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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/10/2026

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 09/10/2026

"I'm very good, how are you doing?" Laughed John Ondrasik also known as Five for Fighting as his Five for Fighting String Quartet Tour readies to come to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania with multiple shows beginning September 20 in Newton, NJ at the Newton Theatre.
 
Ondrasik has received accolades, performed on most of the world's largest stages, been named one of the top artists of Adult Contemporary music and the list goes on and on; including performing at the 2001 Concert for New York where he performed his enduring hit, "Superman (It's Not Easy)" as a tribute to the heroes and families affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks. 
An entrepreneur, philanthropist and humanitarian, his six studio albums over more than two decades have spawned hits, inspired and entertained the masses as well as landed him/his music in more than 350 films, TV shows and commercials.
Recently, he discussed his career, the tour (Which also stops in Red Bank, Sellersville, PA and New York City), the Five for Fighting name and more. 
"I'm a California boy, born and raised in Los Angeles," he quickly began. "My mom was a piano teacher, my dad was an astrophysicist who actually worked for NASA in the early '70s and I've always had a passion for music. My mom started me on piano very young, I was two or three years old which kind of gave me the fundamentals and at 13 or so she was very wise, she let me quit because I wanted to chase girls, ride my skateboard and play basketball but I had a passion for songwriting. So, I started writing songs, she had given me the basics and I've been doing so ever since. I'm one of those 15 year overnight success stories. I worked really hard, got a lot of rejection and then the stars aligned and in the mid '90s I got my first record deal and that went away, I got another one and put out a record called, "America Town" that had a song called, "Easy Tonight" on it that was kind of a minor triple A hit which allowed us to go with one more song for a last fling and that song was "Superman." "Superman," as you may know, became one of the songs to recognize the heroes of 911. So, I've been able to live my childhood passion. Here I am, 61 years old and still doing it, I'm very blessed and very excited to bring my incredible string quartet to Jersey like we do every year. They are all Broadway players, some of the best musicians in the world and really allows for a different kind of dynamic for a Five For Fighting show. I tour with a rock band during the summer and with the quartet in the spring and the fall and this is a much more intimate storytelling show and we always have a wonderful time in your neck of the woods and we can't wait to come back."
 
Listening to him explain his beginnings and a return to the East Coast, one can not help but hear the sincerity and excitement in his voice. The ensemble he has assembled for this run of shows is a top-notch unit featuring Katie Kresek and Melissa Tong on violin, along with Chris Cardona on viola and Peter Sachon on cello and after the September 20 Newton show, they bounce around a bit before returning to New York City for a City Winery show on October 11 followed by an October 13 appearance at Red Bank's Count Basie Center for the Arts (The Vogel).
"We love that Count Basie show," he laughed, "We've played there two or three times and the thing we love about New Jersey and Pennsylvania, people aren't shy about expressing themselves (Laughs) and we tend to have a lot of fun in those venues; so yeah, we have those circled for sure." 
Five for Fighting? Interesting moniker for someone who is one of the best known Adult Contemporary artists, no? 
 
"The story goes; in the late '90s, my record company came to me and they said, "Ya' know John, it's not 1977, Billy and Elton aren't on the radio and we want you to come up with a band name because the male singer songwriter is dead" and I had just attended an L.A. Kings hockey game; I'm a big L.A. Kings fan and have been my whole life and back in the day, Wayne Gretzky had a bodyguard on the ice named Marty McSorley and he got in a couple of fights. In the NHL, if you get in a fight you get five for fighting so when the record company said to me, "Hey, you need a band name" I sarcastically spit out, "How about Five For Fighting?" I was expecting them to hate it and they were like, "We love it!" I was like, "You're crazy! It sounds like we should be opening for Metallica and I'm not a heavy metal band." The band name has had some silver linings, a few of the highlights of my career were playing All Star Games, Monday Night Football, the Daytona 500, Dodger Stadium for the Kings outdoor game; Five For Fighting plays those but John Ondrasik may not. So, there have been some silver linings; if I'm in town in your neck of the woods, the Devils are always kind enough to give me tickets and so that's another freebie from the whole Five For Fighting experience."
 
October 16 finds them in York, PA followed by the Sellersville Theater show on October 17 with shows before and after those stops; as a matter of fact, they have very few off days during the first six weeks or so of this tour.
"These days, we really kind of grind; not as many days off. Part of it is economical and just the routing too makes sense; I book these things and end up, what was I thinking? (Laughs) We just did a summer tour with Edwin McCain and I think we did 21 shows with only three days off in between and I was like, what are we thinking? As long as we take care of ourselves and I do, we can handle it but yeah, a lot of shows this year. I'm doing more shows now annually than the last 15 years but it's fun. People enjoy it and I'm very blessed, I'm very grateful that 30 years after we started, people still buy tickets and I don't take that for granted." 
 
"Adult Contemporary, Yacht Rock, Adult Rock," call it what one may and as for Ondrasik, having his music fall into those categories is just fine with him.
"It's funny, I grew up as a rocker; Queen, Zeppelin, The Who, AC/DC and at the time, it was really like the songwriter bands; the Goo Goo Dolls, Five For Fighting, Train so it was kind of the adult rock, it wasn't pop. So, the rockers, unless you were doing heavy metal, then you were on rock radio, you were on; they called it HOT AC. So, the Fleetwood Mac type bands were on that format but if you're talking about the soft rock channels, I was actually top five in those for the decade (Laughs). If you see the soft rock documentary, I'm all over that and I love it because some of my favorite songwriters are part of that; Steely Dan, go down the list. Great bands with great songs; Doobie Brothers, I love the Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, a lot of my influences. So, yeah, I'm happy to take the soft rock label, I'll wear it on my tee shirt, I listen to The Bridge on Sirius all of the time, I listen to yacht rock all the time, it's fun!"
 
Again, his enthusiasm for the music and genre are evident and when asked why he thinks so much of that music and those songs have "Stood the test of time," he did not hesitate to respond. 
"I think about that a lot," he said without hesitation. "I think that certainly, in the '70s you had so many incredible talented songwriters in all aspects of music. You had the rock bands, the singer songwriters, you had the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Townsend, Queen and then you had Stevie Wonder in R&B; in every aspect of music the songwriting was so elite, the competition was strong. So, to survive and get on the radio you had to be elite and I think that's one reason why that music in the '70s still resonates today, probably more than any decade. I also think that music was so much more a part of the culture in those days. These days, there are so many other things to do particularly for kids who consume music on their internet, on their TikTok, on their computer; I don't think the investment in being a fan of music is as strong; there are a lot of distractions and for whatever reason, I think you're right. I think there are very few songs today that we'll hear 20, 30, 40 years from now and there are a lot of reasons for that and of course, I'm an old curmudgeon and it's easy for me to say, it was good in my day and for me, again, I'm very grateful. I don't take it for granted that I have a couple of songs; "Superman" will be 25 years old this year, "100 Years" will be 20 and you still hear them all the time, they're still part of the culture. I think that probably the reason that is happening is because I grew up on those '70s songwriters. I grew up on songs that have a message, have a lyric, have a meaning, have a sentiment and as I said, I don't have 30 songs people know like Billy or Elton but I have a couple and as a kid who dreamed of doing this, being able to do a show in my early 60s and have people come over and over again is truly a blessing."
 
Should one attend a Five for Fighting show, John is sure it will have an effect in some manner and he's betting it's in a good way.
"You'll hear a couple of songs you know and maybe a few others but you'll also hear the stories behind the songs; particularly this show with the quartet, you'll see some of the best musicians in the world. They are all Broadway players; Katie my lead violinist, won a Tony Award for "Moulin Rouge!" So, you'll see wonderful musicians and hopefully you'll have a laugh, you'll have a tear and you'll hear about my experiences. We always do a song to recognize our troops which has been a passion of my career to recognize military families and there are always some surprises. We always pull out a cover or two that kind of inspired me when I was younger. Sometimes we have special guests but most of the time, folks leave walking a little lighter than they walked in and I always like to say that it's a show you can bring your kids to, bring the family to; we do have a lot of respect for that. I love seeing the kids come. I saw Billy Joel when I was 15 and it changed my life. So, when I see the 11, 12, 13 year olds come with their parents, we love that as well and like I said, I think there is something for everybody." 
 
To find out more about Five for Fighting, the current shows or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.fiveforfighting.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

Allentown Presbyterian Church

20 High Street Allentown

(609) 259-7289

Sat. 9 a.m. Farmers Market

Al's Airport Inn

636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton

(609) 883-5252 

Thurs. 5 p.m. Michael Duva

Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Rick Winow (7 p.m.) Ed & Tina Wall

Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Tamer Tewfik (6 p.m.) Gavin Skinner

Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson

Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura

Wed. 7 p.m. Skyline

Ancient Order of Hibernians 

2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 

Fri. 8 p.m. The Williamsboy

Sun. (8 a.m.) Flea Market (4 p.m.) Flower Power '70s Show

Wed. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing w/ DJ Jeremy

Aristaeus Brewing

2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 

(215) 757-2337

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 

Arm & Hammer Park

1 Thunder Road Trenton 

(609) 394-3300

Sat. 11 a.m. "Riverfest" feat. School of Rock Princeton




 

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Arts Council of Princeton 

102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 

(609) 924-8777 

Thurs. 5 p.m. Gallery Opening: Charles Evans Scholars Exhibition

Sun. 4 p.m. ART OF: Ceviche: Flavors of Peru

Wed. 7 p.m. JAM: Jersey Art Metup

Ashlynn Distillery 

32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 

Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Mike

Fri. 7 p.m. Jess & Andrew

Sat. 7 p.m. Billy Futrell

Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Friends

Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney

Bellemont Farm

22 Valley Road Lambertville

Sat. 10 a.m. "Sunflower Festival"

Bent Iron Brewing

70 Extonville Road Hamilton

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Fri. 5:30 p.m. Ty Mares

Sat. 2 p.m. Hop Harvest Event with Pete the Farmer and Dave the Brewer (Tickets required)

Bill's Olde Tavern

2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-0192

Thurs. 7 p.m. Acoustic Spiral / Music BINGO

Fri. 7 p.m. Old School

Sat. 7 p.m. Polish Nannies

Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO

Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 

Tues. 9 p.m. / Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke 

Ages 21+

Bordentown City

Farnsworth 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

Thurs. 6 p.m. Larry Tamanini's Jazz Invitational

Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan 

Sat. 6:30 p.m. Keith Franklin Trio

Sun. (12 p.m.) Jazz Brunch w/ Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo

Tues. 6 p.m. Jenna Alvino

Wed. 6 p.m. Sam Ryan



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Bristol Lions Waterfront Park

100 Basin Park Bristol, PA 

Fri. 5 p.m. Bristol Lions Italian Festival

Sat. 12 p.m. Bristol Lions Italian Festival

Bristol Riverside Theater 

120 Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA

(215) 785-0100 

Wed. 2 p.m./7:30 p.m. "A Band Called Honalee" Folk/Peter, Paul & Mary Tribute 

Broken Goblet Brewing

2500 State Road Bensalem, PA

(267) 812-5653

Thurs. 8 p.m. "The Underground Echoes Music Series" feat. Dead Wrong, Afloat. (FREE event)

Fri. 8 p.m. The Amorphous Blob Orchestra, Light Beams, Jelly Knives. $15, doors open at 7 p.m., all ages

Sat. 8 p.m. Don McCloskey & The Band. $28.09. doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+

Sun. 2 p.m. for lack of a term, Holodeck, Sewn away, Altarboy, Paths2Glory. $10

Tues. 6:30 p.m. Vader, Jungle Rot, Fleshcrawl, Trash Panda. $28.19, doors open at 6 p.m., ages 21+

Wed. 6 p.m. Drink20 back to School: "Daggerheart"

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 City

219 Wood Street Burlington City

Sat. 9 a.m. The 55th Annual Wood Street Fair

Burlington County Fairgrounds and Pavillion

1960 Jacksonville Jobstown Road Columbus

(609) 265-5858

Sat. 12 p.m. 12th Annual "Gone to the Dogs" Craft Fair and Family Festival

B2 Bistro Jimmy's American Grill

140 US Route 130 South bordentown

(609) 291-0200

Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia  

Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille

1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 

(267) 580-5469 

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

City Streets

510 Highway 130 South East Windsor

(609) 426-9400

Sat. 9 p.m. Ant Cannuli & Friend (TBD)

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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Cody's Roadhouse Distillery

5605 Bensalem Boulevard Bensalem, PA

(215) 252-3575

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

Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke 

Continental Tavern

2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  

(215) 493-9191

Fri. 8 p.m. Justin Narial

Sat. 8 p.m. Todd Gaskes

Cooper's Riverview                                                                     

50 Riverview Plaza Trenton

(609) 393-7300 

Thurs. (7 p.m.) Lovelight (10 p.m.) Glow Nightlife w/ DJ Kosuk

Fri. 7 p.m. "Pure Petty" Tom Petty Tribute / DJ Frank Oliveti

Sat. 8 p.m. "Freestyle Forever" Tribute Band

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

Wed. 7 p.m. Live Band Open Jam

Crossing Vineyard and Winery

1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA

(215) 493-6500 

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

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

Sat. 2:30 p.m. Sweetspot

Sun. 2:30 p.m. Bill Thomas

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

Dharma Bums 

4935 River Road New Hope, PA

(215) 663-2867

Thurs. (6:30 p.m.) Craft & A Cocktail: Ceramic Pumpkin Mugs Workshop. $92 (7 p.m.) Bryan Yurcan

Fri. 7:30 p.m. The Swiss Guard, Loose Panic, Brandyn Andyny, Creek Radio. $11.75

Sat. (12 p.m.) Craft & A Cocktail: Ceramic hanging Skeleton. $119.25 (8 p.m.) Steal Your Face. $11.75

Sun. 3 p.m. Psychedelic Community of New Hope Meetup

Wed. 7 p.m.  DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert

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

Fri. 6 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 "Fords"

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

Mon. 6 p.m. Music BINGO 

German American Society 

215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton 

(609) 585-5200

Sun. 12 p.m. Schnitzel Supper

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.) The Naturals

Sat. (12 p.m.) Music BINGO Brunch (8:30 p.m.) "Half-Way to St. Patty's Day" w/ Never Enough

Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza

Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio

240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 

(215) 504-7277 

Tues. 7 p.m. Music BINGO

Grover's Mill Coffee House 

Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   

(609) 716-8771  

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

Hamilton Veterans Park 

1865 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton  

Fri. 10 a.m. "9-11 Commemoration Ceremony (Takes place in Memorial Grove)

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.) "Slippery When Wet" Bon Jovi Tribute (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 

Sat. (3 p.m.) Full Grown Men (8:30 p.m.) Jem & the Vibe (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 

Sun. 2 p.m. Dibbs & the Detonators

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

Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 

Wed. 7 p.m. Tim & John

Hopewell Valley Vineyards

46 Yard Avenue Pennington 

(609) 737-4465 

Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Jersey Surecats

Sat. (1 p.m.) Skyline (5:30 p.m.) Wayward Souls 

Sun. 2:30 p.m. On The Fly

Il Portico Ristorante 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

Iron Plow Vineyards

26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 

(732) 306-9111 

Fri. 5:30 p.m. Radio Fiction

Sat. 4:30 p.m. Rich Cassenti

Sun. 1 p.m. Ryan Shubert

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 

Fri. 9 p.m. Milen, Former North, RW Hellborn

Sat. 9 p.m. St. James and The Apostles, Feaster, The Jasons. $10

Sun. 3 p.m. Irish Sessions

Mon. 8 p.m. Gammacide. $15

Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational

All shows 21+

Killarney's Publick House

1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton

(609) 586-1166 

Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Michael Cappetto

Fri. (7 p.m.) Balanced Breakfast Band (10 p.m.) DJ CFAVZ

Sat. 10 a.m. Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Joanna Caruso (6 p.m.) Exit 7 (10 p.m.) DJ Bay

Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch w/ Mark Sacco (4 p.m.) Grateful Dead Jam Session

Tues. (6 p.m.) JJ Paint & Sip (7 p.m.) Music BINGO w/ DJ Brother Mike

Wed. 6 p.m. Radio Fiction / Country Line Dancing w/ DJ Dan Murphy / Musicians Showcase Hosted by Ant Cannuli

Laurita Winery 

85 Archertown Road New Egypt 

(609) 752-0200 

Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing. $13 (advance), ages 21+

Sat. 12 p.m. "Grape Stomping Festival" feat. (6 p.m.) Strictly '60s

Sun. 12 p.m. "Grape Stomping Festival" 

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

Logan Inn 

10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 

(215) 862-2300

Thurs. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo

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  

McStews Irish Sports Pub

5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 

(215) 949-9570 

Sat. 9 p.m. Bender

Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

Mercer County Park (Boathouse at Mercer Lake)

334 South Post Road West Windsor 

(866) 683-3586 

Thurs. 5 p.m. Talking In Cursive

Music Mountain Theater

1483 Route 179 Lambertville

(609)397-3337

Fri. 8 p.m. "The Cher Show"

Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "The Cher Show"

Sun. 3 p.m. "The Cher Show" 

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 

909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 

(215) 458-7081

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 

Fri. 12 p.m. Eagles Pep Rally and Beer Release

Sat. 7 p.m. Tell All Your Friends

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

Nick's Roast Beef

4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 

(215) 637-515

Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

Nottingham Tavern 

9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 

(609) 587-6623

Thur. 9 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 

Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong

Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO

Tues. 4 p.m. Pies on the Patio feat. (6:30 p.m.) Paul Marzano

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

Old Hights Brewing 

123 West Ward Street Hightstown 

(609) 469-5976

Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night

Fri. 3 p.m. Happy Hour

Sat. 1 p.m. Jersey Metal Beer Release Party feat. (2 p.m.) Metaloscopy (6 p.m.) Modern Rewind

Sun. (2 p.m.) Bluegrass Jam (4 p.m.) The Broken Radios

Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia 

Old Town Pub

135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 

(609) 291-9232

Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia

Ottoburger (Hopewell Fare)

65 East Broad Street Hopewell

(640) 867-4915

Sat. (12 p.m.) The Tin Box feat. Tucker Sferro (6 p.m.) The Danjonian Project

Palmer Square 

40 Nassau Street Princeton 

Thurs. 6 p.m. Dueling Pianos

Patriots Crossing 

1339 River Road Titusville 

(609) 737-2780

Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  

Wed. 7 p.m. Pub Trivia

Pete's Steak House 

523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton

 (609) 585-8008

Fri. 9 p.m. Unleashed

Princeton Makes / Princeton Shopping Center

301 North Harrison Street Princeton 

Sun. 11 a.m. Courtyard Market

Princeton Public Library (Hinds Plaza)

65 Witherspoon Street Princeton  

(609) 924-9529 

Sun. 3 p.m. "Listen Local" feat. The Successful Failures

Puss N Boots Tavern

942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA

Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke

Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

Randy Now's Man Cave

119 West Ward Street Hightstown 

(609) 424-3766

Fri. 7 p.m. APB

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. Cara Cartney

Fri. 7 p.m. Laura Hull Duo

Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan

Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Dave Dales Duo

Wed. 5 p.m. Brad Staudle

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

Fri. 7 p.m. 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

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. Rebecca Berlin

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. 5:30 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Daisy Jane

Fri. 9 a.m. JB Kline Facebook Live

Sat. 6 p.m. Mick Chorba

Sun. 3 p.m. Paul Plumeri and Vini Ross

Stewart's of Hamilton

578 Route 33 Hamilton

Tues. 5:30 p.m. Cruise Night

Tavern On The Lake 

101 Main Street Hightstown 

(609) 426-9345  

Thurs. 6 p.m. Country DJ Night

Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 

Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

Terhune Orchards  

330 Cold Soil Road Princeton

(609) 924-2310 

Thurs. 5 p.m. Trivia

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 Bog (Cranbury Golf Club)

49 Southfield Road West Windsor

(609) 799-0341 

Sat. 7 p.m. T-Bone Jam

The Buck Hotel 

1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 

(215) 396-2002 

Fri. 8 p.m. Meshed Up

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

Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo

The Corner Inn

24509 East Main Street Columbus

(609) 298-8543

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

The Deck Restaurant and Bar at Bucks County Playhouse

70 South Main Steet New Hope PA

Sat. 4 p.m. Monk & Monk

The Five Four Bar & Grill

8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 

(215) 547-5525

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

The HOB Tavern 

146 Second Street Bordentown

(609) 291-7020 

Fri. 8 p.m. The Successful Failures

The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau Street Princeton

(609) 921-8555

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

Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Bockman

Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Iron Mike

Sun. 2 p.m. Gameday

Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 

Wed. (6 p.m.) Music BINGO (9:30 p.m.) p.m. DJ Marcmyskillz

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

Fri. 7 p.m. Comedian Ed Bassmaster. $38.97-$59.59 (VIP available)

Sat. 8 p.m. A Night of Dueling Pianos. $30-$34.99, doors open at 7 p.m.

Wed. 7 p.m. Movie Club: "Breaking Away" $12, $14 (FREE members or donation)

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. Janine Graham w/ a Call from Lily Vakili

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 

Fri. 9 p.m. Blackbird Road

Sat. 9 p.m. Bad Hombres

Mon. 6 p.m. Music BINGO

Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia

Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala

The Union Firehouse

18 Washington Street Mount Holly

(609) 288-6491

Fri. 7 p.m. "Rocks This Way" Aerosmith Tribute

Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Carie McCay and Billy Garrett

The Union House 

19 East Union Street Burlington

(609) 531-6077

Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

Fri. 8 p.m. Modern Mojo

Sat. 10 a.m. Brunch 

Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

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. Liam Sutcliffe Trio

Sat. 6 p.m. George Vanderbilt Duo

Vault Brewing Company

10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 

(267) 573-4291

Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Trovas Trio

Sat. 7 p.m. Suzette Ortiz Trio

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

Working Dog Winery

610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown

(609) 371-6000

Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Gary Cavico

Fri. 4:30 p.m. Karl Dentino

Sat. 1 p.m. Patty Blee

Sun. 1 p.m. Chris Giakas

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"





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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Dion

Dion

 Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ

Dion and his music have long represented a special time and place, reflective of a moment when a song could mean so much. When a singer could sum up what it means to be young, in love and on top of the world. Dion is more than a cherished memory as critic Dave Marsh noted, “Dion is the only artist from the 1950’s who has remained creative and relevant into the 2000s.” In 1958 he had three top-forty hits. In 2008 he was nominated for a Grammy. In 2020, is releasing new studio album Blues with Friends, joined by Joe Bonamassa, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Billy Gibbons and many other rock luminaries. In the ’50s he was one of a handful of innovators who defined rock ‘n’ roll and that’s still very much the case.

Julio

Julio Torres: Works in Progress

 Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ

Julio Torres is an Emmy-nominated, Peabody-winning and WGA-winning writer, director, and comedian from El Salvador.  
Moondance

Moondance - Van Morrison Tribute

 Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ

Rock and roll doesn’t get any better than Van Morrison. Van the Man has done it all - from classic rockers like Brown Eyed Girl and Domino to legendary tunes like Tupelo Honey and Into The Mystic, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has never failed to impress music lovers around the globe.

ADVANCED EVENTS

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Watercolor Artist Theresa Troise Heidel Returns to Ridgefield Park Library for Second Art Exhibit and Fundraiser

Watercolor Artist Theresa Troise Heidel Returns to Ridgefield Park Library for Second Art Exhibit and Fundraiser

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- Watercolors of sun-soaked New Jersey beaches, historic Asbury Park boardwalks, French countryside, and blooming florals will be on view this September at the Ridgefield Park Public Library, as the Friends of the Library once again welcome artist Theresa Troise Heidel for a solo exhibit and fundraiser open to art lovers near and far, with proceeds benefiting library programs. The exhibit will remain on view through September 30, 2026.

Nostalgia Takes The Stage at MPAC this September with shows by Dion, Herman

Nostalgia Takes The Stage at MPAC this September with shows by Dion, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, and The Rascals

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Three of the 1960s' most popular artists take the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) stage in September. From the classic doo wop sounds of Dion, to the bouncy pop of British Invasion faves Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone to classic American hitmakers The Rascals, MPAC will reverberate with the sounds, hits and memories of the 1960s.

McCarter

McCarter's Season Continues with Julio Torres and Edmar Castañeda Quartet

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center's new season continues with comedian Julio Torres on Thursday, September 10 at 8:00pm, followed by the Edmar Castañeda Quartet on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30pm

Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "Come From Away" to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11

Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "Come From Away" to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents the Tony Award-Winning Musical Come From Away from September 11 through October 4, 2026. Discover the remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world.

Somerset Valley Players present "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"

Somerset Valley Players present "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"

(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players present The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood by Mary Lynn Dobson weekends from September 11-27, 2026. Get ready for a fast‑paced, side‑splitting spoof of the legendary outlaw you almost remember!

Skyline Theatre Company presents "The Guys" by Anne Nelson

Skyline Theatre Company presents "The Guys" by Anne Nelson

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents The Guys by Anne Nelson at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center from September 11-12, 2026. As we honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11, The Guys is a poignant, true-story-inspired drama.

Art House Productions presents "Creation from Destruction"

Art House Productions presents "Creation from Destruction"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents Creation from Destruction, a group exhibition celebrating Art House's 25th Anniversary at the Art House Gallery from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, October 25, 2026. This exhibition is part of JC Fridays.

Axelrod Arts Honors the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with

Axelrod Arts Honors the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with 'Come From Away'

Today Gina is speaking with Broadway stars Joy Hermalyn and Brian O’Brien who will be starring together in the upcoming production of Come From Away at Axelrod Arts. The two have previously performed together in a production of Terrance McNally's The Visit years ago. Today's interview became a mini reunion of sorts.

Roundtable Theater Company presents "Songs For A New World"

Roundtable Theater Company presents "Songs For A New World"

(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Roundtable Theater Company presents Songs For A New World across two weekends from September 11-20, 2026 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. This contemporary song cycle weaves characters and history together, illuminating the timelessness of self-discovery.

First Avenue Playhouse presents "I, Suspect"

First Avenue Playhouse presents "I, Suspect"

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents I, Suspect by Eric Hackler weekends from September 11-26, 2026. The play tells the story of the murder of news anchor Cyrus Telyn and the challenge for the two detectives assigned to the case when every one of their suspects claims to be guilty.
 

 

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