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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
