Buddy Miles crossed so many genre lines; Rock, Funk, Jazz, Soul, R&B and often used his performances as improv sessions. There were many nights when the material morphed in ways from subtle to grandiose. So, when Rouse went to record the new record which was released this past Fall; how did he and his fellow musicians approach things?
"It depends on how it comes," he explained. "Sometimes as musicians, it'll come to you as a full production of it and then other times you get speckles of it and then you bring it to the band and it's like, hey, let's try this or; what do you think? Then we will record it and as a producer, I'm anal retentive about everything being on the grid so that I can go in and cut and splice and shift things, then listen to it again and try to record it again and see what comes out of that until I'm happy with what the final performance is; it's a tedious process but I kind of give myself a default as to when to stop, otherwise I'll never get anything done (Laughs). When I'm working like that, I have to drive with the music and if I can get lost in it while I'm driving, then I know it's done. Nothing is ever gonna be perfect; I didn't play that note exactly right, I didn't like how I played that lick. You've got to remember, when playing live, sometimes it's gonna be spot on one night and off the next night; nobody is perfect because we're human. That's what music is, the beauty and the flaws, some of the greatest lines are mistakes. I will say, talking with some musicians and engineers before we got Autotune, the standard was different. When it came time to record, you had to be spot on because the cost of tape is expensive, it was expensive then and it's expensive now and nobody wanted to have to keep doing the same take over again; take one maybe two takes and then move on because we had to get to the next section. I improvise, I believe in being true to the song but also giving the room to breathe. Looking at shows that Buddy played his own material, it was never the same and talking to people who played with him, they're like, "Yeah, it changed" and that's OK. Being confident in who you are as a musician and in the spirit of what you are doing; that will change. So, it's music, it's supposed to breathe. Yeah, you have to sing certain parts that are key but having room and being confident to make the decision to make those changes; so, yeah."
Those who plan on attending The Lizzie Rose show on January 10, not only have a night of stellar music coming their way but it's being delivered by an all-star band with a couple of additions.
"The band that goes out to do shows right now is myself, Mark Bowers on guitar who plays with The Manhattans and Al Carty on bass who is the bass player you call when you want it right. He goes from Alicia Keys to Rob Thomas, Enrique Iglesias, you name it, it's Al Carty. That's the core of the unit, the shows I've done have been trio gigs but this hit, I'm bringing out two horn friends of mine; V. Jeff Smith from Family Stand and JS Williams who plays with Parliament, Fishbone and Blue Eyed Soul and Jeff Levine on organ who actually played with Buddy. Jeff and I just met at a T.M. Stevens benefit tribute concert a few weeks ago but everybody else was a friend playing in other situations and it was like hey, you feel my project I'll feel yours and that was it. You know how musicians do; we like to play and then take care of everything on the back end (Laughs)."
When one admires an artist, it's not always easy to completely isolate every reason why when asked but Rouse didn't hesitate when asked what Buddy Miles and the music meant to him.
"To me, the music, it means freedom; it's the freedom to be who you are in the music. That's one thing I got, Buddy was always gonna be Buddy. Whether that was a big ball of energy or whether he was locking you into a groove that would make your head nod. He was a force and then again, a foundation at the same time."
Aiming to stay busy, Biscuit already had an eye on 2025 as well as a checklist of things; pay attention out there any booking agents!
"To get more bookings, I'm in the process of looking for a booking agent so if you like what you hear, give us a call," he once again laughed. "I'm looking forward to doing more shows here and overseas and writing more music. I'm already like 60 songs in for the next project; while we were waiting to get this project out, I had to do something so I went into writing more songs."
Having local roots aided in his development but what about "Biscuit?" Where did that come from?
"I knew that was coming," he chuckled, "Originally, I'm from Philadelphia, PA and I used to play at Patti LaBelle's club Chez LaBelle and we were doing a show called, "Blue Funk" run by John Barber and this happened to be at the time of the New York Soul Movement era. Joe Scott had just come out, Musiq Soulchild, Jaguar Wright, Belisle and at the time, I was playing percussion and singing background for Belisle and I just happened to be home. So, everybody from those artist's bands were different configurations of the house band depending on who was free on that Friday night. I was the one who was home and there running the band. There was a soundcheck, then the show goes on and afterward somebody screams out, "What's the name of the band?" Somebody jokingly said, "Three wings and a biscuit" and looking back at the tape after the show, because they recorded everything, I happened to be on stage fixing something and somebody yelled, "Who is Bisquit?" I just happened to stand up at that moment and the name stuck and it has been like a joke that has never ended and I was like, alright, I might as well run with it; it got me noticed and I was like; alright."
Tickets for this event are $30 in advance and $40 on the day of the show and can be purchased at https://www.lizzierosemusic.com/
To discover more about James "Biscuit" Rouse, please visit https://www.jamesbiscuitrouse.com/
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Ace Cafe 15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike Night
Fri. 6 p.m. Miata/Rotary Power Meet
Sat. (11 a.m.) Vintage Moto Meet/Corvette Day (2 p.m.) Hot Rod day Meet-Up (6 p.m.) Jack O'Leary
Sun. 2 p.m. 4 X 4 Meet-Up
Al's Airport Inn636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Thurs. 5 p.m. Bud & Carm
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Kampfire Radio (5 p.m.) John Brennan
Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit Duo
Americana Kitchen & Bar359 US Highway 130 North Hightstown
Thurs. 3 p.m. Mark Sganga
Ancient Order of Hibernians 2419 Kuser Road Hamilton
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Yoga
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
Sat. 5:30 p.m. "Fiesta del Dia de Los Reyes Magos" Flamenco Celebration
Wed. 7 p.m. Jersey Art Meet-Up: JAM
Ashlynn Distillery 32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil Middleton
Fri. 7 p.m. Mr. LC
Sat. 7 p.m. sara & Tamer
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Bordentown CityFarnsworth Avenue Bordentown
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20
Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Fri. (5 p.m.) Happy Hour w/ Aaron Quarterman (8:30 p.m.) First Friday w/ Cara Cartney
Sat. 8 p.m. The Magic of Jared
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
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Tommy Gooch. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Tommy Gooch. 7:30 p.m. $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
Club Atlantis1858 Street Road Bensalem, PA
(215) 944-1777
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Robbie Tronco
All Events Ages 21+ and Dress to Impress
Continental Tavern2 North Main Street Yardley, PA
(215) 493-9191
Fri. 8 p.m. Diane & PK
Sat. 8 p.m. Bob & Jen
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cosmic Jerry Band
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) No Way Out
Crossing Vineyard and Winery1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
Sat. 2 p.m. On The Fly
Sun. 2 p.m. Bunny Barnes
Curran’s Irish Inn1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Dacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. (5 p.m.) Happy Hour w/ Steve Dee (7 p.m.) The After Party w/ Dave Stewart
Dharma Bums 4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Kracht
Fri. 8 p.m. Pajammies w/ Sloth. $10 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Turtle Logic. $10 (advance)
Sun. (1 p.m.) Acoustic Jam Circle. ($10 suggested donation) (6 p.m.) "Songwriters Round" feat. Joe Alton Miller, Emily Grove, Hope Dunbar, Cranston Dean. $20 (advance)
Wed. 7 p.m. DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Paint & Sip
Wed. 7 p.m. Music BINGO
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night w/ DJ Mig
Fri. 7 p.m. My Other Band. (MOB)
Sat. 7 p.m. Quixote Duo
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Forsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700
Fri. (5 p.m.) Book Club (6 p.m.) "First Friday"
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.)
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" (8:30 p.m.) House Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Casey Welborn (8 p.m.) All Lit Up
Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA
(215) 504-7277
Sat. 8 p.m. Y'all or Nothin'
Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge
Halo Pub4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Karen Payne Duo
Hamilatte Cafe1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays
Hamilton Veterans Park 1865 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton
Sun. 10 a.m. National Bird Day Hike (Meet at Tennis Courts)
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. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. (3 p.m.) Full Grown Men (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6:30 p.m.) Slidewinder Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Holy Grounds Coffee House (Cranbury United Methodist Church)
21 Norh Main Street Cranbury
(609) 395-1737
Fri. 7 p.m. Melanie Waldman "Stories & Songs Tour"
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Deb & Mike
Sat. (10 a.m.) WWFM Fransisco (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Catmoondaddy
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Blue Jersey Band
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. 9 p.m. Cinematic Universe
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Mikey Jr.
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco
Il Portico Restorante Italiano 273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jazz Night
Fri. / Sat. 7 p.m. Live Music w/ Tony O
Irish Rover Station House 1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA
(215) 970-5412
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 4:30 p.m. Melissa Wegfahrt
Sun. 1 p.m. Jerry Steele
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
Sat. 9 p.m. Metal6000
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Lou Mutter
Fri. 5:30 p.m.Ty Mares
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Lofash (10 p.m.) DJ Mike Perez
Sun. 10 a.m. "Sunday Funday" Brunch
Mon. 6 p.m. Kid's Night Slime Time
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. 7 p.m. Oldies Night feat. Strictly '60s. $15
Library Company of Burlington23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
Lillipies Bakery30 North Harrison Street Princeton
(609) 423-2100
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff
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. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Sat. 9 p.m. "Big Balls 79" AC/DC Tribute
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Books & Beer
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
Sun. 1 p.m. Just Jeff
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. Jimmmmm Acoustic
Sat. 6 p.m. Terry & Jordan
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
NJWeedman's Dispensary322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
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. (7 p.m.) Rock On Radio Happy Hour Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. music by Jerry Monk (9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Talking In Cursive
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
Ages 21+
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Old Hights Brewing 123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Karaok w/ Rory
Sun. 2 p.m. Bluegrass Jam
Mon. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Old Town Pub135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Pasquale's Sports Bar 9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
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. Brooks Brothers Blues Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Gypsy Ramblers
Picture Perfect Affairs76 High Street Mount Holly
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday Lyrics To Go Open Mic and Showcase
Princeton Battlefield500 Mercer Street
Sun. 9:45 a.m. Battle of Princeton Re-enactment
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 Public Library (Hinds Plaza)
65 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-9529
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Matt Katz in Conversation with Charles Stile
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Sound Journey w/ Ruth Cunningham (Takes place at University Chapel)
Puss N Boots Tavern942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 144 US Route 130 Bordentown
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night
River House at Odette’s 274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Fri. 7 p.m. Karl Dietel
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Duo
Rossi's Bar & Grill2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics
Sandy's Beef & Ale2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
School of Rock Princeton1761 Princeton Avenue Hamilton
(609) 890-7090
Fri. 6 p.m. Open Mic
Second Sin Brewing Company1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. (2 p.m.) Rudy's First Beer Release" (7 p.m.) Trivia
Sat. 7 p.m. Aaron Quarterman
Slim's Irish Pub 2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 8 p.m. Jeds Gold
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 7 p.m. McMillan & Co.
Soupcon Salon25 Route 179 Lambertville
Sun. 3 p.m. Songwriters Showcase #26 feat. Dark Hollow Road, Mindy Murrey, Brian St. John, Izzi Miz, Jason Ager, Kelly Bolding, Righteous Jolly. $10
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Cara Cartney
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton
Tues. 7 p.m. Johnny Betz
Starving Artist Cafe18 Bridge Street Stockton
Sun. 1 p.m. Michael Patrick & The Big River Band Johnny Cash Tribute. $10
Steam Pub 606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Cade
Sat. 10:30 p.m. DJ Tito
1675 Spirits 2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Fri. 6 p.m. Keep The Change
Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
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. Greg McGarvey
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Allan Wilcockson
TGI Fridays 780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910
Sun. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Burn
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
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra
The Buck Hotel 1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Fri. 8:30 p.m. DJ Vinny
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8:30 p.m.) Gilligan
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Buckshot
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Paint Night: Winter Blossom Lookout. $45
The Corner Inn24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Sat. 7 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Sun. 2 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Trivia
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. Asylum Choir
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Johnny Bones
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Iron Mike
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
The Morrisville Tavern 376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. WitZend
Sat. 8 p.m. Promised land
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. A Tribute to the Man In Black: Johnny Cash w/ "Ring of Fire" $40.10
Sat. 3 p.m./8 p.m. An Intimate Night of Billy Joel w/ Wade Preston. $40.10
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Cult Vault: "Spaceballs" $17.04
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. Music and Interviews w/ Various Artists
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. The Fry Boys
Fri. 8 p.m. ArHouse
Sat. 8 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Tavern at Penns Park 2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 8 p.m. Shameless
The Union Firehouse18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 8 p.m. Lovelight. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The Union House 19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. The Jug Band
Sat./Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
The William Trent House15 Market Street Trenton
Sat. 4 p.m. Children & Family Day: Heritage Tree
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All Shows 21+
Trenton Free Public Library120 Academy Street Trenton
(609) 392-7188
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday"
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
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, PA. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, PA
(215) 862-8300
Sat. 8 p.m. Waiting On Mongo
Union Coffee49 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4637
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday" Tarot Meet-Up w/ Kristina Gorman
Vault Brewing Company10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Fri. 7 p.m. Matt Richards Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Behn Gillece Duo
Village Idiot Brewing Company42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Logan Torwich
Wildflowers Too255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night
Woodlin Lodge 3019 Park Street Bordentown
(609) 298-9849
Fri. 8 p.m. Friday Nights on Park Street
Working Dog Winery610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Gary Cavico
Sat. 1 p.m. Kevin McGowan
Sun. 1 p.m. Nick Moccia
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 a.m./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

Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.

Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.

Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.

The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.

"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.

Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
