By Danny Coleman
originally published: 08/11/2022
"First of all, I just thought, I want to make a rock 'n' roll record; my kind of rock 'n' roll. I like rock'n'roll, I mean, I like all sorts of stuff but rock 'n' roll is basically what I wanted to do. I wanted to make a rock 'n' roll record like The Rolling Stones or Little Richard so, I just started putting songs together in 2017 and just started writing songs," says guitarist Curtis Salgado ahead of his two area shows and whose new album, "Damage Control" is out courtesy of Alligator Records.
"So, I wanted to write songs that were just rock'n'roll and that to me, as I said, is like The Rolling Stones and John Hiatt and Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard and New Orleans rock 'n' roll and of course people like Larry Williams; have you ever heard of Huey "Piano" Smith? Huey "Piano" Smith is the one who wrote "Rockin' Pneumonia" and The Boogie Woogie Flu" and he's a New Orleans piano player who was heavily influenced by people like Allen Toussaint and Professor Longhair; they're all from the Professor Longhair school and Clarence "Frogman" Henry, James "Sugar Boy" Crawford; he did "IKO IKO." So, New Orleans is heavily piano oriented and I love that stuff so, I wrote this song called "Hail Mighty Caesar" and then I started writing this song called, "I Don't Do That No More," which is kind of like Buck Owens meets Jerry Lee Lewis and there's a two-part harmony in there; there is a guy singing and then the guy you hear with the high background voice with the lead singing; that's what you hear there and on "You're Gonna Miss My Sorry Ass." "Hail Mighty Caesar" is kind of influenced by Huey "Piano" Smith; you've gotta look him up. One of his big hits was "High Blood Pressure;" have you ever heard it? I think John Lennon even covered it and also Larry Williams; The Beatles covered three of his songs but these are all New Orleans piano players. So, I set out to make sort of a rock 'n' roll record which to me starts as singer-songwriter and then it just takes form. I don't really think, I'm going to copy this or that; I just start writing and start hearing songs in my head and the important thing is that I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses so I always get help to make my dream come true."
With countless recordings and albums under his belt as well as a wealth of experience garnered from years of writing and performing; how does he assemble his "Dream makers" and put his records together?
"So, I write the lyrics and the songs and with this one, this friend of mine named Michael Finnegan, a superb musician who writes the songs with me along with another gentleman out of Nashville, TN named David Duncan; some of the songs it's just me and a guitar player or me and a piano player and being a guitar player we don't do this in the same room. I'll get together with a piano player and I know what I want, it's in my head and I can play a little bit to get my point across and then we just start putting it together by hook or by crook and you just work on it. The most important and the hardest things for me are lyrics. I want the lyrics to tell a little story, a little movie; which of course is just songwriting 101; you know? I mean, that's what John Prine did and he did it metaphorically or just laid it straight out but that's what songwriting is about. I want it to be like telling a story that has a start to it, here's this and then this happened and whatever and so on."
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"So, I just started writing in 2017," he continued, "I had a few songs put aside and then 2018 came around we started to put together a record and here is what it is in this business; it's the media now and you need to have your music talked about and if you don't have a record out, even the promoters won't hire you unless you have something new to put in the newspapers or to draw an audience to a festival or to the theaters and I'm sure of it; if you don't have something current out, it's harder to get work and that's the bottom line and it's a vicious circle. I have 11 records out and I could put a new show together every time without putting out a record but no; you've gotta put a record out so that they have something to talk about and by doing radio, television, Internet podcasts, news or whatever so that they have something to talk about and unless you have that, then you know that they're not gonna hire you. I've literally had a promoter say; "Do you have any new records coming out? I'll tell you what, I will have you back when you have a new record." So, everybody is caught in this sort of circle, you've got to record, tour, record, tour and that's just the business. So, I sat down 2017 and started writing songs and in 2018 I have my songs together and we started recording them and I paid for it myself and how I paid for it is; when I go out, I'll do a series of dates and put money aside and then I'll go into the studio record four songs and then I'll go out and do this wash, rinse, repeat thing and go out and do a series of gigs, put some money aside and when I've got enough for another four songs I'll record those. So, that took from about 2018 to 2019 and I did it with three different studios and three different rhythm sections and one of them is Kevin McKendree in Nashville TN and then Johnny Lee Schell in Los Angeles and then Ken Anderson out of Sacramento. So, that's three different rhythm sections and the rhythm section was consisting of bass, drums, piano, guitar and I knew what songs these guys would knock out of the park. One rhythm section could have done fine but I was figuring each one of these groups with each group doing four songs except in Nashville where they actually did five; I added one extra there. We brought out a Larry Williams tune just for the hell of it and it ended up on the record; anyhow there was Nashville, four songs in Sacramento, four in L.A. and then I went down to Louisiana and cut vocals. So, that's four rhythm sections and they knocked it out of the park and the reason they did is because they're the best in the biz; you know? Down in Nashville, you just say, here is the melody, here's the chord changes and then with a little staring, everybody contributes and says, I know what you want I know what this is and so that's how it comes together. The title song, Damage Control," Michael Finnegan is brilliant. Sadly, he's no longer with us, he died about a year ago but he was one of the greatest there ever was and he was the baddest man in the room. He stepped up on stage and every musician knew it. Vocalist, he could out sing him and out play everyone; he was just a bad mosquito (laughs). So, he wrote this piece of music and there it was, all laid-out and I got together with a friend of mine named Brian Waters who was from the Prince camp and we both started writing. I wrote the title "Damage Control," that's what life is, life is damage control and may I say that none of this was happening during COVID; none of it. This was 20 17 and 2018 when the lyrics came about and in 2019 I recorded it and it was finished. So, then COVID hit and they had put the record up on the shelf for a full year so it didn't come out until 2021. I mean, it wasn't mastered, it was completely mixed and finished and everything I wanted and I produced it but I've gotta give credit; I'm a sideman groupie. I like sidemen, the musicians, I admire them and who they are and what they add. I'm just a music freak, I love music and for me, what I'm good at is piecing together and planning it out in my head but I need somebody to make that come to fruition to come into being, to help me put it together and these musicians; I had Gerry Jemmott who's the bass player on "The Thrill Is Gone" and he's the bass player on some of the best Freddie King songs, he's been a bass player with Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin for Christ's sake. Here is this guy sitting in the studio and I have to look at him knowing that he has been in the studio with King Curtis, Aretha Franklin and Jerry Wexler and now he's sitting there staring at me and he'll do whatever I ask because he's a professional and I'm afraid to ask him anything because I admire him so much (laughs). I mean, this guy is one of the greatest bass players in American Music! He's up there with Chuck Rainey, he's up there with James Jamerson and he's here and I've got Kid Anderson and I've got Kevin Hayes and in Nashville, Kevin Mckendree, George Marinelli from Bonnie Raitt; I said, I'm thinking of making a rock 'n' roll record and would you like to write a song with me? So, that's basically how I asked and there is a soul tune on the album and there's a good ballad on there and there are some Blues on there; I make what pops out of my head and then sit through it and try and make a cohesive statement and in this one I mean I was thinking damage control and what I was going after is the whole shit-storm that America has turned into. Before COVID, you got Donald Trump and then everybody following this guy who is not really a very good ship captain. I mean, it is not all his fault, it's just everything, the Internet; it's the perfect storm happening and the fix is in baby and it's always been that way. I'm not a politics guy but my political views shouldn't be mentioned, good, bad or whatever it is; I just want people to get along and there used to be a time when people could actually agree to disagree but now everybody is trying to grab their piece of pie it seems and it has nothing to do with us; the people. I don't feel rather Democrat or Republican or anyone in politics is really caring about us on the outside. I mean, it's all about them and they're little issues, let's get together and go out and make a living, that's all. Let's make a living by pulling together instead and the biggest thing is the Internet. The Internet has just sucked; I'm not a political person and I don't wanna get on a soapbox but that's what the record was, that's why I called it "Damage Control" and if you listen to the lyrics and just keep your head down, slowly breathe in; that's how I deal with the damage control. That's how I made the record, I put it together; I make records by hook and by crook. I get a hook, I get a melody, I get a group going with no word sweat and just start hammering it together."
Salgado bristles a bit, like many others when asked about genres or being labeled but his straightforward response is a true breath of fresh air in a day when many artists have gone stale.
"There are so many people out there that I admire and I'm trying to be a songwriter, trying to be a singer-songwriter and I just like music. Look, you know what Blues is, you know what Soul is, you know it's a combination of everything and if asked; what are you Curtis? A Blues singer or Blues man or a Soul man? I say, it's all labels. I'll ask you this; Billie Holiday is a jazz singer; correct? I always thought jazz but she's in the category of Jazz yet Billie Holiday is one of the greatest blues singers which also sounds pretty believable to me and would you say she could sing the Blues? That's my point, that's it right there and Hank Williams singing the Blues; "I'm so lonesome I could cry," one of the most beautiful songs ever made. Sam Cooke is a soul singer but so is Pavarotti; when he sings one of his Arias and stuff likethat, you don't even know the language and you can tell he's hurt. So, it's labels to sell the product and you have to put everything in a category and that's what music is but not to me; it's like there is two kinds of music, Duke Ellington and good or bad and that's it and you either like it or you don't and it depends on who it is. I mean that's how I made the record and the credit goes to these people who are putting in the muscle, the nerve system, they're putting in the heart, they're putting it in and I'm responding. I don't go in and say, that's great, let's move on. They pound it into shape and we do four or five songs in the studio in a day and then that's what I need because I don't have billions of dollars to take seven weeks or five months to make one song. It's not like it used to be back in the old days, I have to be prepared; here's the chord changes, here's the lyrics, I get the rhythm section and then I move on. I take good musicians, I've always had somebody that understands and they all know the genre; they all know what I'm trying to do and what I'm trying to do is this; this is the Curtis Salgado show and if you're in the car and you're going down the street, you know I'm doing Rhythm and Blues that's what I do. You know going in that everything is; here's a soul tune, here's some rock 'n' roll, here's some blues or here's some jazz. I pick guys that can play so, I've got a great band and solid new drummer; it's just solid band to layout some tunes and it's not the same thing every night. The songs are there and you know someone's gonna play a solo different because nobody plays the same solo every night. With me, they've got a template to work with and I'm going to hire musicians who ar very competent who are that good and that's it; they’ve got to know the genre."
Salgado has two shows coming up, the first is at 118 North in Wayne, PA on August 13 and the second is in Atlantic City, NJ at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk on August 17. So, tell us Curtis; what can we expect?
"I've never been there," he said with a laugh. "I have to admit to you, they just push me and say, we're going here; OK and then they put me on stage and I just shut-up and play the damn songs and have a good time because I’ve got a great band."
To discover more about Curtis Salgado, "Damage Control" or the upcoming shows, please visit https://www.curtissalgado.com/.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Al's Airport Inn636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Thurs. 5 p.m. Diane Chiorello
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Jonathan Savage
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch (6 p.m.) DJ Bobby Jones
Mon. 5 p.m. Edison Wilson
Tues. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot
Wed. 7 p.m. Mark Sacco
Aristaeus Brewing2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 7 p.m. Bill Thomas
Sat. 3 p.m. Low Totem
Sun. 10 a.m. “Sunday Funday Brunch”
Arm & Hammer Park1 Thunder Road Trenton
(609) 394-3300
Sat. 9 p.m. Modern Mojo
Sun. 5 p.m. "Paw Patrol" Meet & Greet
Arts Council of Princeton 102 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-8777
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Summer Nights" Concert Series feat. Summer Reading Wrap Party. Games, music (Takes place at the Princeton Shopping Center 301 North Harrison Street)
Bellemont FarmValley Road Lambertville
Sat. 7 p.m. The Williamsboy Duo
Bill's Olde Tavern 2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 7 p.m. Thrown Together
Fri. 7 p.m. Skippy's Toy
Sat. 7 p.m. El Ka Bong
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia
Tues. / Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro 911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Thurs. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
Sat. 7 p.m. Tommy Grasso Band
Blue Bottle Cafe101 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 333-1710
Wed. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
Boro Bean9 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. Matt Gordeuk Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Jim Dedrick Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Larry Tamanini (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Broken Goblet Brewing2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Emo Night Live Band Karaoke
Sat. 8 p.m. Pink Floyd Tribute w/ "Us & Them"
Sun. 3 p.m. Music Bingo
Tues. 7 p.m. Luck of the Draw Weekly Dart Tournament
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Hosted by Righteous Jolly
Bruno's Bicycles, One Sweet Ride19 South Main Street Allentown
(609) 208-0544
Fri. 7 p.m. The Successful Failures
Bucks County Brewery and Hewn Spirits31 Appletree Lane Pipersville, PA
(215) 766-7711
Sat. 1 p.m. 3rd Annual "Chuicystock 2022" feat. (2 p.m.) Jonah Lloyd & Friends (6 p.m.) Bill & Fred's Excellent Adventure
Burlington County Library/Amphitheater5 Pioneer Boulevard West Hampton
(609) 267-9660
Sat. 6 p.m. Multi-Cultural Dance Night
Candlelight Lounge24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam Hosted by The Mojo Gypsies. $5
Sat. 3 p.m. Chris Beck. $20
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton)
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Jeff Greenspan. $23.69, Doors open at 7 p.m.
Chickie's & Pete's 183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Fi./Sat. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing
(609) 538-0808
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Ernie White
COARadio.com 125 South Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Fri. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
Sat. 3 p.m. “Rock On Radio Indie Hour”
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. The Rock 'N' Roll Chorus
Color Me Mine (Princeton Shopping Center)
301 Harrison Street Princeton
(609) 581-9500
Mon. 10 a.m. Summer Camp! Blast Off!
Cooper's Riverview 50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs.(7 p.m.) Cosmic Jerry Band (9 p.m.) Club Night w/ DJ Ran D. Ages 21+
Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) The Bambu Weasels
Sat. (7 p.m.) Old School (9 p.m.) Club Night
Sun. 11 a.m. "Latin Jazz Brunch" w/ Victor Tarassov
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. (7 p.m.) Blues Jam on the Deck (8 p.m.) Disco “Hustle” Night w/ "Guest" DJs. $5
All Events Ages 21+
Cream Ridge Winery 145 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 259-9797
Fri. 4:30 p.m. Car Cruise Night
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Chris
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Ronnie Brandt
Crossing Vineyard and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. Billy Joel Tribute w/ "Danny V's 52nd Street Band.$15 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+
Sat. 2 p.m. Skip & Chickie
Sun. (1 p.m.) Julia Melito (Outdoors) (2 p.m.) Larry Tritel
Cross Pollination Gallery2 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 213-6734
Fri. 5 p.m. "Friday Happy Hour." (Talk art, wine and musicians who bring instruments)
Sat. 5 p.m. "Second Saturday" feat. SiriOm Singh and the Soul Warriors
Curran’s Irish Inn1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Sat. 8 p.m. Leading Zero
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Lunch Money Quizzo
Dacey's Pub215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo
Dadz Bar and Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. 8 p.m. Shine On
Sun. 4 p.m. Oldies with DJ Deuce
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Dave Murray
Wed. 7 p.m./9 p.m. Poker Night
Eddington House Bensalem2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Seamus McGroary
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Stephen Anthony
Wed. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Dan
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. The Good People
Tues. 6 p.m. Karaoke
Forsgate Country Club 375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700
Sun. 5:30 p.m. Sensational Soul Cruisers
Friendly's1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville
(609) 426-9203
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise Night
Gleason's Bar6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo / “Ladies Night”
Fri. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour"
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions
Greenhouse90 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1657
Sun. 2 p.m. Diane Chiorello & Joe Kramer
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Sam Ryan
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Dwayne Dunlevy
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA
(215) 504-7277
Fri. 8 p.m. Paul Marturano
Sat. 8 p.m. Virus
Sun. 4 p.m. "Summer Jam" w/ Chris Dole & The Breeze
Grover's Mill Coffee House Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Sat. 11 a.m. DJ Spoltore
Halo Pub (Fete)
9 Hullfish Street Princeton
(609) 921-1710
Sat. 6 p.m. The Rangers Nouveau Band
Hamilton Tap & Grill557 US Route 130 North Hamilton
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia
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. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sun. 6 p.m. The Wonderful Winos. $20
Mon. (9 p.m.) "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" Hosted by Cyannie Lopez (11 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Dwayne
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hopewell Valley Vineyards 46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Living The Dream
Sat. (1 p.m.) Acoustic DuoVer (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Rhyme & Reason
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Brian Elliot
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill 7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ John W.
Fri. (6 p.m.) Happy Hour (9 p.m.) Vortex Summer Jam
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Mon. 7 p.m. Motown Mondays w/ DJ Slow Ice
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesdays
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiacco
Il Portico Restorante Italiano273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000
Fri. / Sat. 6:30 p.m. Live Music (TBA)
Irish Rover Station House1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA
(215) 970-5412
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Iron Plow Vineyards 26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Steve Guyger
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle
Sun. 2 p.m. AudioPilot
Iron Plow Vineyards Tasting Room61 High Street Mt. Holly
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Wayne Palmer & Friends
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Drag Queen Night Hosted by Bruna Bru. $10
Sun. 6 p.m. Karaoke Latinos
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa
(215) 862-5981
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8:30 p.m.)
Tues. 1 p.m. Charity Dunk Tank Benefitting the Northeast Organic Farmers Association
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern 2677 Nottingham Way Mercerville
(609) 586-2678
Fri. 9 p.m. Tour de Force Duo
Killarney's Publick House 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. Mark Sacco
Fri. (7 p.m.) Guns 4 Hire (9 p.m.) DJ Dan
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Jimmy G
Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday Brunch
King George Inn102 Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-5536
Sat. 5:30 p.m. Mike & Shanna
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 11 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 397-8300
Sat. 1 p.m. Laurie Vosburg (FREE event outdoors in parking lot)
Laurita Winery 85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. Wine & Bundt Cakes
Lawrenceville Main Street17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. Rave On (Weeden Park FREE admission)
Locust Hall at Johnson's Farm2691 Monmouth Road Jobstown
(609) 723-2630
Sun. 10:30 a.m. "Bunches & Brunches"
Logan Inn 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jack Furlong w/ Pat Kerssen
Fri. 8 p.m. Ian Lander
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Sunday Brunch feat. Aaron Quarterman
Magikava87a South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2739
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Marie's Kozy Korner111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Fri. 8 p.m. Darlin and the Dogs
McGuinn's Place 1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Sat. 6 p.m. Frangelico Wedding
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub 5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam
Mercer County Park (Boathouse at Mercer Lake)
334 South Post Road West Windsor
(866) 683-3586
Thurs. 5 p.m. AJ Croix Band
Millhill Basement 300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 10 p.m. Middle Spoon, Alpha Rabbit
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Double Down Devils, The Galaxy Has Eyes, Rest Etiquette. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Mill Hill Park Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series 165 East Front Street (Corner of South Broad Street)
(609) 393-8998
Sat. 5 p.m. Malidelphia
More Than Q13 Klines Court Lambertville
(609) 773-0072
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Big Frank & Mike Smith
Music Mountain Theater1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Crazy For You"
Sat. 3 p.m./8 p.m. "Crazy For You"
Sun. 3 p.m. "Crazy For You"
All Shows Require Masks for the Unvaccinated
Music On Main25 East Main Street Yardley, PA
Sat. 6 p.m. Wanamaker Lewis
Naked Brewing Company212 Mill Street Bristol, PA
(267) 544-7129
Sat. 11 a.m. Weekend “Acoustic” Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Weekend Brunch
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA
(215) 458-7081
Sun. 12 p.m. "Surf Sunday Vol 2" feat. DJ Hi-Tide
New Hope Winery / Tavern6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. Stranger Things
Sun. 5 p.m. Bobby Collins
Newtown Brewing Company103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Stranger Things" Trivia
Fri. 6 p.m. Mike Mele
Sat. (3 p.m.) Magic w/ Jared (6 p.m.) Frank Cervantes
Sun. 1 p.m. Local Artisan Craft Fair
Nick's Roast Beef4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Low Totem
Sun. 4 p.m. Beg Borrow & Steel
Nottingham Tavern 9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Danny Coleman’s Rock On Radio “Happy Hour” Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. Music by (9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Spellbound
Ages 21+
O'Connors American Bar & Grille 1383 Monmouth Road Easthampton
(609) 261-1555
Wed. 4 p.m. O'Connor's Anniversary Celebration feat. The Grouser Girls
Old Hights Brewing123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Power Promise" Sip & Support
Sat. 5 p.m. Anker
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Sam The Trivia Guy. Ages 18+ (Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m.)
Old Town Pub 135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Monk & Monk
Palmer Square40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dueling Piano Night w/ Flying Ivories
Fri. 8 p.m. Movie Nights On The Green
Sat.12 p.m. “Summer Music Series" feat. JB Rocks
Patriots Crossing 1339 River Road Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night
Sat. 8 p.m. DT and the Burnerz
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive Trenton
(609) 984-8400
Sun. 3 p.m. "Grandeur of The Theatre Organ" feat. Paul Citti, Ben Forsthoffer, Ian Fraser, Luke Stasiunis. (FREE event)
Revere Restaurant802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Fri. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
River House at Odette’s274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA
(215) 682-2022
Thurs. (5:30 p.m.) Walter Lee (7 p.m.) Gina Corso
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Joanna Caruso (7 p.m.) Paula Johns Duo
Sat. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski (5:30 p.m.) Sara Teti (7 p.m.) Jill Salkin Duo
Sun. (11:30 a.m.) Brunch w/ David Dales Duo (7 p.m.) Michael Andrew
Mon. 7 p.m. Russell Norkevich
Tues. 7 p.m. Lorenzo Branca
Wed. 7 p.m. Megan Knight
Second Sin Brewing Company1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, PA
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Action Movie" Trivia
Shady Brook Farm931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA
(215) 968-1670
Fri. 6:30 p.m. "Summer unWINEd Concert Series" feat. Gumbo Gumbas
Sat. 10 a.m. "Sunflower Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) Aaron Quarterman (2 p.m.) (6 p.m.) Real Fugitives
Sun. 10 a.m. "Sunflower Festival" feat. (11 a.m.) (12 p.m.) Dave Koster Band
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Emily & Joe
Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater 2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA
Wed. 7 p.m. Triple Rail Turn. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)
Small World Coffee 14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 6 p.m. Rich Seiner
Smithville Park815 Smithville Road Easthampton
Fri. 6 p.m. Concert Under The Stars "Classical Night" feat. Paul Plumeri and Musician Impossible
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9 p.m. Blue Reign
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Cara Cartney
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton
Tues. 8 p.m. Johnny Betz
Wed. 8 p.m. Chris & Randy
Spellbound Brewing10 Lippincott Lane #12 Mt. Holly
(609) 832-0077
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Modern Mojo
Steam Pub606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA
(215) 942-6468
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Capps
1675 Spirits2685 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 645-1445
Sat. 6 p.m. Joe and Krista
Taps Sports Bar4021-4023 Veterans Highway Levittown, PA
(215) 486-7862
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by Paula
Mon. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night
Tara's Tavern1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. The Jay Oliver Acoustic Duo
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Session Blues Hosted by Steve Guyger
Sat. 7 p.m. Faraway Guys
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly Line Dance Lesson Series
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney
Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 12 p.m. "Sips & Sounds Friday" feat. (5 p.m.) Jerry Steele
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Bill O'Neal & Andy Koontz
Sun.1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Mike & Laura
TGI Fridays780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
TGI Fridays3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Fri. 6 p.m. Katelyn Cryan and Kevin
Sun. 1 p.m. Lisa Bouchelle w/ Mike Rocket
The Brothers Moon 7 West Broad Street Hopewell
Sat. 6 p.m. Hopewell Theater Parklet Pop-Up feat. John Abbott
The Buck Hotel1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Tues. 6 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo
The Cool Cricket 216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
The Dubliner34 North Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Na Bodach
Sat. 7 p.m. Gabriel Donahue
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session"
The Federal Twist Vineyard 8 Federal Twist Road Stockton
(609) 773-6066
Sat. 2 p.m. Strange Brew Crew
Sun. 2 p.m. The Grouser Girls
The Five Four Bar & Grill8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam
Fri. 9 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard
The HOB Tavern 146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Tues 7 p.m. Music Bingo
The Ivy Inn 248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Soto
Sat. 9 p.m. AcidRK
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Total Request w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
The Morrisville Tavern376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Hind Sight
Sat. 8 p.m. Tammy's Birthday Bash w/ Never Enough
Mon. 7 p.m. Musical Bingo
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
The Newtown Theatre120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rocky"
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Sean Cox & Joe Hoyer
Fri. 8 p.m. Even Odds
Sat. 8 p.m. Out Of The Red
The Sycamore Grill 255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326
Fri. 8 p.m. Danny Lynch Project
Sat. 8 p.m. Stage Left
The Union Firehouse18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Thurs.7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jambo
Fri. 8 p.m. Vitals Stats and Friends."$10, doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Social D Tribute with "Social Destruction" / Sex Pistols Tribute w/ Bollocks. $12, doors open at 7 p.m.
The William Trent House15 Market Street Trenton
Fri. 6 p.m. Meg Hanson Group
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Jerry & John Monk
All Shows 21+
Titusville Presbyterian Church4 River Drive Titusville
Sun. 2 p.m. Hopewell Valley Community Jazz Ensemble. $15 (advance and cash only )
Train Wreck Distillery 25 Madison Avenue Mount Holly
(609) 288-6300
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Modern Mojo
Trenton Social 449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday"
Sat. 8 p.m. Live Music (TBA)
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Tobias & Lea (Sign-ups at 7:30 p.m.)
Under The Moon23 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 397-1710
Fri. 6 p.m. Tony Alosi
Sat. (12:30 p.m.) Stephen D'Joseph (6 p.m.) Jakeya & Daniel Kaplowitz
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Russell Norkevich
Vault Brewing Company10 South Main Street Yardley, PA
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. Wendy Simon Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Don Moyer Quartet
Vince's Pizzeria and Taproom573 Durham Road Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5418
Thurs. John D's All Star Band
Working Dog Winery 610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Sat. 1 p.m. Kevin McGowan
Sun. 1 p.m. Jersey Surecats
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 RadioMCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"
Yankee Doodle Tap Room10 Palmer Square Princeton
(609) 921-7500
Fri. 7 p.m. Erik Daab Trio
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.
