Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/14/22

By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/14/2022

"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.”  

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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!

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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
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. AudioPilot

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Aristaeus 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 Meyer

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Arm & Hammer Park
1 Thunder Road Trenton
(609) 394-3300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Irish Heritage and Fireworks Night   

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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)    

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Artworks Trenton  
19 Everett Alley Trenton 
(609) 394-9436  
Sat. 12 p.m. Sunflower Letters  

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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+

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Blue Bottle Cafe
101 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 333-1710
Wed. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot

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Boro Bean
9 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-6681
Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott

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Bowman'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 Prescott

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Bristol 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. 

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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    

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Brother's Pizza  
871 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 586-2727 
Wed. 6 p.m. Anthony "Fast Ant" Cannuli

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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
Sat. 3 p.m. Aaron Graves. $20

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Catch 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.m

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Chickie's & Pete's  
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown   
(609) 298-9182 
Fi./Sat. 8 p.m.  DJ Entertainment

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Clubhouse at Mountain View  (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 538-0808
Fri. 6:30 p.m. River Dogs

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COARadio.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 

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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"

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Continental Tavern 
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191 
Sat. 8 p.m. Matt Busby

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Cooper'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+

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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 Sunday

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Crossing 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 Tritel

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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)

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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  

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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. (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  

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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 Manny

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Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Wed. 7 p.m. Music Bingo  

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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) 

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Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA  
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. Kirko

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Falls Township Community Park
9125 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
Sun. 6 p.m. Tri-County Band

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Flying Pig Tavern & Tap
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 899-7447
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia

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Forsgate 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 Night

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German 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. 

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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 Enough

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Glennmore 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)

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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 Beast

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Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton 
(609) 586-0616  
Sat. 6 p.m. Summer Sound Bath

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

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Halo Pub (Fete)
9 Hullfish Street Princeton
(609) 921-1710
Sat. 6 p.m. The Rangers Nouveau Band

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Hamilton Tap & Grill
557 US Route 130 North Hamilton
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Havana 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 Duo

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Hightstown Memorial Park
North Main Street Hightstown
Fri. 5:30 p.m. "Fun Fridays" feat. Lara Grant and Lisa Marie Palacio

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Hopewell 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 & Rich

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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.
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 

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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  

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Iron Plow Vineyards 
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Mark Sengin
Sat. 6:30 p.m. AudioPilot

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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. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Asylum Choir 
Sun. 6 p.m. Karaoke Latinos 
All shows 21+   

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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+

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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 Failures

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Langhorne Summer Concert Series
115 West Richardson Avenue Langhorne, PA 
Wed. 7 p.m. Kid Davis and The Bullets   

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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+

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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)

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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" Brunch

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Magikava
87a South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2739
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic

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MarketFair 
3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard) 
(609) 452-7777 
Tues. 10 a.m. Summer Art Club

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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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Mercer 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) 

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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)

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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+

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Morrisville Lanes
625 Nolan Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5526
Sat. 8 p.m. Starlight Karaoke  

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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 Unvaccinated

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Music On Main
25 East Main Street Yardley, PA
Sat. 6 p.m. De Tierra Caliente

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Naked 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  

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New Hope Winery / Tavern
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 1 p.m.Laurie Vosburg

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Newtown 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 

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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 Rod

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NJWeedman's Joint
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Sun. 3 p.m. Baffle The Cat  

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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+

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O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 
200 State Road Croydon, PA 
(215) 785-6998
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo 

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Old Hights Brewing
123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Fri. 6 p.m. Mick & Ron of The Successful Failures

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Old 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 Tuesday

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Palmer 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. Zaire

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Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Sat. 8 p.m.  Paul Plumeri  

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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 Knight

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Robbinsville Community Concert
Town Center Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville 
Sat. 9:45 a.m. 
Tues. 7 p.m. DJ Reggie

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Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Stars Wars" Trivia  

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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  

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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)

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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 & Rich

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Smithville Park
815 Smithville Road Easthampton
Fri. 6 p.m. Concert Under The Stars "Jazz Night" feat. Alan Wilkins Trio 

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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 & Dan

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Stacy Park
1901 Riverside Drive Trenton 
Fri. 6 p.m. Concerts in the Park feat Big Country & The Finger Pickin' Good Band   

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Steam Pub
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
(215) 942-6468
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Santino 

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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 Rockabilly

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1675 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 & Krista

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Taps 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 

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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 Duo

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Tavern 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. Karaoke

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Temperance 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  

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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   

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TGI Fridays
780 Route 130 South Hamilton 
(609) 581-6910  
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G

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TGI Fridays 
685 Middletown Blvd. Langhorne, PA  
(215) 750-8002
Fri. 6 p.m. Brad Staudle

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Fri. 6 p.m. Edison Wilson
Sun. 1 p.m. Matthew Cook  

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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)   

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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) 

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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 Duo

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

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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 Johnston

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The Federal Twist Vineyard 
8 Federal Twist Road Stockton
(609) 773-6066
Sat. 2 p.m. Bridge Beat Duo
Sun. 2 p.m. Mac Paige Band

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The 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. Kickbax

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The HOB Tavern 
146 Second Street Bordentown 
(609) 291-7020 
Tues 7 p.m.  Music Bingo

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The 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  

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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  

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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"

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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. ArHouse

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The Sycamore Grill 
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 908-6326 
Fri. 8 p.m. Acoustic Dead & Friends
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsman

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The 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.

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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+ 

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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.)

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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 Clabby

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Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Dave Posmontier Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Lingerman Trio

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Vince's Pizzeria and Taproom
573 Durham Road Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5418
Sat. 5 p.m. The Eighty Six

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West 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) 

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Working Dog Winery 
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown 
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella
Sun. 1 p.m. Kevin McGowan

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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  
Fri. 7 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle
  

About the author:

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Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

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