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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...1/26/23


By Danny Coleman

originally published: 01/26/2023

Rock On! This Week

“I play guitar as my primary instrument but I grew-up playing the Alto Saxophone and I was really, really good at it; I was like first chair. I loved it but once I picked up guitar, I kind of dropped the saxophone and after I picked up the guitar, I really started focusing on songwriting.”  

There you have it; a case of rock ’n’ roll claiming another victim but not so fast, because in the case of Country artist and Lavallette resident Jessie Haines; it was a life-changer. Currently on the road in the Southwest of the U.S.; a journey which she described as “liberating,” Haines is highly enthused about her soon to be released full-length album titled, “The Phoenix” and new beginnings.

Recently, she took the time to discuss those beginnings, her songwriting, some personal moments and more.

“I'm a country music artist in New Jersey,” she began with a laugh. “I've been a musician my whole life and I started playing guitar when I was 16 and the first three songs that I wrote, which was really soon after; I'm self-taught on guitar and I just very quickly started writing music and the style of music that just naturally came out of me was very folk and singer-songwriter based and it's just the natural genre that popped out after those first couple of songs. I started trying to follow a trend and I started trying to write popular music and I'm definitely very influenced by pop melodies, that's why I'm pretty squarely in the Country/Pop genre but it's just the way it comes out; it just comes out as country music. I mean, it's not premeditated, I don't try to do it that way, it's just how it is and I think it is partially stemming from a lot of my influences and the music that I love that I grew up listening to like The Allman Brothers and Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers; they have a lot of soul in there. The Eagles are one of my favorite bands; even artists like John Mayer. All of these artists would be considered Pop artists but when you really listen, there's a lot of Country, Folk, Blues and Soul influences.”



 
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Country artists in New Jersey, albeit, not as rare as they used to be; aren’t as plentiful as other areas of the country (Pun intended) and the list of artists she mentioned is missing something; Country music artists. So; how do those influences affect or do they affect her songwriting? 

“We don’t have anybody like The Allman Brothers around now and even the Eagles writing; it's so infectious and I think that's where I always go as a writer. I write all of my own songs and this album that I have coming out; I'm releasing it song by song and each of the songs happened naturally. I've also been practicing melody writing for a long time so, I think I feel like I'm finally at a place where the songs should be and I feel really proud of them. I think it's all sort of in the DNA at this point,” she said as if grasping for the right words. “I also spent many, many, many years as a cover musician playing in bars and restaurants and that experience of playing three to four hours by yourself as an acoustic performer, playing all of the best music in the world really; all the music that's won Grammys; it just kind of goes into your DNA. I would say that at this point it's all an influence. I mean, even Anita Baker is one of my favorite artists of all time and that's in there. So, there's soul in there and it's the kind of thing that you don't think about when you sit down to write; it’s just a part of you.” 

“I have never labored over any of my songs, it's like an expression of my emotions and it's truth, it's honesty, it's real feelings, it's my real emotions and it's super authentic,” she continued. “I sit down in moments when I feel almost overwhelmed with an emotion and it has to come out somehow, either you're going to cry or hurt, you're going to journal or you're going to pick up a guitar and start to play and see what comes out. Country music is very story driven and it's very much about having a beginning, middle and an end to a story and I think the way that I write definitely honors that tradition; not too far away from like how Bruce Springsteen approaches music; it’s an emotion, it's a moment and you're also communicating this thing that happened to you and the way that you're feeling. I really try not to get too poetic when I write, my lyrics are pretty straightforward; it's like, this is what happens, this is how I feel and it's important to me too that the songs resonate with the listener because it's all part of a healing experience. I think that's the main purpose of this music that I've written on this album; is to heal me and to help heal others. I mean, even on Instagram now, people are posting what they did that day; you know? Like, “7:00 AM I woke up and did this” and then they show you what they did the whole day; people are very interested in sort of getting on the inside of a day in the life and having that sort of shared human experience. I think that's really what it is about; connecting.” 

Ah yes, “Connecting” with a fan base, specially your own is huge but Haines is looking for a connection that goes deeper than one on a mass scale and she’s hoping that “The Phoenix” will enhance those chances. So, with that in mind, she and her support system have a plan in place.

“The full album is called “The Phoenix” and I think a lot of people know or maybe they don't but the Phoenix is a symbol and the symbology is rising from the ashes. So there is a really cool piece of artwork that's on the front of the Phoenix that my friend Micca Kelly; who's a New Jersey artist painted and it is very, very cool. We're releasing the album song by song by song so there's eight tracks on the full album and we just released track number three which is “I Love You;” so, there's five more coming up and then we'll drop the whole collection which will be out on Spotify and on iTunes and you can have the whole collection and that'll be out somewhere in the future.” 

“I'll tell you about the singles but first let me tell you about the full album. So, the full album is a concept album and it follows the arc of a toxic relationship and the way I wrote the songs was in real time. So, they're all written in chronological order and in real time, in my real life when this stuff was really happening and for anyone who's been in a toxic relationship or who currently is in a toxic relationship; I think it will resonate. The way that the arc of the album goes is, the very first couple of songs are about living the single life, going out having fun, being a party girl. There's a song called “Little Black Dress” and it's a boot stomper about going out and having a good time. There's a song called “The Way You Kiss” which I released and that's about meeting a person and feeling all of the fluttery feelings of lust and attraction and you know, you just wanna kiss them and those are the first two songs. The third song that I just released is called “I Love You” and “I Love You” is, we had gotten together, we were in the relationship; at first I didn't want to talk to the public about the song but I slept on it and I talked to my team and they were like, “Yeah, we think you should talk about what this song is really about” and it appears to be a love song and in a way it is but when you really listen to the lyrics, it's really about emotional abuse. So, it's really about when you're with a person and they're gaslighting you, they're stonewalling you, they are mad at you and you don't know why. They won't talk to you but you can't leave because you're addicted to the cycle; you feel like you love them because half of the time it's really great or at least you think it's really great and the other half of the time it's really, really abusive emotionally. So, it's about that push and pull and back and forth and that sort of going around the toxic abuse cycle and it's not the happiest of concepts but it's the way that the song came out and it's melodically very beautiful and it's got sort of that sweet melancholy aspect to it.” 

“It’s weird to be sharing such an intense experience but I also feel an obligation,” she continued. “Honestly? I really wavered about talking about all of this because it's painful stuff. I feel that I'm a spiritual person and I really feel like this is a huge part of my calling because I think there's not a lot of dialogue about what this is; you know? They're starting to be more talk about it now. I’ve been seeing some artists talk about it like actress Anna Kendrick is talking about it, I see Kelsea Ballerini talking about it, I think Adele has talked about it; there are more artists now coming out and talking about emotional abuse because it's prevalent and it's invisible.”  



 
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Concept album? A true rarity in today’s era but as you read; Haines isn’t shying away from telling sensitive stories or taking chances as she begins to gather herself and move her career forward and as we see, “The Phoenix” seems to be an apt title or the album. So; is it difficult for her to perform such emotional songs in front of an audience?

“It's getting easier,” she said with a large laugh as if a weight had been lifted. “From a performance perspective you have to stay in it, you have to relive it and be there but there's also a self-preservation aspect like, I can't allow myself to get into a depression over it on every show; you know? I just feel special and grateful to be here and that's the most important part. Honestly, it's an honor and a privilege to have been given this craft and these gifts so that I can make these songs and share them out.”

Part of sharing her music is to tour; sometimes with a band and well, sometimes you just have to go at it alone.

“I bought an Airstream and I am Airstreaming across the country,” she said proudly. “Right now I'm doing some traveling, I'm doing some more songwriting; this album is done but there's always going to be another album so, I'm just doing the damn thing man (laughs). I'm just living, I'm traveling, I'm setting my eyes on some new sites and doing some hiking, some interviews and meeting people. I actually met someone today in town; I'm in far West Texas right now and she's a music photographer. So, we're going to go do a photo shoot in the desert; when you're in the flow, things just start happening.” 

“I’m just getting started; we just started releasing last summer. I'm not a new musician but I'm brand new to the scene with this project. I'm emailing with The Stone Pony right now and we're talking about maybe The Wonder Bar or House of Independents so, there is a show brewing somewhere in the Asbury Park area and hopefully more than one. I'm affiliated with the Crossroads in Garwood and then we've got some other stuff cooking in Michigan.  So, it's kind of early in the year but there's a lot of lines out right now. The show is full band and it is a rock'n'roll, soul band with electric guitars, drums and the whole shebang! This band kicks total ass and it's just a high energy fun experience. Our show is an hour and we’re doing the whole album and a handful of covers.”

To discover more about Jessie Haines, please visit https://jessiehaines.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


Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Thurs. 5 p.m. Carmen Marranco
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Aaron Quarterman
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Jerry Monk (6 p.m.) DJ Bobby Jones
Mon. 5 p.m. Ed Wilson
Tues. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot
Wed. 7 p.m. Kindred Spirit Duo
Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 10 a.m. “Sunday Funday Brunch”   
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777
Sat. (10 a.m.) Storytime with Jeff (7 p.m.) Cafe Improv 
Ashlynn Distillery
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
Thurs. 5 p.m. Open Mic Night
Fri. 6 p.m. Aaron Quarterman
Sat. 8 p.m. Stand Up Comedy Night feat. Erik Terrell, Aunt Peggy O'Leary, Joshua Ryan, Neil Wood, Steve Rinaldi. $15
Sun 2 p.m. Ty Kingsley
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+ 
Blue Bottle Cafe
101 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 333-1710
Wed. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot  
Bowman's Tavern 
1600 River Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2972 
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Mark Smith Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Larry Tamanini (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 8 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Wes Johnson
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Two Rocks Rye
Sun. 11 a.m. Sunday Brunch  
Bucks On Bridge 
25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night    
Cadwalader Park
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton
(408) 335-4400
Fri. 7 p.m. Freedom Friday Open Mic Hosted by Todd "Son of Black" Evans feat. Niesha Kelly and Mary Kokesh    
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic Street Trenton 
(609) 695-9612 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5
Sat. 3 p.m. Webb T. $20  
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Anita Wise, Troy Moore. Hosted by Maurice Touisaunt. $23.69, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m.  Anita Wise, Troy Moore. Hosted by Maurice Touisaunt. $23.69, Doors open at 7 p.m. 
Chickie's & Pete's  
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown   
(609) 298-9182 
Fi./Sat. 8 p.m.  DJ Entertainment
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
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Radio Fiction   
COARadio.com 
125 South Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 241-7103
Fri. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
Sat. 3 p.m. “Rock On Radio Indie Hour"
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Comedian Tim Hayes with a Call from Monkey Cult Coffee CEO Matt Zion  
Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Cosmic Jerry Band (8 p.m.) Club Night w/ DJ Desisto. Ages21+
Fri. 8 p.m. Unleashed (9 p.m.) DJ Jazzi
Sat. 7 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL 
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch w/ Victor Tarassov 
Tues. 5 p.m. Salsa Tuesdays w/ DJ Jay Serrano
Wed. (7 p.m.) Blues Jam (8 p.m.) Disco “Hustle” Night w/ "Guest" DJs. $5   
Crossing Vineyard and Winery 
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
Thurs. 6 p.m. Get Cozy by the Fire
Sat. 2 p.m. Rodney Wright
Sun. 2 p.m. Julia Melito 
Cross Pollination Gallery
2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. "Friday Happy Hour." (Talk art, wine and musicians who bring instruments)
Sat. 5 p.m.  Dave Evans 
Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Tues. 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
Sun. 4 p.m. Oldies with DJ Deuce
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic 
Dempster's Pub
437 Pine Street Mount Holly 
(609) 261-0500    
Sat. 8 p.m. Sheltered In Place  
Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Dave Beck
Sat. 8 p.m. 44 Fridays  
El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar
1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA
(267) 685-0725
Fri. 8 p.m. Keep The Change
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Talking In Cursive
First United Methodist Church
187 Stockton Street Hightstown 
Sun. 3 p.m. Winter Voice Recital  
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown
(609) 899-7447
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues band
Sat. 8 p.m. Thrown Back 
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
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.)  
German American Society
215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton
(609) 585-5200
Fri. 8 p.m. Soul Cruisers Dance Party. Doors open at 7 p.m. 
Sat. 7 p.m. "Mama Rosalina" The Sitcom 
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
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" w/ (9 p.m.) Wicked Alibi
Sat. 8 p.m. Little Sister
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton 
(609) 586-0616  
Fri. 10 a.m. Scratchmold Kit with Virtual Pour
Hamilton Tap & Grill
557 US Route 130 North Hamilton
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Happy Apple Inn
29 Imlaystown Road Cream Ridge
(609) 259-7889
Sat. 5:30 p.m. Glenfiddich Tasting. $100 (Includes dinner, bottle of Scotch)   
Havana New Hope 
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA. 
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk & Blues Jam Hosted by The Slidewinder Blues Band 
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) Pink Floyd USA Experience (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Coast To Coast (11:59 p.m.) 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party 
Sun. 4 p.m. LGBTQ Tea Dance Party
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dwayne
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo 
Hightstown Elks 
100 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor  
(609) 448-9794 
Sun. 6 p.m. Pet Care Bingo
Hooters of Princeton 
US Route 1 South/Mercer Mall Lawrenceville
Thurs. 8 p.m. Winter Bikini Show
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Robert Ruffis Expeience
Sat. 5 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Rupert & Scheetz
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
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. (6 p.m.) Happy Hour w/ Johnny Betz (9 p.m.) Dance Party w/ DJ Beenice
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Mondays w/ rotating DJs BeeNice, Rawskillz, JusGroove
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Fish Out of Water Trio
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. 6:30 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. 2 p.m. Marlene Howell 
Sat. 2 p.m. Gary Ryan 
Sun. 2 p.m. AudioPilot
Mon. 6:30 p.m. Justin Love
Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room
61 High Street Mt. Holly
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Sunday's Afternoon  
Ivy Tavern 
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Asylum Choir
Sun. 8 p.m. Karaoke Latinos / Ladies Night
All shows 21+     
John & Peter's 
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 8 p.m. June Star
Fri. 9 p.m. Mosey Beat
Sat. 9 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd.
Sun. 3 p.m. Charles Laurita & The Mischief, Black Cat Habitat 
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic w/ Mike Dialto (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational 
All shows 21+  
Killarney's Publick House 
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Throwback Thursday Party w/ Groove Pocket
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Kenny Dubman Duo 
Sat. 8 p.m. Yellow Bourbon Country Night w/ Big Hix Band
Wed. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night" 
Lakeside Cafe and Liquors
129 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 621-9998
Sat. 1 p.m. Trivia
Tues. 5:30 p.m. Trivia.
 
Lambertville House 
32 Bridge Street Lambertville 
(609) 397-0200 
Fri. 6 p.m. Just Jeff   
Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. Singles Mixer. $5 (Includes one free glass of wine), Ages 21+
Fri. 7 p.m. Country Line Dancing. (SOLD OUT check for availability)
Sat. 12 p.m. "Sangria, Flights & Sliders Weekend feat. (1 p.m.) Carmen Marranco  (7 p.m.) "A Night of Song & Wine" w/ Max Valentino and Bobby Fischetti. 
Sun. 12 p.m. "Sangria, Flights & Sliders Weekend feat. (1 p.m.) The Bergers
Magikava
87a South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2739
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night feat.    
Main Street Mt. Holly  
28 Washington Street Mt. Holly  
(609) 914-0811  
Sat. 10 a.m. Town Wide "Fire & Ice Festival"   
McStews Irish Sports Pub 
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo
Sat. 9 p.m. Supertrain
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
  
Millhill Basement 
300 S. Broad Street Trenton 
(609) 989-1600 
Fri. 9 p.m. Trenton Beatdown!, Cycle Of Abuse, 10SLUGGZ, Bankrupt, Through Violence. $10 (advance) 
Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Ain't Misbehavin'
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m.  "Ain't Misbehavin'
Sun. 3 p.m.  "Ain't Misbehavin'
Naked Brewing Company
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project
Fri.  7 p.m. Stranger Than Normal Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Cara Cartney
Sun. 11 a.m. Weekend Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia  
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Fly On The Wall
Sat. 12 p.m. "Grilled Cheese and Soup Day" 
Sun. 12 p.m. "Blues Bootcamp and Brews"   
New Hope Winery / Tavern
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. (5 p.m.) James Popik (8 p.m.) Santana Tribute w/ "Jingo" 
Sun. 1 p.m. Sunday Jazz  
Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. Kate & Bob
Sat. 6 p.m. TWO / Dan & Liz  
Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia
Fri.  9 p.m. Split Decision
Sat. 9 p.m. Let's Ride
Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623 
Thurs.9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis. 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Deep Release
Sat. 9:30 p.m. ArHouse
Ages 21+   
O'Connors American Bar & Grille  
1383 Monmouth Road Easthampton  
(609) 261-1555
Sat. 6 p.m. South Jersey Celtic Society Presents: Robert Burns Supper feat. Chaste Treasure Ladies Morgan, Katherine and Frauline Elsa. 
Odd Logic Brewing Co. 
500 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Trivia  
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 
200 State Road Croydon, PA 
(215) 785-6998
Sat. 8 p.m. Darlin and The Dogs
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
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Live Karaoke w/ Rory 
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia   
Old Town Pub 
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia 
Tues. 6 p.m. Taco Tuesday w/ Radio Fiction
Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Skating On The Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) 
Sat. 12 p.m. / 4 p.m. "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental) 
Sun. (11 a.m.) DIY Pop-Up Project: Eco-Dyed Napkins (12 p.m. / 4 p.m.) "Skating On the Square" $10/$12 (Includes skate rental)  
Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Diane & Joe
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"  
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial                                                 
1 Memorial Drive Trenton
(609) 984-8400
Sun. 6:30 p.m. "United In Song" Annual Concert w/ Princeton Girlchoir   
Princeton Country Club 
1-Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382
Thurs. 6 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Live DJ 
Fri. 6 p.m. Happy Hour w/ Live DJ 
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch 
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Tue. 7:30 p.m. Joyce DiDonato: "Eden"  
Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Tenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 295-8236
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia  
Randy Now's Man Cave
119 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Bern. $30
Recklesstown Farm Distillery
2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Sat. 7 p.m. Trivia 
River House at Odette’s
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Gina Corso (9 p.m.) Cara Cartney
Fri. (7 p.m.) Maci Miller and Aaron Graves (9 p.m.) CJ Steinway
Sat. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ Scott Gurney (7 p.m.) Bob Egan (9 p.m.) Scott Gurney
Sun. (11:30 a.m.)  Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski (7 p.m.) Michael Andrew
Mon. 7 p.m. Jonathan Daddis
Tues. 7 p.m. Camille Peruto  
Robbinsville Senior Center 
1170 Route 130 North (Folsom Way) Robbinsville  
(609) 259-1567
Thurs. 6 p.m. Beginner Line Dancing (Check for availability) 
Rose Bank Winery 
258 Durham Road Newtown, PA  
(215) 860-5899 
Sat. 1 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" feat. Bill Thomas    
Rossi's Bar & Grill 
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton 
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
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, PA
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia  
Shady Brook Farm
931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA
(215) 968-1670
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Winter UnWINEd Concert feat. Cara Cartney 
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Winter UnWINEd Concert feat. Joe Rebl / Sky Patrol 
Slim's Irish Pub
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 9 p.m. Big Whiskey
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil    
Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Princeton Makes Artist Collective Art Exhibit
Sat. 6 p.m. Damsel  
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9 p.m. Never Enough 
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    
Wed. 7 p.m. Dan & Bev
Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson
600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Sat. / Sun. 11 a.m. "2023 Model Year" Open House. (FREE lunch, beer, kids' corner, games)   
Steam Pub
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
(215) 942-6468
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Tito
Sat. 10:30 p.m. Fat Mezz
1675 Spirits
2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Sat. 6 p.m. J'MO  
Taps Sports Bar
4021-4023 Veterans Highway Levittown, PA
(215) 486-7862
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by Paula
Mon. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night  
Tara's Tavern
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown 
(609) 286-2300 
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Tavern On The Lake  
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 9 p.m. The Rotary Dials
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke     
Temperance House 
5 South State Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8050 
Fri. 7 p.m. Bad Hombres Duo
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartn  
Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton 
(609) 924-2310 
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Chris P
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Spiced Punch    
TGI Fridays 
319 US Highway 130 North East Windsor  
(609) 490-1450
Tues. 6 p.m.  Kids Night: Winter Party w/ The Snow Queen   
TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Fri. 6 p.m. Lis Bouchelle 
  
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville 
(215) 681-4660 
Sat. 10 a.m. Kazoo Parade
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. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) The Soul Cruisers
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch   
The Cool Cricket 
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro 
(609) 291-9110 
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies
The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton   
(609) 656-3200   
Sat. 8 p.m. "Royal Comedy 2023: Sophomore's Homecoming" feat. Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, Joe Clair & Turae. 
The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Sean Fleming
Sat. 7 p.m. Gerry Timlin
Sun. 2 p.m.Gerry Timlin
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. The Zings
Sat. 9 p.m. Sometime In September
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Chris Benedetti  
The Ivy Inn 
248 Nassau Street Princeton 
(609) 921-8555 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Lydell
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius the 1st
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron  
The Morrisville Tavern
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Fri. 8 p.m. MZ Rox
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night  
The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Sat. 6 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. Tammy Pescatelli.
  
The Roost 
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge 
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo
Fri. 8 p.m. Even Odds
Sat. 8 p.m. Twice Is Good
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Sycamore Grill 
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 908-6326 
Fri. 8 p.m. Stage Left
Sat. 8 p.m. Idlewoodsman
The Tavern at Penns Park
2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 8 p.m. Jumper
Wed. 7 p.m. 1st Wednesday Open Mic 
The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 8 p.m. Don't Call Me Francis. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 8 p.m. Spread Eagle, Black Rose rebellion, Rat Rod, Prophet Priest. Hosted by Jacky BamBam. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sun. (3 p.m.) School Of Rock Cherry Hill: "Prince" End of Season Show Performance 2 (6 p.m.)  School Of Rock Cherry Hill: "Classic Metal" End of Season Show Performance 2  
The Union House
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Nobody's Business 
Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Kevin McCloskey
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All Shows 21+  
Titusville Presbyterian Church 
4 River Drive Titusville
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Master Class: "Jazz Improvisation" Hosted by Jack Furlong.
  
Train Wreck Distillery  
25 Madison Avenue Mount Holly  
(609) 288-6300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Limanni-Romano
Sat. 12 p.m. The Luck Brothers
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
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Tobias & Lea (Sign-ups at 7:30 p.m.)  
Triple Sun Spirits 
126 South State Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-3057  
Fri. 8 p.m. Aaron Quarterman  
Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Break Even or Behn Gillece Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Tony Miceli Trio  
Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly 
(609) 975-9270  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sat. 11 a.m. Mount Holly "Fire & Ice" Festival  
West Windsor Arts Center/Nassau Park Pavilion 
952 Alexander Road Princeton  
Fri. 7:30 p.m. "How Sweet" A Storytelling Event. Hosted by Maureen Connolly-Hersh feat. a Presentation by Kelly of Cocoa Beau w/ David Bradley Chocolates, prizes for storytellers and more. $20 (advance), doors open at 7 p.m.  
Wildflowers Inn 
2572 Pennington Road Pennington   
(609) 773-2392
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Silvers
Wilson's Pub
1870 Brownsville Road Trevose Heights, PA 
(215) 355-4739 
Fri. 8 p.m. Jack Kidd
Witherspoon Grill
57 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-6011
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Keith Franklin Jazz Group
Working Dog Winery 
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown 
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Spoondrift
Sun. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.


 
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COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Streets of Dublin" by James Deely

With a video literally shot on the streets of Dublin, veteran rocker James Deely's "Streets of Dublin" is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...3/14/24




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts Taking Place from March 12-19, 2024




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/11/24






 

MORE NEWS

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Johnny Cash's status as a pillar of American popular culture continues long after his death. What do we know about the man behind the music? Scott Moreau will offer a 50-year panorama of his life and perform the songs that made him famous in "Ultimate Johnny Cash: Late & Alone" at four Ocean County Library branches.


North to Shore Festival presents Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, K. Michelle, and Jaheim in Atlantic City




+LIVE+, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soul Asylum to Perform in Holmdel




Centenary Stage Company presents Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and the Legendary Il Sont Partis Band





 
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UPCOMING SHOWS


Bruce Springsteen Archives presents "Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History" at LBJ Presidential Library

(AUSTIN, TX) - Since the nation's inception nearly two and a half centuries ago, music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity. To celebrate and explore this remarkable heritage, the LBJ Presidential Library and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University announce the premiere of the exhibition Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History. Opening at the LBJ Presidential Library on Saturday, February 17, during Presidents' Day weekend, the exhibition will be on display through August 11, 2024.


Arts Council of Princeton partnering with Stibol Music to provide Music Lessons and Programming




Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals presents music for viola and piano




Danny DeVito to narrate Matilda in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony






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