-Sides" Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Mondays w/ DJ Slow Ice Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesdays w/ Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Il Portico Restorante Italiano 273 West Route 130 South Burlington (609) 239-1000 Fri. / Sat. 6:30 p.m. Live Music (TBA) Irish Rover Station House 1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA (215) 970-5412 Sun. (2 p.m.) Podcast Taping w/ "Philly Press Box Radio." (4 p.m.) Neshaminy Class of '78 Post-Pandemic 60th Birthday Celebration Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus (732) 306-9111 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Mark Sengin Sat. 6:30 p.m. AudioPilotIron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room 61 High Street Mt. Holly (732) 306-9111 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Wayne Palmer & Friends Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton (609) 888-1435 Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke Sat. 9:30 p.m. Asylum Choir Sun. 6 p.m. Karaoke Latinos All shows 21+ John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa (215) 862-5981 Thurs. 9 p.m. Fat Robbie & The Rumors / Sam Ryan Sessions Sat. 9 p.m. Renee Maskin, Ruby Jones, Clamb Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8:30 p.m.) Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational All shows 21+Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton (609) 586-1166 Thurs. 5 p.m. Mark Sacco Fri. (6 p.m.) Keith & Joey (7 p.m.) Dueling Pianos Sat. 9 a.m. "Sip & Shop" Sun. (10 a.m.) Sunday Brunch (3 p.m.) Beatles Themed Sunday Session w/ The Successful FailuresLanghorne Summer Concert Series 115 West Richardson Avenue Langhorne, PA Wed. 7 p.m. Kid Davis and The Bullets Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt (609) 752-0200 Thurs. 7 p.m. Laurita Junior Idol Tryouts Sat. "Christmas In July Food Truck Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) Pennington Station Band (2:30 p.m.) The Shaykz (6 p.m.) Nikki Briar & The Sweet Briar Band. $12 (advance), ages 20 and under FREE Sun. "Christmas In July Food Truck Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) Daisy Jug Band (3 p.m.) Shore Bet. $12 (advance), ages 20 and under FREE Wed. 12 p.m. Girls Night Out: Ages 21+Lawrenceville Main Street 17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville (609) 219-9300 Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. RGM Project (Weeden Park FREE admission)Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2300 Thurs. 7 p.m. Kat Rivers Duo Fri. 8 p.m. Bridge Beat Duo Sat. 8:30 p.m. Oliver Dagum Sun. 11:30 a.m. Sunday "Drag" BrunchMagikava 87a South Main Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2739 Wed. 7 p.m. Open MicMarketFair 3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard) (609) 452-7777 Tues. 10 a.m. Summer Art ClubMcGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence (609) 392-0599 Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke Ages 21+ 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 SamMercer County Park (Boathouse at Mercer Lake) 334 South Post Road West Windsor (866) 683-3586 Thurs. 5 p.m. We May Be Right (Billy Joel Tribute) Mercer County Park Festival Grounds Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor (609) 448-1947 Fri. 6 p.m. Summer Concert Series: Epic Soul ($5 Parking Fee)Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton (609) 989-1600 Fri. 9 p.m. Bonginator, Weeping, Dab Nebula, Green Inferno Sat. 8 p.m. Fear Gods, Buzzkill, Meteor Police, Dinosaur Stampede. Ages 21+Morrisville Lanes 625 Nolan Avenue Morrisville, PA (215) 295-5526 Sat. 8 p.m. Starlight Karaoke Music Mountain Theater 1483 Route 179 Lambertville (609)397-3337 Fri. 8 p.m. La Cage Aux Folles Sat. 3 p.m./8 p.m. La Cage Aux Folles Sun. 3 p.m. La Cage Aux Folles All Shows Require Masks for the UnvaccinatedMusic On Main 25 East Main Street Yardley, PA Sat. 6 p.m. De Tierra CalienteNaked Brewing Company 212 Mill Street Bristol, PA (267) 544-7129 Sat. 11 a.m. Weekend “Acoustic” Brunch Sun. 11 a.m. Weekend Brunch Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia New Hope Winery / Tavern 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA (215) 794-2331 Sat. 1 p.m.Laurie VosburgNewtown Brewing Company 103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA (215) 944-8609 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Fri. 6 p.m. Music With Two Duo / Dan & Liz Sat. 6 p.m. Between Acts Nick's Roast Beef 4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA (215) 637-5151 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 9 p.m. Plush Band Sun. 4 p.m. Sir RodNJWeedman's Joint 322 East State Street Trenton (609) 437-0898 Sun. 3 p.m. Baffle The Cat Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square (609) 587-6623 Thurs. 9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis Sat. 9:30 p.m. Deep Release Ages 21+O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 200 State Road Croydon, PA (215) 785-6998 Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo Old Hights Brewing 123 West Ward Street Hightstown (609) 469-5976 Fri. 6 p.m. Mick & Ron of The Successful FailuresOld Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 291-9232 Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia Fri. 8 p.m. Monk & Monk Sat. 8 p.m. Tour de Force Trio Tues. 7 p.m. Taco TuesdayPalmer Square 40 Nassau Street Princeton Thurs. 6 p.m. Dueling Piano Night w/ Flying Ivories Fri. 8 p.m. Movie Nights On The Green: "Encanto" Sat.) 12 p.m. “Summer Music Series" feat. ZairePatriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville (609) 737-2780 Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri River House at Odette’s 274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA (215) 682-2022 Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) Cara Cartney (6 p.m.) Fete de la Bastille Celebration (FREE) (7 p.m.) Cara Cartney Fri. 7 p.m. Patrick & Debra Sat. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ Dave Dales Duo (5:30 p.m.) Zac Lawless (7 p.m.) Bob Egan Sun. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch (7 p.m.) Michael Andrew Mon. 7 p.m. Alex Otey Tues. 7 p.m. Cara Cartney Wed. 7 p.m. Megan KnightRobbinsville Community Concert Town Center Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville Sat. 9:45 a.m. Tues. 7 p.m. DJ ReggieSecond Sin Brewing Company 1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA (267) 812-5251 Thurs. 7 p.m. "Stars Wars" Trivia Shady Brook Farm 931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA (215) 968-1670 Fri. 6:30 p.m."Summer unWINEd Concert Series" feat. Bougie & the Beasts Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Emily & Joe Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater 2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA Wed. 7 p.m. Legacy. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-4377 x2 Fri. 6:30 p.m. SO Percussion Summer Institute Sat. 6 p.m. Darla & RichSmithville Park 815 Smithville Road Easthampton Fri. 6 p.m. Concert Under The Stars "Jazz Night" feat. Alan Wilkins Trio Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden 4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 943-2321 Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana Fri. 9 p.m. Blue Reign Sat. 9:30 p.m. Sight Unseen 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. Bev & DanStacy Park 1901 Riverside Drive Trenton Fri. 6 p.m. Concerts in the Park feat Big Country & The Finger Pickin' Good Band Steam Pub 606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA (215) 942-6468 Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Santino 1675 at The Ridges 4666 East Bristol Road Trevose, PA (215) 876-6868 Sat. 7 p.m. Dueling Pianos Sun. 6 p.m. The Rock-A-Sonics Rockabilly1675 Spirits 2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA (215) 645-1445 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Kings Highway Comedy Hosted by Dave Collins feat. Brian Six, Ryan Shaner, Adam Nutter w/ special guests Michael Swinehart and Sammy C. Fri. 6 p.m. Tour de Force Duo Sat. 6 p.m. Joe & KristaTaps Sports Bar 4021-4023 Veterans Highway Levittown, PA (215) 486-7862 Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by Paula Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Frankie Paige Mon. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Joe Goodnall Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown (609) 286-2300 Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G Sat. 9 p.m. Jay Oliver DuoTavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown (609) 426-9345 Fri. 6 p.m. Fundraiser in Memory of Kyle Kobasowski w/ DJ MX MSTR NICE Wed. 9 p.m. KaraokeTemperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA (215) 944-8050 Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Session Blues Hosted by Steve Guyger Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton (609) 924-2310 Fri. 12 p.m. "Sips & Sounds Friday" feat. (5 p.m.) Catmoondaddy Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Bill Fleer Sun.1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Jerry Steele TGI Fridays 780 Route 130 South Hamilton (609) 581-6910 Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy GTGI Fridays 685 Middletown Blvd. Langhorne, PA (215) 750-8002 Fri. 6 p.m. Brad StaudleTGI Fridays 3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton (609) 520-0378 Fri. 6 p.m. Edison Wilson Sun. 1 p.m. Matthew Cook The Beer Garden at Snipes Farm 890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA Sat. 12 p.m. Bucks County Blues Festival feat. Brian Elliot, Max Kaplan & the Magics, Gabe Stillman Band, Gypsy Joe Alves & the Groove Prophets feat. Georgie "The Blacksmith" Bonds, Mikey Junior Band, Dustin Douglas & the Electric Gentlemen. $35 (Online) The Bog (Cranbury Golf Club) 49 Southfield Road West Windsor (609) 799-0341 Fri. 7 p.m. Guns 4 Hire (The return of Sal Marra w/ Anthony Krizan) The Buck Hotel 1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA (215) 396-2002 Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk Sat. 9 p.m. Wildflower Tues. 6 p.m. Danny Lynch DuoThe Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro (609) 291-9110 Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke The Dubliner 34 North Main Street New Hope, PA (215) 693-1816 Fri. 7 p.m. Seamus Kelleher Sat. 7 p.m. Popik & stewart Sun. 2 p.m. Thomas JohnstonThe Federal Twist Vineyard 8 Federal Twist Road Stockton (609) 773-6066 Sat. 2 p.m. Bridge Beat Duo Sun. 2 p.m. Mac Paige BandThe Five Four Bar & Grill 8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 547-5525 Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam Fri. 9 p.m. KickbaxThe HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown (609) 291-7020 Tues 7 p.m. Music BingoThe Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton (609) 921-8555 Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Iron Mike Sat. 9 p.m. Funky T Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron The Morrisville Tavern 376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA (215) 295-5310 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Mon. 7 p.m. Musical Bingo Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night The Newtown Theatre 120 North State Street Newtown, PA (215) 968-3859 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Reel" Garden Party Wed. 10 a.m. FREE Kids Movie: "Kung-Fu Panda"The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge (609) 208-0050 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Sean Cox & Joe Hoyer Fri. 8 p.m. Kindred Spirit Sat. 8 p.m. ArHouseThe Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA (215) 908-6326 Fri. 8 p.m. Acoustic Dead & Friends Sat. 8 p.m. IdlewoodsmanThe Union Firehouse 18 Washington Street Mount Holly (609) 288-6491 Thurs.7 p.m. Dion Paci's Invitational Jam Fri. 8 p.m. The Blenders. $10, doors open at 7 p.m. Sat. 8 p.m. David Koster Band. $10, doors open at 7 p.m.Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton (609) 392-2554 Fri. 9 p.m. The Shantys Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry & John Monk All Shows 21+ 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 Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Tobias & Lea (Sign-ups at 7:30 p.m.)Under The Moon 23 North Union Street Lambertville (609) 397-1710 Fri. 6 p.m. Chris Giakas Sat. (12 p.m.) Matt Gordeuk (6 p.m.) Toni Alosi Wed. 5:30 p.m. Robin ClabbyVault Brewing Company 10 South Main Street Yardley, PA (267) 573-4291 Fri. 7 p.m. Dave Posmontier Duo Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Lingerman TrioVince's Pizzeria and Taproom 573 Durham Road Newtown, PA (267) 491-5418 Sat. 5 p.m. The Eighty SixWest Trenton Ballroom (West Trenton Firehouse) 40 West Upper Ferry Road Ewing (609) 883-0325 Fri. 6 p.m. Shot Of Southern. $25 ($45 Includes alcohol) Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown (609) 371-6000 Sat. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella Sun. 1 p.m. Kevin McGowanWWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor Jazzon2.org Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"Yankee Doodle Tap Room 10 Palmer Square Princeton (609) 921-7500 Fri. 7 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle
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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
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