By Danny Coleman
originally published: 03/21/2024

"It's a small room; isn't it? If it sells out, then it's a sold out room," laughed a very funny and totally engaging founding member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen as he discussed his time with the band, music and his upcoming March 23 appearance at The Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton, NJ.

Little did McEuen know that a phone call from a music store would become a life-changing event and in days gone by, long before cell phones and computers, days  where you had to actually be home and "Answer" the ring; McEuen is proof that timing is everything.

"I'm looking forward to playing The Lizzie, it's gonna be something where I'm gonna do a lot of pickin' and Dirt Band stuff and I'll be bringing Les Thompson with me. I don't know if you know his name or not but he was an original Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member along with me back in the '60s,1966 is when things started; isn't that weird? That was a long time ago when he said to me in that music store he was calling from, "Hey, the guys are getting together a group here; you want to come join?" I said, yup, I'll come try'em out and I tried them out for 50 years (laughs). The band was just forming and they hadn't had everybody picked yet and it was a bunch of teenagers, I was the old guy at 20 , Les was 17, Jeff 18 and a couple of them were 19 and we were just playing good time music. I'm gonna do some of that old music from those days, I do one particular song that's really fun and that the band hasn't done in 50 years but I don't care because I do what I do. I try to do my favorite Nitty Gritty Dirt Band songs and of course, "Mr. Bojangles," "Long Hard Road," "Shelley's Blues" and some of the other ones that people may be familiar with and along with new songs and bluegrass from the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album." 

"1966?" McEuen has seen and heard much over the decades as both a member of the groundbreaking "Dirt Band" as well as a solo artist. So, it could come as a surprise to some that he left the band for a perceived solo career but John says that's not so. 

"After the 50th Anniversary tour, I said, OK, that's it for me, I'll see you guys later," he said with a laugh. "We had been doing the same set for 11 years (laughs) and that's OK, they do different stuff now but it was something I contemplated quite a bit. I thought the songs we were best known for, some of them, many of them were from the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album. We only did one song from there and that's one of the reasons why I left; I wanted to do more. I do more bluegrass now along with a few Dirt Band songs and some of my own and then we get into the story of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" because I like to tell the stories behind the songs; not to be boring but because some of them are funny. I talk about the people; how did I end up playing for Mickey Mouse's funeral? That is really a wonderful story I think. How did Leon Russell happen to call me to play on Bill Wyman's album? Well, that's a good story, I hope I remember to tell that one. Bill Wyman from the Rolling Stones was doing his first solo album and Leon Russell had become a friend from 1966 and this was 1974 but that is too long to get into here but not at the Lizzie Rose (laughs)." 

 

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"I've been doing solo all along, even during the busiest times of the Dirt Band I'd always pick up a solo show. Oh: we're playing Pittsburgh? I'll pick up a show in Harrisonburg. I would go out and play a solo show and catch up with the band or they'd take a day off and I'd book something on the day off. I came into this as a solo player back in 1966; I'd been playing with different people around L.A. like Jose Feliciano for one; that's a fun story. Along the years with the Dirt Band, besides playing in the group and road managing the band for the first 15 years; boy that was a lesson in how to get around. Being 21 years old and the oldest guy in the group, you're the only one old enough to rent a car," again continuing with a laugh. "That was a fun time, a lot of it was a fun time but drugs messed up the band once in a while and I'm not pitching or selling the fact that I didn't do any drugs but I was one of the people who didn't. The band did the thing that was important to survive and that is; we kept playing and we kept playing even under duress but it was good."

"We were the first American band to go to Russia; 1977. The Russians had us come over and we did 28 sold out shows in five different cities in on average 2,200 to 3,000 seat halls and there was a bike track in Armenia, 5,000 people and that was a good time. Do you play music? Do you know how to read a chart with a 1, 4, 5 progression? For those who don't know, you name the chords by number. There's only eight notes in a scale and there is one through eight and if you go from a C to an F that's a 1 to 4 and a C to a G, that's 1 to 5 and known as a C scale and that gives you a chord progression. I set up some lectures at five different music schools and I'd go in and talk about American music and that was really fun. One day, I was talking and somebody said; "How does a session happen in America?" Well, you get in a room and some guy hands the charts out with the numbers of the chords and they said, "Yes, we understand that but how do they know what to play and who tells them what to play?" So, I told an audience of about 200 people, the player decides what he wants to play on his own if it fits. The guitar player knows he's not going to play all the way through but they all play what they feel. Suddenly, there was a big mumbling in the room as this got translated and then everybody started standing up. I said to the translator; what's going on? He said, "They are astonished, they are amazed; you play what you feel?" Then the shouts started coming from them, "Such a country! A free country! You play what you feel" and the hair stood up on my neck and that was one of my many experiences in Russia; that was in Leningrad. That was a long time ago and I do a show that points to that; I hope there is enough time for me to do this show (laughs)."

"The show" as he calls it, is this Saturday, March 23 at The Lizzie Rose in Tuckerton, a room in which John has never performed and promises to be a night of fantastic music and stories from his long and legendary career. When asked about performing in intimate venues such as The Lizzie Rose and his first trip to Tuckerton; his humor once again came to the surface. 

"I've played a wide variety and I've done interviews on radio stations that had one watt and I've done interviews on Radio Free America that had a million watts (laughs) and everything in between.I've played Carnegie Hall three or four times and on a flatbed truck in the middle of a football field, I've played wonderful clubs and theaters and Tuckerton sounded like a wonderful place and a good place to go."

"I've never played at The Lizzie Rose, never been to Tuckerton. I like it because I've never been there before and it fits with the other dates around the schedule and I think it's gonna be good. I had it described to me and it reminds me of The Stanhope House; remember that place? I think that's really cool; it was amazing the people they got in there. I have some good memories of The Stanhope House and going; this is it? OK, we'll see if we can cram ourselves on the stage (laughs)."

McEuen loves to perform and if you have not picked up on it yet; he loves to tell stories. So; what can we expect at The Lizzie Rose? 

"The show is probably two-hours. I think they wanted an hour-and-a-half or less but I just play longer. I mean, it takes me a long time to get there and then I'm not home and there is nothing to do before or after the show and there is an audience and that is what I wanted to do as a teenager; drive around the country and find places to play where people would come and listen. What am I gonna do? Oh, I'm just doing a 45 minute set; I'll see you later (laughs). I'll be coming from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; I'm playing a place I played 50 years ago, Godfrey Daniels. I'm going back to the past, it's really a neat place and Ramona still works there too; it's a neat old folk music room."

"I'll have Danny Knicely and he is a really hot guitar player and if you like Doc Watson type of playing; he is all over it," he continued. "He also plays mandolin and he won first place at the Winfield Guitar Contest for both guitar and mandolin many years ago. He is about 45 and he sings and Les Thompson, the original Dirt Band bass player and I bring my guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle and make them do stuff. I found Danny because he is a fan and he had been playing around Virginia and I heard him play a couple of years ago and I get him to play with me whenever he is available. He is really good and one of those guys who has been around the Dirt Band music for years and I'm really glad we had an influence on him and he connects with "The Circle" album. Basically, he's a bluegrassy and jazz kind of player and he came along, he went on stage one time and I said, hey, you're gonna be back. We're playing MerleFest, the Doc Watson festival in North Carolina and that draws about 70,000 people." 

McEuen is also an author, his first book titled, "The Life I've Picked" isn't necessarily a tell all about his life or The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band but it is great smattering of a well-lived career. 

"The Life I've Picked" was my first book and that was me trying to capture everything as I saw it as far as the Dirt Band history goes and how I perceived what happened to me, as well as how I got into this business. How did Leon Russell become a friend? How did things happen? What was it like when Bill Monroe came up to me and said, "Hey John, if you ever do one of them "Circle" albums again, gimme a call!?" He didn't participate in the first one and he was sorry he didn't but the book goes onto a chapter on Russia, a chapter on the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album; which I initiated by asking Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson if they'd record with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band when they were in Colorado and when they said, "Yes;" I told my brother and he said, "I'm gonna call Merle Travis and get him" and he got him and Earl got us Maybelle Carter and Louise his wife got us Jimmy Martin because we didn't have connections; Earl had every connection and was very helpful. Bill, my brother booked a studio, shot photographs and managed the Dirt Band and there is a chapter on "The Circle" album as well as many chapters on what went on with me and the pictures that Bill took ended up being in a second book called, "The Making of the Will the Circle Be Unbroken Album" and it's 150 pictures that he shot with stories behind each one. I told the stories behind each picture or what was going on, who was in it or various stuff and that is a neat book; I've been getting really good compliments via email on that. I'll have some of those with me at Lizzie Rose." 

The industry and its business models have changed over the years, from radio to television and print; everything is different from when he started his career but John does feel that getting the music "Out there" via whatever outlets are available is just as important now as it was in 1966.

"I think it's more difficult to be on the radio and more important; how else are you gonna get to people? He said with confidence. "Using the word radio, meaning internet radio, digital TV, radio, digital radio; just broadcasting your music. You can't just do it from your garage and say, here we are; you have to get it out there somehow. The best way I can describe it is; picture a little baseball stadium with 5,000 people in it and a guy goes out to home plate before the game and he plays the guitar and sings a couple songs and the people sing along and it's a good time and he says, "OK, now it's time for the game" and now, picture an audience guy standing on home plate and there are 5,000 musicians in the stands and they are all playing different things. Listen to me, listen to me! Over here, over here! That's what it's like today with all of the internet and digital radio, podcasts and everything; there are more ways to get it out there. Taylor Swift, what a genius; she has cracked the nut and does such a good job at marketing and getting the word out. Folk music and bluegrass people should pay attention to what she does. It has always been about marketing and as a road manager, as I said earlier, for the Dirt Band, I spent a lot of time talking to promoters all over the country. One of the promoters told me he was at a pre-production meeting with Mick Jagger and Mick walked into this room with five people in it with a briefcase and he was in a business suit and he said, "I hope we all understand what this tour is all about; merchandise" and that was it. They do a million dollars in merchandise, records, tee shirts and stuff and if they go out and do 20 dates; there's $20,000,000 dollars but they understand marketing. The record business and music business is a marketing business and we live in a capitalist country and there is nothing wrong with that, it's a way of doing things. There is something wrong with everything if it gets off course; especially if it gets out of hand at times. I don't think tickets should be $150 for anything, well, maybe Paul McCartney (laughs)."

OK, we all need to know; how did The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band come up with its name?

"One guy said, "Let's call it Nitty Gritty Band," another guy said, "Let's call it The Dirt Band" and another said, "Let's call it The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" and that was how long it took and it was done. It took us about 10 years, maybe 15 to get accepted because people were; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; what's that all about?" 

To discover more about John McEuen or find tickets to his upcoming area shows, please visit https://johnmceuen.net/

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

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This week's event listings

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Abbott Marshlands
157 Westcott Avenue Hamilton 
Sat. (10:30 a.m.) Let's Explore! Do You Have Skull Skills (2 p.m.) Fathers in the Forest 
Sun. 2 p.m. Abstracts in nature w/ David O. Anderson
Tues. 10 a.m. Stand tall Yoga

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Allentown Borough
Main Street Allentown
Sat. 9 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt (Takes place at Farmer Park on Lakeview Drive)

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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Redbird
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Jessica DiDonato
Sun. 12 p.m. Sunday Acoustic Brunch  
Mon. 5 p.m.Bill Thomas
Tues. 7 p.m. Jessica DiDonato
Wed. (4 p.m.) LGBTQ Happy Hour (7 p.m.) Jessica DiDonato 

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Ancient Order of Hibernians 
2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 
Fri. (3 p.m.) Lenten Fish Fry (8 p.m.) Paul Wiese

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Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. 7 p.m. Justin Love
Sat. 3 p.m. Bill Thomas 
Sun. 2 p.m. Ed Tamiani

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Ark Brewery, Restaurant & Pub
106 Ark Road Lumberton
Thurs. 6 p.m. Wounded Souls

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Arm & Hammer Park
1 Thunder Road Trenton 
(609) 394-3300
Tues. 5 p.m. Trenton Thunder Job Fair 
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Story & Verse: A Storytelling, Poetic and Spoken Word Open Mic
Sat. 7 p.m. Cafe Improv feat. (8:30 p.m.) Bud & Carm
Wed. 7 p.m. Jersey Art Meetup

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Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 6 p.m. SoulShine
Sat. 7 p.m. Mike Goldman
Sun. (11 a.m.) Yoga & Cocktails w/ Atlas Yoga (3 p.m.) Cecil & Troy Cain
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney 

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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 w/ DJ Burn
Ages 21+

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Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Sun. 12 p.m. Dungeons & Drafts
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo

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Blaze DoubleTree by Hilton 
4355 US Route 1 Princeton
(609) 452-2400
Sun. 10 a.m. Pre-EID Bazaar 

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Blend Bar & Bistro   
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 7 p.m. Chet & Ari

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Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20

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Bordentown Elks
11 Amboy Road Bordentown 
(609) 298-2085 
Fri. 6 p.m. "Taste of Bordentown" 

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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.) Bill Avayou Trio(6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Tues. 6 p.m. Sam Ryan
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour 

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Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Mike Estabrook
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Dean & Company: "Spectrum Series Vol. 6" Grateful Dead Tribute. $13.04, $18.47, $21.73
Sat. 7 p.m. Disturbed Tribute: "Know Your Enemy" w/ Stricken. $10
Wed. 7 p.m. Girlschool, Lillian Axe, Alcatraz. $40 (advance), doors open at 6:30 p.m.)  
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

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Candlelight Lounge 
24 Passaic Street Trenton  
(609) 695-9612 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5 

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Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Brian Scolaro. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Brian Scolaro. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m. 

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Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille
1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 580-5469 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul

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City Streets
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sat. 9 p.m. Underwater Airlines

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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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Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing 
(609) 538-0808
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Spanky's Garage

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Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ladies Night / "Mystic Thursdays" w/ Matthew Swanson 
Fri. 8 p.m. Rob Clancy 

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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.) "Smingles Singles Mixer" feat. Se7en. $30 (advance, private event room, buffet optional) 
Sat. 8 p.m. Atomic Blonde & The Sneaks 

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Cream Ridge Winery
145 Route 539 Cream Ridge 
(609) 259-9797 
Sat. 12 p.m. Sangria Shindig

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Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Tarot Card Reading & Wine Tasting
Sat. 2 p.m. Jason McCue
Sun. 12 p.m. Kat Rivers  

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Cross Pollination Gallery
2 North Union Street Lambertville 
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. SiriOm Singh and the Soul Warriors

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Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo

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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

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Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Random Notes

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Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Sewing Circle (All levels welcome) (8 p.m.) Smooth Retsina Duo 
Fri. 8 p.m. Darlingtyn. $10 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Stackabones. $10 (advance)
Sun. (1 p.m.) Acoustic jam Circle (Donation based and welcomed) (4 p.m.) Drum Circle. $10 (Suggested donation or pay what you can)
Wed. 7 p.m. DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert

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Dockside Bensalem 
3330 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 520-7184
Sat. 6 p.m. Eric York  
Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 
(215) 639-1220 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Springbrooke
Sat. 8:30 p.m. EarCandy
Sun. 3 p.m. Ryan Biedermann
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe

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Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
Tues. 6 p.m. Karaoke

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Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. DJ entertainment
Fri. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch
Tues. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia

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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 

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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.)

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781 
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions  (9:30 p.m.) Karaoke Hosted by Best Choice Productions 
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) Frisky
Sat. 8 p.m. Jawnsie & The Philly Jawns
Sun. 4 p.m. Fly on the Wall
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions 

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Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Jack
Fri.  8 p.m. One Hot Mess Duo
Sat. 8 p.m. High Five Swan Dive
Wed. 7 p.m. Music Bingo

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Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge

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Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays Hosted by Sheli Monacchio feat. Gorgo Beach, Frank Patrouch

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Hamilton Tap & Grill
557 US Route 130 North Hamilton 
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Hamilton Township Public Library 
1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton 
(609) 581-4060
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Respect" A Musical Tribute to Women

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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.) The Ultimate AC/DC Experience w/ "Live Wire" $35 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Buzzer (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party 
Sun. 6 p.m. Queen Tribute w/ "Xtreme Queen" $35
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo 

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Hightstown Association Park
Grant Street Hightstown 
Sat. 9 a.m. Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt

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Hopewell Valley Golf Club
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell
(609) 737-1199
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Third Round of Progressive Trivia Hosted by Jack Furlong 
Fri. 8 p.m. No Way Out
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Craig Leach Group 
Sat. (4 p.m.) 2024 Oxtail Festival (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Bad Hombres
Sun. 2:30 p.m. Catmoondaddy

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Hub 13
13 West Front Street Trenton 
Mon. 4:30 p.m. Zodiac Glow Party
Tues. 6 p.m. Open Mic Karaoke Night

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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.) Johnny Betz (9 p.m.) Karaoke w/ DJ Beenice
Sat. 8 p.m. Velvet Snow
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday w/ Billy Futrell
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco

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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

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Irish Rover Station House 
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412 
Sat. 8 p.m. Aaron Quarterman
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night 

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Carmen Marranco
Sat. 2 p.m. Dave Murray
Sun. 2 p.m. The Grouser Girls 

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Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room
61 High Street Mt. Holly 
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Double G Acoustic Duo 

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Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
All shows 21+     

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John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981 
Fri. 9 p.m. Sam Ryan Band, John Beacher
Sat. 3 p.m. Black Cat Habitat, JP Bohannon
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Comedy Night w/ Mike Dialto (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+ 

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Tom Vincent
Fri. (1 p.m.) Fish Fry Fridays (5:30 p.m.) Ty Mares (9 p.m.) DJ Baynice
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m. Wayne Bilotti (10 p.m.) DJ Dan
Sun. 10 a.m. "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. Bob Banka   
Mon. 6:30 p.m. Mixology Class

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KUMO 27
3376 Route 27 South Brunswick
(732) 419-3452 
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Jimmy McNicolas Birthday Jam

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La Cena Ristorante
2233 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-9969
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Plush and Friends

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Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 
11 Bridge Street Lambertville 
(609) 397-8300 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Stand-Up Comedy feat. Jeffrey Paul, Chris Roach, Justin Gonzalez. $60 (includes comedy show, 3-course dinner, cash bar)

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Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Laurita Idol Semi-Finals
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Comedy Night feat. Joe Fernandes, Joe Bell, Maureen Ferguson. $25 (online only)
Sat. 7 p.m. '90s Dance Party. $10 (advance/online)

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Library Company of Burlington
23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night

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Lillipies Bakery
30 North Harrison Street Princeton 
(609) 423-2100  
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff 

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Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Fri. 7 p.m. Max Rogers
Sat. 7 p.m. Whiskey & Sugar
Sun. 12 p.m. Robert Lanter Duo
Wed. 5 p.m. Russell Norkevich 

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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  

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McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 9 p.m. Tribute Night feat. Fav Grohl (Foo Fighters), Train In Chains (Alice In Chains), Non-Stop Disco (System Of A Down). (FREE show), ages 21+
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

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Millhill Basement 
300 S. Broad Street Trenton 
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. The Crypt Keeper Five, The Fiendz, Seeing Snakes, Nikki Nailbomb
Sat. 9:30 p.m. God called in Sick, Pagan Teeth, Full Bush, Async Await. $10, doors open at 9 p.m. 

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More Barn Studios
104 Sandy Ridge-Mount Airy Road Stockton
(609) 414-3636
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Tim Farrell

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Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Hello Dolly"
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Hello Dolly"
Sun. 3 p.m. "Hello Dolly"

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Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana's Sh*t Show w/ the Dana Collins (Must sign up w/ Dana)
Sat. (1 p.m.) Dana Collins Project (7 p.m.) Honey Spot Blvd
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia 

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Nassau Presbyterian Church
61 Nassau Street Princeton 
Thurs. 12:15 p.m. Conservatory at Nassau: Music for Viola and Piano

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Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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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

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New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. 8 p.m. Led Zeppelin Tribute w/ "Kashmir"  

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Newtown Athletic Club 
120 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA 
(215) 968-0600 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Country Line Dancing
Sat. 9:30 a.m. Push, Pull, Flip
Sun. 2 p.m. Afro Dance Workshop w/ Bechir Ben Dhief

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. John Rodden
Sat. (3 p.m.) Magic by Jared (6 p.m.) John Thomas
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night 

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. "Fire Friday"

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Nomad Distilling Company
20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

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Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623
Thur. 9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Fri. 9 p.m. Blind Lemon Pie
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Ess Gees
Ages 21+   

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Odd Logic Brewing Co. 
500 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA 
Sat. 4 p.m. Beer & Baskets Fundraiser

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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 

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Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Fri. 6 p.m. Nike Montrey Band
Sun. 1 p.m. Local Performers Showcase feat. Shotgun Curly Duo

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Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Modern Mojo
Sat. 9 p.m. Dom Lafiura Duo
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

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Ottoburger of Hopewell Borough
65 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 388-7333
Fri. 6 p.m. Gas Pump Session: "The Conversation" Presented by The Hopewell Arts Council and feat. Greg Merkle, Grant Peterson, Karttikeya Arul. 

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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

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Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Michael Patrick
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"

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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 
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch 
Princeton Makes 
301 North Harrison Street Princeton 
Mon. 6:30 p.m. Full Moon Sound Bath and Meditation 

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Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 12:30 p.m. Bach Birthday Bash (Takes place at University Chapel)
Fri. 8 p.m. "Sweet Spring" (Takes place at University Chapel)

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Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 6 p.m. Paint Night at The Boot

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Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night

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River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Fri. 7 p.m. Andy Prescott
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan 
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski Duo

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Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ernie White
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics

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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

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Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Shady Brook Farm 
931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA 
(215) 968-1670 
Sat. 10 a.m. Easter "Eggstravaganza" 
Sun. 10 a.m. Easter "Eggstravaganza" 

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Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest 

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Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 7 p.m. McMillan & Co.

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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. Old School Saints
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. 8 p.m. Acoustic BS

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Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson
600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 752-9400 
Thurs. 5 p.m. "HD101"

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Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Sat. 10:30 p.m. Country Night w/ Let's Ride

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Stone Terrace by John Henry's
2275 Kuser Road Hamilton  
(609) 581-8855    
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Chris Pinella & the Big Band Extravaganza 

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1675 Spirits 
2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Fri. 6 p.m. Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis

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Tankard Lounge 
3 Keim Boulevard Burlington
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by The Williamsboy (Sign-ups start at 7 p.m.) 

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Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown 
(609) 286-2300 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Ken Dubman

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Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. (8 p.m.) Tavern & Tiaras "Real Housewives" Drag Show (Upstairs) (9 p.m.) Complicated Matter
Sat. 9 p.m. Original Music Night feat. Paul Plumeri
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 

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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  

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Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Sat. 1 p.m. "Wine & Chocolate Weekend Music Series" feat. Mark Miklos 

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TGI Fridays 
780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910 
Sun. 9 p.m. Trivia Game Night / SIN Sundays

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TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night 

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The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Mon. 8 p.m. Lena Jonsson Trio
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra 

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The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko
Fri. 8 p.m. Love Junk 
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (9 p.m.) "Decades" Music of the '50s, '60s and '70s. $75 (Includes show and dinner buffet. Takes place in the Ballroom)
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir

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The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Thurs. 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: "Into The Magic"
Fri. 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: "Into The Magic"
Sat. 11 a.m./3 p.m./ 7 p.m. Disney On Ice: "Into The Magic"
Sun. 11 a.m./3 p.m. Disney On Ice: "Into The Magic"  

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The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Popik & Stewart
Sat. 7 p.m. Gabriel Donohue
Sun. 2 p.m. Gerry Timlin 

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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. Well Strung
Sat. 9 p.m. Little Sister
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ In The Mix Bar Scene

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The Irish Horne Bar & Restaurant
882 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA 
(215) 942-4000 
Fri. 7 p.m. Bev & Dan 

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The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown  

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The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Boondashark
Sat. 8 p.m. Mikey Jr.
Mon. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 8 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night  

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The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Fri. 8 p.m. "The Music of The Band" w/ Professor Louie & the Crowmatix w/ The Woodstock Horns. $34.86
Sat. 8 p.m. "Awaken" A Tribute to the Music of YES. $40.10
Sun. 4 p.m. Diggery Dinosaur. $34.86
Tues. 7 p.m. "7 Yards" Screening and Q & A w/ Chris Norton. $17.04
Wed. 3 p.m./7:30 p.m. "Silence of The Lambs" $6, $10, $12

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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. Comedian Chris Covert
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

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The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo 
Fri. 8 p.m. ZA Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Full Grown Men
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala 

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The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326 
Fri. 8 p.m. No Shoes
Sat. 8 p.m. Two For Flinching

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The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
Fri. 8 p.m. Split Decision. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 7 p.m. Lackadaisical Lemon Album Release Party. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Tom Craig
Sat. 8 p.m.  Modern Mojo

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Sat. 7 p.m. '80s Night w/ "The Emulators" 
Sun. 8 p.m. Boston Comedy Club Brewery Tour 

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All Shows 21+ 

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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 

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Trinity Church
33 Mercer Street Princeton
(609) 924-2277
Fri. 12:15 p.m. A Lenten Concert: "Contemplative Classics" w/ Convoco Vocal Ensemble

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Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Tallitsch Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Lingerman Trio
Mon. 7 p.m. Chaturanga & Cheers w/ Renee Mahoney

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Vault Smoke House
19 West College Avenue Yardley, PA
(267) 907-8550
Sat. 6 p.m. John Brennan

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Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sun. 1 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Logan Torwich

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Villa Mannino Ristorante
73 US Highway 130 North, Bordentown 
(609) 298-9000
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Vase Painting Dinner  

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Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington 
(609) 773-239
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Silvers

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Wildflowers Too
255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night

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Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Justin Love
Sat. 1 p.m. Chris Giakas
Sun. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella

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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"

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Yankee Doodle Tap Room 
10 Palmer Square Princeton 
(609) 921-7500 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Dueling Pianos
Sat. 8:30 a.m. Breakfast w/ The Bunny 

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Zlock Performing Arts Center
275 Swamp Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-846 
Sat. 7:30 p.m. "That Old Black Magic" feat. Keith Spencer 

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

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