The "Eric" of which Roberts speaks is Eric Miller; founder of the
Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness Series. A series of concerts designed to draw attention and awareness to Epilepsy; of which Eric's young wife Carolina passed away of at the age of 25. Carolina was felled by SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy and ever since, Miller has made awareness his passion.
The Candlelight Concert Series began as a string of house concerts in Miller's living room. Artists such as Jeffrey Gaines, Living Colour's Corey Glover, Eric Bazilian of The Hooters and multiple others performed in front of literally a "Packed House" as Miller turned nobody away; seating as many as 40 people in his townhome's living space.
As word got out and interest grew, Miller decided to reduce the number of shows from as many as three a month, to one every few weeks or months; opting for a larger venue. Recently, Collective Soul's Ed Roland and his Sweet Tea Project, Ed Kowalczyk of Live, Joan Osborne and even a reunited Living Colour have all signed on and performed at the 300 seat Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing, NJ in support of the cause.
Roberts and the rest of the Young Dubliners are one of a handful of acts who have made multiple appearances in the series. "It's something we look forward to, we really do; it's such a great thing that Eric is doing and we are very happy to be part of it," said Roberts as he elaborated on what the band has been up to since their last trip to our area. "We have a new record called "9" and we've been out on tour supporting it. Since March we've made two trips to Europe and as of right now, we are in an airport waiting on a flight; we're heading to Alaska."
"9" is the latest release from this Celtic rock influenced band based out of Los Angeles, CA.; a self funded effort which had the group concerned."Yes, this album is our first self funded one. We were scared at first (laughing) because it was our money and we wondered what would happen if it didn't do well but it's not been the case. This one has so far turned out to be our best; it's been our most critically acclaimed one to date and we are very happy about that."
A fun group of extremely talented musicians, the Young Dubliners have been a cohesive unit for years now; keeping the same line up intact for quite some time. When questioned as to what to expect at the September 7 show, Roberts was very enthusiastic. "Well, there've been no changes in the line up, not yet anyway; but there's a week until the gig so...." he laughed. "The fun thing is that we're supporting a new record, so there will be lots of new music. It is also the end of the east coast run so we'll be good and ready to put on a show. You know, when a band tours as much as we do, every couple of years you try to revamp the show and we are really comfortable with what we are doing right now as we revamped a short time ago; so this should be a lot of fun."
Opening for the Young Dubliners are two incredibly authentic and talented singer/songwriters; John Alberici and The Williamsboy. Both from the Jersey Shore area, these are two of the most prolific and heartfelt writers and performers who have captivated coffee houses and smaller listening rooms with their musical styles. Very few artists have the ability to paint mental pictures with their lyrics and this show will have two whose brushes never seem to run out of solution.
Tickets for this September 7 show are a scant $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 1985 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ directly across the street from the main entrance gate of The College of New Jersey.
To discover more about the Candlelight Concert series, please visit www.candlelightconcert.org and to read up on Young Dubliners, go to www.youngdubliners.com .
Saturday, August 30, Pete's Steak House in Hamilton will see Santa Ray & The Arctic Blasters featuring Deb & Mike take to the stage at 10 p.m. Usually found delivering the goods around the Jersey Shore; Santa and the crew will be making their first Hamilton appearance. Playing classic rock covers, oldies and some newer material, they are always a good time and ready to rock!
Also on Saturday, making what has become a rare area showing; The Mojo Gypsies are at Palermo's of Hamilton. Dave Orban leads his band of Gypsies playing blues and rock covers and possibly some other surprises as well. Start time at this Klockner Rd. eatery is 9:30 p.m.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Paul Plumeri Trio
Sun. 9 p.m. Thomas Perkins
Wed. 10 p.m. Open mic. night
All shows 21+
Amarones Windsor Inn
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Scott Gager & Debbie
Fri. 8 p.m. Lonnie Youngblood
Sat. 8 p.m. Robert Bruce
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold'em
Wed. 7 p.m. FREE Salsa Lessons
Big Shots Bar and Grill/Hebe Music Lounge
835 E Rte. 130 South, Burlington
(609) 267-1200
Fri. 8 p.m. Shattered Sanctity
Sat. 7 p.m. Civil Pilots, Impulsive Kind, Climbing The Walls, Reckless Serenade, The Stimes
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Fri. 8 p.m. Sharon Lia Band
Sat. 9 p.m. ZQ Acoustic feat. Mike & Steve
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Lee Hogans Quartet (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chambers Walk Cafe
2667 Main St. Lawrenceville
(609) 896-5995
Fri./Sat. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. The One2s, Shade By Giants, Children's Books, Aniqatia, Christian Diana and The Foxfires, Khalid Quesada. All ages, $8/$10
Sat. 5 p.m. Cut The Act, Red Eye Flight, N.A.S.H, Results Not Typical, Automatic 253, Kylan Hillman, (TBA). All ages. $8/$10
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Dubh Linn Square
167 Rte. 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-7100
Sun. 3 p.m.Billy O'neal
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215)862-5539
Thurs. 8 p.m. Drag Show
Sat. 8 p.m. Polish Nannies
Sun. 3 p.m. Jim Adler
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Mic Blues Jam hosted by Jimmy Pritchard
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. Beat the Clock College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8 p.m. "Think Pink" Pink Floyd Tribute. Doors at 6 p.m., $15
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals
Sun. 7 p.m. JB Kline
All shows 21+
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 10 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. '80's Backseat w/ Crypt Keeper 5
Fri. 9 p.m. Ammunition
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Skip's Museum
Sun. 3 p.m. Pumpkin's Drag Show
Wed. The Invitational (Featuring John & Peter's House Band)
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. The Mojo Gypsies
All shows 21+
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Santa Ray & The Arctic Blasters feat. Deb & Mike
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. College Night "Welcome Back TCNJ" w/ DJ Jeff Scott
Fri. 8 p.m. Friday Nightlife on The Deck w/ DJ Jimmie Palumbo
All Shows 21+
Spigola Ristorante
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton
(609) 585-5255
Check web site for upcoming entertainment
Sunsets at Cream Ridge
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-2500
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Misfit Johnny
Sat. 9:30 p.m. That Acoustic '80's Band
Tavern On The Lake
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 9 p.m. Steve (the band)
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sun 3 p.m. Bikes, Beers, Burgers w/ Jeff Palmer & Friends
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
Fri. 10 p.m. River Dogs
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Ron Sherr
The Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8 p.m. 1960's Garage A-Go-Go Dance Party. Doors at 7:30 p.m., BYOB
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Please check web site for upcoming events
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Alright Alright
Sat. 9 p.m. Riversbend
All shows 21+
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Some Assembly Required
Sat. 9 p.m. Tommy Glover's 50th Birthday Celebration
All shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. Cinema Thursdays Presents: "Nancy, Please"
Fri. 10 p.m. Friday night w/ Jay Kountree & Jaxx
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 10 p.m. DJ Trubblemaker
Fri. 10 p.m. JP Harris & The Tough Choices. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. (2 p.m.) Frank Viele (7 p.m.) Open Jam Night
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke