By Danny Coleman
originally published: 08/05/2016
"You know, I'm touring constantly, I'm not just some weekend warrior; I don't do long six month world tours anymore but I'm always ready to play," said a laughing Edgar Winter as he discussed his recent show with Eric Burdon & the Animals at the historic Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ.
With over 20 albums and multiple collaborative efforts, as well as movie and television credits on his resume; Winter has touched generations of fans for more than five decades. The man who broke out with "Tobacco Road" and gave us classics such as"Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," who has worked with some of the music industries greatest names; shows no signs of slowing down and definitely not anytime soon. "You'll never hear Edgar Winter talking about a farewell tour," he stated emphatically . "Don't forget, I've been around since the inception of Rock 'N' Roll and it has been a great life. Heck, it's just fun and I am in it to the end and let me just say while we're here, I appreciate everyone who has followed me over my career and the years; I can't thank them enough."
Growing up in Beaumont, Texas, Edgar and his late brother Johnny were making music from a very young age and continued to do so right up until Johnny's recent passing. During his set, Edgar often performs songs which he and Johnny liked to play together or he will perform some of his favorite Johnny Winter selections; saving his favorites for the encore. "When we lost Johnny, it was unexpected and very difficult to accept," explained a suddenly somber Edgar. "Things were starting to go good again for Johnny, he was getting himself back in shape; we were planning on a tour together. I love to play songs of his or ours that we used to play together when we were kids and I try to play them towards the end of the set; the encore is usually things he loved like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" or our friend Rick Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo."
Winter's energy at this stage of his career is still a petal to the metal, all out assault on his audiences; almost defying them to sit still. Yet, before he hits the stage or on the tour bus or in a hotel room; Winter reaches within himself to center and relieve his few anxieties by engaging in various activities. "I like to meditate before I go on stage, it calms me and helps me focus on what's at hand but once the show is over; well let's just say we have lots of free time. We have time, especially on the road so I like to write poetry and short stories. Not too many people know that about me or should I say, expect that from me but I do. One day I'd love to publish them, I've got a title for them too; "Songs That Never Were," he proudly said with a laugh which by now was becoming more prevalent as he seemed to enjoy revealing this side of himself. "I find that writing poetry is very liberating as opposed to songwriting; I feel I can get more personal and I find it very inspirational."
Poetry, short stories and thoughts of a tongue in cheek shot at Broadway all tend to amuse and add to the man that is Edgar Winter. "I'm writing a book but I've also thought about writing a Broadway version of "Frankenstein." I've kicked around the idea of calling it "Frank and Stein," it would be total social satire; I think it would be fun to do. I've also thought about doing a symphonic version of "Frankenstein," you know, with an orchestra behind it like many bands have done; it's my favorite song to play. I'm always looking for new things and ways of doing things."
Some of those "New things" that he speaks of involve his set lists and how he approaches his audiences. "Music keeps us young," he stated matter of factually. "It is a great thing to see that fans of all ages come to my shows. This is why I don't always do things the same way; I like to switch things up and I'm always experimenting with sequence of songs to see the effects that playing certain songs at certain points have on the audiences. I love playing "Frankenstein" and I love playing "Free Ride," it has sentimental value to me; I always think of Dan Hartman who wrote it. My band keeps me going too, I love my band and I couldn't be happier or more lucky to have them with me. Doug Rappoport on guitar is phenomenal, KoKo Powell who played with Spencer Davis on bass and Jason Carpenter on drums; it's a lot of fun playing with them whenever we take the stage."
The recent Red Bank show was one of several which Winter is doing with Eric Burdon & the Animals and some other classic rockers have made appearances on this tour as well. Kansas, Robby Krieger and Cheap Trick have shared the bill and upcoming appearances include Todd Rundgren & The Zombies and a stop at Daryl's House come this fall. "I've done a number of shows lately with Eric and it's really fun to jam with him. I usually get to go up with them during "House of The Rising Sun" and "Spill The Wine" and gee, the Animals had so many hits that they're a lot of fun to watch too. I usually hang around after my set and watch the next band. I like to be on first, get the crowd going then hang out. The good thing about touring with the Animals is that there are no egos involved and I never mind going on first."
Currently, Winter and the band are on a few week hiatus before the tour re-boots in New England then to the upper mid-west, then out west and eventually returning to the Northeast with a show in New York and one back here in New Jersey at the Newton Theater
To find out more about Edgar Winter and the current tour, please go to www.edgarwinter.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
Amarones Windsor Inn29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Simply Piano" feat. Carla Gaiser
Fri. 8 p.m. Jukebox Legends
Sat. 8 p.m. Meg Hanson Group feat. Billy Hill
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Simply Piano" feat. Carla Gaiser
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers St. Trenton
Sat. (12 p.m.) Princeton School of Rock Presents: "Beach Party." All ages, $10 (6 p.m.) Silo, American Dictionary, Eskimo Wave, Morgan's Mask, Faith Remains, Pickaxe. All ages, $10
Sun. (12 p.m.) Princeton School of Rock Presents: "The Music of The Eagles vs. Fleetwood Mac. All ages, $10 (2 p.m.) Princeton School of Rock Presents: "Beach Party." All ages, $10 (5 p.m.) The Holophonics, Fairhaven, Backyard Superheroes, Garden State Line, Nerd Surge, The Bad Tequila Experience. All ages, $10
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road, New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Tom Adams Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 8 p.m. Patrick & Debra
Sun. (12 p.m.) Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Sherry St. John
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Bruno's Bicycles, One Sweet Ride19 Main Street, Allentown
(609) 208-0544
Fri. 7 p.m. Emma Fritts, Maddie & Kelsey, The Successful Failures. Food drive benefiting The Allentown Food Pantry. Collection of canned/dry goods will be accepted.
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. John Evans Quartet. $10 (cover charge)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
Columbus Farmers Market2919 US Rioute 206, Columbus
(609) 267-0400
Sat. 4:45 p.m. Vinny Martell
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. The David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) CP Duo
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. The David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Tommy Griggz
Sun. (11 a.m.)"Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (3 p.m.) Gypsy Mother
Wed. 8 p.m. Shawn Byrne
Fran's Pub116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows age 21+
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street. New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thus. 10 p.m. "College Beat The Clock Night" DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8:30 p.m. LeCompt With Horns. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Schwubby Buzzer
Sun. 2 p.m. Midnight Sun Orchestra
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Live, Local, Unplugged" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bill Henry Trio
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob Funck
Sat. 6 p.m. The Lifters
Sun. 2 p.m."Jazzy Sundays" feat. Four + 1
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Rd., Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Tom Chiola
Sat. 2 p.m. Joe Leming
Sun. 2 p.m. Bob O & Jess
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Blind Lemmon Pie
Sat. 9 p.m. The Trentones
All shows 21+
Jake's Pub869
Bustleton Pike, Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Tues. 5 p.m. Bill Shannon
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publik House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. 5 p.m. Live Music (TBA)
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Farm to Table" Winemakers Sunset Dinner. $99 (Reservations Required)
Sat. 11 a.m. Laurita Irish Festival "Irish Fest Saturday" feat. (11 a.m.) Sligo Road (2 p.m.) Round the House (6 p.m.) Green Spell
Sun. 11 a.m. Laurita Irish Festival "Irish Fest Sunday" feat. (11 a.m.) Ballyhaunis (2 p.m.) The Snakes (5:30 p.m.) Six Mile Cross
Wed. 7 p.m. 2016 "Laurita Idol" Singing Showcase Junior Tryout
Levitt Amp Trenton 2016 Music SeriesCapital Green @ 201 Barrack Street, Trenton
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Edwin Lebron y Su Orchesta / DOcE
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road, Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Rd Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ Codie
Fri. 9 p.m. Samstorm
Sat. 9 p.m. "Saturday Night Dance Party" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim. $10
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Mercer County Park AmphitheaterMC Park Festival Grounds/Edinburgh Road, West Windsor
Sat. 6 p.m. The Prophets/80's Undercover
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Thurs. 8 p.m. Husky Bundles, Idiot Boy, The Plurals, Red Teeth. $5
Fri. 9 p.m. "End Of Summer Bash" w/ Jordan Royale. $6
Sat. 9 p.m. Morus Alba, Gardens, The Moose, Milkmen. $5
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
Music On Main15 South Main Street, Yardley, PA
Sat. 6 p.m. Chris and Tommy's Good Time Show
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille1383 Monmouth Road, Easthampton Mt. Holly
(609) 261-1555
No music in August
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street, Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Out Of The Red
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web site for upcoming events
RHO Waterfront50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) WFIL Band
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
Sat. 8 p.m. Black Cat Habitat
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Big Daddy G
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Pop Comics
Sat. 12 p.m. Beach Party
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street, Fiedlsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 2 p.m. "50th Anniversary Bash" feat. (2 p.m.) Jam Lab (6 p.m.) Papa DeLux
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 Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. DC Duo
Sat. 9 p.m. Bob Solo
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Smoked Ice
Sat. 9 p.m. Alright Alright
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 Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Oliver McElhone
Sat 9 p.m. Ziggy Isaacs
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" w/ Kathy DeAngelo & Dennis Gormley
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 4 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Dawn Drapes. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Levee Drivers. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.)-
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
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.
