By Danny Coleman
originally published: 11/30/2017
"I played the trumpet before the drums actually," says Trixter's Mark "Gus" Scott as he discussed the release of his new holiday disc titled, "Christmas Miracle." "It's seven songs, so I guess it's more of an EP. I did it because, well, everybody in the band kind of took off and started doing other things and I still wanted to play with Trixter. I had been doing music for video games and a movie and then I was watching an episode of, "The West Wing" and there were these hit men committing a murder and there were flashes to a lonely little boy singing in a Church during the murder and he was singing, "Ave Maria" and I had a thought...."
That thought was to cut a single of that same tune but Scott wasn't sure how it would come out or if it was even worth his or anyone else's time. So he enlisted the help of his producer and set out to record what he thought at first might be just a single. "I recorded half the song because I didn't want to take the time to do the whole thing just in case it wasn't happening as I'd hoped; I didn't want to waste anyone's time, including mine. So I recorded half of the song and when we played it back, we were both like, "Wow!" "So it was suggested that I finish the song and not stop there. I was told that I should make a whole album and I thought; why not make a Christmas album? Christmas songs are some of the most beautiful music ever written, so I did it and I'm very happy with it. The rough part was the production (Laughs). This was like mixing classical music, like an orchestra. I had 50 different things recorded individually so it was a nightmare to mix and master; the production side was really wild! I had a lot of fun doing this record. I had the time and really had only a few other things going on and I like being on stage and beating the drums and that's great and I love doing that but I'm really proud of this; this one was for my parents (laughs)!"
Even though he released, "Ave Maria" as a single earlier in November, the rest of the disc was released on Thanksgiving and was done so for a couple of reasons. "I released the single early because it benefits a great charity called, "Hope 4 Kids International." "All of the proceeds from this single will go to the charity. I've been very lucky to live my dream life and I want to help kids all around the world have that same opportunity. Now as far as the CD goes, I'm tired of seeing Christmas being shoved down our throats before Halloween (Laughs). I think the commercial markets are now pushing Christmas too soon. When I was a kid, you didn't even think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving, so that's why I'm waiting until Thanksgiving to release the album because I don't believe in rushing things. I think we need to return to some older values a bit and stop hurrying to get there."
The word, "Philanthropist" is often attached to Scott's name and has even become somewhat of a moniker for him. However, he feels like he's the one who is on the receiving end of things and takes nothing for granted. Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day he can be found playing, "Taps" at a local cemetery or present at an event honoring our war heroes. His desire to, "Give back" and repay those who served our country is forever ongoing. "It is an extreme honor to perform at those events," he stated with a sense of awe in his voice. "Even when Trixter would play at military bases or near towns that had bases, they were some of the most or perhaps the most appreciative crowds we ever performed in front of. Anytime I'm asked or anytime that I can volunteer to do a veteran's ceremony, be it in a cemetery, a VFW or wherever; I'm gonna do it! Sometimes they offer me cash or ask who they make the check out to and I'm like; are you kidding me? I should be paying you! These guys and women gave their all, some did give their all and I feel so humbled and proud to be asked to do that for them, I can't take payment."
"There's nothing happening with Trixter right now and this album all came about because of that. I'm doing this because it developed from me not doing anything (Laughs). When you reach a level of success, maybe not even success so much as just being a musician, you hope to connect with just one person. Just one makes it all worth it and knowing that you, your talent or music has affected their lives in some way makes it a success and is quite gratifying. Now, with this album and the veterans that I encounter, the situation is reversed. Now I'm the one being connected with and it's so cool. These people that I meet and speak with are telling me stories and I'm honored to have met them. They're leaving their impressions on me and making memories for me and I'm lovin' every bit of it!"
To discover more about Mark "Gus" Scott, Hope 4 Kids International or the new CD; please go to www.markgusscottusa.wixsite.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
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. David Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7 p.m. Larry Taminini Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Brunch With Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Fermenters Trio
Wed. 6 p.m. Lovey Williams
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Gee Money
Sat. 9 p.m. Vansaders / Danger Club
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Fri. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Upright Man
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Jason Byrd / "Beer Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. 44 Fridays
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. Aaron Hehl & John Dutton
Tues. 8 p.m. "Game Night"
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Stephen Anthony
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Funky Friday Happy Hour" (9 p.m.) Mike Estabrook
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. David Dzubinski (9 p.m.) Gypsy Mother
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton
Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. The Gyrl Band
Sat. 8 p.m. Jim Delre Band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Halo Pub 4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square
(609)586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Blue Jersey Band
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8 p.m.) "Kansas Tribute" w/ Know Return. Doors at 6 p.m., $25 (Advance) (11 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (8:30 p.m.) Fish Out of Water (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. (1 p.m.) Midnight Sun Orchestra (6 p.m.) JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local & Original Music" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Sat. 7 p.m KDBrown Band & The Back Door Band. $10 (Cover charge)
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Piano, Bass and Jazz
Fri. 6 p.m. James Popik & Friends
Sat. 6 p.m. Acoustic Road
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Sergio & Lars
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob O & Jess
Sat. 1 p.m. Jon Savage
Sun. 1 p.m. Jeff & Karen
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. The Ernie White Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir
All shows 21+
Jake's Eatery 869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Thurs. 8 p.m. Danny Lynch Project
Sat. 9 p.m. Plush
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Bob Tomlinson
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia Night
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Matt Cappy
Fri. 9 p.m. Rainbow Fresh
Sat. 9 p.m. Dirty Soap Blues Band, Midwestern Exposure, Bosom Band. $10
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 9 p.m. Keep The Change
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Junior Idol" Fall Singing Showcase: Junior Idol Finals
Sat. 6:30 p.m. "5th Annual Walking The Line" Johnny Cash Christmas Concert
Wed. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Canvas Mixer"
Mamma Rosa's
572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" w/ DJ Favs. & MC Fredo Ages 21+
Sat. 9 p.m. Steamboat Annie
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Wed. 9 p.m. Bobaflex w/ Jacob Cade, Despyre
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sun. 6 p.m. John Gorka. Doors at 5 p.m., $30
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Tavern9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Thanksgiving" Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 8 p.m. Jerry Monk & Joe Kramer
Sat. 9 p.m. Joe Zook & Paul Plumeri
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Polish Nannies
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Papa D'Lux
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8/10 p.m. Marshall Crenshaw. Doors at 7:30 p.m., $25
Sun. 6 p.m. Marshall Crenshaw. Doors at 5:30 p.m., $25
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Keith Franklin
Sat. 8 p.m. Jackie Jones
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Clock Of Destiny
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Sun. 3 p.m. "Babe In A Manger" Christmas Choral Concert w/ The Glassbrook Vocal Ensemble and the Princeton Girlchoir. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Big Daddy G
Sat. 10 p.m. Infinite Bandwidth
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. Infinite Bandwidth
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Blues Open Mic Hosted by Steve Guyger
Fri. 7 p.m. Steve Guyger
Sat. 7 p.m. The Dadz
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Righteous Jolly
Wed. 7 p.m. "Jazz Night" w/ John Sheridan and BCCC
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. ArHouse
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m.
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 10 p.m. Paper Shakers
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Nest 1492 Woodbourne Road Levittown, PA
(215) 945-9825
Sat. 8 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. Timepiece
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (8 p.m.) Will & Grace Viewing Party (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (7:30 p.m.) Fox Cats. $15 (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 6 p.m. Christmas tree Lighting and Carols
Mon. 9:30 p.m. "Lipstick Monday" Drag Show
Wed. 7 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Ricky Byrd & Richard Barone. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (Advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. License To Chill
Sat. 9 p.m. Sideways Willy
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Billy McGovern
Sat. 9 p.m. The Shantys
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" Hosted by McDermott's Handy
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour" w/ Jay Kountree (Live DJ all night)
Sat. 7 p.m. "Zen That Beat" Yoga w/ Cheryl Young scored to live music
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny P
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Wildflowers: A tribute To Tom Petty. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Anders & Friends.$5 (cover charge)
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Ages 21+
Winter Wonderland 390 Newkirk Ave (Kuser Park) Hamilton
Sat./Sun. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton w/ Linda Lee. (Kuser Mansion location)
All ages
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
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Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music
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Randall Goosby Returns: Renaissance Quartet
Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music
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Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
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217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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Renaissance Quartet Brings Bold Innovation and Classical Mastery to McCarter Theatre on Thursday
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Prepare to be captivated by the Renaissance Quartet, featuring violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, violist Jameel Martin, and cellist Daniel Hass. Graduates of the Juilliard School and mentored by the legendary Itzhak Perlman, the Quartet brings a unique blend of classical mastery and innovative flair to McCarter Theatre on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:30pm. Known for reimagining chamber music traditions, this New York based ensemble combines technical excellence with a bold, forward-thinking approach that appeals to a diverse audience.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rod Wave - Last Lap Tour comes to Prudential Center in December
(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.
