Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...2/13/25

By Danny Coleman
originally published: 02/13/2025

"It's out, I'm just working on an album that I'm producing and playing on in honor of the hundredth anniversary of a fiddle contest that was really seminal in East Tennessee between Fiddlin' John Carson selling a million 78s in 1923 and the Bristol sessions in 1927; I'm that kind of a nerd," laughed a very upbeat John McCutcheon as he readily elaborated on his latest release, "Field of Stars" and much more.

In the words of Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Marc Swersky, "Songs are like children; they will mature when it's their time to do so" and in the case of "Field of Stars," the incredibly prolific McCutcheon let it not only mature but blossom with new growth as well. 

"This is an album that has actually been sitting on the shelf for five years," he explained. "I came back from a tour of Australia on March 16, 2020 and you can roll your memory back to that period of time and realize that despite the fact that I had studio time booked and musicians hired and all of the songs picked out and arrangements sort of in mind; I always do the arrangements in the studio with the musicians assembled, I realized that nobody was going to be going into a studio any time soon. A windowless, totally enclosed space was the last place you wanted to ground yourself into with five of your best friends. So, I said, "OK, I'll put it on the shelf and in a couple of months when this is all over, I'll just do it," well, we all know what happened. I also hit a pretty creative stride right from the beginning and there have been four albums in the last four years and I finally took this one down after doing the album I did with Tom Paxton last year and said, "Maybe it's time to do this one" and I sifted through the songs and culled some things that just didn't seem to fit anymore or didn't feel up to snuff because I sort of have a whole new way of writing now. I picked some stuff that I'd co-written on Zoom, which is another practice that I've been loving since the pandemic and voila, "Field of Stars" is the result."

Wait, for someone who has had great success with his songwriting; did he say, "Whole new way of writing?"

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"I have a different sort of entry into the process of writing that I discovered quite by accident during the pandemic because during the pandemic, especially during the early days; I came back from Australia and had no choice but to quarantine myself. I had been over on the friendliest continent in the world with people who had no idea this was going on with a whole lot of big blokes throwing their arms around my shoulder saying, "Let's take a picture John" and then I rode on a tubular petri dish coming home for 24 hours. So, I was quarantined and relieved of all of the daily activities that I normally would have done; you weren't going to the gym, you weren't going to the grocery store, you weren't going anywhere. I did my usual morning constitutional which is meditation, reading the bunch of poetry that comes in my email box every morning and then I would start writing right away. I discovered, having all of this nothing but right brain activity going on that I was just more open to what was going to happen with a song. Sometimes, I would get just a simple prompt from what I was listening to; I remember one morning, I was sitting out on the porch of this cabin that I have up in the North Georgia mountains where I was quarantining and I heard a truck drive by on the gravel road out front and I wrote down, "Tires crackle in the gravel" and all of a sudden it was off to the races. Out came this song with a story that I'd never thought about telling with characters that seemed to be developed somewhere out there in the ether and I just sort of held on for dear life and that has happened a lot. Part of it is just writing every day; the co-writing I do, I write with six different people every week so I have been going to the songwriting gym and I am really in shape right now (Laughs) and the original album was stuff that was gathered over a number of years and I just felt like they ought to be recorded. Probably half of the resulting album was actually made up of those originally selected songs and the other half is more newly written stuff."

Being a "Nerd" as he said, also has its benefits as history and other passions are often intertwined in his songs but one in particular, "The Hammer" pays tribute to a boyhood idol and love of a sport.

"I wrote that the day that Hank Aaron died," he began reflectively. "Even though I have been associated with the South my entire career, I actually grew up in Wisconsin and his first team was the Milwaukee Braves and they were my team. So, he was just omnipresent in my life and when I moved to the Atlanta area 19 years ago now, he was physically omnipresent. You would see him at games, on the street, he was all of the time doing some philanthropic work and he was a man of generosity and grace after his career in much the same way he was during his career. So, when he died, I just wrote this thing because I was so moved by it, for the first time in my life, not having Hank Aaron in my life. So, that was a pretty easy one to write; it was catharsis really which is as good a reason to write a song as any and it explains why there seems to be so many sports themed and baseball themed songs that end up on my albums."

"MS St. Louis," he continued, "Is the story of a ship out of Hamburg that in 1939 was carrying 900 Jewish refugees escaping Hitler's Germany and it was clear to them at least, what was going on.They came to North America and were turned away from Cuba to Canada and then from the United States and so it went back to Germany but it goes on from there because I often turn to history to sort of chew on contemporary events; we are in the process of turning refugees again as we speak. How do we process history in a way that makes us understand what we've done in the past and how we felt about that? Most Jews know the story of the MS St. Louis but a lot of my audiences, when they hear it for the first time are like, "Oh my God; how could we possibly do that?" I write a last verse that says, "What does our history tell us? Must we live it all again?" "Redneck" is another history based song. One of my great mentors; I had many growing up, was a retired coal miner named Nimrod Workman from West Virginia and he worked 42 years in the southern West Virginia coal fields starting at age 12 as was not uncommon back then. He worked with "Mother" Jones and John L. Lewis to try and unionize the mines in that part of the state and it was open warfare. The Battle of Blair Mountain had some 20,000 participants, armed warfare and the miners, to identify themselves to one another, tied red bandanas around their necks; hence the name, "Redneck." Most people, when they hear redneck these days, think of it as a pejorative and that of course has a long history of people's adversaries taking what they call themselves and turning it into ridicule. So, on the one hundredth anniversary  of The Battle of Blair Mountain, I wrote this to honor that legacy and honor my mentor and present some information that I would hope people may find interesting and illustrative, especially about the use of that name. "Hell & High Water," when I moved south when I was 20 to come down and learn how to play the banjo, I never imagined that 53 years later; I still haven't returned to my Wisconsin home. I spent a lot of time in Eastern Kentucky and it's a song that my buddy Trent Wagler who is the front man for The Steel Wheels and I wrote about the flooding in Eastern Kentucky back in July of 2022. There is a particular song that is about the future and that's the title cut. I wrote it with my friend Carrie Newcomer who is one of the six people I write with every week and it's about walking The Camino de Santiago which is a thousand year old 500 mile pilgrimage from Southwestern France to Northwestern Spain to the city of Compostela where supposedly in the cathedral, the bones of the apostle James are interred and Santigo in Spanish of course is "St. James" and Compostela is "Field of Stars." So,Carrie and I have both talked about The Camino a lot. I'm actually walking it this Spring, it's just something that I've always wanted to do and I decided that I wanted to do it while I still can (Laughs). So, it's about four different people who are walking The Camino for four completely different reasons and it's really one of my favorite songs that I've written. It's difficult to explain but singers know that there are some songs that just feel good in your mouth. I never get tired of singing that song and I love the way it turned out on the album. The greatest compliment you can give someone in the studio is, "He or she surprises herself" and I think everybody surprised themselves on that cut."

"Field of Stars" is his 45th album and most definitely not his last as he is forever working alone and/or with others; something that was made easier with help from friends he's made along the way.

"Yeah; it's ridiculous isn't it?" he couldn't help but chuckle as he looked back in retrospect. "One thing that was really helpful to me was that for about 20 years, I was with Rounder Records and they gave me just total carte blanche. I would come to them and say, "I wanna do a kid's record but I wanna do a really different kind of kid's record." Most record companies would say, "A kid's record? Half the budget" and I would say, "No, no, this one is gonna be the most expensive album I've ever done and I'm gonna hire really cool musicians. I want to make it the best for our kids; why shortchange them?"  "I wanna do a Hammer Dulcimer Christmas album" or "I wanna do an album of political songs written and performed with my buddy Si Kahn" or "I wanna do a Four Seasons cycle" and they never said no. Sometimes I was doing two albums at a time which was a really crazy juggling act but it gave me a really expansive notion of what you can do with the medium. So, in the ensuing years, on Woody Gutherie's one hundredth birthday, I did an album of all Woody Gutherie songs, for Pete Seeger's hundredth birthday, I did an album of all Pete Seeger songs and invited all kinds of people to come in and perform with me. I'm planning an album right now honoring the one hundredth anniversary of the 1925 Mountain City, Tennessee Fiddlers Convention which was a really unusual; it was the connective tissue between the beginning with Fiddlin' John Carson who was the first million seller that let the recording industry know that there was a market for this Hillbilly music and there is talent to fill it in and it goes to '27 when the Bristol Sessions happened which was the big bang of country music when Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family were discovered on the same day. This was the first time that people who made recordings performed together live and it was amazing. So, I've got Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle and Becky Buller and lots of people playing music associated with those people. Now I'm doing another album with Tom Paxton, there is no shortage of ideas. I just wish people bought CDs like they used to so you could actually pay for these things (Laughs) but there is enough interest to make these things feasible. I'm writing like crazy! Besides the stuff I'm writing myself, I get to the end of the week and almost always have between four and six brand new songs. So, it's pretty great; you know? I could've been a football player or a dancer and I'd be retired forever but I'm writing with Tom Paxton, he's not on the road anymore, he's 87 years old but still writing like the master he is, so I'm just lucky that I stumbled onto something creative I can do until I can't pick up a pen anymore." 

With the album released and out in the world, McCutcheon says he has no real plans for any extensive touring due to several factors but stated he will be on the road and keeping busy in various other ways; oh, and finally taking some extended time off.

"I just came back from a tour of Northern California which began the day after the album was released and that was fantastic; biggest crowds I've ever had out there. I've done some local stuff and I'm out in the Northwest at the end of the month. I'm not touring as much as I used to because the pandemic taught me how much I like being home and the model I used when I was 25 doesn't have to work when I'm 72 and I don't want it to; heck, I've got a lot of stuff I have to do, I've got albums to produce and record (Laughs). During the pandemic when people weren't feeling comfortable going in the studio, I did the recording at home and it was sending files around on the internet and it was really stupid and expensive. Now, I'm in the studio; I use a studio in Springfield, Virginia which is a southern suburb of Washington, D.C. and a place I've been recording at since the early 1980s. My co-producer and engineer is a guy named Bob Dawson who has the best ears I've ever worked with which is the best skill that an engineer can have. The first time I ever worked with him and before he placed any microphones, he came out and sat in front of me and said, "Play for me." A microphone is just an electronic ear and he just moved his ear around until he found a place where the sound came out and sounded the best. There are people who are "Gear" people and they use gear to fix everything and then there are other people who say, "Ooh, that doesn't sound right" or "Oh yes, that's good" and that's why I love working with Bob. One of the things that reviews frequently say and friends of mine who are musicians say is, "God, your albums sound good" and they ought to because I'm out there competing with every other genre in the world and I've always thought that I want to make Folk music as accessible and beautiful as possible. When you go to a live concert and I do that more than I'm in the studio, I can tell right away whether the sound person out there is into sound amplification or sound reinforcement and there is a real different attitude to that; I think when the PA is invisible to the audience, that's what you want."

"I take lots of days off, like I said, I'm touring about half as much as I used to which is just fine with me. I'm taking the time off to do The Camino so that's gonna be a real pilgrimage and that's gonna take about 40 days for me to do that and then I'm immediately meeting my family in Estonia and we're going to this amazing community choir festival that happens in Estonia every five years. My son-in-law is Estonian and his parents are going to guide us there and I've become friends with the Estonian ambassador to the U.S. and I think he's going to be there as well. So, it'll be a great opportunity to see this amazing tradition and I love choirs. These are not professional choirs, these are choirs in their communities and there is a total of about 10,000 singers over the course of the weekend and 100,000 people show up every day to listen to these choirs and it's the kind of thing that I think, "Man, you've got to see this" and so I'll be gone for about two months without any performances." 

To keep up with John McCutcheon and his music, please visit https://www.folkmusic.com/

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

 

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This week's event listings

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Abbott Marshlands
157 Westcott Avenue Hamilton
Sat. 10 a.m. Winter Clean-Up in the Marshlands

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Ace Cafe 
15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike Night
Sat. 2 p.m. European Bikes Cruis In
Sun. 2 p.m. MOPAR Day
Wed. 6 p.m. Ford Night / Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly

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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Night Magic
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Rick Winow (7 p.m.) Joe Hutchinson Duo
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Jerry Monk (6 p.m.) Rob Silvers
Mon. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch

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Ancient Order of Hibernians 
2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 
Fri. 12 p.m. "Grand Marshall Luncheon" Honoring Todd Faulkner. $85
Sat. 7 p.m. Valentine's Day w/ Sam McDonough
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Yoga

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Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Fri. 7 p.m. ART OF: Chocolate
Wed. 7 p.m. Jersey Art Meet-Up (JAM) 

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Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 8 p.m. Billy Futrell
Sat. 7 p.m. Tim Schmid
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney

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Bent Iron Brewing
70 Extonville Road Hamilton
Sun. 12 p.m. "Winterfest" feat. (4 p.m.) LakeHouse

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Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Fri. 6 p.m. Valentine's Day w/ "LakeHouse
Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke 
Ages 21+

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Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Sun. 12 p.m. "Blankets & Brews"
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo

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Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 

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Bowman's Tavern 
1600 River Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Tom Littwin Duo
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 Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Tues. 6 p.m. Sam Ryan
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour

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Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Mike Estabrook All Request Show
Fri. 8 p.m. Tyr, AEther Realm, Malfas. $22, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 18+
Sat. 4 p.m. Darkside After Dark "Til Death Do Us Part" Night Market. 
Sun. (11 a.m.) EMO Yoga Flow. $16.75 (1 p.m.) DIY Pyrography Hat Burning. $70 
Wed. 6 p.m. Goblets & Goblins: D&D Night

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Bucks County Playhouse
70 South Main Street New Hope PA
Fri. 7:30 p.m. John Mueller's Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. 

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Bucks On Bridge
25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Poetry Night 
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia

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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. John Bramnick. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m. 

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Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille
1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 580-5469 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul

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Cherry Grove Farm
3200 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville
Fri. 6 p.m. Cider and Cheese Pairing

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Chesterfield Inn
633 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield
(609) 298-1917
Sat. 9 p.m. Blackwells Mill

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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

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Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Fri. (6 p.m.) Valentine's Day w/ Magician & Mentalist Matthew Swanson (8 p.m.) Brian Lattanzi
Sat. 8 p.m. Chris Allen

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Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Lovelight (10 p.m.) Club Night "Galentine" Party w/ DJ Paul Desisto
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (8 p.m.) "Valentine's Dinner Show" feat. The Soul Cruisers / DJ John Rossi (Dinner and VIP packages available)
Sat. 8 p.m. Jamison / DJ David Matrix (Dinner and VIP packages available)
Sun. 6 p.m. "MerZey Beat" Beatles Tribute

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Crafty Crab 
1847 Street Road Bensalem
Fri. 6 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL 

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Cream Ridge Winery
145 Route 539 Cream Ridge 
(609) 259-9797 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. "For the Love of Wine" feat. Ronnie Brandt 

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Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ladies Night Out "Galentine's Edition"
Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat.  $15 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+ 
Sat. (1 p.m.) "Valentine's Weekend" feat. On The Fly (7 p.m.) "Sweetheart" Food & Wine Pairing. $80
Sun. 2 p.m. "Valentine's Weekend" feat. Kat Rivers

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Cryout Cave
601 Doctor Martin Luther King Boulevard Suite #2 Trenton
(862) 234-5353
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Open Mic: A Lovers Tale feat. Behkari

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Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo

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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

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Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Sun. 3 p.m. "Kelly Family Benefit" feat. Wounded Souls / Katherine Hewitt

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Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. The Kels
Fri. 8 p.m. Lovelight. $10 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. "Clockwork Cupid" A Burlesque Cabaret. $15 (advance)
Sun. 12 p.m. Upstairs Open Mic (Must be ages 18 and under to perform)
Wed. 7 p.m.  DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert 
Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 
(215) 639-1220 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. 44 Fridays
Sun. 3 p.m. Groove Dudes
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe

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El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar
1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA 
(267) 685-0725 
Sat. 8 p.m. Keep The Change

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Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night w/ DJ Anthony Mig
Fri. 7 p.m. Quixote Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Tommy Torres
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia

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Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Fri. 6 p.m. Valentine's Dinner feat. "Dueling Pianos"

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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 

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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.)

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781 
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Music Bingo / “Ladies Night” Hosted by Best Choice Productions (9:30 p.m.) Karaoke
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (8:30 p.m.) Surprise Surprise
Sat. 8:30 p.m. WitZend
Mon. 7 p.m. "Sex Toy" BINGO
Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza

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Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dave Maida

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Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616 
Sat. (1 p.m.) Speed Sculpting (3 p.m.) Paint and Sip: Tipsy Tiles

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Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge

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Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays 

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Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m. Thursday Night Open Blues Jam Hosted by The Slidewinder Blues Band & Mikey Jr
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Kick It Out" Heart Tribute (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat (3 p.m.) Strange Brew Crew  (8:30 p.m.) Buzzer Band (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party w/ DJ Iron Mike
Sun. 6 p.m. "Frontiers" Journey Tribute
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo

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Hooters of Princeton 
US Route 1 South/Mercer Mall Lawrenceville 
Fri. 12 p.m. "Shred Your Ex" (Bring a pic of your ex and shred it)

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Robert Ruffis Experience
Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. The Far Out Folks
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. On The Fly

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ John W. 
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco

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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

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Irish Rover Station House 
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412 
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111 
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Bob ) & Kim M
Sat. 4:30 p.m. Radio Fiction
Sun. 1 p.m. Chuck McCrory 

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Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
All shows 21+     

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John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981 
Fri. 9 p.m. Righteous Jolly
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Night (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Kelly's Bar n Banquet Hall
14 Railroad Avenue Fort Dix
(732) 230-6169
Fri. 7 p.m. Heart & Soul
Tues. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Carie Lynne McCay 

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) Ken Dubman (6 p.m.) "Galentine's Day" Build Your Own Bouquet. $50
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Lou Mutter (9 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Ant Cannuli (5:30 p.m.) Bryan Hill (8 p.m.) Electric Stingray (10 p.m.) Stupid Cupid Dance w/ DJ Jimmy G
Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Bob Banka
Mon. 5 p.m. "Princesses" Kid's Night  

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KUMO 27
3376 Route 27 South Brunswick
(732) 419-3452 
Sat. 8 p.m. The Beagles w/ Joy ("Wisest Flower" Release Show)

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Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Song, Wine & Dance" (FREE event)
Fri. 7 p.m. Valentine's Dinner. $65-$89
Sat. 12 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Weekend" feat. (1 p.m.) Roundabout 360 Duo (7 p.m.) Valentine's Dinner. $65-$89
Sun. 12 p.m.  "Wine & Chocolate Weekend" feat. (1 p.m.) Rick Winow 

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Library Company of Burlington
23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night 

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Lillipies Bakery
30 North Harrison Street Princeton 
(609) 423-2100  
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff 

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Locust Hall at Johnson's Farm
2691 Monmouth Road Jobstown 
(609) 723-2630  
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Galentine's" Floral Workshop
Fri. 7 p.m. Valentine's Soiree

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Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Fri. 7 p.m. Omeed Nyman Trio
Sat. 7 p.m. Jazz Faction
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Scott McAllister Trio

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Magikava
87a 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  

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Makefield Highlands Golf Club
1418 Woodside Road Yardley, PA 
(215) 321-7000 
Fri. 6 p.m. Valentine's Day Wine Pairing and tasting Dinner. 

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MarketFair
3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard)
(609) 452-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Laughter, Lux & Links" A Galentine's Event

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McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 9 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

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Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8144
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Gallery Tour: Inclusive History Updates

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Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"
Sun. 3 p.m. "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

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Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project 
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Needle Creek Farm Brewery
91 Titus Mill Road Pennington 
Sat. 12 p.m. "Grand Opening Weekend" feat. (2 p.m.) DC Duo
Sun. 12 p.m. "Grand Opening Weekend" feat. (1 p.m.) Rob Muller

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Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Sat. 12 p.m. Gilmore Girls Galentine's Gala

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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

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New Hope Inn & Suites (Diva Lounge)
6426 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(855) 229-5934
Fri. 8 p.m. Valentine's Night w/ Grape Street
sat. 8:30 p.m. Valentine's Dance Party w/ DJ BooBoo

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New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. 8 p.m. Mary Fahl

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Romantic Comdedies" Trivia 
Sat. (3 p.m.) Magic by Jared (6 p.m.) Aaron Quarterman
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Bill Monach

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke

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Nomad Distilling Company
20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

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Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623
Thur. 9 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Fri. 9 p.m. Ess Gees
Sat. 9:30 p.m. 80s Undercover
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
Tues. 4 p.m. Prime Rib Night feat.  (6:30 p.m.) River Duo
Ages 21+   

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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

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 Old Barracks
100 Barrack Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Concerts by Candlelight

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Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Fri. (3 p.m.) Happy Hour (6:30 p.m.) Gabrielle Jodephson
Sat. 6 p.m. Jon Savage & The Classic Rockers
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia

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Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. LakeHouse
Fri. 9 p.m. The Suyat Duo
Sat. 9 p.m. John Coler Trio
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

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Pasquale's Sports Bar 
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 202-6268 
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"

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Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. "Valentine's Day" w/ A Family Affair

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Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury
(609) 799-4013
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Hand-Dipped Candle Making Workshop
Sun. 10 a.m. Fiber Arts Workshop: Nuno Felt Scarf

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Princeton Country Club
1-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 w/ Daryl Gibson 

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Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Sat. 8 p.m. Jazz Vocal Ensemble w Becca Stevens

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Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night 
Wed. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night"

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River Horse Brewery
2 Graphics Drive Ewing
Fri. 4 p.m. "Charcuterie & Cheers: A Galentine's/Valentine's Day Celebration" $18
Sat. (2 p.m.) "Charcuterie & Cheers: A Galentine's/Valentine's Day Celebration" $18 (3 p.m.) World Hippo Day: Big Hippo Bash

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River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney
Fri. (6 p.m.) Joanna Caruso (7 p.m.) Liz Du Four
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Dave Dales Duo 

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Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Justin Love
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics

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Salon 33 
794 Alexander Road Princeton 
Fri. 7 p.m. F. Cizmecioglu & M. Kaitila
Sat. 7 p.m. Django, Jazz & Bluegrazz
Sun. 7 p.m. Bett Williams
Wed. 7 p.m. Princeton Jazz Jam

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Sandy's Beef & Ale
2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo  
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo

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Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 6 p.m. Vinyl Listening Night

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Silver Lake Nature Center
1306 Bath Road Bristol, PA
(215) 785-1177
Sat. 11 a.m. Teddy Bear Picnic w/ Ms. Sue

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Slice of Brooklyn NJ
1295A Route 33 Hamilton 
(609) 527-9663
 Tues. 6:45 p.m. Open Mic & Storytelling Night (Sign-ups at 6:45 p.m.)

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Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest

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Smachna Kawa 
154 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bordentown City Songwriting Circle

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Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 7 p.m. Black Cat Habitat

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Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
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 

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Starving Artist Cafe
18 Bridge Street Stockton
Fri. 6 p.m. "Valentine's Eve" w/ Ernie White. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Wed. 7 p.m. JB Kline's All Star Revue Hosted by JB Kline feat. Chris Chadwick, Lisa Bouchelle

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Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Sat. (11 a.m.) Galentine's Day Brunch (10 p.m.) '90s Night w/ DJ Montone

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1675 Spirits 
2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Fri. 6 p.m. SoulShine w/ Kelly

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Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Valentine's Day Party w/ "Black Zeppelin"
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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Temperance House
5 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

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Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Sat. 1 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Weekend" feat. Chris P
Sun. 1 p.m.  "Wine & Chocolate Weekend" feat. Sarah Teti

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TGI Fridays 
780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910 
Sun. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Burn 

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TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night  

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The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Fri. 8 p.m. "11th Annual LoveBirds Concert" feat. Justin Nawn & Bronwyn Bird, Dan & Chloe Manchester, Emma Fania & Stephen Rockwell, Lauralee & John Beacher, Joy & Ben Cole, Meg & Jim Lomax, Michael & Lauren Bird, (TBA). $15 (Adults / Kids under age 12 $5)
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra

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The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Fri. 8 p.m. Franco & Crabby
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Sinatra & Friends Valentine's Show w/ Joey C. Doors open at 6 p.m. (8:30 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Project

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia

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The Corner Inn
24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment

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The Cranbury Inn
21 South Main Street Cranbury 
(609) 655-5595
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Valentine's Day w/ The Blue Eyed Balladeer

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The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Sat. 11 a.m. "Red, White & Brew Fest"

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The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Sat. 7 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Sun. 2 p.m. Gerry Timlin

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The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam 
Sat. 9 p.m. Big Whiskey
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel

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The HOB Tavern 
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020 
Sat. 8 p.m. The Successful Failures

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The Ivy Inn
248 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 Moe Green
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown

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The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Drag Show
Sat. 8 p.m. Never Enough
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night  

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The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Thurs. 8 p.m. A Sweet & Spicy Galentine's Day: "Magic Mike" $45.34 (Includes screening, wine and chocolate), doors open at 7 p.m.
Fri. 3 p.m./8 p.m. "Strawberry Fields" Beatles Tribute. $40.10
Sat. 3 p.m./7 p.m. "Puppy Pals" $29-$35

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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. Sharon Lasher and a call from Allie Colleen
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

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The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 8 p.m. "Valentine's Day at The Roost" w/ Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos
Sat. 8 p.m. El Ka Bong
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala 

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The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Sat. 8 p.m. Split Decision. Doors open at 7 p.m.

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The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. OMGB
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) 80s Crush
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Sweet Valentine Cookie Decorating Party w/ Kathy
Fri. 7 p.m. "Valetine's Single's Special"
Sun. (11:30 a.m.) Yoga by Elise (1 p.m.) Rainbow Recess
Wed. (6 p.m.) Books & Beer (7 p.m.) Trivia w/ Lola & Dr. Josh

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" 
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry & John Monk
All Shows 21+

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Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday
Sat. 8 p.m. TMTA Presents: "AfroLOVE"
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Wed. 7 p.m. Astronomy On Tap

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, PA. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, PA. 
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 8 p.m. Kevin Hill & Secret Sound or McMillan & Company
Sat. 8 p.m. Josh Werner
Sun. 1 p.m. Curbie

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Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)
20 Pamer Square east Princeton 
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 5 p.m. Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet
Sat. 5 p.m. Andrew Wagner Trio 

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Under The Moon 
23 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 397-1710
Fri. 7 p.m. Brad Strudel

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Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Thurs. 6 p.m. Liam Sutcliffe Trio
Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Trovas Trio
Sat. 7 p.m. JDuo

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Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 

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Villa Mannino 
73 U.S. Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9000
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Galentine's" Wooden Sign Paint Night & Dinner

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Villa Maria Restaurant
3800 Quakerbridge Road Hamilton
(609) 587-4445
Sat. 6 p.m. Valentine's Dinner and Show w/ The Modern Day Crooner Sam McDonough. $50

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Wildflowers Too
255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night

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Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4 p.m. New Music Auditions (Frank Pinto 6 p.m.)
Fri. 4:30 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Trail" feat. Chris Giakas
Sat. 1 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Trail" feat. Erin McAndrew
Sun. 1 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Trail" feat. Roger Gardella

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WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 a.m./7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"

About the author:

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

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