With a music history as rich as that of Foghat; does the current line-up ever struggle with maintaining their signature sound when writing new material? A laughing Holt, a guitarist, says not at all for this band and the reason may just surprise you.
"The beauty of a great rock band is that it's all built around the drums. You pick any rock band and you have to look at the drummer first, that's the core of the band. The Rolling Stones were Charlie Watts' band, Foghat is Roger Earl's band; it's built around the drums and the nice thing about Foghat is that we've still got the original drummer from the beginning; it's a lock right there. As far as mentally for the rest of us, I can only speak for myself but I think it's a responsibility to honor the past, be sure that you understand the history of the band and respect that and you treat that with integrity but to keep it from being a tribute band or some catalog band; you're constantly moving forward. You are constantly writing new material or constantly trying to push out; just like the things we put on this record. The things that we wrote or the things that we covered; we did a BB King song. We didn't want to do it like BB King but how would Foghat approach a BB King song; how did Foghat approach the Muddy Waters' song "I Just Want To Make Love To You" back in the '70s? How did they look at that song and say, OK, we're gonna do this with it? Those are just things, that as a musician, I think it's the relationship of the band that creates that environment. I mean, we weren't put together by some outside force, the four of us got together, played together, liked playing together and decided that this is the band; it's kind of like dating (laughs). You find a girl you like, she likes you and you get together. This is coming from a guitar player (laughs), I'm supposed to be telling you how the guitar is the most important instrument but it's not! I mean, nobody dances to a guitar solo but you'll dance to that groove, you'll dance to that beat. Some of my favorite musicians are drummers because that's where it starts."
The release of the two singles was done somewhat far in advance of the actual November 10 release of the album. Holt states it was done purposefully because the band felt this record was too good to be kept totally sequestered upon its completion.
"I think it was just the natural progression," he said confidently. "We got the record done and you have to promote it but we didn't want to wait until November for anybody to hear any of it because we are really excited about it and we're proud of it and we wanted everybody to hear it. We wanted them to hear it in context and digest it; there is a lot of white noise in the world and just putting a record out, it might or might not get heard no matter who you are. So, to give it a fair shot and I think it's a really good record, I'm really proud of it and we wanted it to have the most opportunity for the most people to hear it."
Ah yes, "White noise." There is definitely much of that in today's technology driven environment. Holt says the band has no newly devised plan on how they plan on making "Sonic Mojo" stand out from the crowd but they will go at it as the group has done since its inception. He offered up their strategy as well as an opinion on today's artists and music.
"We're doing the best we can, we're promoting it, we're playing the songs live and we're hoping that people find it the way they've always found Foghat music and that's really all you can do. When we were talking about white noise earlier, I agree that there was a big glut of it during the pandemic but it was happening before that. Record releases come fast and furious and there is so much music being put out that it's impossible to consume it all. Everybody has their favorites, you have your favorites that you go to time and again and I do too but there is good music being put out today. There is new music from young artists being put out just like there was from the beginning. The thing is, as a musician, it's a hard line to travel because on one hand, I can easily see myself having a knee-jerk reaction to new stuff; ah, this sucks, this is no good and then completely dismissing all of it but at the same time, as a musician; I understand that I'm still putting out music and I don't want people to do that to me so, I kind of have to give everybody a fair shake. I've also got a daughter and she plays new music for me and she exposes me to stuff like new pop and stuff that I normally wouldn't listen to and through her, I get to hear Taylor Swift and understand she's got some good songs and she's a talented songwriter and that there is some quality to that. She'll play me somebody like Harry Styles, I'd never voluntarily pick up a Harry Styles record but I'll listen to it with her and I'll hear things in it; that's a good thing right there, that's a good song, that's a good idea. So, there is good stuff out there, you have to be open minded to get to it. It's not all good but the truth is, all of it in the '60s wasn't good, all of it in the '70s wasn't good, all of it in the '80's wasn't good. I mean, there have been bullshit records put out since the beginning of time (laughs); just because something is old doesn't make it good. So, it's just one of those things where every generation has their thing. I remember my parents thought the music that I listened to was junk. I'm sure their parents thought the music they listened to was junk; there was a generation that thought Elvis was an abomination. The Beatles were reviled by a generation of parents; it's hard to imagine that the icons we have today; I'm sure if there was a temple of rock 'n' roll, there would be a statue of The Beatles and a statue of Elvis in there but at one time they were maligned as just noise. I mean, it's going to happen, there's stuff we are exposed to today that we think is crap that 20 years from now is going to be a classic and we're gonna be like; what happened there (laughs)?"
Holt is well aware of Foghat's legendary reputation as a hard hitting and rocking band and he states that going forward as they hit the road to promote this release; this will not change.
"The history of Foghat is that Foghat is one of the hardest working, live touring bands ever; we'll try and keep that title. We are on tour now, we'll be on tour now that the record is out, we will be touring after it. We've already been playing stuff off the new record, we convened down in Florida to rehearse the whole record to prepare for the record release parties in New York and California. We hit the road and we just go; we're out all the time trying to find any place to play and for as many people as we can find."
To purchase "Sonic Mojo" or see what Foghat is up to; please visit https://foghat.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. Diane Chiorello
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Redbird (5 p.m.) Redbird
Sun. 12 p.m. Brunch
Mon. 5 p.m. Bud Belviso
Tues. 7 p.m. Jessica Didonato
Wed. 7 p.m. Redbird
Americana Kitchen359 US Highway 130 North East Windsor
(609) 448-4477
Fri. 11 p.m. Diwali Bollywood Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ DJ RumBums. $15
Aristaeus Brewing2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Thurs. 7 p.m. Story & Verse: A Storytelling, Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic.
Fri. 7 p.m. Interwoven Stories of Healing with Music
Sat. (3 p.m.) Opening Reception "May You Be Happy" (7 p.m.) Cafe Improv
Ashlynn Distillery 32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 7 p.m. AudioPilot
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Billy Futrell
Sun. 3 p.m. Dueling Pianos w/ Cecil & Carl
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
Blaze DoubleTree by Hilton 4355 US Route 1 Princeton
(609) 452-2400
Fri. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Wed. 8 p.m. BLEND Bourbon Bash w/ Barry & Alan
Bordentown CityFarnsworth Avenue Bordentown
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20
Bordentown Elks11 Amboy Road Bordentown
(609) 298-2085
Sat. 9 a.m. "15th Annual Craft Fair"
Bordentown Performing Arts Center318 Ward Avenue Bordentown
(609) 496-1452
Sat. 2 p.m. "Madagascar"
Boro Bean 9 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-6681
Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Wendy Simon Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Fri. 8 p.m. Alright Junior, John Faye and Stella. $5
Sat. 8 p.m. Duster V
Wed. 8:30 p.m. "Thanks for the Laughs 9" feat. Jamieson, Bartnick, Florentine. $15, doors open at 5 p.m., ages 21+
Bucks On Bridge25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Poetry Night
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia
Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton
(408) 335-4400
Sat./Sun. 12 p.m. Annual Holiday Boutique
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5
Sun. 3 p.m. Dave Schumacher. $20
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Jeff Norris, Renee Delorenzo. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Jeff Norris, Renee Delorenzo. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m.
Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA
(267) 580-5469
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul
Chesterfield Inn633 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield
(609) 298-1917
Sat. 9 p.m. MOB-My Other Band
Club Atlantis1858 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. Kindred Spirit Duo
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Meg Hanson Group
Continental Tavern2 North Main Street Yardley, PA
(215) 493-9191
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Fri. 8 p.m. Brad Staudle Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Max Rogers
Wed. 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Brian Elliot
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kickin' Nash
Sun. (10 a.m.) Sunday "Jazz" Brunch w/ Victor Tarassov. $22.95 (Includes 2 Mimosas) $34.95 (Adults, kids ages 6-12 $14.95, kids under age 5 FREE)
Mon. 7 p.m. "3rd Annual Benson Birthday Bash" $250
Tues. 7 p.m. Salsa Tuesdays w/ live DJ and Complimentary Dance Class w/ Jose "Papo" Diaz
Wed. 7 p.m. Best of Clapton
Crossing Vineyard and Winery1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Chalk, Talk and Wine
Sat. 2 p.m. Kim & Chuck
Sun. 2 p.m. Bill Thomas
Cross Pollination Gallery2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. SiriOm Singh and the Soul Warriors
Curran’s Irish Inn1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Fri. 8 p.m. NC3 Duo
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Dacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. 7 p.m. Whiskey Grin
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Linda of Random Notes
Wed. 7 p.m. The Loose Bandits
Dharma Bums 4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dark Hollow Road
Fri. 8 p.m. Deal. $7 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Juggling Suns Project w/ Mark Diomede. $7 (advance)
Sun. 4 p.m. "Drum Circle" Hosted by RasMykl the Rootsetter and Christopher Purtle
Wed. 8 p.m. Steal Your Face
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8:30 p.m. LeCompt
Sat. 8:30 p.m. 44 Fridays
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe
Wed. 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ The Se7en Band
El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA
(267) 685-0725
Sat. 8 p.m. John Thomas
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
Tues. 6 p.m. Karaoke
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 6 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Talking In Cursive
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ The Polish Nannies
Forsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700
Mon. 6 p.m. "Home For the Holidays"
Founding Father's Sports Bar & Grill 2900 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(215) 923-1100
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob Pantano Dance Party w/ DJ Joe Castro
Friendly's 1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville
(609) 426-9203
Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin McGowan and/or Gino Formaroli (Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.)
German American Society 215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton
(609) 585-5200
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Whisky/Whiskey & Cigar Night
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" (8 p.m.) Anger Management
Sat. 8 p.m. The Posers
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions
Wed. 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Never Enough
Grounds For Sculpture80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616
Sat. (1 p.m.) Artists In Action: "Community Conversation" (5 p.m.) Member Preview Night for "Night Forms"
Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge
Hamilatte1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6 p.m. 3twenty6
Hamilton Tap & Grill557 US Route 130 North Hamilton
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia
Hamilton Township Public Library 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton
(609) 581-4060
Tues. 10:30 a.m. Yosi Live
Havana New Hope105 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.) Tibute to Kansas and Styx w/ "Know Return." $25 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Jumper (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 6 p.m. Grateful Dead Tribute w/ "Touch Of Grey." $15
Mon. (9 p.m.) "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" Hosted by Cyannie Lopez (11 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
Sat. 1 p.m. "3rd Annual BeTheLi9ht / Be-The Music Festival"
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Living The Dream
Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM Fransisco (12 p.m.) Friendsgiving Feast (Reservations required) (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Just Us
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Mark Feingold Group
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ John W.
Fri. (6 p.m.) Johnny Betz (9 p.m.) Midnight Sun
Sat. 8 p.m. Porch
Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Mondays w/ rotating DJs BeeNice, Rawskillz, JusGroove
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Tim Carney
Wed. 8 p.m. Cinematic Universe
Il Portico Restorante Italiano 273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jazz Night
Fri. / Sat. 7 p.m. Live Music w/ Tony O
Irish Rover Station House 1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA
(215) 970-5412
Sun. 11 a.m. Yoga & Drinks
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. John Rossi
Sat. 6:30 p.m. carmen Marranco
Sun. 1 p.m. Bud & Gerard Belviso
Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room61 High Street Mt. Holly
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Random Notes Duo
Ivy Tavern3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
John & Peter's96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Loose Panic
Fri. 8 p.m. Talking Heads Tribute w/ "I Get Wild" $5-$10 (Suggested donation)
Sat. 3 p.m. Scott & Ed Perpendicular Universe
Sun. 8 p.m. Bastard Cut, Billie Frees, Dracula's Miniskirt, The Ditches.
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Comedy Night w/ Mike Dialto feat. (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern 2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Bash w/ Radio Fiction
Joseph Lawrence Park317 Ward Avenue Bordentown
Sat. 9:30 a.m. Bordentown Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run 2023. (Registration begins 7 a.m.)
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 6 p.m. Mark Sacco
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Ty Mares / Dakota Leigh (10 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch feat. (12 p.m.) Bob Banka (5:30 p.m.) Lofash (7 p.m.) "Flannels & Firepits" w/ Electric Stingray (10 p.m.) DJ Dan
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Mon. 8 p.m. Industry Night
Tues. 7 p.m. "Light Up Snowman Wooden Sign" Paint Night w/ Spotted Frog
Wed. Thanksgiving Eve w/ (9 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G (10 p.m.) DJs Nick & Dom
Labyrinth Books Princeton 122 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 497-1600
Thurs. 6 p.m. Author Talk "Marcel Proust" w/ Michael Wood & Christy Wampole
Sat. 2 p.m. Stories & Toys with Labyrinth, jaZams & Enchanted Lion Books
Lambertville Elks Lodge #1070 66 Wilson Street Lambertville
(609) 397-4210
Sat. 6 p.m. Amp'd
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 11 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 397-8300
Sat. 10 a.m. "Holiday Fest"
Sun. 11:30 a.m. "Holiday Fest"
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. Laurita Fall Junior Idol Finals
Fri. 6 p.m. Dueling Pianos. $20
Sat. "Final 2023 Food Truck Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) Shore Bet (2:30 p.m.) Junkyard Dawgs (6 p.m.) Nikki Briar & The Sweetbriar Band
Sun. "Final 2023 Food Truck Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) Rangers Nouveau (3 p.m.) Strictly '60s
Library Company of Burlington23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
Mon. 11 a.m. Design an Ugly Sweater Contest: A Grab-N-Go Craft for All Ages!
Lillipies Bakery30 North Harrison Street Princeton
(609) 423-2100
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff
Louie's by Jason 1111 Route 130 North Robbinsville
Wed. 5:30 p.m. The Blue Eyed Balladeer
Magikava87a South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2739
Thurs. 6 p.m. Astrology Readings by Riss Cottrill
Mon. 6 p.m. Magik "Art Mondays"
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night hosted by Jawnathan Sebastian Sellers
Marie's Kozy Korner 111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Sat. 8 p.m. Fans and Friendsgiving w/ "Jukebox Graveyard & Friends"
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Tribute Night feat. "Fave Grohl" (FooFighters Tribute) / "Nimrod" (Green Day Tribute)
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Last Call
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 8 p.m. Dogpile on the Rabbit, Burn In Tweed, Sonic Wall
Wed. 9:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ The Cryptkeeper Five, Pissed!, Alpha Rabbit, Ray Strife. $5, doors open at 9 p.m.
Music Mountain Theater1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Elf" The Musical
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Elf" The Musical
Sun. 3 p.m. "Elf" The Musical
Naked Brewing Company 212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Sat. 7 p.m. Low Totem
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Sat. 12 p.m. Blown Glass Ornament Works (SOLD OUT please check for availabilty)
Sun. 12 p.m. Blue's Bootcamp & Brews / Blown Glass Ornament Works (SOLD OUT please check for availabilty)
New Egypt Flea Market Village 933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge
(609) 758-2082
Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market
Wed. 8 a.m. Flea Market
New Hope Winery / Tavern 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. Absolute Adele Tribute feat. "Jennifer Cella"
Sun. 5 p.m. James Popik & Supernova / Russell Norkevich
Newtown Athletic Club 120 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. Restorative Aerial Yoga Workshop
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. Oliver Dagum or Fly On The Wall
Sat. 6 p.m. JDuo
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. (6 p.m.) Brian & Mindy (9 p.m.) Shot Of Southern
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Juliano Brothers
Sun. 5 p.m. So Easy
Wed. (6 p.m.) Keep The Change (9 p.m.) Fat Mezz
NJWeedman's Dispensary322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m. Live Entertainment (Variety)
Nomad Distilling Company20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thur. 9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Midnight Sun
Ages 21+
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Fri. 6 p.m. J'MO
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Old Hights Brewing 123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Live Karaoke w/ Rory
Old Town Pub135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Modern Mojo
Sat. 9 p.m. Sho & John
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Wed. 9 p.m. Radio Stranger
Pasquale's Sports Bar 9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Thurs. 9 p.m. Beer Pong
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Wed. 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Deep Release
Princeton Country Club1-Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382
Thurs. 6 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Live DJ
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch
Princeton Folk Music Society (Christ Congregation Church)
50 Walnut Lane Princeton
(609) 799-0944
Fri. 8 p.m. House of Hamil.
Princeton Makes 301 North Harrison Street Princeton
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Fiona Tyndall & Friends Sing Joni Mitchell
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 12:30 p.m. Craig Williams Organ Concert (Takes place at the University Chapel)
Puss N Boots Tavern942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. Thanksgiving Eve w/ DJ Mike Mig
Revere Restaurant802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Sat. 6 p.m. Two For Flinching
River House at Odette’s 274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Thurs. 7 p.m. Gina Corso
Fri. 7 p.m. Jill Salkin Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Dave Dales Duo
Rossi's Bar & Grill2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Stand Up Comedy Show feat. Josh Wells, Steve Pocaro, Joe Polizzotti, Erin Wohlberg. $15
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Russo's Pub & Italian Restaurant1302 Monmouth Road Mount Holly
(609) 261-3277
Fri. 7 p.m. Bilco
Sadie's Irish Pub1608 Farragut Avenue Bristol, PA
(215) 458-8223
Sat. 7 p.m. SoulShine
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, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 12 p.m. Second "Sin-Aversary"
Slim's Irish Pub 2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 9 p.m. Pixie Twist
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil
Wed. 8 p.m. EarCandy
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Kassel
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Jed's Gold
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
Steam Pub 606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Quigs
Sat. 10:30 p.m. Bonehead
Wed. 10 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ DJ Finnesse
STEM Academy at Chesterfield100 Saddle Way Chesterfield
(609) 400-5090
Fri. 6 p.m. "Parents Night Out" (Drop the kids event)
1675 Spirits 2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Thurs. 8 p.m. Kings Highway Comedy: 2 Year Anniversary. $20
Fri. 6 p.m. John & John
Tankard Pub3 Keim Boulevard Burlington
(609) 386-5079
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by The Williamsboy
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Jason Oliver Acoustic Duo
Wed. 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Bent Mushroom
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Comedy Night Benefitting HHS Football Parents Club Hosted by Sean Morton feat. Gary Sharp, Linette Palladino. $35, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Temperance House5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Steve Guyger and Filthy Rich
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Neville Esquire
Tues. 7 p.m. Beginner Line Dance Lessons w/ Jeremy Line Dance. $40/4 Weeks
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney
Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat.Mark Miklos
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Michael Montemurro
TGI Fridays 780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910
Sun. 9 p.m. Trivia Game Night / SIN Sundays
Wed. 7 p.m. Paint w/ Priya: "Autumn Splendor on Wine Bottle & Glass. $45 (Includes all materials)
TGI Fridays2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
TGI Fridays3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Sun. 7:30 p.m. Low Lily
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra
The Buck Hotel 1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko
Fri. (6 p.m.) Joey C's Variety Show feat. Joey C, Robert Caballa, Angelo Capone. $80 (Includes buffett) (8 p.m.) Buzzer Band (Tavern)
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) FM
Wed. 9 p.m. The Heartbeats
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
The Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Sat. 8 a.m. UCA Norheast Regional
Sun. 8 a.m. "Aloha" Trenton Showdown
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. JB Rocks
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
Sat. 9 p.m. Bigg Romeo
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
Wed.8 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ SpareParts
The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Wed.7 p.m. Bad Hombres
The Irish Horne Bar & Restaurant882 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 942-4000
Fri. 8 p.m. Keep The Change
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Slick
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius the 1st
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 9:30 p.m. DJ Trey Brown
The Morrisville Tavern 376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Mojo Channel
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Never Enough
Mon. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
The Newtown Theatre120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Fri. 8 p.m. Singer-Songwriters in the Round: The Stories Behind The Songs. Hosted by Daniel S. Bower feat. Brad Hinton, Heather Hurlock, Greg Sover, Joe Montone.
Sat. 8 p.m. "Shelly Belly" Michelle Rider
Sun. 3 p.m. Lights Out Presents: "The Jersey Beach Boys"
The Penguin Rocks (24 Hour On-Demand Music/Radio)
www.thepenguinrocks.com Mon. - Fri. "Radio Jersey" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki
Sun. - Sat. "Classic Jersey" Hosted by Gary Wien
Sun. - Sat. "Beyond The Palace" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki
Sun. - Sat. "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" feat. In My Basement w/ Calls from Kasim Sultan and Danni Steffanetti
Sun. - Sat. "From The Basement" Hosted by Mike Marrone
Sun. - Sat. "Deuce Radio" Hosted by Matt Barker
Sun. - Sat. "Altrok Radio" Hosted by Sean Carolan
Sun. - Sat. "Lighty's Corner" Hosted by Gary Wien
Sun. - Sat. "The Troubador Show" Hosted by John Godfrey
The Roost181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo
Fri. 8 p.m. East Coast Funk Band
Sat. 8 p.m. No Way Out
Wed. 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Party w/ ZA Band. $10
The Sycamore Grill255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Kickbax Acoustic Trio
Sat. 8 p.m. Keep The Change
Wed. 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve w/ Mid Life Crisis
The Tavern at Penns Park 2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 8 p.m. Tuesday Night Special
Wed. 8 p.m. Buzzer Band
The Union Firehouse18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Joe Vadala
Fri. 8 p.m. The Grouser Girls. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 7 p.m. Latin Night feat. DJ David. $10, ages 21+
Sun. 7 p.m. One Night with The Queen. $20
The Union House 19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Mike Montrey Band Trio
Sat. 8 p.m. '80s Crush
Third State Brewing 352 High Street Burlington
(609) 387-1620
Wed. 7 p.m. Timothy James
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 6 p.m. Guinness Personalized Pint Night
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
Mon. 6 p.m. Diarmuid MacSuibhne and Kevin McCloskey Annual Anniversary Gig
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry & John Monk
All Shows 21+
Trenton Social449 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
Triple Sun Spirits126 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-3057
Fri. 8 p.m. Two For Flinching
Sat. 8 p.m. John Brennan
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Sun. 2 p.m. John Thomas
VANEFRANCODANCE23 Hankins Road Hightstown
(609) 635-3572
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Beginner Bachata (8 p.m.) Beginner Salsa. $18
Fri. (7 p.m.) Advanced Bachata (8 p.m.) Advanced Salsa. $18
Vault Brewing Company10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Matt Richards / Rust (Back Bar)
Sat. 7 p.m. Aaron Quarterman Band
Mon. 6 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Tom Trovas Trio
Village Idiot Brewing Company42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 7 p.m. Billy Garrett
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-239
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Silvers
Working Dog Winery610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Ronnie Brandt
Sat. 1 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 1 p.m. Chris Giakas
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
Zlock Performing Arts Center275 Swamp Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-846
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Lakecia Benjamin
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.

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.

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.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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