"I guess we sort of instigated it, Wang Chung that is," laughed Wang Chung guitarist Jack Hues as he discussed the band's upcoming June 13 show at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, The Abducted By the '80s Tour, his solo albums, orchestral works and more. "We were doing various '80s package tours over the last few years and they were good but we were aware of the fact that you had to climb over other bands and the chances to play deeper cuts were limited. So, we wanted to put a tour together where there were fewer bands of good quality and each band got a chance to play a decent length set. So, everybody is doing a half-hour to 45-minute set and that means Wang Chung gets to play "Space Junk" as well as "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" and "Dance Hall Days."
Shall you fall in the 50 and above age bracket, tours such as this are not only time traveling events and nostalgia trips but also a chance to say; remember when? C'mon; who doesn't remember Fraser Crane running around the bar at "Cheers" with scissors claiming when done, "We're gonna have fun tonight, everybody Wang Chung tonight?"
It is these types of memories that Hues and the band, along with Naked Eyes and The Motels will evoke when each takes the stage in Morristown, NJ next week and according to Jack himself, so far it's going according to plan.
"People love it and it has been really well attended," he said with enthusiasm. "When we left the UK to come here we had some places selling well and others not so well; the first couple of gigs in Texas were a little unsubscribed but in the end, there was a big walk up on the day and they were really well attended and people just love it. Our last show in Dallas at The House Of Blues, people were just loving it at the end of "Dance Hall Days."
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
When reminded that their album, "Points on the Curve" turned 40 this year, Hues laughed and then focused on a collaborative release they did in 2019 called, "Orchesography" which saw them use a symphony orchestra to enhance their material.
"Points on the Curve" for me feels like the day before yesterday," he chuckled. "More or less everything in our career has come from people approaching us. So, this company, AugustDay, has done various albums with bands; rearranging their catalog into orchestral works and they approached us to do two or three tracks initially and we said we were sort of interested but can we do an album? To which they agreed pretty readily and that immediately spiced the whole project up because it meant we could do some deeper cuts along with "Dance Hall Days" and "Everybody Have Fun Tonight." We got to do a track off an album we did in 2012 called "Tazer Up," a track called "Overwhelming Feeling" which we got to put on the orchestral album and I think the version on the orchestral album far outstrips the version we did in the studio. So, we got to revisit these songs that have not been particularly loved in the past so that aspect of it was good. Sometimes when you put an orchestra on a track that has drums and guitars and stuff like that, the orchestra gets squeezed into a small space and you may as well be using a synthesizer at that point. So, we tried to sort of keep the tracks open but obviously with "Fun Tonight" and "Dance Hall Days" you've got to have the backbone of the track in there; "Overwhelming Feeling" is really just orchestrally driven with some drums in there but not much which gives the orchestra time to really sort of bloom and when you're doing that, I think that affects the way you perceive the whole album and the album has been really well received."
The fact that this tour is able to roll along and continue to put people in seats is a true testament to what is perhaps the last great decade of original music. Now before there is offense taken, you need to look back at that decade of the '80s and think about what it was; a time of experimentation into more synthesized music, hair metal, classic '60s and '70s rockers holding on in an attempt to remain viable and relevant, along with a rising punk scene and New Wave/Alternative genres being ushered in; it was a transitional period, which in many ways we've still not finished going through given the current state of today's music climate.
"Well, when you put it like you have, you create the context of the incredible music that came before us and that's a testament to that and as you said, our music is still being played 40 years later, now that's incredible to me; it's kind of almost the best achievement you can have as an artist even beyond the money and thankfully all of the other stuff that has gone with it," said Hues retrospectively. "That sense of being part of this incredible half century; I look at it from 1956 to maybe 2006, "That's Alright Mama," maybe Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and that being the kind of "Golden Age" of pop music or popular music, I don't know what to call it but that was really the artistic cutting edge at the time. To invoke the atmosphere of the '70s you'd play The Doors, if you want to invoke the atmosphere of the '80s, you can play Wang Chung. When you get to the '90s I think it becomes a little more diffuse, obviously bands like Madonna could easily define the time but in a slightly different way. Certainly now, the time can be defined probably by; I don't know (Laughs) we're in a different sort of context for the acts. When I was a kid, I sort of assumed that music would always be around but now it's more in the realm of entertainment and again, I think an album was more than entertainment; wasn't it? It was more like a whole world that sort of transformed you in a way and I'm not sure that music can quite do that anymore."
"There is plenty of good stuff out there but it's not that kind of cutting edge that it used to be; I think computers have screwed everything up in a way (laughs). When alternative bands got to play on their records; even then, digital recording was a different thing from recording on analog tape and the way a band played together in the studio. So, yeah, we're in a different phase that's for sure. I think there are some terrific bands around but you have to seek them out, that's for sure."
May 3 saw the release of a film starring Anne Hathaway called "The Idea of You" and "Dance Hall Days" is background music during a pivotal scene which in most cases reinvigorates not only the song but the artist or band as well and Wang Chung has multiple songs now making comebacks on screen.
"The movie is now out on Amazon Prime and "Dance Hall Days" is in one of the sexual scenes in the movie and that's pretty amazing. Also, "To Live and Die in L.A.," this guy named John Mulaney, a comedian who is doing stuff on Netflix in a sort of comedy thing called, "Everybody's In L.A." I just watched the intro to the last scene of an episode that completely copies the graphic style of the movie "To Live and Die in L.A." and uses nearly the whole song as an intro to the scene and it has really gone kind of viral online. So, it's kind of interesting that a song of ours; which everybody has sort of heard "To Live and Die in L.A." but not everyone is familiar with outside of the '80s thing and now people are getting it in a completely re-textured sort of way and that's an amazing feat; it's contemporary again which is good with the fortieth anniversary of "To Live and Die in L.A." next year."
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
With the resurgence of the band's material, the successes of the orchestral record and this current tour, there have been rumors of a possible new Wang Chung album down the road. Hues says he and co-member/guitarist Nick Feldman have "Discussed it."
"We're both writing," he stated quickly, "I've done a couple of solo albums. I did an album called "Primitif" in 2020 which is a double album and another one during the lockdown basically, called "Electro Acoustic Works" and they are all available under my name and I intend on releasing a third solo album early next year; I'll keep it under my name, Jack Hues because it is more in the realm of progressive rock than you can say or call it a Wang Chung album, which is a sort of different animal and Wang Chung is me and Nick as well, so this is really different. I find myself to be more creative these days, maybe more than I've ever been actually; maybe I have more time to devote to creative work because I don't have three young children like I did in the '80s (laughs)."
June 13 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center promises to be a great show for those in attendance and Hues says, you won't be disappointed.
"You're gonna see The Motels and Naked Eyes, it's a good bill and each band has time to sort of explore some of their assets. I think that with all three of us, you'll recognize every song that we play but you'll get a nice 45-minute chunk of the music and it's quite satisfying I think; the whole dynamic. So, if you're into the '80s and want to feel nostalgic, if you are into seeing musicians play; then come out and see it. The Motels are an amazing band, they create a lot of space in their music.Their guitar player is kind of like Jonny Greenwood, he is really amazing but of course all of the musicians in that band are great, drums, bass and of course Martha is just delightful, she sings great and is a very warm presence; it's very uplifting."
To Discover more about Wang Chung or next Thursday's show, please visit https://www.wangchung.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
Abbott Marshlands 157 Westcott Avenue Hamilton Sun. 1 p.m. In The Footsteps of Abbott: A Marshland Birthday PartyAce Cafe 15 Market Place New Hope, PA Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike NightAllentown Borough Main Street Allentown Thurs. (10:15 a.m.) Baby Storytime (Takes place at the library 16 South Main Street) (11:45 a.m. / 3:30 p.m.) Family Storytime (Takes place at the library 16 South Main Street)Al's Airport Inn 636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton (609) 883-5252 Thurs. 5 p.m. Radio Fiction Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) John Brennan Sun. 12 p.m. Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Bud Belviso Mon. 5 p.m. Rob Silvers Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura Wed. 7 p.m. Mark SaccoAndalusia Bar & Grill 971 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA Mon. 8:30 p.m. Open Mic/Jam Hosted by Matt MarinoAristaeus Brewing 2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA (215) 757-2337 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 7 p.m. JDuoArm & Hammer Park 1 Thunder Road Trenton (609) 394-3300 Fri. 7 p.m. Friends for the Abbott Marshland Night at Trenton Thunder Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton (609) 924-8777 Thurs. 7 p.m. 25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Spanish Classical Dance, Song and Music Fri. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Spanish Classical Dance, Song and Music Sat. (10 a.m.) Crash Course: Creative Lettering (7 p.m.) 25th Anniversary of Lisa Botalico: Spanish Classical Dance, Song and Music Sun. (2 p.m.) ART OF: Cyanotype (4 p.m.) Sonia De Los Santos: Latin American Family Music Tues. 5 p.m. Annual Member Meeting Wed. 7 p.m. Jersey Art Meetup Ashlynn Distillery 32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA Thurs. 5 p.m. Cecil & Carl Fri. 7 p.m. Rondie James Sat. 7 p.m. Mike Goldman Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy Wed. 6 p.m. Cara CartneyBailey's Bar & Grille 6922 Bristol-Emilie Road Levittown, PA (215) 946-7992 Thurs. 6 p.m. Soul Custody TrioBill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton (609) 586-0192 Fri. 7 p.m. Moot Davis w/ Joe Kramer Sat. 7 p.m. Joe Zook & Blues Deluxe Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Ages 21+Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery 58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA (267) 799-5348 Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton (609) 245-8887 Thurs. 6 p.m. Bellisima Wine Tasting & Food Pairing. $50Bordentown City Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20 Sat. (12 p.m.) Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 (4:30 p.m.) "Playing The Field" at Gilder Field feat. The Successful Failures, Alpha Rabbit, Righteous Jolly &The Douge De BourdeauxBoro 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. Fermenters Trio Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan Sat. 7 p.m. Laura Hull Trio Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo Tues. 6 p.m. Sam Ryan Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFourBroken Goblet Brewing 2500 State Road Bensalem, PA (267) 812-5653 Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook Fri. 7:30 p.m. Riverside Odds, The Cryptkeeper Five, Alpha Rabbit. Doors open at 7 p.m., ages 18+ Sat. 4 p.m. "Loveletters To Cleo" feat. Flannel, Dumb As You Are, Fave Grohl, Hop Suey, Manhole, Doubtful. $20 (advance), ages 21+ Sun. 6 p.m. "Dandelion" A Remembrance to Kevin Morpurgo w/ Gibbous Moon. $21.73 Bucks On Bridge 25 Bridge Street Lambertville (609) 483-2615 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Poetry Night Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum) 299 Parkside Avenue Trenton (408) 335-4400 Sat. 8 a.m. Trenton Cycling "Coffee Outside"Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton (609) 695-9612 Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5 Sat. 3 p.m. James Stewart. $20Carnegie Center Route 1 North Princeton Wed. 12 p.m. Kindred SpiritCatch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 102 Carnagie Center Princeton (781) 568-1471 Fri. 8 p.m. Billy Garan. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m. Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille 1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA (267) 580-5469 Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ PaulClub Atlantis 1858 Street Road Bensalem, PA (215) 944-1777 Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Robbie Tronco All Events Ages 21+ and Dress to Impress 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.) Tom Petty Tribute w/ Pure Petty / DJ John Rossi Sat. 7 p.m. '80s Tribute w/ "The Influence" / DJ Frank Oliveti Crossing Vineyard and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA (215) 493-6500 Thurs. 7 p.m. Tarot Card Reading and Wine Tasting Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. The Fabulous Greaseband $15 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+ Sat. 2:30 p.m. Aaron Quarterman Sun. 2 p.m. Rodney WrightCurran’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 feat. Chrome Pony Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo Dadz Bar and Grill 744 Main Street Lumberton (609)267-4344 Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix Fri. (7 p.m.) Billy Hector (9 p.m.) DJ Dance Party Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke / DJ Dance Party Sun. 4 p.m. Carie McKay Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Wed. 7 p.m. Jazz jamDharma Bums 4935 River Road New Hope, PA (215) 663-2867 Thurs. 8 p.m. Shed's Kitchen Fri. 8 p.m. Mosey Beat. $10 (advance) Sat. (10 a.m.) Cooking & A Cocktail: Kimchi Making Class. $50 (8 p.m.) Prisms. $10 (advance) Sun. 4 p.m. Drum Circle. $10 (Suggested donation or whatever you can give) Wed. 7 p.m. DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert Eddington House Bensalem 2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA (215) 639-1220 Fri. 8:30 p.m. Sometime In September Sat. 8:30 p.m. Bigg Romeo Sun. 3 p.m. Neil Diamond Tribute w/ "Cracklin' Diamond" Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-JoeEl Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar 1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA (267) 685-0725 Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ DJ JacksonEscape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA Fri. 6 p.m. Peter Beck Band Tues. 6 p.m. KaraokeFalls Township Community Park 9125 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA Fri. 9 a.m. 39th Annual Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans Jesse E. Hill Flag Memorial Sat. 12 p.m. 39th Annual Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans Jesse E. Hill Flag Memorial feat. All Lit UpFlying Pig Tavern & Tap 167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown (609) 899-7447 Thurs. 8 p.m. DJ entertainment Fri. 8 p.m. AudioPilot or Groove Pocket Sat. 9 p.m. Anger Management Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke Wed. 8 p.m. TriviaForsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe (732) 521-0700 Fri. 6 p.m. "First Friday" feat. David SpatolaFounding 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.) German American Society 215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton (609) 585-5200 Fri. 7 p.m. "Friday Night Lights" 215 MOPAR Cruise Night Benefitting Trenton Cats RescueGleason'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" (8 p.m.) Never Enough Sat. 9 p.m. Glow Party w/ DJ Dangeruss Sun. 4 p.m. Cara Cartney Mon. 7 p.m. Tarot Card Readings. $20 Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio 240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA (215) 504-7277 Fri. 8 p.m. Amanda & Teddy Sat. 8 p.m. Little SisterGrounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors way Hamilton (609) 586-0616 Thurs. (9:30 a.m.) Wellness Walk (5:30 p.m.) Roses and Rose`Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction (609) 716-8771 Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade PrestridgeHalo Pub (Fete) 9 Hullfish Street Princeton (609) 921-1710 Sat. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk & Joe KramerHamilatte 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. 9:30 p.m. Dance Party Summer Kick-off Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke Wed. 7 p.m. TriviaHamilton Township Public Library 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton (609) 581-4060 Su. 8 a.m. Summer Flea Market 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.) Led Zeppelin Tribute w/ "Lords of Valhalla" $35 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party Sat. (8 p.m.) Talking Heads Tribute w/ "Start Making Sense" $20 (11:59 P.m.) DJ Dance Party Sun. 6 p.m. Prince Tribute w/ "Controversy" $30 Mon. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper DuoHightstown Elks 100 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor (609) 448-9794 Sun. 8 a.m. Central Jersey Chapter of the AMCA Motorcycle Swap Meet & Bike ShowHopewell Valley Golf Club 114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell (609) 737-1199 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Jack FurlongHopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington (609) 737-4465 Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Roundabout Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM Fransisco (1 p.m.) Chris from Rave On (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Wayward Souls Sun. 2:30 p.m. A Little Bit OffHub 13 13 West Front Street Trenton Sat. 8 p.m. Pre$ha Presents: "TheDome"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. Sat. 8 p.m. Blackwater 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 NightIron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus (732) 306-9111 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Jo Wymer BandIvy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton (609) 888-1435 Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke All Shows Ages 21+ John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa (215) 862-5981 Sat. 3 p.m. Eastview Sun. 8:30 p.m. Jonah Tolchin, Tyler James Kelly 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. Joanna Caruso Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Lofash (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Ken Dubman Duo (10 p.m.) DJ Dom Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Ty Mares Mon. 5 p.m. Kids NightLa Cena Ristorante 2233 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA (215) 639-9969 Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Plush & FriendsLaurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt (609) 752-0200 Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Sangria & Sliders Fri. 5:30 p.m. Sangria & Sliders Sat. (11 a.m.) Wine & Goat Yoga (7 p.m.) Awesome '80s Dance Party Sun. 11 a.m. Wine & Goat YogaLibrary Company of Burlington 23 West Union Street Burlington (609) 3861273 Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night Lillipies Bakery 30 North Harrison Street Princeton (609) 423-2100 Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with JeffLogan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA (215) 862-2300 Thurs. 6 p.m. Ed McLaughlin Duo Sun. 11:30 a.m. Kate Baker Wed. 6 p.m. James PopikMagikava 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 Makefield Highlands Golf Club 1418 Woodside Road Yardley, PA (215) 321-7000 Fri. 6 p.m. John D's All Star BandMcManimon's Pub 151 Liberty Street Trenton (609) 393-9023 Fri. 7 p.m. Megan Ann Shields Birthday Bash McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA (215) 949-9570 Sat. 9 p.m. Midnight Sun Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night Mercer County Park Festival Grounds Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor (609) 448-1947 Sat. 11 a.m. 12th Annual Cultural Festival feat. The Broken ShillelaghsMercer Oaks Golf Course 725 Village Road West West Windsor NJ (609) 936-1383 Tues 11 a.m. 23rd Joshua Classic and Dinner Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton (609) 989-1600 Sat. 7 p.m. F.T.S., The Deflators, Paul Crane & The Overend Watts, Poison I.V.Mill Street Studio 32 Mill Street Mount Holly Fri. 7:30 p.m. Acoustic Night feat. Amy Elizabeth, Bright Kelly, Stephanie Chin. Morven Museum & Garden 55 Stockton Street Princeton (609) 924-8144 Fri. 8 p.m. Angel Blue w/ The Princeton Symphony Orchestra Sat. 7 p.m. The Music of Tina Turner feat. LaKisha Jones w/ The Princeton Symphony Orchestra Music Mountain Theater 1483 Route 179 Lambertville (609)397-3337 Fri. 8 p.m. "Sweet Charity" Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Sweet Charity" Sun. 3 p.m. "Sweet Charity"Naked Brewing Company 212 Mill Street Bristol, PA (267) 544-7129 Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana's S@#T Show Fri. 8 p.m. PRIDE Karaoke w/ DJ Triiish Sat. 7 p.m. WURL Sun. 12 p.m. Joe & Krista / Mike & Shanna Tues. 7 p.m. TriviaNeshaminy Creek Brewing Company 909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA (215) 458-7081 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night Sat. 12 p.m. 12 Year Anniversary Party feat. (1 p.m.) Earth (2 p.m.) The Dopamines (3 p.m.) Folly (4:15 p.m.) Ruby The Hatchet (5:30 p.m.) Smoking Popes Wed. 6:30 p.m. Cornhole League New Egypt Flea Market Village 933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge (609) 758-2082 Fri. 5 p.m. First Friday Market Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market Wed. 8 a.m. Flea MarketNew Hope Inn & Suites (Diva Lounge/Razz Room) 6426 Lower York Road New Hopoe, PA (855) 229-5934 Sat. 8 p.m. SuedeNew Hope Winery / Tavern 6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA (215) 794-2331 Sat. 5 p.m. Bill Ihling Sun. 1 p.m. Stranger ThingsNewtown Brewing Company 103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA (215) 944-8609 Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "The Office" Trivia Fri. 6 p.m. Fly On The Wall Sat. 6 p.m. Dave Cudrak Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic NightNick's Roast Beef 4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA (215) 637-515 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 9 p.m. The Naturals Sat. 9 p.m. Y'all or Nothin' Sun. 4 p.m. So Easy Wed. 7 p.m. KaraokeNJWeedman's Dispensary 322 East State Street Trenton (609) 437-0898 Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke Sun. 2 p.m. Steal Your FaceNomad Distilling Company 20 South Main Street New Hope, PA Sun. 10 a.m. BrunchNottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square (609) 587-6623 Thur. (7 p.m.) Rock On Radio Happy Hour Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. music by Rick Winow. (9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis Fri. 9 p.m. Talking In Cursive 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. 6 p.m. eMKayS Band Fri. 6:30 p.m. Live Karaoke w/ RoryOld Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown (609) 291-9232 Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia Fri. 9 p.m. Jerry Monk Sat. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction Sun. 10 a.m. BrunchPalmer Square 40 Nassau Street Princeton Sat. 12 p.m. Spring Music Series feat. Chet & Ari 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 Sat. 8 p.m. Spanky's Garage Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo" Pete's Steak House 523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton (609) 585-8008 Fri. 9:30 p.m. Asylum ChoirPicture Perfect Affairs 76 High Street Mount Holly Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday Lyrics To Go Open Mic and ShowcasePrinceton 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 Puss 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. 1 p.m. Book Signing w/ Author Cammie SassmanRistorante 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. 7 p.m. "Laughs & Lagers" Comedy Night Hosted by James McAliney feat. Emily Epstein White, Corey AlexanderRiver House at Odette’s 274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA (215) 682-2022 Thurs. (6 p.m.) Cara Cartney (7 p.m.) Gina Corso Fri. Maci Miller Duo Sat. 7 p.m. Max Rogers Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski Duo Wed. 5 p.m. Pentley HolmesRobbinsville Community Park West Manor Way Robbinsville Sat. 12 p.m. "Community Day" feat. (6 p.m.) Rock & Roll HeavenRobbinsville Senior Center 1170 Route 130 North (Folsom Way) Robbinsville (609) 259-1567 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Steppin' In" Beginner Class. $35 (Two Nights) 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. Jerry Monk Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch Tues. 7 p.m. QuizzoholicsRustic River Events 43 Hill Road Allentown (609) 757-2531 Fri. 6 p.m. Rodeo Season Opener w/ DJ, Food, Kids activities$25 (Kids ages 12 and under $10)Sandy'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. Eddie Tamanini Fri. 6:30 p.m. "UnWINEd" Concert feat. Epic Soul. $12 (advance/online, $15 at door), doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sat. "Party On The Patio" feat. (2 p.m.) Molly Seger (6:30 p.m.) Joe Rebl Band or JB Rocks Sun. "Party On The Patio" feat. 2 p.m. Aaron QuartermanSlim'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. Rich SeinerSparky 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. Jeds Gold 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. Chris & ColinStars & Stripes Harley Davidson 600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA (215) 752-9400 Sun. 11 a.m. Double G Blues Trio w/ Jim HillSteam Pub 606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA Fri. 10 p.m. DJ FinnesseTara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown (609) 286-2300 Fri. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G Sat. 8:30 p.m. Mike RainoneTavern On The Lake 101 Main Street Hightstown (609) 426-9345 Fri. 9 p.m. The Dexters Sat. 8 p.m. Jo Wymer w/ Danny Coleman 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. On The Fly Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Kara & Corey TGI 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 Beer Garden and Education Center at Snipes Farm 890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA Fri. 4 p.m. "16th Annual In and Out of the Garden We Go" Music Festival feat. (8 p.m.) Steal Your Face The Birdhouse Center For The Arts 7 North Main Street Lambertville (215) 681-4660 Fri. 8 p.m. Pyrenesia 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 Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (8:30 p.m.) ShamelessThe Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro (609) 291-9110 Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka BongThe Dubliner 34 North Main Street New Hope, PA (215) 693-1816 Fri. 7 p.m. Popik & Stewart Sat. 7 p.m. Fiona Tyndall Band Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" The Federal Twist Vineyard 8 Federal Twist Road Stockton (609) 773-6066 Sat. 3 p.m. Laurie Vosburg Band. $5 (Ages 20 and under FREE) Sun. 2 p.m. Strange Brew Crew. $5 (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 Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan AppelThe Irish Horne Bar & Restaurant 882 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA (215) 942-4000 Sat. 7 p.m. Aaron QuartermanThe Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton (609) 921-8555 Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Bowie Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Darius 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. Drag Show Sat. 8 p.m. Mikey Jr Mon. 8 p.m. Karaoke Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia NightThe Newtown Theatre 120 North State Street Newtown, PA (215) 968-3859 Thurs. 8 p.m. A Night of Van Morrison w/ "Tupelo Honey" $40.10 (SOLD OUT please check for availability) Fri. 8 p.m. "Truth" A Celebration of Jeff Beck. $34.86 Sat. 3 p.m. / 8 p.m. "Tapestry" The Carole King Songbook. $45.34 Sun. 7 p.m. From Broadway to Newtown PA. $106.12 Tues. 3 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. "Joan Baez: I Am Noise" $12, $10, $6, doors open 30 minutes prior to show Wed. 3 p.m. / 7 p.m. "Moonstruck" $12, $10, $6, doors open 30 minutes prior to showThe 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. Joeseph Grisanzio / Call from Kelly Decco 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 GodfreyThe Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge (609) 208-0050 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Brockway Slim Fri. 8 p.m. Even Odds Sat. 8 p.m. East Coast Funk Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA (215) 908-6326 Sat. 8 p.m. Rougarou Sun. Newtown Festival feat. (2 p.m.) Brooks Brothers Blues BandThe Tavern at Penns Park 2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA (267) 491-5658 Wed. 7 p.m. Open MicThe Union Firehouse 18 Washington Street Mount Holly (609) 288-6491 Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night Fri. 8 p.m. '80s Tribute w/ "M80" Doors open at 7 p.m. Sat. 8 p.m. Allman Brothers Band Tribute w/ "Live at The Fillmore" Doors open at 7 p.m.The Union House 19 East Union Street Burlington (609) 531-6077 Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Fri. 8 p.m. Modern Mojo Sat. (12 p.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Pink Floyd Tribute w/ "Fleeting Glimpse" Sun. 12 p.m. Brunch Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton (609) 392-2554 Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" All Shows 21+ Trenton Free Public Library 120 Academy Street Trenton (609) 392-7188 Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday"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 SweetsUnder The Moon 23 North Union Street Lambertville (609) 397-1710 Sat. 12 p.m. Just Jeff Union Coffee 49 North Union Street Lambertville (609) 460-4637 Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday" Tarot Meet-Up w/ Kristina GormanVault Brewing Company 10 South Main Street Yardley, PA (267) 573-4291 Thurs. 6 p.m. Bill Monach Fri. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot Band / Nova Sat. 7 p.m. John Sheridan Trio Mon. 7 p.m. Chaturanga & Cheers w/ Renee MahoneyVillage 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 TorwichVince's Pizzeria and Taproom 573 Durham Road Newtown, PA (267) 491-5418 Fri. 5 p.m. Bill ThomasVisit New Hope Stockton Avenue New Hope, PA Fri. 5 p.m. "Summer Series & Fireworks" Whitehill Mansion 217 Fourth Street Fieldsboro Sat. 8 p.m. Investigate Whitehill MansionWildflowers Too 255 Route 156 Yardville (609) 585-5483 Wed. 7 p.m. Poker NightWorking Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown (609) 371-6000 Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Vinny Rugnetta Sat. 1 p.m. Chris Swatt Sun. 1 p.m. The WilliamsboyWWFM 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
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "By the Light of the Moon," the title track of Highland Park-based bluegrass outfit Magnolia Street String Band's sophomore LP.
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the 23rd season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will continue with a free recital of music for oboe and piano. The performers, Melissa Bohl, oboe, and Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, piano, are members of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. Showtime is 12:15pm.
(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.
Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.
