By Bob Makin
originally published: 10/01/2024
Hawthorne-based The Nitro Blues Band won $1,500 from the Carteret Battle of the Bands on Sept. 18. PHOTO BY JARED SOKOLOFF
The winner of the annual Carteret Battle of the Bands is The Nitro Blues Band, a young four-piece steeped in the roots of rock that also influenced The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, Cream and Led Zeppelin.
The band’s prize was $1,500, which they plan to invest into their soon-to-be-announced debut EP release party at the Clifton VFW Hall. In the meantime, Nitro Blues Band – vocalist-guitarist Patrick Graham Mellor, guitarist Armaan Gupta, and the sibling rhythm section of drummer Tony and vocalist-bassist Bella Grande – will play Sept. 28 at the Hawthorne Bandshell.
Coming in second at the Carteret Battle of the Bands was last year’s winner, Carteret-based Latin rockers Rioz, who took home a $1,000 cash prize. Third place went to Union veteran punk trio The Accelerators.
The Carteret Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Carteret Business Partnership, the Borough’s nonprofit economic development corporation and special improvement district, and organized by Central Jersey Arts Council, which hosts regular programming at Carteret’s Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center. The Battle of the Bands opened the four-day Mayor’s Charity Carnival & Music Festival, which annually benefits the Mayor’s Charity Trust, an enrichment program for at-risk Carteret youth, and included the 48th Annual Ethnic Day in celebration of the most culturally diverse town in Central Jersey.
Enjoy the following chat with Patrick of Nitro Blues Band:
Who or what turned you onto the blues?
I was really into punk rock and old garage rock like MC5, The Clash, The Stooges. The more I read about them the more they credited blues artists. Then my first guitar teacher, Chris Burnett, showed me some surface level stuff, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, cats like that. Then I have just been digging deep into the blues ever since.
How long has Nitro Blues Band been playing together?
Nitro has been playing for almost four years now.
Who is in Nitro Blues Band and how did you connect with them?
The band is made up of me, Bella and Tony Grande and Armaan Gupta. Originally it was just me, Bella and Tony. We met through a program at School of Rock in Montclair. Then we all later met Armaan, and he joined up.
The Nitro Blues Band will invest the $1,500 won from the Carteret Battle of the Bands in their forthcoming release party for their debut EP.
Why and how did you get involved in the Carteret Battle of the Bands?
My mom sent it to me on Facebook messenger, and the prize money was good. We’re pretty confident in our ability as a group.
How did it feel to win the Carteret Battle of the Bands?
It felt great! Massive anxiety relief.
What will you do with your $1,500 first prize?
We plan to use it to fund our EP release show.
What is the band’s greatest accomplishment?
I would say successfully opening for my personal favorite current blues band GA 20.
Have you released any singles, EPs or LPs?
Not yet, but we have an EP on the way!
When and where will you be performing?
The EP show is the next thing up so likely the Clifton VFW Hall.
What kind of guitars do you play and which is your favorite and why?
On stage, I play a Mexican Fender telecaster and a D’Angelico Excel. I don’t think I can pick a favorite.
Is there anything I didn’t ask on which you would like to comment?
We’re on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube so go keep up with us!
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com.
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
