By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/22/2021

"Whole Nother World," it's eight tracks and it came out on May 28 and it hit number one on roots charts for soul/blues album, it hit number two on International Broadcasters in the UK so there was a lot that has happened and it's not just me it's the whole project. The musicians are just experts in what they do and the sound engineer; the recording was done in Baton Rouge but he resides in my area and the guy has elephant ears (laughs) and that really was the end point, the mastering was incredible." 

Patti Parks is the very definition of performer. A nurse by day and a woman of the blues all of the time; Parks is the epitome of stage presence, class and gives new meaning to the term "Giving back" as she continues to make her presence felt both on stages and off. 

An inductee into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, founder of Nurs'n Blues; a program which provides blues music education for high-risk children at rehabilitation centers and high-risk women's groups in western New York, a chart topping artist, public speaker and more. 

With the release of "Whole Nother World," Parks has taken her music and her career to a "Nother" level; in part because of her work with the record's producer, veteran blues man Kenny Neal.

" Working with Kenny Neal is like another world," she said with a slight chuckle. "I don't mean to be funny but what I mean by that is, he's just one cool guy who knows exactly what he is doing. He knows exactly how to bring something out of the artist that perhaps they've never done before and he does it in a very subtle way. When he picked me up at the airport, we went to a neighborhood of his old friends and it was almost like we were going back in time because a lot of his neighbors were just jamming in their garages with old equipment and I even had an opportunity to jam with them a little bit which was really awesome. Then he took me to this place where there was catfish and I really started to get the feel and the vibe of the area and I felt totally at home. Most importantly, when I went into his studio it was filled with Neal family music history and with all of this memorabilia of not only Kenny but his father who was a master harmonica player himself and just that being said; honestly, I didn't practice on tracks at home; it was live in the studio that I heard these musicians who I had never heard before or played with before and all of that set the scene for the development of the project. So, that was a really good thing for me and yet an unfamiliar scenario for me." 

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One doesn't just happen upon talent and tradition such as Kenny Neal, let alone get him to take one under his wing and/or produce a record, so; how did she get him to commit? 

"I've sang in Memphis, either with the IBC  or in the National Women In Blues showcase many times and I've also sang with a gentleman who was doing the pre-show for the BMAs and Kenny was there as well. So, he had probably heard me over time but we actually were working together; we were asked to speak at a symposium by The Blues Foundation and alongside of me was Kenny Neal and Walter Trout and his wife and the symposium was a discussion about the healing power of blues. So, that is where Kenny and I really started getting into conversations; not so much about the project at that point. Then later on our paths did cross in Memphis and after that there was a blues festival where I reside in western New York and Kenny was the headliner and I sang there as well. So, naturally I invited him and his beautiful wife Josie over for dinner and we talked about a project I had going on and I let him listen and he said; "You know what? I think I would start all over with you, I think you should come down to Baton Rouge; I have some ideas" and that's kind of how the project started. Then he sent me some material to listen to and I fell in love with it. The material that he had me listen to had been recorded about 25 years ago when Kenny was involved in a project with Bob Greenlee and a female artist named Erica Guerin and they recorded it. The problem is, the sweetheart died young and her music never really got to be heard as it should have. So, when Kenny handed me this material to listen to, I was totally blown away and honored. I decided to record it, of course in my own way but that was a big part of it as well; I think just the fact that I was kind of re-doing some of the material that he never really had a chance to bring to the forefront; you know? On the album, some of the songs were written by Bob Greenlee, one that my husband actually wrote; "I can't Think" and some originals written by others but I have a James "Jimmy" Bond tune called "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" also; so, yeah."

Terms such as vivacious, genuine and authentic should always be associated with Parks; her energy and ability to relate to her band and her audiences is infectious. When told that today's music seems to lack passion, emotion and a personal touch; she pulled no punches when offering an opinion.

"It's funny you say that, think about it for a minute; how is everybody communicating? Is it through a phone call? No, it's through texting. You could have a major message and you won't pick up that phone," she began with a slight rise in tone. "You choose to put it in a text and I think as we are evolving that we are falling short of what's so important and that's the connection as you said, with the human voice or the rhythm of an instrument; we're missing it because it is electronic and it's a lot of stuff that just isn't there. You just don't get the same feeling, you may like the feeling of the rhythm and you might be able to repeat it but it's not allowing you to connect with the artist as you can with the blues genre. I agree, it can be irritating at times and one of the things that Kenny is really adamant about is that there is not too much going on in the song; it's all about the vocals. They are delivering the lyric and there's a lot of songs out there with just too much stuff going on interrupting the artist from delivering the message. Sometimes you get what they call the Goosies; right? Like when you hear a note, just one note that you can feel chime right down to your bones because the vocals are an instrument and if you have too much going on and everybody is talking at the same time; how can you hear? I feel that's one of the biggest challenges. I'll be honest with you, the difference between the music that I've done prior to this album is that what I'm used to is all of these horns going on behind me and these massive things going on; I love horns, don't misunderstand me but usually musicians want to do their thing and talk while whoever is singing is doing the same and then the song goes somewhere else. People love it, people love to hear somebody go around twice and they really get into it but when you have three sets of instruments and they all want to go twice around; we forget what the song is about. I have actually turned to my band and I have a great, great rapport with my band; I've actually said, I don't think you need me because what you're doing is phenomenal but you don't need someone to sing lyrics; you need to jam and get that all out and at times it should be there, again, don't misunderstand me. I think that has to do with recordings too, if sometimes you're listening to the music and you're like, we really didn't have to have all of that; as a matter of fact, that's the difference in this album. There are short solos on this album and believe me with the talent that Kenny Neal has, everybody wants to hear more of it but he did not do that, he's just not that guy; he'd rather do more with a lesser amount."

Now that it is post-pandemic; will there be a tour? More live shows and in-person events? 

"That's the next step, working as things open up. We've already done a show that was sold out in our area and I really have to get to Jersey (laughs). I've got press, I'm signed to Booga Records so, I'm sure more things will be coming as things continue to open up. I'm doing well here in New York State but I think some good opportunities are available to me in the surrounding tri-state areas too."

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To discover more about Patti Parks, please visit www.thepattiparksband.com .

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

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This week's event listings

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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252
Tues. 7 p.m. Just Jeff

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Arts Council of Princeton     
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton     
(609) 924-8777  
Fri. 6 p.m. "Summer Nights" Concert Series feat. Big Country & The Finger Pick'n Good Band. (Takes place at Princeton Shopping Center 301 North Harrison Street) 
Sat. 2 p.m. Cafe Improv LIVE on Hinds Plaza feat. Randie O'Neil, (TBA). (FREE EVENT)

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Bill's Olde Tavern     
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton     
(609) 586-0192     
Fri. 7 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Tues./Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ "Super" Dave Curtis
Ages 21+   

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Bowman's Tavern     
1600 River Road New Hope, PA     
(215) 862-2972     
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Sun. 6:30 p.m. Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott

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Bristol Riverside Theater
2501 Bath Road Bristol, PA
(215) 785-0100
Sat. 8 p.m. Totally Awesome 80's

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Broken Goblet Brewing   
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA   
(267) 812-5653   
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook 
Sat. (1 p.m.) Cypress Bonsai (6 p.m.) Don McCloskey and his All Star Band 
Wed. 8 p.m. Open Mic w/ Cara Cartney 
All Shows 21+

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Candlelight Lounge     
24 Passaic Street Trenton     
(609) 695-9612     
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam Hosted by The Mojo Gypsies. $5 (Includes hot buffet) 

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Championship Bar   
931 Chambers street Trenton   
(609) 396-5457  
Tuesday 8 p.m. "Jam Night" Hosted by Nikki & Caleb   
Ages 21+

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Clubhouse at Mountain View
 (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing  
(609) 771-0400  
Fri. 7 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band

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COARadio.com     
125 South Main Street Hightstown     
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Adriana Groza, Glen Burtnik, Peter Veteska, Somehow Sorry

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Cooper's Riverview 
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton 
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Cover Up (9 p.m.) Club Night feat. Rotating DJs (inside event)
Fri. (5 p.m.) "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere Happy Hour" feat. Jerry Monk (8 p.m.) EarCandy
Sat. 7 p.m. Pez Head Band
Sun. 11 a.m. " Sunday Latin Jazz Brunch" 
Mon. 7 p.m. "Sunny Monday Blues Jam" 
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ Karen and Mark
Wed. (12 p.m.) "Wine Down Wednesdays" (8 p.m.) Kindred Spirit
All Events Ages 21+

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Cream Ridge Winery   
145 Route 539 Cream Ridge   
(609) 259-9797 
Sat. 6 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ Alex English. $5

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Dacey's Pub 
215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA 
(215) 295-4838 
Fri. 6 p.m. Acoustic Music Night 
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo 

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Dadz Bar and Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night

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Dempster's Pub
437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday/Ladies Night" w/ DJ entertainment feat. retro 70's, 80's and 90's music.
Fri. / Sat. 9 p.m. DJ entertainment

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Dog & Bull Brew House     
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.     
(215) 788-2855     
Fri. 6 p.m. Mike Estabrook
Sat. 4 p.m. Marc Giovanetti
Sun. 5 p.m. Vince Schneider

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Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA
(215) 639-1220
Fri. 8 p.m. Crabby from Bigg Romeo
Sat. 8 p.m. EarCandy Duo

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Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA
(215) 968-0600
Fri. 6 p.m. Kickbaxx

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German American Society   
215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton   
(609) 585-5200   
Sun. 2:30 p.m. Sensational Soul Cruisers

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Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781
Thurs. 7 p.m. Weekly Corn Hole Tournament
Fri. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour"
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Night w/ "Gina the Balloon Girl" 

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Greenhouse  
90 South Main Street New Hope, PA  
(215) 693-1657  
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Musicians Night Out" Hosted by Lovelight 
Tues. 8 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Sam Ryan
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Dwayne Dunlevy

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Grover's Mill Coffee House
    
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction     
(609) 716-8771     
Sat. 11 a.m. Ragtime Relics

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Havana New Hope 

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105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.     
(215) 862-9897    
Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk n' Blues Jam
Fri. 8 p.m. Journey Tribute w/ "Frontiers." Doors open at 6 p.m., $35  
Mon. 9 p.m. "Lipstick Mondays Drag Show" 

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards     
46 Yard Avenue Pennington     
(609) 737-4465     
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Catmoondaddy 
Sat. (1 p.m.) Chris from Rave On (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Acoustic Road
Sun. 1:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Band

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Irish Rover Station House  
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412
Thurs. 5 p.m. Luau Party

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Iron Plow Vineyards     
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus     
(732) 306-9111  
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Michael Zandman
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Steve Guyger
Sun. 2 p.m. Maggs and Budd

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Ivy Tavern     
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton     
(609) 888-1435     
Thurs. 9:30 p.m. "Thursday Night Dance Party" 
Fri. 8 p.m. Einstein Bridge
All shows 21+ 

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John & Peter's     
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa     
(215) 862-5981    
Fri. 9 p.m. The Waywoods
Sat. (3 p.m.) Fellaheen (9 p.m.) A Carousel Moon, Your Kids, The Swiss Guard
Sun. 3 p.m. Trip Dogs  
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational     
All shows 21+  

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Killarney's Publick House     
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton    
(609) 586-1166    
Thurs. 5 p.m. Radio Fiction  
Sat. 5 p.m. Mario & Frank

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Laurita Winery     
85 Archertown Road New Egypt     
(609) 752-0200   
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Idol 2021" Finals 
Fri. (12 p.m.) "Wine In The Grove Friday" (6 p.m.) BBQ Grill Night (7 p.m.) Awesome 80's Dance Party

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Lawrenceville Main Street
17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. Sun Dog (Weeden Park FREE admission)

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Makefield Highlands Golf Club
1418 Woodside Road Yardley, PA
(215) 321-7000
Fri. 5 p.m. Joe & Krista

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Mamma Rosa's     
572 Klockner Road Hamilton     
(609) 588-5454   
Fri. 6 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd., Kevin Toft, Eugene Cuff
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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Marie's Kozy Korner
111 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
(215) 943-3131
Fri. 7 p.m. Hind Sight

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McGuinn's Place     
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence     
(609) 392-0599    
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke     
Ages 21+     

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McStews Irish Sports Pub     
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA     
(215) 949-9570     
Sat. 9 p.m. Steal Your Face

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Mercer County Park  (Boathouse at Mercer Lake) 
334 South Post Road West Windsor 
(866) 683-3586 
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Happy Hour" feat. (TBA)

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Mercer County Park Festival Grounds
Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor   
(609) 448-1947 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Movie Night "Wonder Woman" 

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Millyard Park (Roebling Complex)
South Clinton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 443-8560
Sat. 3 p.m. "Local Legends" feat. Grace Little, Kombo Latino

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Mill Pond Arts
42 South Main Street Allentown
(609) 953-6560
Sat. 10 a.m. "Grand Opening" feat. (12 p.m.) Disney Dress Up and Sing Along (3 p.m.) Teen Music/Karaoke Hang-out (7 p.m.) The Successful Failures (FREE event) 

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More Than Q 
13 Klines Court Lambertville 
(609) 773-0072
Sun. 11 a.m. Gospel Brunch Open Mic

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

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New Egypt Flea Market Village
933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge
(609) 758-2082
Fri. 5 p.m. "Christmas In July" Full Moon Market (Buck Moon)
Sat. 10 a.m. "Rock-a-Billy" Day feat, Crash & Deb 

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New Hope Solebury High School
184 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
Sat. 7 p.m. Cover Up (FREE event)

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. 80's Trivia Night

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA
(215) 637-5151
Thurs. 6 p.m. Natalie & Tim
Fri. 6 p.m. The Mix
Sat. 8 p.m. The Road Dogs
Sun. 4 p.m. AJ Slick 
Wed. 7 p.m. LeCompt Acoustic Duo

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O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill
200 State Road Croydon, PA
(215) 785-6998
Fri. 8 p.m. DJ Entertainment

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Old Hights Brewing
123 West Ward Street Hightstown
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 

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Old Town Pub     
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown     
(609) 291-9232    
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia   
Sat. 7 p.m. Radio Fiction

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Oneida Boat Club
3 York Street Burlington
Sat. 7 p.m. The Williamsboy

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Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street Princeton
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Locals Night" w/ Live "Strolling" Musician 
Sat.12 p.m. Ess Gees

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Pasquale's Sports Bar
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(267) 202-6268
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (TBA)
Sat. 8 p.m. DJ or Live Band Entertainment 
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic

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Patriots Crossing     
1339 River Road Titusville     
(609) 737-2780    
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic Night
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"   

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Recklesstown Farm Distillery
2800 Route 206 North Columbus
(609) 784-8046
Thurs. 6 p.m. The Williamsboy

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Revere Restaurant
802 River Road Ewing
(609) 882-6365
Thurs. 6 p.m. Brian Elliot
Wed. 7 p.m. David Boyd

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Robbinsville Community Concert
Town Center Lake Drive Gazebo, Robbinsville
Tues. 7 p.m. No Way Out

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Rosedale Mills
101 Route 31 North Pennington
(609) 737-2008
Sat. 1 p.m. Outdoor Line Dancing. $10 (Rain date Sundays 12 p.m.)

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Sav'Aged Designs
110 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(609) 937-6104
Sat. 10 a.m. The Art of Adriana Groza

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Screamin' Hill Brewery
83 Emleys Hill Road Cream Ridge
(609) 401-2025
Sat. 2 p.m. "Christmas In July" feat. The Mighty Tree Toppers (Toy collections accepted) 

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Sherman Theater/Penn Community Bank Amphitheater
2400 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA
Wed. 7 p.m. Tramps Like Us (Doors open at 5:30 p.m., tickets available online)

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Small World Coffee     
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton     
(609) 924-4377 x2   
Thurs. 8 p.m. "The Fluid Acrylics of Adriana Groza" (Runs 7 days a week thru 8/3)

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Stars & Stripes Harley Davidson
600 South Flowers Mill Road Langhorne, PA
(215) 752-9400
Sat. 11 a.m. "Sizzlin' Summer BBQ"

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Tara's Tavern    
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown     
(609) 286-2300     
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. Sarah Chip

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Tavern On The Lake      
101 Main Street Hightstown     
(609) 426-9345      
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke

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Temperance House     
5 South State Street Newtown, PA     
(215) 944-8050     
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney

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Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton  
(609) 924-2310  
Fri. 4 p.m. "Sips & Sounds Friday" feat. Fabulous Benson Boys

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Sun. 12 p.m. "Kim Yarson 50/51st Birthday Brunch Concert" w/ Kim Yarson & Joey J and Friends

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The Beer Garden at Snipes Farm   
890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA   
Sat. 2 p.m.)"Music at Snipes Farm" feat. Sol Splash Music & Arts Festival w/ Jah People, HIGHBRATION, Deal, Bear's Choice, Newness. 

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The Buck Hotel
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA
(215) 396-2002
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kevin Kirko
Fri. 7 p.m. Love Junk
Sat. 9 p.m. Sister Merlin

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The Cool Cricket     
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro     
(609) 291-9110     
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke  
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Cricket "Karaoke Idol" 

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The Dubliner   
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA   
(215) 693-1816  
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session"

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The Irish Horne Bar & Restaurant
882 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 942-4000
Sat. (5 p.m.) Car and Bike Cruise (8 p.m.) Big Whiskey

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The Morrisville Tavern
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Mon. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Tim
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night

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The Roost     
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge     
(609) 208-0050   
Sat. 8 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band

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The Sticky Wicket     
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton     
(609) 439-0007     
Sat. 8 p.m. "In My House Saturdays" $20

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The Sycamore Grill     
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA     
(215) 908-6326     
Fri. 8 p.m. Brian Elliot

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown   
(609) 526-8651    
Sat. 7 p.m. Tiltin' Catz

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)     
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.     
(215) 862-8300     
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia   
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage 
All shows 21+

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Vault Tap Room
19 West College Avenue Yardley, PA
(267) 907-8550
Fri. 7 p.m. Summer's Grove Acoustic
Sat. 7 p.m. Jon Savage Acoustic Duo

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Water's Edge Gastropub and Lounge
1067 Totem Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-2095
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cornhole "Blind Draw." $10 
Sun. 11 a.m.  "Pizza Bowl" 
Wed.7 p.m. Drag Bingo & Karaoke

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Working Dog Winery     
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown     
(609) 371-6000 
Sat. 1 p.m. The Williamsboy 
Sun. 1 p.m. Erin McAndrew

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WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues" 

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Yankee Doodle Tap Room
10 Palmer Square Princeton
(609) 921-7500
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dueling Piano Night (Palmer Square)

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Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

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