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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/7/24


By Danny Coleman

originally published: 11/07/2024

Rock On! This Week

"Linda moved to some other little town after that and I never saw her again," laughed actor now author Tim Matheson as he discussed what got him interested in acting, his new memoir, "Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades In The Hollywood Trenches," "Animal House," his three area appearances on November 11,12 and 13 and more.

Matheson's career has spanned over those seven decades and over that time he has been in multiple films such as the above mentioned "Animal House" as well as "Yours, Mine and Ours" and television shows such as "Leave It To Beaver," "Bonanza," "The West Wing" and for those over the age of 55; he was the voice of  Jonny Quest in Hanna Barbera's "Jonny Quest."

Matheson's directing credits include, "Suits," "Criminal Minds," "Without a Trace," "Cold Case" and copious amounts of others. 

With such an extensive resume; how could he not write a book? So, what led to the decision to actually do so?



 
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"I started writing sort of little chapters on my own," he began. "I had some friends of mine read it and people were saying, "You should do a book" and then I focused on writing the book about the making of "Animal House" because I thought that was such an important thing in cinema history. It was comedy for young people by young people; they were making Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies and that was comedy; ya' know? So, it changed the face of film and cinema comedy and I wanted to recount that. So, then they (Publishers) said, "Let's talk about more than that like the Vaudeville people you worked with; Hank Fonda, Lucy, Jackie Gleason and all of that." It was just something that I wanted to hand off to the young people of today and say, listen, it's good to know how I've learned and those people before me learned and how these things have always been done. It's pretty much the same way that movies are made. The cameras got smaller, locations got wider, it's not always in Hollywood but it's pretty much the same thing."

"I was sort of the chronicler of "Animal House" because I hung out with everybody, the directors and producers and through post production and everything and I stayed in touch with them. I realized it was such an alchemy of talent and skill and people and personalities that created that film which changed the course of American comedy in cinema. Ivan Reitman, John Landis, the writers, Doug Kenney, The Lampoon; Chris Miller, Harold Ramis; they were the cutting edge of comedy that changed for the youth of America. I started the book about that, "The Making of "Animal House" and how the studio hated it and didn't want to make it and these guys used every trick in the book to get it done and done for the price and all of that and then the publisher said, "You've worked with so many interesting people like Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, Debbie Reynolds and Dick Van Dyke; why don't we include those things too?" So, it sort of broadened out a bit and that started the evolution of it and I also remember talking to my grandmother when she stayed with us when I was younger and hearing about her early life in the South post Civil War; she was born in the 1880s. This (The memoir) was information and lessons that should be passed on as hers was to me but for film students, directors, actors and writers to learn how Lucille Ball and Jackie and that generation from Vaudeville approached their work is important for all of us to know and not to forget. My grandmother taught me a lot about the politics of growing up post Civil War and I think she had a housekeeper and a yard man or a gardener that worked for them who had been slaves owned by her parents and I was connected to that, so I was like, wow. Her perspective on all of that and then during the Civil Rights era was very informative and helped me figure out who I was. My grandmother was tough as nails as was my mother too because she lost her husband after she had three kids and women couldn't really do anything back then (Job related) so she had to take whatever work she could get. She was teaching in Florida and then Cuba and her mother raised the kids and then they survived the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 and then after that, she brought the kids out to L.A. and my mother met my father and they got married."

With a grandmother who was born post Civil War and a family surviving an early pandemic, surely the stories and knowledge had to have an impact on his career; or was it something or perhaps, someone else?

"Well, I don't know that it really impacted my career," he continued. "I think I remember the first stage play I did was "Auntie Mame" and I played a Southern character, so it was rather easy for me to adapt that accent. I think I fell in love with acting in the sixth grade, my parents were going through a divorce and I went to live in San Bernardino with my aunt, uncle and my sister while my mother got her life straightened out and I was in a class there that put on their own once a week "Today Show" version for kids. They'd have interviews and a host and so, I started playing around with that stuff and it was so much fun. Linda Blankenship was the prettiest girl in school and she thought I was funny and cute and I thought, this works for me, I'm liking this (laughs). So, I knew when I was graduating from sixth grade and going back to live with my mother in Burbank that I was going to be an actor."

An earlier mention of this memoir and his own experiences possibly being used as a guide for those in or breaking into the film/television business; knowledge he has obtained and wants to share in hopes of helping others and it's knowledge he surprisingly didn't receive from any film school.

"I didn't go to film school, I tried. I was under contract to Universal when I was 19 or 20 years old. I got an editing room there and I got a 16mm camera and I started shooting some films that I submitted to California Institute of the Arts and I tried to get admitted to film school there and they said, "No." Now, I'm under contract with Universal and I'm thinking, I'm on a set every day with directors and cinematographers, I don't need to go to film school; I'm in film school; I'm there! I'll just start talking to these people and start asking them questions and go see all the films that I should and could see. I'd go to The Revival House and see Bergman, Truffaut, Kurosawa; all the classic films, the Billy Wilder films. So, I started studying film when I was under contract with Universal."

Oftentimes when you are in the arts and perhaps more so when writing, rather it be a book, a song, poem or something else, the urge to rewrite or edit or to try something different is often overwhelming. Tim said he had his share of those moments but he worked both through and around them.



 
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"Some things I went back and put in and a couple of things I added to the audio book. Some things I cut under "TMI;" oh this happened or this relationship happened and it was TMI. People don't really need to know this about that person or that part of my life but I did try to own my own shortcomings, failings and things that didn't go as I hoped they would. There were a lot of film school boot camp things that did come to mind after I'd finished the book and I thought, I wish I'd put that in or put this in. The boot camp thing, this is how you can dig yourself out of a hole as a director if all of a sudden you get three hours behind your schedule. You're on a tight schedule budget wise and time wise on a show or when you're a guest director on a show. Things that came to mind; whose ass should you kiss on that show? The producer, the cinematographer or the actor? These are the people that you work for because if the cinematographer doesn't like you; they can bury you. They can take three hours to light a scene, "Well, you wanted it so, I lit it" and it's like; how do you dig out of that trench? Those are the kinds of things that I'll probably put online, do a little more film school boot camp and keep throwing out those little tidbits that they don't teach you in the art of making films but it's in the crunch of making films where you learn all of those things." 

Rock On! This Week

Three upcoming area appearances, one in Brooklyn, NY, another in Huntington, NY and a third at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ at 6 p.m. on Wednesday November 13 is a fan's chance to not only meet Tim but to ask questions, sign the book and see "Animal House" but most importantly; give him some feedback.

"Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn on November 11, I think we're gonna do a book sale the night before it comes out on November 12 and I'll answer questions and we can talk about it and I think they might screen "Animal House." Then, at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, NY on November 12 at 7:30 p.m., the day the book comes out; in many of the cases, there will be a screening of "Animal House" either before or after and I'll be available to sign the books and answer any questions about things I've done or should have done or didn't do. I totally love connecting with people; you know why? When you're in theater, you get an audience every show and every night but in cinema, you never do and with TV you do not. So, I look forward to meeting the audience and hearing what they think about it. "Oh, I loved you in this" or "I didn't like that" or "I loved this and didn't like that" and for an actor, it's good to get that feedback."

Eric "Otter" Stratton and the film "Animal House" which gave us "Toga Parties" and more one-liners; many of which are still recited today, will forever be ingrained in the minds of many for years to come. How does Matheson feel about being part of such an iconic film?

"I feel very fortunate; from the moment I first read the "Animal House" script, I said, "It's the best comedy script I'd ever read," It was so different and unique, different from anything I'd ever seen or made before. I fought tooth and nail to get into it and it stood the test of time. I think that all good writing is that way. People talk about seeing Aaron Sorkin's, "The West Wing" again. People watch it again and again and they say it holds up really well and it's very similar to "Animal House" at the time as it was groundbreaking. As an actor, when I approached the courtroom scene for the student trial or the scene when I was getting a date with Fawn Liebowitz who was killed in a kiln explosion. I just said to myself, you don't have to do anything, just deliver the mail here. This is so perfectly written, just play what's on the page. Don't over act it, don't do too much, it doesn't need any help. That's good writing, when you look at the script and go, yeah, it's right there on the page."

Tim Matheson currently stars as Vernon "Doc" Mullins on the Netflix show "Virgin River;" to find out more about Tim, his upcoming memoir or information on the three upcoming area events, please visit https://www.instagram.com/tim_matheson_official 

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


Abbott Marshlands
157 Westcott Avenue Hamilton
Thurs. 6 p.m. FALL (Again!) for Trivia
Ace Cafe 
15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike Night/Biker Movie Night
Sat. (11 a.m.) German Car & Bike Day (2 p.m.) E-Bike/E-Scooter/One-Wheeler Meet / Mustang Day (6 p.m.) Jack O'Leary
Sun. (11 a.m.) British Car & Bike Meet (2 p.m.) Cafe racer/Leather Riders Meet-Up 
Allentown Borough
Main Street Allentown
Thurs. (10:15 a.m.) Baby Storytime (11:45 a.m.) Family Storytime (Both take place at library located at 16 South Main Street)
Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Diane Chiorello (8 p.m.) Trivia w/ 94.5 WPST
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Jerry Monk (5 p.m.) Redbird
Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed.7 p.m. Kindred Spirit 
Ancient Order of Hibernians 
2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 
Sat. 11 a.m. Veterans Ceremony
Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Sat. 3 p.m. Jonathan Ashe 
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. 6 p.m. ART OF: Thriving in a Toxic World w/ Melissa Klepacki
Fri. 5 p.m. Princeton Sketchbook Club: Opening Celebration
Sat. 11 a.m. Sauce For The Goose Outdoor Market
Wed. 7 p.m. JAM: Jersey Art Meet-Up
Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 7 p.m. Chrome Pony
Sat. 7 p.m. Elvis and Sinatra Tribute w/ Kevin McIntire
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke 
Ages 21+
Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo
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. 6:30 p.m. Fermenters Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan 
Sat. 7 p.m. Matt Gordeuk Duo
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Tues. 6 p.m. Matt Setzer
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Mustard Plug, Catch 22, The Iron Roses, The Manipulators. $22.55, doors open at 6:30 p.m. (8 p.m.) Mike Estabrook "All Request Show"
Fri. 6:30 p.m. S.C.I.E.N.C.E Fiction, Del Crows, Fave Grohl, The Second Hand Smokes. $16.30, doors open at 6 p.m., ages 21+
Sat. (9 a.m.) 98 Domestic Disturbance Arm Wrestling (6 p.m.) Trauger Biergarten (7 p.m.) Rage Against the Machine Tribute w/ "Know Your Enemy" $10
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Paint & Sip hosted by Penelope Fox Art Studio. $29 (Includes all materials and first 5 oz. pour)
Wed. 5 p.m. DIY Pyrography: "Hat Burning" $70 
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
Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 
(408) 335-4400 
Sun. 12 p.m. Yoga In The Park
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. JL Cauvin. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. JL Cauvin. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m.  
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. 9 p.m. Groove Pocket
City Streets
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sat. 9 p.m. Jim Delre Band
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
Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing 
(609) 538-0808
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit 
Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Ladies Night"
Fri. 8 p.m. Boondashark
Sat. 8 p.m. Diane & PK
Wed. 5 p.m. "Wine Down" Wednesday
Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cosmic Jerry Band
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) El Ka Bong
Sat. 9 p.m. Shot of Southern, doors open at 7 p.m. (Dinner and show packages available beginning at 7:30 p.m.)
Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Cabaret Night: An evening w/ Jenna Kuerzi. $25
Sat. 2:30 p.m. "Nouveau Celebration" w/ Bill Thomas
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Nouveau Celebration" Aaron Quarterman
Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
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
Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. 7 p.m. Ready To Go
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Carie Lynne McKay
Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. Ryan Zimmerman
Fri. 8 p.m. Wail w/ Planet Y. $10 (advance)
Sat. (12 p.m.) Craft & A Cocktail: Ceramic Incense Burner Workshop. $65 (8 p.m.) The Great Bonfire. $10 (advance)
Sun. 1 p.m. Drum Circle ($10 suggested donation)
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. LeCompt
Sat. (3 p.m.) Cracklin' Diamond (8:30 p.m.) NEXT
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA 
Fri. 6 p.m. Bourbon & Cigar Dinner. $185 (Includes dinner, cigars, bottle of bourbon and tastings)
Tues. 6 p.m. Karaoke
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ Mig
Fri. 9 p.m. The Quixote Project
Sat. 9 p.m. AudioPilot
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Sat. 6 p.m. Karaoke Party
Mon. 12:30 p.m. Veterans Day Lunch
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 
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.)
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 p.m.) The Hammer Ons
Sat. (12 p.m.) Music BINGO Brunch (3:30 p.m.) Midnight Havok (8 p.m.) Jerry Lee Watkins
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Music BINGO
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Jack Wetere
Fri.  8 p.m. Radio Revolution
Sat. 8 p.m. Starship Lovechild
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616 
Sat. 11 a.m. Mother & Child Wellness Walk
Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge
Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays
Hamilton Township Public Library 
1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton 
(609) 581-4060
Sat. 12 p.m. "Count Your Blessings" Story Slam 
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m. '80s Revolution. $25
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Yellow Brick Road" Elton John Tribute. $48 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Se7en (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party w/ DJ Iron Mike
Sun. 6 p.m. "Countdown to Ecstasy" Steely Dan Tribute. $35
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hooters of Princeton 
US Route 1 South/Mercer Mall Lawrenceville 
Mon. 11 a.m. "Veterans day at Hooters. (Veterans eat for FREE)
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Deb & Mike
Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Chris from Rave On!
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. McMillan & Co.
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. 
Fri. 9 p.m. The Garage Bandits
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco 
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. Ed Wilson
Sat. (12 p.m.) Bob Daley (4 p.m.) Rob Messina
Sun. 1 p.m. Joe Hoyer
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 
Sat. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd. 
Sun. 9 p.m. Tabitha Booth / Wax Majestic
Mon. 9 p.m. Worthy Of The Crown
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.) Mario & Frank (6 p.m.) "2024 Mercer Conference of PBAs 13th Annual Cigar Night" $100 (Includes buffet, beer, 3 cigars)
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Radio Fiction (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Kenny Dubman Duo (10 p.m.) DJ Duo
Sun. 10 a.m. "Sunday Funday" Brunch 
Lambertville Elks Lodge #1070 
66 Wilson Street Lambertville  
(609) 397-4210 
Sat. 6 p.m. Toy Drive feat. "The Dive Bombers
Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Fri. 6 p.m. Dueling Pianos. $20
Sat. "Fall Food & Wine Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) American Beauty (2:30 p.m.) Pennington Station (6 p.m.) Nikki Briar & the Sweet Briar Band. $13 
Sun. "Fall Food, Wine & Jeep Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) The Rangers Nouveau (2:30 p.m.) Strictly '60s. $13
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. 6 p.m. Ed McGlaughlin
Fri. 7 p.m. Max Rogers
Sat. 7 p.m. Keith Franklin Jazz
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Gary Schaeffer Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. Scott McAllister
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  
Marcello's Coal Fired Restaurant/Pizza/Bordentown
206 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 298-8360
Wed. 7 p.m. Light-Up Wooden Gnome Sign Dinner & Paint Night
McGuinn's Place 
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence 
(609) 392-0599
Sat. 9 p.m. Better View / Hubbell Benson
Ages 21+ 
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 9 p.m. Old School
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "White Christmas"
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "White Christmas"
Sun. 3 p.m. "White Christmas"
Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project 
Fri.  7 p.m. WURL
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Sun. 12 p.m. Sip 'n' Spin Sunday w/ DJ Rose and Modern Soul Records
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 Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. / Sat. 8 p.m. "33 1/3 Live" Killer Queen Experience 
Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Chris Nickey
Sat. 6 p.m. Allison Landon
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Bill Monach
Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. (6 p.m.) Michael Eli & Friends (9 p.m.) "Highway Run" Journey Tribute
Sat. 9 p.m. Bonehead
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 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. (7 p.m.) Rock On Radio Happy Hour Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. Music by Mark Sacco. (9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. No Way Out
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
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 Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Fri. 6 p.m. Tanglewood Duo  
Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. (5 p.m.) "Fill Fr. Matt's Truck" Food Drive (7 p.m.) Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Modern Mojo
Sat. 9 p.m. Anna Felice Trio
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch  
Pasquale's Sports Bar 
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 202-6268 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Beer Pong
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Grape Street
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo" 
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial                                                             
1 Memorial Drive Trenton 
(609) 984-8400
Sat. 1 p.m. Garden State Theater Organ Society 50th Anniversary Celebration feat. a Dinner Party and Candy Carli Roth Concert 
Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Gypsy Ramblers
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury
(609) 799-4013
Thurs. (4 p.m.) Forever 55 Creative Gardening & Cooking (4:15 p.m.) Seeking Interest: Nature Journaling & Photography for Teens
Tues. (11 a.m.) Forever 55 Archery (6 p.m.) Day's End Yoga
Wed. 4:15 p.m. Junior Naturalists: Outdoor Survival Skills
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 (7 p.m.) Trenton Devine Poetry Night Out Hosted by Markese Humphrey feat. Paula Renee, TOP the Poet / Poetry Open Mic. $20
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. SAB Visiting Artist Conversation w/ Shahzia Sikander (Takes place at the Art Museum)
Sun. 11 a.m. Veterans Day Service (Takes place at the University Chapel)
Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. "1920s Speakeasy" Murder Mystery Dinner Show. $60 (Includes show and 5 course dinner)
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night 
Wed. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night"  
River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Joanna Caruso / Cara Cartney
Fri. 7 p.m. Maci Miller Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan  
Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Lakehouse
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics
Russo's Pub & Italian Restaurant
1302 Monmouth Road Mount Holly
(609) 261-3277
Tues. 6:30 p.m. "Hot Chocolate Mug" Paint Nite
Salon 33 
794 Alexander Road Princeton 
Fri. 7 p.m. Liam Sutcliffe Band
Sat. 7 p.m. Vocal Arts: Spirituals, Ariras & Broadway
Sun. 7 p.m. World: Tsu fil Duvids w/ Klezmer
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. Larry Corban
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Balanced Breakfast
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Chris Benedetti
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton 
Tues. 7 p.m. Johnny Betz 
Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Sat. 10:30 p.m. Emo Pop Punk Night feat. Scene Points  
Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 9 p.m. After The Flood
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 
TCNJ College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Road Ewing 
(609) 771-2467
Sun. 8 a.m. The ART of Reading (Takes place at Kendall Hall) 
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
Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Sat. 12 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Brian Bortnick
Sun. 12 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Michael Montemurro
TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  
TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night  
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Fri. 8 p.m. BenBen & Friends
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra 
The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko
Fri. 8 p.m. Grand Th3ft Auto
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (6:30 p.m.) Elton John Dinner & Show. $55 (9 p.m.) The Soul Cruisers
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Project
The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. (7 p.m.) Country Line Dancing (9 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies
The Corner Inn
24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment
The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Deborah Heart & Lung Center "Jersey Jam"
Sat. 8 a.m. Big East Regional Cheer Championships
The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Tommy Conwell
Sat. 7 p.m. Na Bodach`
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" 
The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam 
Fri. 9 p.m. Covered In Ash
Sat. 9 p.m. Supertrain
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Bingo (10 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius the 1st
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Talking In Cursive
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Breakeven
Sat. 8 p.m. Shameless
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. 8 p.m. "Sweet Baby James" James Taylor Tribute. $40.10
Sat. 8 p.m. "Bad Mom's" Night Out. $34.86
Sun. 3 p.m. "I Love That Song" w/ The One Hit Wonderers. $34.86
Tues. 3 p.m./7:30 p.m. "Blink" $12, $10, $6
Wed. 3 p.m./7:30 p.m. "Vertigo"  $12, $10, $6
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. Eddie Testa and Nick & Dave from "The Gig"
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. 8 p.m. Chris Rendell
Sat. 8 p.m. M.O.B. (My Other Band)
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala 
The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326 
Sat. 8 p.m. Plush Duo 
The Tavern at Penns Park 
2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 8 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard
The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 8 p.m. Tom mPetty Tribute w/ "Pure Petty" Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 6 p.m. "Celebrate Joe's Birthday" feat. Lions Of West Texas, Smother Nature, Sleeper Creek, Oh Are They?, TwoMoonsAway, Separatr, Evelyn. $15, all ages
The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Nobody's Business
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Ready To Go 
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 
Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Stitch-N-Brew
Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" Hosted by
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
Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Thurs. 6 p.m. Gene Shepherd
Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Trovas Duo / NOVA
Sat. 7 p.m. Suzette Ortiz & Her Latin Ensemble
Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wildflowers Too
255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night
Woodlin Lodge 30
19 Park Street Bordentown
(609) 298-9849
Fri. 8 p.m. "Fridays On Park Street"
Sun. 12 p.m. Woodlin Mural Dedication
Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Vinny Rugnetta
Sat. 1 p.m. Jersey SureCats
Sun. 1 p.m. Patty Blee
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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COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Maybe Next Christmas" by Carolyn Marosy

For all those who are lonely, depressed and anxious during the communal holiday season of joy and peace, Jersey-raised singer-songwriter has written an anthem of hope for you.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/12/24




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 10-17, 2024




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Must Be Santa" by The Weeklings






 

MORE NEWS

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Eric Bass (Shinedown) has shared his new single "Azalia", taken from his forthcoming debut solo album I Had A Name. Fans can stream the song now here.


Gregory Burrus Productions presents Carrie Jackson & Friends Pre-New Years Eve Jam




Monmouth Civic Chorus to Hold Auditions for New Members in January




Broadway Stars and Dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem join NJ Festival Orchestra for New Year's celebration






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Congregational Church of Montclair. Imogen Clark will open the night. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.


Jesse Malin to Perform A Featured Set at Light of Day WinterFest 2025




State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna




Sing in the Season – Experience holiday magic with Four of NJ's Top Choral Groups






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


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