"Yeah, I'm pretty far up," laughed singer/songwriter Adrian Sutherland as he discussed his new album "Precious Diamonds," his indigenous heritage and more. "I used to tune into AM radio at night because in the night it's really clear and you can pick up all of the U.S. radio stations and so I would tune into all of those stations but somebody had the brilliant idea to purchase a jukebox with a bunch of records in it and so, we had a jukebox at the local pool hall/arcade and as a kid I spent a lot of time there in the evenings and the Summer. We'd play those records and at the time we pretty much had everything in there; Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Neil Young, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and all of these artists from the '80s who were really popular. So, that's how I got my exposure to music coming out of the U.S. and we also had three channels on our TV and we had much music coming into light like an equivalent to MTV where they were making music videos and I was able to discover other artists through that whole experience as well."
"Pretty far up" as he says, pertains to his hometown of Attawapiskat Ontario Canada, a place steeped in traditions, lore and a "Dying language" but as you will read; Sutherland is doing his part to extend its roots.
A native of the Omushkegowuk Cree Tribe, he is steeped in the culture, so much so that his most recent release, "Precious Diamonds" is done in the "Cree" language.
"There are a couple of reasons why I wanted to write some music in Cree," he began in a soft spoken tone. "One, I have a pretty strong indigenous First Nation following up here in Canada and I wanted to do something for that whole fan base. So, I wrote some Cree music for that fan base but I also wanted to play my role in language preservation and revitalization because there are a lot of people up here who have experienced loss of language. So, I want to assert my role, in some small way; I'm trying to help people with reconnecting to their roots and their language. I've seen so much change happen even in my lifetime; I'm in my late forties and where I come from, all of those old-timers who grew up and lived on the land have passed on and it's a whole different time now. People aren't doing the same things they did on the land and so we've sort of lost that history and even the nomadic survival skills that our parents and grandparents used to have, it's sort of slowly eroding away. Even the language, people are not speaking it as much, our children are not picking it up and there are just so many things like social media that are distracting people and since we got access to things like the internet, things have really changed. So, we're definitely going through a really weird transition and it's hard to know where we're heading sometimes."
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Here in the U.S., our history doesn't always speak of the atrocities our government bestowed and/or used upon the Native Americans in the name of "Assimilation" or more likely the removal of our original inhabitants in the name of "Progress." Sutherland says it was much the same way in Canada.
"Absolutely! Based on my own families` history, the earliest relationships we had with Europeans were trading relationships. So, we had a very positive sort of economic and business kind of relationship and we all sort of depended on each other to make that work. So, there were some positive things going on in the early years of our area, we were mostly trading with the ships coming over from The United Kingdom and most were Scottsmen working there and that relationship changed over the span of 300 years and then when the government was formed, they started pushing people off of the land and tried forcing them onto reserves and onto Indian reservations. They started cutting off all of the trading we had and eventually the industry we had for trading was killed off. Our kids were being taken to the Indian Residential Schools and as you may be aware, there were horrors. There were horrible stories coming out of those residential schools; they were cutting our hair and preventing us from speaking our language. My mother went through all of that, she is going to be 80 soon and so she experienced all of that and she tells me there was a loss of transferred knowledge from her parents; it was interrupted for a very long time because of the schools. So, basically, they were trying to be rid of the Indian through that whole process of trying to assimilate us into western society. There were so many things they were doing; forced sterilization of the women, 80 percent of the First Nations were wiped out because of sickness, it was just such a horrible time and it was very difficult for our people in this country for a long time and in some ways it's still very challenging."
So, on "Precious Diamonds;" is there anything reflective of these times?
"Yes, you'll find stuff on there," he continued, "One song that I wrote was me trying to put myself in the shoes of that child that was being taken away from their parents and being put into this school and being completely terrified with that experience; one of the songs I wrote about that is on the record and it's called "Boogeyman."
Attawapiskat Ontario isn't exactly known worldwide as a hotbed of music but that may change as Adrian was nominated for a JUNO Award; Canada's equivalent of the U.S. Grammy Awards. Does he find himself getting a bit more attention around town these days?
"Here at home, I'm always seen as just Adrian and people see me as the guy who does music who likes to go into nature, likes to go hunt," he replied somewhat shyly. "I think people are proud of my accomplishments with music but they are not very vocal about it; I think they're proud of me in sort of a quiet way and I don't know if it's because of our culture where a lot of people are very stoic and don't show a lot of emotion but beyond my community, I think people seem to be receiving the music well and it's reaching more and more people which is great and to me, I think the music stands up to any other artist out there. Personally, I think it's really good music and I think a lot of people think it's really great music and the stories and themes that I touch on; I try to stay authentic and write about my experiences as an indigenous person. I also write about the people who have touched my life; I try to tell some of those stories as well because those are important to me. So, yeah, I think the music is sort of slowly making its way and more people are starting to discover it and they are receiving it really well and I couldn't be more happy for it."
"I think when I first found out about the JUNO, it probably didn't hit me until probably later on that day; it didn't really phase me initially but as the day went on, I was like, "Whoa! This is kind of a big deal" and when people began congratulating me in the coming days after; it started to set in that it's a pretty big accomplishment. I look back and see how much ground I've covered over the last 12 years when I decided to go out on a limb and pursue music professionally; it's really nice to get that acknowledgement."
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Choosing guitarist and producer Colin Linden to work with him meant he had to travel to Linden's base of operations; Nashville, TN. but as it turns out, this isn't the first time they've worked together.
"There was a series of shows that I did back in 2019 I believe it was, with Tom Wilson who is one of Colin's longtime friends and bandmates. We did a week long concert series all about reconciliation and the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and I met Tom there and he introduced me to Colin Linden and they invited me to come out and open for them on their tour that they were kicking off in 2019. So, that's how we met and I spent about a week touring with them through Ontario here and we sort of connected on many levels and I asked him if he'd ever be interested in working with me and producing and he said, "Absolutely" and that's how the relationship formed and we've done two albums together since. I never actually saw myself going all the way to Nashville; you hear about it being such a music hub and Colin invited me down to his studio to record; we wanted to do that on the first album but we were right in the middle of the pandemic and I wasn't able to travel. So, we did the first album remotely but the second album we actually got to go there and record with him and some other players and it was a really positive experience and I really enjoyed my time down there."
Mastered here in New Jersey by multi-Grammy Award winner Greg Calbi, Adrian has the distinction of being the first person to put the Cree language in recorded works. So, how did he happen upon the album title?
"Precious Diamonds," there are two songs on the album, one called "Precious" and the other called "Diamonds" and Colin came up with the idea to call it "Precious Diamonds" and I couldn't think of any reason not to call it that because it's such a great catchy title," he said with a large laugh.
Album done, distribution being handled, release party over; Sutherland says he has every intent to get out there and promote this new release as soon as possible.
"It has been a slow couple of years for me in terms of shows but this year, things are starting to shape up. I had my album release in Toronto, I've got some stuff shaping up for the Summer. I love to get out and perform and I'm excited to get out and support the album. We've applied for some stuff in the U.S. where we've had a lot of traction with this new record but for now I'm still trying to put the building blocks in place here in Canada. We've got a great team in the U.S. with people like Wendy and the rest."
To discover more about Adrian Sutherland and his incredible background, please visit https://adriansutherlandmusic.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
Ace Cafe 15 Market Place New Hope, PA Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike NightAl's Airport Inn 636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton (609) 883-5252 Thurs. 5 p.m. Marc Hoffman 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. Brian Elliot Wed. 7 p.m. SkylineAristaeus Brewing 2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA (215) 757-2337 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 7 p.m. Little Red Rooster Sat. 7 p.m. Faraway Guys Sun. 3 p.m. Jonathn AsheArk Brewery, Restaurant & Pub 106 Ark Road Lumberton (609) 451-5023 Thurs. 6 p.m. Wounded SoulsArm & Hammer Park 1 Thunder Road Trenton (609) 394-3300 Thurs. 7 p.m. FREE Movie Night: "Migration" Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-8777 Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) ART OF: Tacos and Margaritas (7 p.m.) "Parking Lot Pop-Up" feat. "Late Knights" Compositions by Ethan Blaser / Groove Goose / Blush Boy. $5, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fri. 6:30 p.m. Pop-Up Drum Circle w/ Stibol Music Sat. 12 p.m. "From Africa to the Americas" Free Dance Workshop Wed. 7 p.m. Jersey Art Meet-UpAshlynn Distillery 32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA Thurs. 5 p.m. Cecil & Carl Fri. 7 p.m. John Thomas Sat. 7 p.m. Sara & Tamer Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy Cain Wed. 6 p.m. Cara CartneyBill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton (609) 586-0192 Thurs. 7 p.m. The Jenks Fri. 7 p.m. Polish Nannies Sat. 7 p.m. Deep Release 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 Sat. 6 p.m. Sound Wave Sun. 12 p.m. "Pints For Pop" (Dad gets a free pint with one purchase) (4 p.m.) "Yappy Hour" Wed. 7 p.m. QuizzoBordentown City Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20 Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 Bordentown Elks 11 Amboy Road Bordentown (609) 298-2085 Thurs. 6 p.m. Alex Chernick Fri. 8 p.m. A Friday Night of Comedy feat. Eric Jacob, Bob DiBuono, Jason Pollock. $25, doors open at 7 p.m. Boro Bean 9 East Broad Street Hopewell (609) 466-6681 Sat. 11 a.m. John Abbott Bowman's Tavern 1600 River Road New Hope, PA (215) 862-2972 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Mark Smith Trio Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan Sat. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Trio Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo Tues. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFourBroken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA (267) 812-5653 Thurs./Fri./Sat. 7 p.m. Face To Face Triple Crown 2024. $48.89 (3 Day pass $100), ages 18+Brother's Pizza 871 Highway 33 Hamilton (609) 586-2727 Wed. 6 p.m. Ant CannuliBruno's Bicycles, One Sweet Ride 19 South Main Street Allentown (609) 208-0544 Fri. 7 p.m. The Bad Neighbors Bucks County Brewery and Hewn Spirits 31 Appletree Lane Pipersville, PA (215) 766-7711 Fri. 5:30 p.m. SoulShine Sat. 5:30 p.m. Little Red Rooster 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. TriviaCadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum) 299 Parkside Avenue Trenton (408) 335-4400 Sat. 1 p.m. Curators Talk: "In The Beginning"Camp Marshall 2338 Route 33 Robbinsville (609) 915-5367 Sat. 3 p.m. Long Hill String Band. $10 (Suggested donation)Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton (609) 695-9612 Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5 Sat. 3 p.m. Omeed Nyman. $20Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 102 Carnagie Center Princeton (781) 568-1471 Fri. 8 p.m. Tim Grill. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille 1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA (267) 580-5469 Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ PaulChesterfield Inn 633 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield (609) 298-1917 Sat. 9 p.m. Groove Pocket Club Atlantis 1858 Street Road Bensalem, PA (215) 944-1777 Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Robbie Tronco All Events Ages 21+ and Dress to ImpressClubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio) 850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing (609) 538-0808 Thurs. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers & James Hoscheck Fri. 6:30 p.m. Paul PlumeriCooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton (609) 393-7300 Thurs. 7 p.m. Lovelight w/ Pete Tonti Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) The Nerds / DJ John Rossi Sat. 7 p.m. The Buzzer BandCrossing Vineyard and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA (215) 493-6500 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. AM Radio. $15 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+ Sat. 2:30 p.m. Bill Thomas Sun. 2 p.m. Dave BoydCurran’s Irish Inn 1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA (215) 245-1800 Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Mon. 7:30 p.m. QuizzoDacey's Pub 215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA (215) 295-4838 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night Wed. 8 p.m. QuizzoDadz Bar and Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton (609)267-4344 Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix Fri. (7 p.m.) Rough Cut (9 p.m.) DJ Dance Party Sat. (2 p.m.) Live Podcast Recording Hosted by Danny Coleman of Rock On Radio feat. Justin Megaro & Chris Walter (8 p.m./9 p.m.) Karaoke/DJ Dance Party Sun. 3 p.m. Carie McKay Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz Jam Open Dharma Bums 4935 River Road New Hope, PA (215) 663-2867 Thurs. 8 p.m. Dave Brown & Shawn Caden (The Dishonest Fiddlers) Fri. 8 p.m. JP4 Electric. $15 (advance) Sat. 8 p.m. The Adventures of Matt Blacke w/ Mike Smith Group. $10 (advance) Sun. 6 p.m. The Underground Rats / The Agents Tues. 7:30 p.m. Sacred Summer Solstice Sound Journey & Reiki Healing. $45 Wed. 7 p.m. DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry RobertDockside Bensalem 3330 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, PA (267) 520-7184 Fri. 6 p.m. Keep The Change Eddington House Bensalem 2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA (215) 639-1220 Fri. 8:30 p.m. EarCandy Sat. 8:30 p.m. Porch Sun. 3 p.m. Aaron Quarterman Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-JoeEscape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA Fri. 6 p.m. Frank Cervantes Band Tues. 6 p.m. KaraokeFlying Pig Tavern & Tap 167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown (609) 899-7447 Thurs. 8 p.m. DJ entertainment Fri. 9 p.m. M.O.B. (My Other Band) Sat. 9 p.m. Talking In Cursive Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Forsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe (732) 521-0700 Sat. 6 p.m. Music On The Terrace w/ Alex English Sun. 1 p.m. Father's Day BBQ and Pool Party Mon. 1 p.m. MahjongFounding 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 Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise Night 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.) Old School Sat. 12 p.m. Music Bingo Sun. 3 p.m. Electric Beach Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice ProductionsGreen Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio 240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA (215) 504-7277 Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke Fri. 9 p.m. JDuo Sat. 8 p.m. Jeff Selby Sun. 11 a.m./1 p.m./3 p.m. Father's day BBQ. $32.99 ($15.99 kids ages 3-12)Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction (609) 716-8771 Sat. 10 a.m. (TBA) Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade PrestridgeHalo Pub (Fete) 9 Hullfish Street Princeton (609) 921-1710 Sat. 6 p.m. Bud & Gerard BelvisoHamilatte Cafe 1971 Route 33 Hamilton Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays Hamilton Tap & Grill 557 US Route 130 North Hamilton (609) 905-0925 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs Fri. 3 p.m. Happy Hour w/ Bob Banka Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke Wed. 7 p.m. TriviaHamilton Township Public Library 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton (609) 581-4060 Thurs. 1 p.m. Learn About Financial Planning for Retirement Hamilton Veterans Park 1865 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road Hamilton Sat. 9 a.m. Options For Her Life Walk 2024Happy Apple Inn 29 Imlaystown Road Cream Ridge (609) 259-7889 Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Starlight Whiskey Tasting 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.) A Tribute to Heart w/ "Kick It Out" $35 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party Sat. (3 p.m.) Strange Brew Crew (9:30 p.m.) DJ Summer Dance Party Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper DuoHopewell United Methodist Church 20 Blackwell Avenue Hopewell (609) 466-0471 Sat. 6 p.m. Hopewell Hayride (Old Time Country & Bluegrass) $15 (Suggested donation adults includes food), doors and food open at 4 p.m.Hopewell Valley Golf Club 114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell (609) 737-1199 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Jack FurlongHopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington (609) 737-4465 Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Deb & Mike Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM Fransisco (1 p.m.) Craig Leach Group (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Bad Hombres Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. McMillan & Co.Howe Commons Main Street Pennington Fri. 6 p.m. The Rangers Nouveau. (FREE event, BYOB, Food Trucks)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. 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 OIrish 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. 6:30 p.m. The CJs Sat. 6:30 p.m. Joe Kramer & Jerry Monk Sun. 2 p.m. Bud & Gerard BelvisoIvy 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 Sun. 3 p.m. Eastview 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+Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton (609) 586-1166 Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) Lou Mutter (10 p.m.) DJ Perez Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Skyline (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Ant Cannuli (10 p.m.) DJ Dom Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday Father's Day" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Bob Banka (1 p.m.) Father's Day Pig Roast BBQ Wed. 5:30 p.m. Mark SaccoKnights of Columbus 1451 Klockner Road Hamilton (609) 584-1472 Fri. 7 p.m. "Flags for Veterans" Dance w/ DJ Anthony Bradley. $40 (Includes buffet, complementery beverages)Knowhere Farm 537 Chesterfield-Arneytown Road Chesterfield (609) 386-6168 Thurs. 5 p.m. Moo's First Paint & SipLa Cena Ristorante 2233 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA (215) 639-9969 Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Plush & FriendsLambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 11 Bridge Street Lambertville (609) 397-8300 Sat./Sun. 11 a.m. River's Edge Artisan Festival Langhorne Summer Concert Series 115 West Richardson Avenue Langhorne, PA Sat. 3 p.m. Langhorne Borough Car Show w/ Music by The Mojo GypsiesLaurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt (609) 752-0200 Thurs. 7 p.m. Junior Idol Tryouts Fri. 6 p.m. Seafood Boil. $36 Sat. 11 a.m. FREE Event: "Father's Day Weekend in The Grove" feat. (12 p.m.) Cornhole Tournament. $40 (7:30 p.m.) Kricket Comedy Night feat. Shawn Banks, Paul Carson. $25 Sun. 11 a.m. FREE Event: "Father's Day Weekend in The Grove" / BBQ Brunch. $63 ($30 kids ages 6-12, kids 5 and under FREE)Library Company of Burlington 23 West Union Street Burlington (609) 3861273 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic NightLillipies Bakery 30 North Harrison Street Princeton (609) 423-2100 Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with JeffLogan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2300 Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Tait Sat. 7 p.m. Lambertville Jazz Sun. 11;30 a.m. Scott McallisterMagikava 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 McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence (609) 392-0599 Sat. 10 p.m. A Night of Gothic Americana: w/ The Wedding Funeral Ages 21+ McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 949-9570 Sat. 8 p.m. FFOG Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia NightMillhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton (609) 989-1600 Sat. 9 p.m. Alpha Rabbit, The Dracu-Las, Civil Rats Wed. 9 p.m. Jimmy-N-Johnny, Keith Monacchio, Buzzy Jones, Brian Casale, Dim.Mitchell's Cafe 9 Church Street Lambertville Thurs. 8 p.m. "Senior Discount Ages 55 & Up" Birthday Spectacular Jazz and Improv Jam Morven Museum & Garden 55 Stockton Street Princeton (609) 924-8144 Sat. 7 p.m. "Interwoven" w/ American Repertory Ballet & Princeton Symphony Orchestra Wed. 7 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration Honoring Black Choral MusicMusic Mountain Theater 1483 Route 179 Lambertville (609)397-3337 Fri. 8 p.m. "Avenue Q" Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Avenue Q" Sun. 3 p.m. "Avenue Q" Naked Brewing Company 212 Mill Street Bristol, PA (267) 544-7129 Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project Fri. 7 p.m. Faraway Guys Sat. 7 p.m. Low Totem Tues. 7 p.m. TriviaNeshaminy Creek Brewing Company 909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA (215) 458-7081 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night Fri. 7 p.m. FREE Movie Night feat. "Tapes From The Creek" Mystery VHS ScreeningNew Egypt Flea Market Village 933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge (609) 758-2082 Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market Wed. 8 a.m. Flea MarketNew Hope Inn & Suites (Diva Lounge) 6426 Lower York Road New Hopoe, PA (855) 229-5934 Sat. 8 p.m. Wisertime w/ Rob Clores & Guests New Hope Winery / Tavern 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA (215) 794-2331 Sat. 8 p.m. Absolute Adele Tribute with Jennifer Cella Newtown Brewing Company 103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA (215) 944-8609 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia Fri. 6 p.m. Colin York Sat. 6 p.m. Jade Skylar Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Nick's Roast Beef 4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA (215) 637-515 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. (6 p.m.) Eve Ramblin' Still (9 p.m.) Shot of Southern Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Eric B Wed. 7 p.m. KaraokeNJWeedman's Dispensary 322 East State Street Trenton (609) 437-0898 Thurs. 8 p.m. KaraokeNomad Distilling Company 20 South Main Street New Hope, PA Sun. 10 a.m. BrunchNottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square (609) 587-6623 Thur. 9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis Sat. 9:30 p.m. El Kabong Mon. 7 p.m. Bingo & Cornhole 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. 4 p.m. "4th Anniversary Weekend" feat. (6 p.m.) The Pennington Station Band Sat. 12 p.m. "4th Anniversary Weekend" Sun. 12 p.m. "4th Anniversary Weekend" feat. (2 p.m.) Sawmill Run Old Time String Band Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night 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. Brian Breathes Trio Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch Tues. 6 p.m. Taco Tuesday w/ Radio Fiction Palmer Square 40 Nassau Street Princeton Sat. 12 p.m. Spring Music Series feat. Underwater Airlines Pasquale's Sports Bar 9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA (267) 202-6268 Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Wed. 7 p.m. KaraokePatriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville (609) 737-2780 Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night Fri. 8 p.m. Frank Pinto & Richie Z Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Band Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton (609) 585-8008 Fri. 9 p.m. The Wonderful Winos 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 Public Library (Hinds Plaza) 65 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-9529 Fri. 7 p.m. The ReboundPuss N Boots Tavern 942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke Tues. 7 p.m. TriviaRandy Now's Man Cave 119 West Ward Street Hightstown (609) 424-3766 Sat. 7:20 p.m. The Successful Failures / Bobby Bare Jr. Doors open at 7 p.m.Recklesstown Farm Distillery 2800 Route 206 North Columbus (609) 784-8046 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Performers Showcase / Open Mic Hosted by Ant CannuliRistorrante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 144 US Route 130 Bordentown (609) 262-0110 Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night River Horse Brewing Co. 2 Graphics Drive Ewing (609) 883-0890 Sat. 6 p.m. "Frontiers" The Ultimate Journey Tribute River House at Odette’s 274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA (215) 682-2022 Thurs. 7 p.m. Joanna Caruso Fri. 7 p.m. Andy Prescott Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Dave Dales Duo Wed. 5 p.m. Megan Knight Rose Bank Winery 258 Durham Road Newtown, PA (215) 860-5899 Sat. 2 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" feat. (TBA) Rossi's Bar & Grill 2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton (609) 890-2004 Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Saint Mark United Methodist Church 465 Paxson Avenue Hamilton Square (609) 587-1286 Sun. 9 a.m. Father's Day Bake Sale Salon 33 794 Alexander Road Princeton Fri. 7 p.m. Mike Agranoff Sat. 7 p.m. McMillan & Co Sun. 7 p.m. Opera: East Meets West-Peking to ParisSandy's Beef & Ale 2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA (2670 852-2333 Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo Mon. 7 p.m. Music BingoSecond Sin Brewing Company 1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P (267) 812-5251 Thurs. 7 p.m. TriviaShady Brook Farm 931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA (215) 968-1670 Thurs 6 p.m. Jon Savage Fri. 6:30 p.m. "UnWINEd" Concert feat. WitZend. $12 (advance/online, $15 at door), doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sat. "Party On The Patio" feat. (2 p.m.) Cherry Lane Duo (6:30 p.m.) The E-Miners Sun. "Party On The Patio" feat. 2 p.m. Brian Varhelyi Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater 2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA Wed. 7 p.m. "Southern Accents" The Ultimate Tom Petty Tribute. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)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 ContestSmall World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-4377 x2 Sat. 7 p.m. Jon CaspiSparky World-Famous Beer Garden 4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 943-2321 Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana Fri. 9 p.m. Garage Bandits Sat. 9:30 p.m. Waiting On Chris 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. Sight UnseenSteam Pub 606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA Fri. 10 p.m. DJ KurteousyTara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown (609) 286-2300 Sat. 8:30 p.m. Williamsboy Tavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown (609) 426-9345 Fri. 9 p.m. After The Flood Sat. 8 p.m. Joe Zook Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 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. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Jerry Steele Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Chris PTGI Fridays 780 Route 130 South Hamilton (609) 581-6910 Sun. 9 p.m.Karaoke w/ DJ BurnTGI 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 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. Love Junk Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8:30 p.m.) Bigg Romeo Sun. 11 a.m. Father's Day Brunch Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch DuoThe Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro (609) 291-9110 Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis Sat. (6 p.m.) The Greaseband. $30 (advance) (9 p.m.) Asylum ChoirThe Cure Insurance Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton (609) 656-3200 Sat. 8 p.m. Badshh "The Paagal Tour"The Dubliner 34 North Main Street New Hope, PA (215) 693-1816 Fri. 7 p.m. Na Bodach Sun. 2 p.m. David Falcone The Federal Twist Vineyard 8 Federal Twist Road Stockton (609) 773-6066 Sat. 12 p.m. Slim & the Perkolators. $5 (Ages 20 and under FREE) Sun. 12 p.m. "Father's Day" BBQ (Ages 20 and under FREE)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. Leading Zero Sat. 9 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan AppelThe HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown (609) 291-7020 Fri. 8 p.m. Radio FictionThe 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 Iron Mike Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Slick 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. Salt Tree Band Sat. 8 p.m. Never Enough 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. 8 p.m. The Music of Phil Collins w/ "Hello I Must Be Going" $34.86 Fri. 8 p.m. A Night of Dueling Pianos w/ "Flying Ivories" $34.86 Sat. 8 p.m. "Know Return" The Music of Kansas and Styx. $40.10 Wed. 3 p.m. Art of the American Song: Sinatra, Cole, Bennett, Darin and More. $34.86The 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. Bryan Hansen Band w/ Special Guest Co-host Carol Lester and Calls from Janet Robins and Dino McCord 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. ArHouse Sat. 8 p.m. Kindred Spirit Wed. 6 p.m. Joe VadalaThe Station Bar Bistro 14 South Warren Street Trenton Thurs. 6 p.m. Trenton "Eat Local" Club Meet Up The Union Firehouse 18 Washington Street Mount Holly (609) 288-6491 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night Fri. 8 p.m. The Soul Cruisers Dance Party. Doors open at 7 p.m. Sat. 7 p.m. STFU ("I Hate It Here" EP Release), Husk, God Called In Sick, Hyperfang, Measures, False Nine. Doors open at 6 p.m., all ages. The Union House 19 East Union Street Burlington (609) 531-6077 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Sat./Sun. 10 a.m. BrunchTindall Road Brewing Co. 102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 526-8651 Wed. (6 p.m.) Books & Beer (7 p.m.) Li-brewery TriviaTir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton (609) 392-2554 Sat. 2 p.m. Kevin & Diarmuid Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry & John Monk All Shows 21+ Train Wreck Distillery 25 Madison Avenue Mount Holly (609) 288-6300 Fri. 7 p.m. Random Notes DuoTrenton City Hall 319 East State Street Trenton Fri. 6 p.m. The Men of SoulTrenton 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 SweetsTrinity Church 33 Mercer Street Princeton (609) 924-2277 Thurs. 7 p.m. Abeo QuartetTriumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location) 400 Union Square New Hope, Pa. (215) 862-8300 Fri. 8 p.m. Lovelight feat. Michael SanfossoVault Brewing Company 10 South Main Street Yardley, PA (267) 573-4291 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Hailey Rose Fri. 7 p.m. Tom Trovas Duo Sat. 7 p.m. Suzette & Her Latin Ensemble Mon. 6 p.m. QuizzoVillage Idiot Brewing Company 42 High Street Mount Holly (609) 975-9270 Thurs. 7 p.m. TriviaWashington Crossing Inn 1295 General Washington Memorial Boulevard Washington Ceossing, PA (877) 882-1776 Fri. 5:30 p.m. Bad Hombres DuoWhitehill Mansion 217 Fourth Street Fieldsboro Fri. 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. "Candlelight Experience" Ghost Tour. $25 (Not reccommended for children 12 and under)Wildflowers Inn 2572 Pennington Road Pennington (609) 773-239 Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob SilversWildflowers Too 255 Route 156 Yardville (609) 585-5483 Wed. 7 p.m. Poker NightWoodlin Lodge 30 19 Park Street Bordentown (609) 298-9849 Fri. 8 p.m. Fridays On Park Street Sat. 3 p.m. "Juneteenth" Community Celebration Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown (609) 371-6000 Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Justin Love Sat. 1 p.m. Ronnie Brandt Sun. 1 p.m. Rob MessinaWWFM 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.
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Many years ago, when I first got involved in the music industry I was told, you gotta check out JB Kline, in Lambertville, NJ. This was early 2000, when he was just going by the name Jeff Kline.
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Tyler, The Creator announces a 2025 world tour in support of his forthcoming album CHROMAKOPIA. Promoted by AEG Presents, CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR will feature special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas and spans North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand over the course of 2025. The tour comes to Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 5; Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 14; Barclays Center in Brooklyn on July 17; and Prudential Center in Newark on July 27, 2025.
(NEWARK, NJ) -- This Fall, AG Touring and Mammoth, Inc. proudly present the Rod Wave - Last Lap Tour. This large-scale multi-city outing will feature Rod Wave headlining 36 of North America's top arenas coast-to-coast. The tour will kick off on October 19 at Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix, AZ visiting major markets across the country, including Newark’s Prudential Center on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 with special guests Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior and Eelmatic.
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