Country artists in New Jersey, albeit, not as rare as they used to be; aren’t as plentiful as other areas of the country (Pun intended) and the list of artists she mentioned is missing something; Country music artists. So; how do those influences affect or do they affect her songwriting?
“We don’t have anybody like The Allman Brothers around now and even the Eagles writing; it's so infectious and I think that's where I always go as a writer. I write all of my own songs and this album that I have coming out; I'm releasing it song by song and each of the songs happened naturally. I've also been practicing melody writing for a long time so, I think I feel like I'm finally at a place where the songs should be and I feel really proud of them. I think it's all sort of in the DNA at this point,” she said as if grasping for the right words. “I also spent many, many, many years as a cover musician playing in bars and restaurants and that experience of playing three to four hours by yourself as an acoustic performer, playing all of the best music in the world really; all the music that's won Grammys; it just kind of goes into your DNA. I would say that at this point it's all an influence. I mean, even Anita Baker is one of my favorite artists of all time and that's in there. So, there's soul in there and it's the kind of thing that you don't think about when you sit down to write; it’s just a part of you.”
“I have never labored over any of my songs, it's like an expression of my emotions and it's truth, it's honesty, it's real feelings, it's my real emotions and it's super authentic,” she continued. “I sit down in moments when I feel almost overwhelmed with an emotion and it has to come out somehow, either you're going to cry or hurt, you're going to journal or you're going to pick up a guitar and start to play and see what comes out. Country music is very story driven and it's very much about having a beginning, middle and an end to a story and I think the way that I write definitely honors that tradition; not too far away from like how Bruce Springsteen approaches music; it’s an emotion, it's a moment and you're also communicating this thing that happened to you and the way that you're feeling. I really try not to get too poetic when I write, my lyrics are pretty straightforward; it's like, this is what happens, this is how I feel and it's important to me too that the songs resonate with the listener because it's all part of a healing experience. I think that's the main purpose of this music that I've written on this album; is to heal me and to help heal others. I mean, even on Instagram now, people are posting what they did that day; you know? Like, “7:00 AM I woke up and did this” and then they show you what they did the whole day; people are very interested in sort of getting on the inside of a day in the life and having that sort of shared human experience. I think that's really what it is about; connecting.”
Ah yes, “Connecting” with a fan base, specially your own is huge but Haines is looking for a connection that goes deeper than one on a mass scale and she’s hoping that “The Phoenix” will enhance those chances. So, with that in mind, she and her support system have a plan in place.
“The full album is called “The Phoenix” and I think a lot of people know or maybe they don't but the Phoenix is a symbol and the symbology is rising from the ashes. So there is a really cool piece of artwork that's on the front of the Phoenix that my friend Micca Kelly; who's a New Jersey artist painted and it is very, very cool. We're releasing the album song by song by song so there's eight tracks on the full album and we just released track number three which is “I Love You;” so, there's five more coming up and then we'll drop the whole collection which will be out on Spotify and on iTunes and you can have the whole collection and that'll be out somewhere in the future.”
“I'll tell you about the singles but first let me tell you about the full album. So, the full album is a concept album and it follows the arc of a toxic relationship and the way I wrote the songs was in real time. So, they're all written in chronological order and in real time, in my real life when this stuff was really happening and for anyone who's been in a toxic relationship or who currently is in a toxic relationship; I think it will resonate. The way that the arc of the album goes is, the very first couple of songs are about living the single life, going out having fun, being a party girl. There's a song called “Little Black Dress” and it's a boot stomper about going out and having a good time. There's a song called “The Way You Kiss” which I released and that's about meeting a person and feeling all of the fluttery feelings of lust and attraction and you know, you just wanna kiss them and those are the first two songs. The third song that I just released is called “I Love You” and “I Love You” is, we had gotten together, we were in the relationship; at first I didn't want to talk to the public about the song but I slept on it and I talked to my team and they were like, “Yeah, we think you should talk about what this song is really about” and it appears to be a love song and in a way it is but when you really listen to the lyrics, it's really about emotional abuse. So, it's really about when you're with a person and they're gaslighting you, they're stonewalling you, they are mad at you and you don't know why. They won't talk to you but you can't leave because you're addicted to the cycle; you feel like you love them because half of the time it's really great or at least you think it's really great and the other half of the time it's really, really abusive emotionally. So, it's about that push and pull and back and forth and that sort of going around the toxic abuse cycle and it's not the happiest of concepts but it's the way that the song came out and it's melodically very beautiful and it's got sort of that sweet melancholy aspect to it.”
“It’s weird to be sharing such an intense experience but I also feel an obligation,” she continued. “Honestly? I really wavered about talking about all of this because it's painful stuff. I feel that I'm a spiritual person and I really feel like this is a huge part of my calling because I think there's not a lot of dialogue about what this is; you know? They're starting to be more talk about it now. I’ve been seeing some artists talk about it like actress Anna Kendrick is talking about it, I see Kelsea Ballerini talking about it, I think Adele has talked about it; there are more artists now coming out and talking about emotional abuse because it's prevalent and it's invisible.”
Concept album? A true rarity in today’s era but as you read; Haines isn’t shying away from telling sensitive stories or taking chances as she begins to gather herself and move her career forward and as we see, “The Phoenix” seems to be an apt title or the album. So; is it difficult for her to perform such emotional songs in front of an audience?
“It's getting easier,” she said with a large laugh as if a weight had been lifted. “From a performance perspective you have to stay in it, you have to relive it and be there but there's also a self-preservation aspect like, I can't allow myself to get into a depression over it on every show; you know? I just feel special and grateful to be here and that's the most important part. Honestly, it's an honor and a privilege to have been given this craft and these gifts so that I can make these songs and share them out.”
Part of sharing her music is to tour; sometimes with a band and well, sometimes you just have to go at it alone.
“I bought an Airstream and I am Airstreaming across the country,” she said proudly. “Right now I'm doing some traveling, I'm doing some more songwriting; this album is done but there's always going to be another album so, I'm just doing the damn thing man (laughs). I'm just living, I'm traveling, I'm setting my eyes on some new sites and doing some hiking, some interviews and meeting people. I actually met someone today in town; I'm in far West Texas right now and she's a music photographer. So, we're going to go do a photo shoot in the desert; when you're in the flow, things just start happening.”
“I’m just getting started; we just started releasing last summer. I'm not a new musician but I'm brand new to the scene with this project. I'm emailing with The Stone Pony right now and we're talking about maybe The Wonder Bar or House of Independents so, there is a show brewing somewhere in the Asbury Park area and hopefully more than one. I'm affiliated with the Crossroads in Garwood and then we've got some other stuff cooking in Michigan. So, it's kind of early in the year but there's a lot of lines out right now. The show is full band and it is a rock'n'roll, soul band with electric guitars, drums and the whole shebang! This band kicks total ass and it's just a high energy fun experience. Our show is an hour and we’re doing the whole album and a handful of covers.”
To discover more about Jessie Haines, please visit https://jessiehaines.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 Inn636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Thurs. 5 p.m. Carmen Marranco
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Aaron Quarterman
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Jerry Monk (6 p.m.) DJ Bobby Jones
Mon. 5 p.m. Ed Wilson
Tues. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot
Wed. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit Duo
Aristaeus Brewing2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 10 a.m. “Sunday Funday Brunch”
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Sat. (10 a.m.) Storytime with Jeff (7 p.m.) Cafe Improv
Ashlynn Distillery32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
Thurs. 5 p.m. Open Mic Night
Fri. 6 p.m. Aaron Quarterman
Sat. 8 p.m. Stand Up Comedy Night feat. Erik Terrell, Aunt Peggy O'Leary, Joshua Ryan, Neil Wood, Steve Rinaldi. $15
Sun 2 p.m. Ty Kingsley
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
Blue Bottle Cafe101 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 333-1710
Wed. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
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
Sat. 7 p.m. Mark Smith Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Larry Tamanini (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 8 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Wes Johnson
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Two Rocks Rye
Sun. 11 a.m. Sunday Brunch
Bucks On Bridge 25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night
Cadwalader Park299 Parkside Avenue Trenton
(408) 335-4400
Fri. 7 p.m. Freedom Friday Open Mic Hosted by Todd "Son of Black" Evans feat. Niesha Kelly and Mary Kokesh
Candlelight Lounge24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5
Sat. 3 p.m. Webb T. $20
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Anita Wise, Troy Moore. Hosted by Maurice Touisaunt. $23.69, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Anita Wise, Troy Moore. Hosted by Maurice Touisaunt. $23.69, Doors open at 7 p.m.
Chickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Fi./Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
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
Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 538-0808
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Radio Fiction
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. Comedian Tim Hayes with a Call from Monkey Cult Coffee CEO Matt Zion
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Cosmic Jerry Band (8 p.m.) Club Night w/ DJ Desisto. Ages21+
Fri. 8 p.m. Unleashed (9 p.m.) DJ Jazzi
Sat. 7 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch w/ Victor Tarassov
Tues. 5 p.m. Salsa Tuesdays w/ DJ Jay Serrano
Wed. (7 p.m.) Blues Jam (8 p.m.) Disco “Hustle” Night w/ "Guest" DJs. $5
Crossing Vineyard and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
Thurs. 6 p.m. Get Cozy by the Fire
Sat. 2 p.m. Rodney Wright
Sun. 2 p.m. Julia Melito
Cross Pollination Gallery2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. "Friday Happy Hour." (Talk art, wine and musicians who bring instruments)
Sat. 5 p.m. Dave Evans
Curran’s Irish Inn1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Dacey's Pub215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Sun. 4 p.m. Oldies with DJ Deuce
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Sat. 8 p.m. Sheltered In Place
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Dave Beck
Sat. 8 p.m. 44 Fridays
El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA
(267) 685-0725
Fri. 8 p.m. Keep The Change
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Talking In Cursive
First United Methodist Church187 Stockton Street Hightstown
Sun. 3 p.m. Winter Voice Recital
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 899-7447
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues band
Sat. 8 p.m. Thrown Back
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Founding Father's Sports Bar & Grill2900 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(215) 923-1100
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob Pantano Dance Party w/ DJ Joe Castro
Friendly's1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville
(609) 426-9203
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 Society215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton
(609) 585-5200
Fri. 8 p.m. Soul Cruisers Dance Party. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 7 p.m. "Mama Rosalina" The Sitcom
Gleason's Bar6700 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" w/ (9 p.m.) Wicked Alibi
Sat. 8 p.m. Little Sister
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions
Grounds For Sculpture80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Fri. 10 a.m. Scratchmold Kit with Virtual Pour
Hamilton Tap & Grill557 US Route 130 North Hamilton
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia
Happy Apple Inn29 Imlaystown Road Cream Ridge
(609) 259-7889
Sat. 5:30 p.m. Glenfiddich Tasting. $100 (Includes dinner, bottle of Scotch)
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. ( 8 p.m.) Pink Floyd USA Experience (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Coast To Coast (11:59 p.m.) 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sun. 4 p.m. LGBTQ Tea Dance Party
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dwayne
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hightstown Elks 100 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor
(609) 448-9794
Sun. 6 p.m. Pet Care Bingo
Hooters of Princeton US Route 1 South/Mercer Mall Lawrenceville
Thurs. 8 p.m. Winter Bikini Show
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Robert Ruffis Expeience
Sat. 5 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Rupert & Scheetz
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
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.) Dance Party w/ DJ Beenice
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Mondays w/ rotating DJs BeeNice, Rawskillz, JusGroove
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Fish Out of Water Trio
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco
Il Portico Restorante Italiano273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jazz Night
Fri. / Sat. 6:30 p.m. Live Music w/ Tony O
Irish Rover Station House1033 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
Fri. 2 p.m. Marlene Howell
Sat. 2 p.m. Gary Ryan
Sun. 2 p.m. AudioPilot
Mon. 6:30 p.m. Justin Love
Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room61 High Street Mt. Holly
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Sunday's Afternoon
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Asylum Choir
Sun. 8 p.m. Karaoke Latinos / Ladies Night
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 8 p.m. June Star
Fri. 9 p.m. Mosey Beat
Sat. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
Sun. 3 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief, Black Cat Habitat
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic w/ Mike Dialto (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Throwback Thursday Party w/ Groove Pocket
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Kenny Dubman Duo
Sat. 8 p.m. Yellow Bourbon Country Night w/ Big Hix Band
Wed. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Lakeside Cafe and Liquors129 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 621-9998
Sat. 1 p.m. Trivia
Tues. 5:30 p.m. Trivia.
Lambertville House 32 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 397-0200
Fri. 6 p.m. Just Jeff
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. Singles Mixer. $5 (Includes one free glass of wine), Ages 21+
Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing. (SOLD OUT check for availability)
Sat. 12 p.m. "Sangria, Flights & Sliders Weekend feat. (1 p.m.) Carmen Marranco (7 p.m.) "A Night of Song & Wine" w/ Max Valentino and Bobby Fischetti.
Sun. 12 p.m. "Sangria, Flights & Sliders Weekend feat. (1 p.m.) The Bergers
Magikava87a South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2739
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night feat.
Main Street Mt. Holly 28 Washington Street Mt. Holly
(609) 914-0811
Sat. 10 a.m. Town Wide "Fire & Ice Festival"
McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo
Sat. 9 p.m. Supertrain
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. Trenton Beatdown!, Cycle Of Abuse, 10SLUGGZ, Bankrupt, Through Violence. $10 (advance)
Music Mountain Theater1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Ain't Misbehavin'
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Ain't Misbehavin'
Sun. 3 p.m. "Ain't Misbehavin'
Naked Brewing Company212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project
Fri. 7 p.m. Stranger Than Normal Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Cara Cartney
Sun. 11 a.m. Weekend Brunch
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Fly On The Wall
Sat. 12 p.m. "Grilled Cheese and Soup Day"
Sun. 12 p.m. "Blues Bootcamp and Brews"
New Hope Winery / Tavern6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. (5 p.m.) James Popik (8 p.m.) Santana Tribute w/ "Jingo"
Sun. 1 p.m. Sunday Jazz
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. Kate & Bob
Sat. 6 p.m. TWO / Dan & Liz
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Split Decision
Sat. 9 p.m. Let's Ride
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs.9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis.
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Deep Release
Sat. 9:30 p.m. ArHouse
Ages 21+
O'Connors American Bar & Grille 1383 Monmouth Road Easthampton
(609) 261-1555
Sat. 6 p.m. South Jersey Celtic Society Presents: Robert Burns Supper feat. Chaste Treasure Ladies Morgan, Katherine and Frauline Elsa.
Odd Logic Brewing Co. 500 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Trivia
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Sat. 8 p.m. Darlin and The Dogs
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Old Hights Brewing123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Live Karaoke w/ Rory
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Tues. 6 p.m. Taco Tuesday w/ Radio Fiction
Palmer Square40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Fri. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Sat. 12 p.m. / 4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Sun. (11 a.m.) DIY Pop-Up Project: Eco-Dyed Napkins (12 p.m. / 4 p.m.) "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night
Sat. 8 p.m. Diane & Joe
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive Trenton
(609) 984-8400
Sun. 6:30 p.m. "United In Song" Annual Concert w/ Princeton Girlchoir
Princeton Country Club 1-Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382
Thurs. 6 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Live DJ
Fri. 6 p.m. Happy Hour w/ Live DJ
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Tue. 7:30 p.m. Joyce DiDonato: "Eden"
Puss N Boots Tavern942 Tenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 295-8236
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Randy Now's Man Cave119 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Bern. $30
Recklesstown Farm Distillery2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Sat. 7 p.m. Trivia
River House at Odette’s274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Gina Corso (9 p.m.) Cara Cartney
Fri. (7 p.m.) Maci Miller and Aaron Graves (9 p.m.) CJ Steinway
Sat. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ Scott Gurney (7 p.m.) Bob Egan (9 p.m.) Scott Gurney
Sun. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski (7 p.m.) Michael Andrew
Mon. 7 p.m. Jonathan Daddis
Tues. 7 p.m. Camille Peruto
Robbinsville Senior Center 1170 Route 130 North (Folsom Way) Robbinsville
(609) 259-1567
Thurs. 6 p.m. Beginner Line Dancing (Check for availability)
Rose Bank Winery 258 Durham Road Newtown, PA
(215) 860-5899
Sat. 1 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" feat. Bill Thomas
Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sandy's Beef & Ale2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Second Sin Brewing Company1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Shady Brook Farm931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA
(215) 968-1670
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Winter UnWINEd Concert feat. Cara Cartney
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Winter UnWINEd Concert feat. Joe Rebl / Sky Patrol
Slim's Irish Pub2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 9 p.m. Big Whiskey
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Princeton Makes Artist Collective Art Exhibit
Sat. 6 p.m. Damsel
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9 p.m. Never Enough
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. 7 p.m. Dan & Bev
Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Sat. / Sun. 11 a.m. "2023 Model Year" Open House. (FREE lunch, beer, kids' corner, games)
Steam Pub606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
(215) 942-6468
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Tito
Sat. 10:30 p.m. Fat Mezz
1675 Spirits2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Sat. 6 p.m. J'MO
Taps Sports Bar4021-4023 Veterans Highway Levittown, PA
(215) 486-7862
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by Paula
Mon. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night
Tara's Tavern1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. The Rotary Dials
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Fri. 7 p.m. Bad Hombres Duo
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartn
Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Chris P
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Spiced Punch
TGI Fridays 319 US Highway 130 North East Windsor
(609) 490-1450
Tues. 6 p.m. Kids Night: Winter Party w/ The Snow Queen
TGI Fridays3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Fri. 6 p.m. Lis Bouchelle
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Sat. 10 a.m. Kazoo Parade
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) The Soul Cruisers
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies
The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Sat. 8 p.m. "Royal Comedy 2023: Sophomore's Homecoming" feat. Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, Joe Clair & Turae.
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Sean Fleming
Sat. 7 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Sun. 2 p.m.Gerry Timlin
The Five Four Bar & Grill8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam
Fri. 9 p.m. The Zings
Sat. 9 p.m. Sometime In September
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Chris Benedetti
The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Lydell
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius the 1st
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
The Morrisville Tavern376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Fri. 8 p.m. MZ Rox
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
The Newtown Theatre120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Sat. 6 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. Tammy Pescatelli.
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo
Fri. 8 p.m. Even Odds
Sat. 8 p.m. Twice Is Good
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8 p.m. Stage Left
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsman
The Tavern at Penns Park2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 8 p.m. Jumper
Wed. 7 p.m. 1st Wednesday Open Mic
The Union Firehouse18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 8 p.m. Don't Call Me Francis. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 8 p.m. Spread Eagle, Black Rose rebellion, Rat Rod, Prophet Priest. Hosted by Jacky BamBam. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sun. (3 p.m.) School Of Rock Cherry Hill: "Prince" End of Season Show Performance 2 (6 p.m.) School Of Rock Cherry Hill: "Classic Metal" End of Season Show Performance 2
The Union House19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Nobody's Business
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Kevin McCloskey
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All Shows 21+
Titusville Presbyterian Church 4 River Drive Titusville
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Master Class: "Jazz Improvisation" Hosted by Jack Furlong.
Train Wreck Distillery 25 Madison Avenue Mount Holly
(609) 288-6300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Limanni-Romano
Sat. 12 p.m. The Luck Brothers
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.)
Triple Sun Spirits 126 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-3057
Fri. 8 p.m. Aaron Quarterman
Vault Brewing Company10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Break Even or Behn Gillece Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Tony Miceli Trio
Village Idiot Brewing Company42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sat. 11 a.m. Mount Holly "Fire & Ice" Festival
West Windsor Arts Center/Nassau Park Pavilion 952 Alexander Road Princeton
Fri. 7:30 p.m. "How Sweet" A Storytelling Event. Hosted by Maureen Connolly-Hersh feat. a Presentation by Kelly of Cocoa Beau w/ David Bradley Chocolates, prizes for storytellers and more. $20 (advance), doors open at 7 p.m.
Wildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Silvers
Wilson's Pub1870 Brownsville Road Trevose Heights, PA
(215) 355-4739
Fri. 8 p.m. Jack Kidd
Witherspoon Grill57 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-6011
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Keith Franklin Jazz Group
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Spoondrift
Sun. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
About the author:
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.

Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.

SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.

Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jason Ricci on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Multiple award winning jazz, funk and blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter Jason Ricci comes to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, June 12, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.

French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.

Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.

Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.

Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
MORE EVENTS
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