The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...4/24/25


By Danny Coleman

originally published: 04/25/2025

"I would say Blues-Rock is where I kind of hang in," states Kelli Baker. "We definitely do a lot of Blues stuff but I like the Americana and the Rock that goes with it too. So, Blues-Rock is usually a pretty good space for me to hang out in."

"May 9 has Kelli and her fantastic band making their debut performance at Tuckerton's Lizzie Rose Music Room  to which Kelli says with an enthusiastic  giggle, "I have not ever performed there, this will be our first time." 

Baker says she has, "Always been a musician" but her journey and the evolution of the band has had its share of twists and turns which began in the heat of Phoenix, AZ. 

"People ask where I'm from," she began. "I've been in New York for 12 years but I'm from Arizona and that's where I usually say that I'm From. So, Arizona girl here who sold everything I had, came to New York and went professionally into music after taking a long time off; during Covid is when I quit my job officially. I jumped back into music in 2018 pretty seriously and did well enough where I could quit working at the restaurant and take a full-swing at it. I was a general manager at a restaurant, I worked in the restaurant business for a long time; I ran venues and nightclubs in Arizona and then I kind of swayed more toward restaurants when I moved to New York because the area that I moved to wasn't really nightclub centric. So, that's what I ended up doing, I did that most of my life which is actually very similar to the music industry because the venues and a lot of the places are the same kind of people, same kind of energy, so it was a good transition or the same kind of energy, however you want to look at it."




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



"I've always been a musician," she continued, "I had let go of that part of myself for a while due to self-doubt and different reasons and it was 2018 when I started going back to open mics again. I walked into an open mic, I was never really much of a guitar player, I did it to accompany myself and I was terrible; I got up and I did it, my friend's dad made me do it and I played and the guy who hosted it said, "You were good, you should come back." I was not good (Laughs) in my mind I was terrible but that was kind of all I needed, just somebody to say, you're not terrible, maybe you should do this again. Years prior to that, I had a bad similar experience where I bombed and I bombed so badly that I swore to myself I'd never perform in front of people again and I didn't for almost 10 years. So, it's interesting what a person in a room and a little bit of encouragement can do and how sensitive people can be and once I had that, I started going back every week and then I was unstoppable. I'd be working 12 or 13 hour days and then go to any place I could find that was doing live music or jams and be there every night until the wee hours. I was always a singer and I could always do that and during that time when I had downtime, I would play in my living room and make YouTube videos but I never performed in front of people so it was always kind of there even though I threw myself into work and different things. So, it was just a spark; you know? So much of it is not necessarily ability because that comes with time and maturity just as you develop your body for anything else; it was the faith in my own-self that I could do it  and re-igniting that spark. So, it was basically just like catching fire with my own-self and then I thought, well God, I don't want to be 90 years old and what if this is what I'm supposed to do? I always felt like I was never aligned with what I was supposed to be doing and that's not just with music but how I've also handled my own marketing and promotion. I've never felt aligned and I thought; what if I just really make a go of this and just see what happens? I never want to say that I never really, really tried and so, that's what I did. I was at a jam every night and then I'd wake up early and be at the gym and listen to a podcast and learn about the music business and that aspect of it and then I'd be sneaking my way into music conventions that I wasn't supposed to be allowed into and meeting people there and now I'm talking to you (Laughs). I've been very fortunate and It has been a lot of hard work and truly, once I fully committed myself; I felt at the time and I continue to feel more aligned in my life than I ever have."

So much of the artistic or creative realm is timing and a twist of fate. Once Kelli got herself on track, it was another's absence that allowed a door to open, a door she walked right through.

"PJ the bass player; PJ is also my fiance`and I was playing with a different band and he had his own band; you know how it goes, everybody does their own thing and has a million projects going on at once. I was coming off the road, I had a five week run and PJ had come in to help me with some of the dates and I was playing with some other players and picking up bands from Blues Societies to make the run work. He had been watching Noe, he had his eye on him for a while because Noe had a blues jam going on and he kept saying, "I've got to go to this guys jam and meet with him" and he did and it went well. He had a friend coming into town that he was trying to put together an allstar band to support her at The Bitter End in New York and he did and Noe was going to be a part of that band and at the last minute, she had a family obligation and couldn't commit to the date. He had already arranged everybody and I was just coming off of the road, I think it was on that day and I ended up stepping in. They ended up doing some of my tunes and that's how I met Noe for the first time and we just got along really well. I think that was the end of September of '23 and he joined February of '24 and he's been on the road with me ever since. I'm a very wild performer and so is he and there's something about us together, especially when we come together as writing partners that works very well. My weakness is; I can play the guitar but I'm never gonna be what he is on my wildest day (Laughs) but when he's writing, he knows where I wanna go and it's a great compliment. So, that's been really successful with him and then we had a drummer who moved to Jamaica so we were looking for suggestions and through our friends at The Bitter End, which is our home away from home, Tom Curiano was recommended to us. He joined in June of last year and I've been playing with PJ basically full-time since Noe was, say September of '23' that's when the pieces all came into play. PJ the bass player is kind of a visionary in seeing the way things should work and kind of putting things on a trajectory. That's kind of a gift he definitely has that's not my strongest point either and that's why he's another great compliment. So, I've been very fortunate to play with these tremendous players and we actually genuinely like each other and like hanging out and spending time with each other so, I've been very fortunate." 

From that beginning, the band has grown as well as Baker's reach and touring; something she loves. 

"We tour with Mike Zito quite a bit," she began excitedly. "We did a run with him in Florida in December and again at the end of January and we'll be going out with him again for a week in Texas. My guitar player is pretty well-known in his own right for the work that he's done. He's an amazing guitar and harmonica player and his name is Noe Socha. He played with Vanessa Collier and Paula Cole for a while and he put out an incredible self-titled instrumental album last year with a myriad of people on it. My band is really top-notch, my drummer played with Garland Jeffreys and Popa Chubby, my bass player is PJ LaMariana who played with Oteil Burbridge; I've got a pretty nice lineup. We were down in Florida for almost a month, I feel like I live in a van, which I actually kind of like. I never thought I would say that; I actually don't live in a van but it feels like it (Laughs) but if I did, it wouldn't be that bad I guess (Laughs). I never thought I would like it as much as I do but I really, really do. I've never had so much fun just going all over the country; I've been touring pretty much consistently on a national scale for the last few years and it's beginning to ramp up more and more. Our next tour date is May 1 in Atlanta and then we have to go down and open for Mike again in Tampa, then back up to the Carolinas and then we make our way up to New Jersey for May 9 at The Lizzie Rose."

Evoking emotions and a "Wild" show are two hallmarks of a Kelli Baker Band event and one song in particular, a cover tune called "Dr. Feelgood (Love is a Serious Business)" has become a staple in their sets.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



"That's actually an Aretha (Franklin) song and when she died; I think it was kind of around the same year 2018 and Questlove of The Roots had put up this post and it was this old video of her singing that song and I thought, oh my God, this is such a powerful piece of music and it really hit me and has always stuck with me since then. I think that is what kind of led me to that song and to this day is one of the most impactful parts of our set when we do that; I think it's pretty straightforward and as literal as you can take it (Laughs)."

According to Baker, 2025 holds a lot of promise with a lot of big things coming for her and the band but first is the May 9 7:30 p.m. show at The Lizzie Rose.

"It's a wild show, really, the magic is in our live performance and we have some crazy recorded music. Noe and I, he's my co-writer these days, our new single should be coming out fairly soon. We have some big announcements that I can't announce yet because I'm waiting on some things to be finalized but it's gonna be a really big year. We went to Paxico Blues Festival and we played right before Danielle Nicole last year; I think everybody at this festival was almost surrounding Noe. Noe is blind and a lot of times, I'll take him out to interact with the audience. I'll walk him through the audience and we'll sing out in the middle of the crowd, they even put it on the cover of the paper there; it's really emotional for people. It's emotional and it's guttural, it's a really wild show and where my band really flourishes is in their improvisation. So, every time you come see us, you're gonna hear our songs but there is always a different twist on them and they go somewhere else and the musicians I play with are of such a high caliber that where it can go is (laughs); like you are dealing with NASA scientists but on a musical scale and they are just taking us someplace. So, yeah, it's a hell of a show.:" 

To discover more about the Kelli Baker Band or see their upcoming tour schedule, please visit https://www.kellibaker.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


Ace Cafe 
15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Bike Night
Allentown Borough
Main Street Allentown
Sun. 10 a.m. Spring Stroll
Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Ron Heller & Barron Caramano
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Mark Sacco (7 p.m.) Carm & Bud
Sun. (12 p.m.) Sunday Acoustic Brunch w/ Rob Silvers (6 p.m.) Radio Fiction
Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed. (3 p.m.) LGBTQ Happy Hour (5 p.m.) Redbird
Americana Kitchen & Bar
359 US Highway 130 North Hightstown
Fri. 7 p.m. Prime Time Comedy Club feat. Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling and Peter Bales
Ancient Order of Hibernians 
2419 Kuser Road Hamilton 
Fri. 8 p.m. Music BINGO
Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Arm & Hammer Park
1 Thunder Road Trenton 
(609) 394-3300
Sat. 6 p.m. North vs South Baseball Game
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Senior Night
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. ACP DIY: That Girl with Flowers
Sat. (12 p.m.) Princeton Porchfest 2025  (3 p.m.) Story & Verse Open Mic: Porchfest Edition feat. Artist Roberto Lugo (5:30 p.m.) Official Porchfest After-Party on Palmer Square Green (7 p.m.) Cafe` Improv feat. Michael Baine
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Party Like It's Your Earth Day!" (4 p.m.) ART OF: Fasting
Wed. (5:30 p.m.) ART OF: Glowing at Any Age w/ Ali Wall (7 p.m.) JAM: Jersey Art Meet-Up
Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cecil & Mike
Fri. 8 p.m. Chrome Pony
Sat. 8 p.m. Sara & Nick
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Friends
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney
Bent Iron Brewing
70 Extonville Road Hamilton
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Ladies Night "Hat Bar"
Sat. 5 p.m. Bob Banka
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music BINGO
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Dan Murphy
Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Tues. / Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke 
Ages 21+
Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Thurs./Fri. 4 p.m. Happy Hour
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo
Blend Bar & Bistro   
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 8 p.m. Derailed Comedy Night feat. Gary Sharp, Ryan Foster, Bill Chiang. $20 (2 Item Minimum), doors opoen at 7 p.m., ages 18+ 
Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 
Bordentown Elks
11 Amboy Road Bordentown 
(609) 298-2085 
Sat. 1 p.m. Darts for Dreams 2025
Bordentown Yacht Club 
1 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 298-9754 
Sat. 8 p.m. Comedy Night Hosted by Jimmy Vanezia feat. Greg Brancato, Chris Murphy, Teddy Smith. $30, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+
Boro Bean 
9 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. Dave Dales Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan 
Sat. 7 p.m. Maci Miller Duo
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Tues. 6 p.m. Max Rogers
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. Mike Estabrook All Request Show / Anvil, Pulsifer, Don Jamieson, Steal The Night. $20 (advance), doors open at 6:30 p.m., ages 21+
Fri. 6 p.m. "This Is Not Croydon Fest 6" feat. Scofflaws, J. Navarro & the Traitors, Sgt. Scag, The Heavy Beat, The Abruptors. $100-$150 (VIPand single day tickets    available), ages 18+
Sat. 12 p.m.  "This Is Not Croydon Fest 6" feat. Stubborn All Stars, Big D and the Kid's Table, Buck-O-Nine, The Planet Smashers, The Code, Joystick! Bite Me Bambi, Brunt Of It, The Phensic, Girth Control. $100-$150 (VIP and single day tickets available), ages 18+
Sun. 12 p.m. "This Is Not Croydon Fest 6" feat. The Pietasters, Cat Bite, Kill Lincoln, Mephiskapheles, Hub City Stompers, Westbound Train, The Bandulas, PWRUP. $100-$150 (VIP and single day tickets available), ages 18+
Tues. 7 p.m. "Drag to the Rescue" Hosted by Diva Devine. $40, doors open at 5:30 p.m., ages 18+ 
Bucks On Bridge
25 Bridge Street Lambertville
(609) 483-2615
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Poetry Night 
Tues. 5 p.m. Chess Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Trivia
Burlington County Library/Amphitheater
5 Pioneer Boulevard West Hampton
(609) 267-9660
Sun. 11 a.m. Earth Day Festival (Takes place at 803 Smithville Road) 
Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 
(408) 335-4400 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Freedom Friday Open Mic Hosted by Jane Malloy and Todd Evans
Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille
1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 580-5469 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul
Club Atlantis
1858 Street Road Bensalem, PA 
(215) 944-1777 
Sat. 9 p.m. DJ Robbie Tronco 
All Events Ages 21+ and Dress to Impress
Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Fri. 8 p.m. Diane & PK
Sat. 8 p.m. Mike & Laura
Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Be5D
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) Se7en / DJ John Rossi
Sat. 8 p.m. Kindred Spirit  
Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Sweet Spot
Sun. 2 p.m. Rodney Wright
Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo
Dacey's Pub 
215 West Philadelphia Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-4838
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Music Night 
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo                                          
Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic
 Sat. 4 p.m. Car Show Fundraiser feat. Thomas Duffy, Wounded Souls
Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. The Backporch Jug Band
Fri. 8 p.m. Local Honey. $10 (advance) 
Sat. (2:30 p.m.) Dub Reggae Yoga Flow w/ Martha Dicredico. $20 (8 p.m.) "Dead-Zep" w/ Rainbow Full of Sound. $15 (advance)
Sun. (12 p.m.) Clothing Swap (6 p.m.) The New Hope Nonet. $15 (advance)
Wed. 7 p.m.  DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert 
Eddington House Bensalem
2813 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 
(215) 639-1220 
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe
El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar
1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA 
(267) 685-0725 
Sat. 8 p.m. Keep The Change
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Fri. 7 p.m. Rave On
Sat. 7 p.m. JT Rox
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Tues. 6 p.m. Music BINGO
Founding Father's Sports Bar & Grill 
2900 Street Road Bensalem, PA 
(215) 923-1100
Fri. 6 p.m. Bob Pantano Dance Party w/ DJ Joe Castro
Friendly's 
1031 Washington Boulevard Robbinsville 
(609) 426-9203 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Cruise Night 
Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin McGowan and/or Gino Formaroli (Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.)
Gallagher's Taproom
437 Pine Street Mount Holly 
(609) 261-0500   
Sun. 1 p.m. Wounded Souls & Chuck   
German American Society 
215 Uncle Pete's Road Hamilton 
(609) 585-5200
Sun. 5 p.m. Country Line Dancing. $7 (advance)
Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781 
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Music Bingo / “Ladies Night” Hosted by Best Choice Productions (9:30 p.m.) Karaoke
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (8:30 p.m.) Van Jenkins
Sat. (2 p.m.) 3rd Annual Tiny Paws Fundraiser (3 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (9 p.m.) DJ RV 
Sun. 3 p.m. The Disapointmentz
Tues. 7 p.m. Game Show Palooza
Wed. 5 p.m. "Hero Night"
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Jack Wetere
Fri.  8 p.m. EarCandy
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Little Sister
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616 
Fri. 5 p.m. SWIRL: An Evening of Art and Wine
Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge
Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays  
Hamilton Township Public Library 
1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton 
(609) 581-4060
Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Blues Jam Hosted by Mikey Jr. & The Slidewinder Blues Band
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Will Power" Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (3 p.m.) Matt Setzer (8:30 p.m.) Jenn & The Vibe (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party w/ DJ Iron Mike
Sun. 6 p.m. "Known Return" Kansas and Styx Tribute
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hightstown Elks 
100 Hickory Corner Road East Windsor 
(609) 448-9794
Sun. 12 p.m. Paint with a Parent 
Hopewell Valley Golf Club
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell
(609) 737-1199
Sat. 6 p.m. Trenton Ski Club Annual Dinner Dance
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Zio Moon
Sat. 5 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. Christine Moll
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
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. 
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco
Il Portico Restorante Italiano 
273 West Route 130 South Burlington
(609) 239-1000 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Jazz Night
Fri. / Sat. 7 p.m. Live Music w/ Tony O
Irish Rover Station House 
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412 
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night
Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111 
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Joe Vadala
Sat. 4:30 p.m. Bob O & Kim M
Sun. 1 p.m. AudioPilot
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
All shows 21+    
John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981 
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Night (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Joseph Lawrence Park
317 Ward Avenue Bordentown
Sat. 9 a.m. Co-Ed Flag Football and Soccer
Kelly's Bar n Banquet Hall
14 Railroad Avenue Fort Dix
(732) 230-6169
Tues. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Carie McCay
Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Radio Fiction / Country Night
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Joanna Caruso (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Ant Cannuli (5:30 p.m.) Lou Mutter (10 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Ty Mares
Labyrinth Books Princeton 
122 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 497-1600 
Fri. 10 a.m. Spring Book Sale
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 
11 Bridge Street Lambertville 
(609) 397-8300 
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Banfi" Wine Tasting                                                                                
Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Fri. 7 p.m. '90s Party. $10
Sat. "Bacon Fest" feat. (11 a.m.) ShoreSyde (2:30 p.m.) Pennington Station (6 p.m.) Dockside. $13 (advance)
Sun. "Bacon Fest" feat. (11 a.m.) Strictly '60s (3 p.m.) Nikki Briar & the SweetBriar Band. $13 (advance)
Lawrenceville Main Street 
17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Sat. 12 p.m. Spring Arts Festival. (Weeden Park FREE admission) 
Library Company of Burlington
23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night
Lillipies Bakery
30 North Harrison Street Princeton 
(609) 423-2100  
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff
Sun. 3 p.m. Dumpling Cooking Class w/ Chef Justine Ma. $95
Magikava
87a South Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2739 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Astrology Readings by Riss Cottrill 
Mon. 6 p.m. Magik "Art Mondays" 
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night  
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 8 p.m. "Far Beyond Giving Benefit" feat. The Ancient Mariners, "Shy Valley" Hyuss Tribute, Release, Unscarred. $5 or non-perishable food item
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
 
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds 
Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor 
(609) 448-1947 
Sat. 1 p.m. Buy Rite Beer & Wine Festival feat. Brian Kirk & The Jerks
Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project 
Fri.  7 p.m. Cara Cartney
Sat. 7 p.m. WURL
Sun. 11 a.m. Sunday Stroll feat. (12 p.m.) Mike & Shanna, Dana Collins
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Needle Creek Farm Brewery
91 Titus Mill Road Pennington
Sun. 2 p.m. Successful Failures 
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Sat. 12 p.m. "Creek-i-Tiki" Luau 2025 feat. DJ Hi-Tide, Slowey & The Boats
New Egypt Flea Market Village 
933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge 
(609) 758-2082
Sun. 8 a.m. Flea Market 
Wed. 8 a.m. Flea Market
New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. 8 p.m. Soul Cruisers
Sat. (2 p.m.) Marc Hoffman (8 p.m.) "Ledbetters" Pearl Jam Tribute
Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Music" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Sat. 6 p.m. The Salty Dogs
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Bill Monach
Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Nomad Distilling Company
20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623
Thur. 9 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Fri. 9 p.m. Deep Release
Sat. 9:30 p.m. 80s Undercover
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
Tues. 4 p.m. Prime Rib Night feat. (6:30 p.m.) The Blue Eyed Balladeer
Ages 21+   
O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 
200 State Road Croydon, PA 
(215) 785-6998 
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo
 Old Barracks
100 Barrack Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Concerts by Candlelight
Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Fri. 3 p.m. Happy Hour feat. (6 p.m.) Separatr 
Sat. 6 p.m. Tanglewood
Sun. 1 p.m. Local Performers Showcase 
Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Palmer Square 
40 Nassau Street Princeton 
Sat. "Porchfest 2025" feat. (4:30 p.m.) Charles Laurita & The Mischief (5:30 p.m.) Official Porchfest 2025 After-Party
Pasquale's Sports Bar 
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 202-6268 
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Frank Pinto & Richie Z
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo" 
Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Self Induced Confusion / DJ Anthony Mig 
Princeton Country Club
1-Wheeler Way West Windsor
(609) 452-9382 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ Live DJ
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour  
Sun. 11 a.m. Jazz Brunch
Princeton Porchfest 2025 (Saturday 12 p.m.)
Porches All Over Princeton feat.
102, 254, 287 Witherspoon Street
94, 225 Birch 
17/19, 37 Jefferson Road (2 p.m.) Jo Wymer 
30 Chestnut Avenue
45 Linden Lane
4 Queenston Place
302 Nassau Street
49 Markham Road
84 Murray Place
Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Sat. Porchfest 2025 (Takes place at MacLean House)
Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Randy Now's Man Cave
119 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 424-3766
Sun. 6:30 p.m. The Ben Vaughn Quintet. $20 (advance), doors open at 6 p.m. 
Restart The Arts
High Street Burlington
Sat. 12 p.m. City Boardwalk in Burlington
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night
 
Roebling Museum 
100 2nd Avenue Roebling
(609) 499-7200 
Sat. 9 a.m. 15th Annual Car Show. $5 (Kids age 12 and under FREE)
Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 11 a.m. Brunch
Sun. 11 a.m. Brunch 
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics
Sandy's Beef & Ale
2028 E. Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA
(2670 852-2333
Thurs. 8 p.m. Quizzo  
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
School of Rock Princeton
1761 Princeton Avenue Hamilton
(609) 890-7090
Sat. 5 p.m. House Band Tour Fundraiser. $10
Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Silver Lake Nature Center
1306 Bath Road Bristol, PA
(215) 785-1177
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Christopher Westfall's "Celebrate Earth Day Every Day" Concert. $15 (advance)
Slice of Brooklyn NJ
1295A Route 33 Hamilton 
(609) 527-9663
 Sat. 2 p.m. Pasta making Class w/ Chef Jorge
Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 8 p.m. EarCandy
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest
Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 7 p.m. The Astrolabe
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Cara Cartney
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton 
Tues. 7 p.m. Johnny Betz 
Spigola Vino E Cucino
3817 Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road Hamilton
(609) 585-5255
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Mark Sacco
Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Sat. 10 p.m. Fun Za Luv
Stratosphere Brewing Company
72 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 6677116
 Sat. 6 p.m. Petr Scavello, Mason Scavello, Tim Poole, Carter Waller Band
Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
 
Temperance House
5 South State Street Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8050
Thurs. 7 p.m. Steve Guyger and Filthy Rich 
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Neville Esquire
Tues. 7 p.m. Beginner Line Dance Lessons w/ Jeremy Line Dance. $40/4 Weeks 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Cara Cartney 
Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Sat. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Chris P
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Michael Montemurro
TGI Fridays 
780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910 
Sun. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Burn
TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  
TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night 
The Beer Garden and Education Center at Snipes Farm
890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Sat. 9 a.m. Earth Day Celebration
The Birdhouse Center For The Arts
7 North Main Street Lambertville
(215) 681-4660
Tues. 7:30 p.m. NJNO the "not just nyckelharpa orchestra" Community Orchestra
The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Fri. 8 p.m. Kirko
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Duo 
The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 6:30 p.m. No Cover Country Night 
Sat. 9 p.m. Buckshot or The Polish Nannies
Mon. 6 p.m. Trivia
The Corner Inn
24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment 
The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Sat. 8 a.m. Varsity Spirit US Finals Trenton Cheerleading Competition
The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Tommy Conwell
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" 
The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam 
Fri. 9 p.m. Bigg Romeo
Sat. 9 p.m. All Lit Up
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs.10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Bockman
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Trey
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
The Langhorne Brewery & Martini Bar
1558 West Maple Avenue Langhorne, PA
(267) 689-0045
Sat. 8 p.m. Mikey O
The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Old School Saints
Sat. 8 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Tues. 8 p.m. John Oates
The Penguin Rocks (24 Hour On-Demand Music/Radio)
www.thepenguinrocks.com 
Mon. -  Fri. "Radio Jersey" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki 
Sun. - Sat. "Classic Jersey" Hosted by Gary Wien
Sun. - Sat. "Beyond The Palace" Hosted by Lee Mrowicki 
Sun. - Sat. "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" feat. Mike Ham of Radio Garden State
Sun. - Sat. "From The Basement" Hosted by Mike Marrone
Sun. - Sat. "Deuce Radio" Hosted by Matt Barker
Sun. - Sat. "Altrok Radio" Hosted by Sean Carolan
Sun. - Sat. "Lighty's Corner" Hosted by Gary Wien 
Sun. - Sat. "The Troubador Show" Hosted by John Godfrey
The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Jo Wymer Band
Fri. 9 p.m. 80s Undercover
Sat. 9 p.m. Best of Clapton
Mon. 6 p.m. Music BINGO
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. The Faculty
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Shelter In Place
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Wed. 7 p.m. Vase Painting
Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. The Williamsboy
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions" 
All Shows 21+
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour Throwback Thursday
Sat. 9 p.m. Live Music (TBA)
Mon. 6 p.m. "Monday Night Karaoke" Hosted by Sweets
Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Fri. 7 p.m. JDuo
Sat. 7 p.m. Tony Miceli Trio
Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Washington Crossing Inn 
1295General Washington Memorial Boulevard Washington Crossing, PA
(877) 882-1776
Tues. 6 p.m. "Bourbon & Blues
Whitehill Mansion
217 Fourth Street Fieldsboro
Sat. 7 p.m. Paranormal Investigation
Wildflowers Too
255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night
Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Karl Dentino
Fri. 4:30 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Kevin McGowan
Sat. 1 p.m. Chris Swatt
Sun. 1 p.m. Chris Giakas 
WWFM 89.1 FM HD2 Radio
MCCC Old Trenton Road West Windsor
Jazzon2.org
Mon. 7 a.m./7 p.m. "Danny Coleman's Got The Blues"


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.

 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "I Know Your Number" by Arlan Feiles

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "I Know Your Number," the second single from Jersey Shore troubadour Arlan Feiles' brand-new LP, "Diaspora."




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 22-28, 2025




​​​​​​​Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Gibraltar" by Defecting Grey




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...4/17/25






 

MORE NEWS

Prolific Asbury Park singer and songwriter Alexander Simone (grandson of the legendary Nina), Atlantic City's R&B songstress Mary Cross, and the pioneering female rapper, Newark's MC Rah Digga, are just a few of the beloved local talents who will present events as part of this year's Prudential North to Shore Festival. Performances and programs will be held June 14-29, 2025 in Asbury Park and Newark, while performances in Atlantic City will extend throughout the coming year.


Old Crow Medicine Show Brought the Porch to the People at MPAC in Morristown




Michael Arnone's 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest takes Place May 30th through June 1st




Roy's Hall presents Big Yellow Taxi - The Music & Genius of Joni Mitchell




Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Abby Posner with Bob Andrews






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Get the Led Out to Play Three Nights at Scottish Rite Auditorium

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Get the Led Out (GTLO) takes over the Scottish Rite Auditorium for shows April 24-26, 2025 at 8:00pm each night. From the bombastic and epic to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The concerts are presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.


Grammy Award Winners and Jazz Icons the Yellowjackets Come to Bell Theater in April




bergenPAC presents That Motown Band on April 26th




Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Announces the Third Annual American Music Honors Recipients






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates