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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/16/2026

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 07/16/2026

Loss, we've all suffered it. Some of us more than others,some less and still yet there are those of us who've not had loss of any significance to this point. Loss, like anything else, is directly related to perspective. What may seem like a huge loss to one, is insignificant to another. People pass away, bad days do the same, they fade into the night or disappear at the bottom of one's favorite drink until they are swept away by the morning's sunrise and things are new. Some loss stays a bit longer, adding scars to our bodies until they become  topographical maps of memories; reminders of what not to do or what we didn't do or should've done.

Throughout life, we are touched by people who have influenced us beyond the confines of home. Coaches, instructors, mentors, have all been part of our histories, some even taking the place of an absent authority figure, helping to guide us through rough times. Perhaps they saw something in us or saw something in us we did not and realized that we needed a boost, a supportive ally as we floundered through youth or struggled with certain situations. We've all seen the plots in movies and on television where a child struggles due to bullying, home life or the effort of trying to "Fit in" and with the help of someone, usually outside of their inner circle, they go on to overcome the odds and succeed or exceed all expectations. 


Has this ever been present for any of you reading this? This particular writer can honestly say that there were never a lot of the described above scenarios in his life but there was definitely an influential educator. Someone who saw potential, someone who took the time to nurture talents, someone who was tough enough to be tough when warranted and encouraged the next, all while maintaining authority and discipline. 

Ms./Mrs. Keck was her name and she was this writer's fourth grade teacher. A teacher whose reputation rippled through grades two and three like a cinder block thrown into a pond. Ms. Keck taught on the second floor of Homedell Elementary School in Hamilton, NJ and her voice, on rare occasions could be heard "Guiding" a discipline problem from her classroom; needless to say, she took guff from nobody and her classes always knew who was in charge. 

She and this writer shared a birthday; not sure if that's why we always got a long, whether it was our Cancer commonalities or the fact her methods had most of us scared straight before we crossed the threshold of her room but one thing was discovered that September morning on the first day of the fourth grade; there were expectations. 

Expectations of doing what was asked, of paying attention, of using manners, of giving an effort and above all, respecting her and one another, our space, our property and our privacy. Just like is usually the case, Ms. Keck's barking reputation was far worse than her actual bite. Oh, she was tough, didn't back down or tolerate nonsense but she was also willing to let her students forge the rope that would eventually hang themselves. Her job was often complicated by puberty as fourth grade is the year where things start to feel "Different" in children of that age and as she was only in her 30s herself in the very early '70s, tall, thin and attractive, some of the class was let's say, distracted. 

One day, she handed out a homework assignment. This particular assignment was in creative writing. We had the entire weekend to think of and write a story, the only instructions were, "Use your imaginations. The only way you will fail this assignment is if you do not do it." 

That Monday morning, fresh off the weekend, the first thing she asked for was the stories. Several boys panicked as they'd forgotten theirs at home, the girls were all and always were ready and as most of us boys fumbled through our folders, she began the school day. Upon collecting our forays into fourth grade level journalism, she announced that one of the stories would be chosen to be read aloud by its author after lunch period. So, not only were we suddenly all unpublished writers but one of us was also about to become a public speaker as well.

As promised, post lunch saw Ms. Keck with a story in hand as she directed us to our seats with instructions to keep our "Mouths shut, our eyes front and pay attention." She then gave the usual speech about how everyone's stories were great, we did a great job etc., etc. but there was one that stood out, "Danny Coleman, will you please come up and read your story to the class." 

Caught between embarrassment and fear, the front of the room awaited and there was no escape. After reading "Snow In July" (A story about a popcorn factory that exploded, hence, the snow) to the class and receiving several reactionary laughs, the safety of the vacant desk awaited. Upon settling back in, those remaining three hours seemed to drag on forever before I could escape to freedom. Unfortunately, the dismissal bell rang and Ms. Keck "Requested" this writer to stay after school. 

Once everyone left, she approached and said, "That story was exactly what I was looking for. You read it like you speak, the punctuation was near perfect and if you keep it up, you'll be a writer one day and the world needs more people who can tell honest stories." 

From that moment on, a bond was formed and she was the single largest influence in and on any school assignments done from that day until I graduated high school. Her words echoed inside and out and still do to this day, more than five decades later. Ms. Keck went on to teach at another elementary school when they closed the friendly halls of Homedell due to politics and retired when she was able. There were rumors she took her maiden name back and moved to the Myrtle Beach, SC area, a place frequented by this now aged writer but yet she always went unfound or perhaps the search effort was never where it should have been but she was thought of with every written or typed word and that is certain. 

Once again, an unfortunate turn of events, the loss of a childhood friend brought all of us together and it was his younger brother who mentioned that he was in contact with Ms. Keck; hallelujah! The case was made for him to gain permission so that a reunion could occur and within days, an email and phone number were on their way. 

Email was first, a time was arranged to speak, a time that became "Our" time as every Monday at 8 a.m. we would speak for a minimum of an hour, sometimes two. The first conversation went like this (Still showing her feisty side): "Hi Ms. Keck it's Danny Coleman," "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on right there. By my calculations you are 62 years old and no longer a child, you may and will call me Mary Jane. Mary jane Campel and I was thrilled to discover you wanted to speak with me." 

Although nearly 86 years old, she was sharp as a tack, had a memory that needed very little correction and she recalled students, birthdays, issues and yes, "Snow In July." After initial fears subsided, conversations were about current events, differences between now and then, parental interaction while she was still teaching and how she loved living in Little River, SC. The alarm was set for 7:30 a.m. every Monday so we could talk at 8 a.m., only missing a week when she had out of town company. With every conversation she relayed how she welled up with happiness and pride that so many of her former students wanted to reach out to her and talk about the profound effect she had on each; she had no idea she touched so many of us.

One day, the Monday call went unanswered. Later that afternoon an email came from her address stating, "Mary Jane is in the hospital and said to let you know she's fine and the doctors say she'll be home in a few days and she looks forward to talking with you soon." 

Mary Jane never came home, that same friend, Michael Knowles, who arranged our reunion, messaged me to say she had passed away. Mary Jane Campel had no children, just some close friends and some scattered relatives but what she had was the uncanny ability to touch and influence her students, most of which will never forget her. 

Rest in peace Mary Jane and thank you from all of us who were fortunate to receive you. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/little-river-sc/mary-campel-12961151




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

ACME Screening Room 

25 South Union Street Lambertville 

(609) 483-523

Sun. 4 p.m. Beyond The Film: An Afternoon with JB Kline (Film, Q&A, Live Performance)

Al's Airport Inn

636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton

(609) 883-5252 

Thurs. (5 p.m.) Conor Choi (8 p.m.) Trivia w/ 94.5 PST

Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Ed wall (7 p.m.) Barbara Lin Duo

Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Gavin Skinner (6 p.m.) Snap Dragons

Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson

Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura

Wed. 7 p.m. Radio Fiction

Ancient Order of Hibernians 

2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 

Fri. 7 p.m. Music on the Patio feat. The Ess Gees

Sat. 2 p.m. Closest to the Pin Contest. $10 (6 balls)

Wed. 7 p.m. Music BINGO



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Aristaeus Brewing

2475C 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 and Poetic Open Mic

Ashlynn Distillery 

32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 

Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Mike

Fri. 7 p.m. Sara & Tamer

Sat. 7 p.m. Billy Futrell

Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Friends

Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney

Bent Iron Brewing

70 Extonville Road Hamilton

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Sat. 2 p.m. Car Show

Bill's Olde Tavern

2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-0192

Thurs. 7 p.m. Frank Pinto & Richie Z / Music BINGO

Fri. (7 p.m.) Madwire (10 p.m.) DJ Dan Murphy

Sat. (7 p.m.) No Way Out (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G

Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO

Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 

Tues. 9 p.m. / Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke 

Ages 21+

BooterBeer Brewing Company

229 East Colliers Mill Road New Egypt

Sat. 3 p.m. The Doctor Creek Band

Bordentown City

Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  

Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20

Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 

Bordentown Elks

11 Amboy Road Bordentown 

(609) 298-2085 

Sat. 9 a.m. Psychic Fair Expo

Bristol Riverside Theater 

120 Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA

(215) 785-0100 

Wed. 2 p.m./7:30 p.m. Rock Revisited

Broken Goblet Brewing

2500 State Road Bensalem, PA

(267) 812-5653

Thurs. (6 p.m.) BINGO (7 p.m.) Smoking Dopes Tour feat. Rath and the Wise Guys, Pig Pen, Dead Wrong. $10, ages 18+

Fri. 7 p.m. Ladies of the 80s Night Out. $20-$38, ages 21+

Sat. (7 p.m.) The 35 Tour Double Album Show feat. Superunknown. $20, ages 21+ (8:30 p.m.) Brian Bortnick

Sun. 2 p.m. Paint & Sip. $33

Wed. 7:30 p.m. "It's My Party! Kelly's Birthday Trivia

Brother's Pizza 

871 Highway 33 Hamilton 

(609) 586-2727

Sat. 5:30 p.m. Jim Hoffman & Bob Banka

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

Burlington County Fairgrounds and Pavillion

1960 Jacksonville Jobstown Road Columbus

(609) 265-5858

Wed. 2 p.m. Farm Fair

Burlington County Library/Amphitheater

5 Pioneer Boulevard Westampton

(609) 267-9660

Sat. 7 p.m. The Soul Cruisers

B2 Bistro Jimmy's American Grill

140 US Route 130 South bordentown

(609) 291-0200

Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia 

Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)

299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 

(408) 335-4400 

Sun. 10 a.m.  Juror's Talk: Ellarslie Open 43 

Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille

1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 

(267) 580-5469 

Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul

Chesterfield Inn

633 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield

(609) 298-1917

Sat. 8:30 p.m. LakHouse w/ Ron Heller & Joshua Jones

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

Cody's Roadhouse Distillery

5605 Bensalem Boulevard Bensalem, PA

(215) 252-3575

Thurs. 7 p.m. Line Dancing. $10

Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke

Cooper's Riverview                                                                     

50 Riverview Plaza Trenton

(609) 393-7300 

Thurs. (7 p.m.) Cosmic Jerry Band (10 p.m.) Glow Nitelife w/ DJ J-Kosuk

Fri. 8 p.m. El Ka Bong / DJ John Rossi

Sat. 7 p.m. Whiskey and Roses

Sun. (10:30 a.m. ) Bubbly Brunch (4 p.m.) Cigar Sunday w/ DJ 

Wed. 7 p.m. Live Band Jam

Crossing Vineyard and Winery

1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA

(215) 493-6500 

Thurs. 7 p.m. Tarot Card Readings & Wine Tasting. $45

Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. Philly Rock and Soul $25 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+ 

Sat. 2 p.m. Tim Schmid

Sun. 2 p.m. Rodney Wright

Curran’s Irish Inn

1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA

(215) 245-1800

Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 

Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo

Dadz Bar and Grill 

744 Main Street Lumberton

(609)267-4344

Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night

Fri. 7 p.m. Victoria Station Band

Dharma Bums 

4935 River Road New Hope, PA

(215) 663-2867

Fri. 8 p.m. RADO. $11.75

Sat. 8 p.m. The Reckoning Crew. $11.75

Sun. 2 p.m. The David Parmley Band. $22.25

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 

Sun. 6 p.m. Luau Party feat. Richie Angelucci. Ags 21+

Fireside Tavern & Table

215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA

(215) 295-4838

Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night 

Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo

Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 

167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 

(609) 899-7447

Sat. 7 p.m. Rachel & Ty

Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia

Founding Fathers 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 

Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise Night "Mopar"

Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin McGowan and/or Gino Formaroli (Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.)

Gallagher's Taproom

437 Pine Street Mount Holly 

(609) 261-0500   

Fri. 6 p.m. Wounded Souls Feat. Carie McCay

George Page Park

98 Lawrence Street Trenton

Sat. 1 p.m. East Trenton Unity Day

German American Society 

215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton 

(609) 585-5200

Sun. 1 p.m. Karl's Garcia Band (Jerry Garcia Tribute) 

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.) Little Sister

Sat. (12 p.m.) Music BINGO Brunch (8:30 p.m.) SpareParts

Sun. 3 p.m. Kickbax

Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza

Wed. 7 p.m. BINGO & Martinis

Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio

240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 

(215) 504-7277 

Tues. 7 p.m. Music BINGO

Grounds For Sculpture

80 Sculptors way Hamilton

(609) 586-0616 

Sat. (10 a.m.) Photo Walk (7 p.m.) Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience

Wed. 10 a.m. NJ State Council on the Arts Annual Meeting and Reception 

Grover's Mill Coffee House 

Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   

(609) 716-8771  

Sat. 10 a.m. Acoustic Saturday

Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge. $10

Halo Pub

4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square 

(609) 586-1811  

Sat. 6 p.m. Stephanie Chin

Hamilton Veterans Park 

1865 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton  

Sat. 4 p.m. Summer Pack Walk

Havana New Hope

105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.

(215) 862-9897

Thurs. 7 p.m. Bluess Jam Hosted by Mikey Jr.

Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Back and Forth" Foo Fighters Tribute (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 

Sat.(3 p.m.) Strange Brew Crew (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 

Sun. 6 p.m. Best of the Eagles

Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve

Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 

Wed. 7 p.m. Carte Blanche Duo

Hightstown Etra Lake Park 

Etra Road East Windsor

Sun. 6 p.m. Rock Bottom

Hopewell Train Station 

2 Railroad Place Hopewell

Mon. 7:15 p.m. Summer Concert Series feat. Blawenburg Band

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 Vineyards

26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 

(732) 306-9111 

Fri. 5:30 p.m. Radio Fiction

Sat. 4:30 p.m. Skyline

Sun. 1 p.m. Mark Sacco

Ivy Tavern

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 

(609) 888-1435 

Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 

All shows 21+    

John & Peter's

96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 

(215) 862-5981 

Thurs. 8 p.m. Royal Thunder. $15 (advance)

Fri. 9 p.m. Feaster, My Wife's an Angel, Mr. Customer. $10

Sat. 9 p.m. McRad. $10

Sun. (3 p.m.) Miss Pumpkin's Drag Show Benefitting Fisherman's Mark. $10 (8 p.m.) Drive Safe Babel

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Night (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 

Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational

All shows 21+

Kelly's Bar n Banquet Hall

14 Railroad Avenue Fort Dix

(732) 230-6169

Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Louie

Sun. 3:30 p.m. Wounded Souls Feat. Carie McCay

Killarney's Publick House

1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton

(609) 586-1166 

Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Hard to Pet

Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Skyline (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G

Sat. 10 a.m. Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Order 609 Duo (8 p.m.) Talking In Cursive (10 p.m.) DJ Bay

Sun.10 a.m. "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Ken Dubman

Mon. 5:30 p.m. Kid's Night: Sand Art

Tues. 7 p.m. Music BINGO w/ Brother Mike. Ages 21+ to play

Wed. 5:30 p.m. Ant Cannuli

Labyrinth Books Princeton 

122 Nassau Street Princeton

(609) 497-1600 

Thurs. 10 a.m. "Find Waldo" Local in Princeton                                          

Langhorne Summer Concert Series

115 West Richardson Avenue Langhorne, PA

Wed. 7 p.m. 80s Undercover

Laurita Winery 

85 Archertown Road New Egypt 

(609) 752-0200 

Thurs. (5 p.m.) Summer ClamBake. $40 (7 p.m.) "Paint it, Pack it, Love it" Tote Class. $65

Fri. (5 p.m.) Summer ClamBake. $40 (7 p.m.) 2000s Dance Party. $13

Sat. (12 p.m.) Summer ClamBake. $40 / "Luau Festival" $15/$20 (Under age 21 FREE)

Sun. (12 p.m.) Summer ClamBake. $40 / "Luau Festival" $15/$20 (Under age 21 FREE)

Lawrenceville Main Street 

17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville

(609) 219-9300

Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. BK Rivers (Weeden Park FREE admission) 

Library Company of Burlington

23 West Union Street Burlington

(609) 3861273

Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night

Lillipies Bakery

30 North Harrison Street Princeton 

(609) 423-2100  

Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff

Locust Hall at Johnson's Farm

2691 Monmouth Road Jobstown 

(609) 723-2630  

Sun. 4:30 p.m. A Midsummer Night's Dinner: A Farm to Table Experience

Logan Inn 

10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 

(215) 862-2300

Thurs. 6 p.m. Jumper Duo

Sat. 7 p.m. Tom Reyes Trio

Sun. 11:30 a.m. Marius Luigi Nicolae

Wed. 6 p.m. Maribyrd

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  

MarketFair

3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard)

(609) 452-7777

Thurs.-Wed. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. "The Great Summer Dash"

McManimon's Pub

151 Liberty Street Trenton 

(609) 393-9023

Sat. 7 p.m. The Williamsboy

McStews Irish Sports Pub

5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 

(215) 949-9570 

Sat. 9 p.m. Out of Hand

Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

Mercer County Park (Boathouse at Mercer Lake)

334 South Post Road West Windsor 

(866) 683-3586 

Thurs. 6 p.m. Mark Sacco

 

Mercer County Park Festival Grounds 

Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor 

(609) 448-1947 

Sat. 8:30 a.m. Summer Reset: Dance & Self-Care. $30.41

Mountainview Golf Club

890 Bear Tavern Road Ewing

(609) 882-4093

Sat. 8 p.m. Rocket Baby

Music Mountain Theater

1483 Route 179 Lambertville

(609)397-3337

Fri. 8 p.m. "Urinetown"

Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Urinetown"

Sun. 3 p.m. "Urinetown"

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 

909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 

(215) 458-7081

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 

Sat. 1 p.m. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Movie Day

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 Inn & Suites (Cary's Lounge)

6426 Lower York Road New Hopoe, PA

(855) 229-5934

Sat. 7:30 p.m. Stephen DiJoseph

Newtown Brewing Company

103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 

(215) 944-8609 

Thurs. 7 p.m. "Simpsons" Trivia

Fri. 6 p.m. Sister Blue

Sat. 6 p.m. Steve Tourison

Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Bill Monach

Nick's Roast Beef

4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 

(215) 637-515

Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

Nomad Distilling Company

20 South Main Street New Hope, PA

Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

Nottingham Tavern 

9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 

(609) 587-6623

Thur. 9 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 

Sat. 9 p.m. Chet & Ari

Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO

Tues. 4 p.m. Pies on the Patio feat. (6:30 p.m.) Keith Monacchio

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 Barracks

100 Barrack Street Trenton

Sat. 7 p.m. Concerts by Candlelight: Cold Play and Imagine Dragons Tributes (Takes place at Masonic Temple)

Old Hights Brewing 

123 West Ward Street Hightstown 

(609) 469-5976

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Old Time Jam

Fri. 3 p.m. Happy Hour (6:30 p.m.) Scott Ivory

Sat. 6 p.m. The Cudas 

Old Town Pub

135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 

(609) 291-9232

Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia

Ottoburger (Planet Animal Taste)

65 East Broad Street Hopewell

(640) 867-4915

Fri. 6 p.m. Uncle Pete's Yard Sale

Sat. 11 a.m. Broad Stret Union

Palmer Square 

40 Nassau Street Princeton 

Fri. 8 p.m. Movie Nights on the Green; "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Sat. 1 p.m. Rachel & Ty

Patriots Crossing 

1339 River Road Titusville 

(609) 737-2780

Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  

Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri

Wed. 7 p.m. Pub Trivia

Pete's Steak House 

523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton

 (609) 585-8008

Fri. 9 p.m. Unleashed

Plainsboro Preserve

80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury

(609) 799-4013

Sat. 5:30 a.m. Adult Nature Photography Meetup; Sunrise Session

Princeton Country Club (The Apron)

1-Wheeler Way West Windsor

(609) 452-9382 

Thurs. 6 p.m. Tasteful Thursday featr. (TBD)

Fri. 7 p.m. The Successful Failures

Princeton Makes 

301 North Harrison Street Princeton 

Fri. 6 p.m. Summer Concert Series: Balanced Breakfast Band

Sat. 11 a.m. Courtyard Market

Princeton Public Library (Hinds Plaza)

65 Witherspoon Street Princeton  

(609) 924-9529 

Tues. 6 p.m. Matthew Quick in Conversation w/ Amy Jo Burns: "Dad, Love, Me: A Memoir"

Princeton Tours

116 Nassau Street Princeton

Fri. 7 p.m. Frightening Fridays "Legends & Lore" Haunted Princeton 60 Minute Guided Tour. $43.75 

Princeton University (Art Museum)

Nassau Street Princeton

Thurs. 8 p.m. Summer Film Series: "The Muppets Take Manhattan"

Sat. 3:30 p.m. Currator Perrin Lathrop on "Clay Has Memory"

Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)

Nassau Street Princeton

Sat. 7:30 p.m. New Scores: The Cone Composition Insitute Concert

Sun. 4 p.m. Katarina String Quartet

Princeton University (University Chapel)

Nassau Street Princeton

Sun. 4 p.m. Organ Concert w/ Eric Plutz

Puss N Boots Tavern

942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA

Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke

Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

Quakerbridge Mall 

U.S. Route 1 @ Quakerbridge Road

Thurs. (12 p.m.) L.E.A.D. Fest (6 p.m.) 4 Week Thursday Night Mixed Entry Level Pottery Class

Randy Now's Man Cave

119 West Ward Street Hightstown 

(609) 424-3766

Sat. 7 p.m. Songs by Ween

Raza's at Hamilton

557 Route 130 North Hamilton

Sun. 12 p.m. Brunch w/ DJ Manny The Greek

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 

Thurs. 7 p.m. Carmen Tomassetti

Fri. 7 p.m. Mackenzie Johnson

Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan

Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Alex Otey Duo

Wed. 5 p.m. Brad Staudle

Robbinsville Community Concert 

Town Center Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville 

Tues. 7 p.m. The Outcrops

Robin's Nest Restaurant

2 Washington Street Mount Holly 

(609) 261-6149 

Fri. 4 p.m. Wounded Souls feat. Carie McCay 

 

Rose Bank Winery 

258 Durham Road Newtown, PA  

(215) 860-5899

Sat. 2 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" $10

Rossi's Bar & Grill

2110 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

Saint Mark United Methodist Church  

465 Paxson Avenue Hamilton Square 

(609) 587-1286

Sat. 5 p.m. Summertime Open Mic Hosted by Bill Wieszczek

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

Second Sin Brewing Company

1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P

(267) 812-5251

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater 

2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA 

Wed. 7 p.m. Lisa Sherman's Disco Connection. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)

Silver Lake Nature Center

1306 Bath Road Bristol, PA

(215) 785-1177

Sat. 1 p.m. Nature Crochet Class

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

Small World Coffee 

14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 

(609) 924-4377 x2 

Sat. 7 p.m. Rob Lanter

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 

Starving Artist Cafe

18 Bridge Street Stockton

Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Daisy Jane

Fri. 9 a.m. JB Kline's Facebook Live

Sat. 6 p.m. The Successful Failures

Stewart's of Hamilton

578 Route 33 Hamilton 

Tues. 5 p.m. Cruise Night   

Tavern On The Lake 

101 Main Street Hightstown 

(609) 426-9345  

Thurs. 8 p.m. Music BINGO DJ Night

Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 

Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 

Terhune Orchards  

330 Cold Soil Road Princeton

(609) 924-2310 

Fri. 5 p.m. Sips & Sounds feat. Three to Get Ready

Sat./Sun. 10 a.m. "Flower Festival" 

The Beer Garden and Education Center at Snipes Farm

890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 

Sat. 10 a.m. Bucks County Blues Fstival feat. (11 a.m.) Mojo Gypsies

The Birdhouse Center For The Arts

7 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. (6 p.m.) DJ Dave Bara (8:30 p.m.) MAFIA

Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8:30 p.m.) GruvTyme

Tues. 6 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo

The Community Well

2688 Main Street Lawrence

Wed. 7 p.m. Benefit Concert feat. Sam & Barcelona

The Cool Cricket

216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro

(609) 291-9110

Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis

Sat. 9 p.m. In2Deep

The Corner Inn

24509 East Main Street Columbus

(609) 298-8543

Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment

The Five Four Bar & Grill

8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 

(215) 547-5525

Sat. 8:30 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard

Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel

The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau Street Princeton

(609) 921-8555

Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Trey

Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius

Sat. (5 p.m.) CJ Coward (9:30 p.m.) DJ Slick

Sun. 2 p.m. Gameday

Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 

Wed. (6 p.m.) Music BINGO (10 p.m.) Karaoke w/ DJ Trey

The Morrisville Tavern 

376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA

(215) 295-5310

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Mon. 8 p.m. Karaoke

Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo

Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night

The Newtown Theatre

120 North State Street Newtown, PA

(215) 968-3859

Thurs./Fri. 7:30 p.m. Disney's Descendants. $34.10

Sat. 2 p.m./7:30 p.m. Disney's Descendants. $34,10

Sun. 2 p.m. Disney's Descendants. $34.10

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. Calls from Bees Deluxe and Evan Kovach of Mountain Creek Resort

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 Roost

181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge

(609) 208-0050

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo 

Mon. 6 p.m. Music BINGO

Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia

Wed. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk

The Union House 

19 East Union Street Burlington

(609) 531-6077

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Fri. 8 p.m. Little Red Rooster

Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Shelter In Place

Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

Tindall Road Brewing Co.

102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 526-8651 

Thurs. 7 p.m. "Christmas in July" Music BINGO

Sat. 7 p.m. Twisted Duo

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+

Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777

Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday

Sat. 9 p.m. Live Music (TBA)

Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets

Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton Location)

20 Pamer Square east Princeton 

(609) 924-7855

Fri. 6 p.m. Federico Foli Trio

Sat. 6 p.m. Parker Cheek Quartet

Vault Brewing Company

10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 

(267) 573-4291

Fri. 7 p.m. Behn Gillece Trio

Sat. 7 p.m. Peach (Heartcutter) Duo

Mon. 6 p.m. Quizzo

Village Idiot Brewing Company

42 High Street Mount Holly

(609) 975-9270 

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Washington Crossing Historic Park 

1112 River Road Washington Crossing, PA

Sat. 7:30 a.m. Saturday Trails

Washington Crossing Inn 

1295General Washington Memorial Boulevard Washington Crossing, PA

(877) 882-1776

Thurs. 6 p.m. Ladies Night: "Rose all Day (And Night)"

Working Dog Winery

610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown

(609) 371-6000

Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Karen Payne Duo

Fri. 4:30 p.m. Tritones

Sat. 1 p.m. Jersey Surecats

Sun. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella

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:
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

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope

(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.

The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.

Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th

(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell

DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell

(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall

Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan

New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS

Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

Streetlife Serenade - “The Billy Joel Experience”

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

The Wag's Beatles Spectacular

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ

Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon

Sunday, July 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

Blues For Greeny The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


 

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