By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/19/2024

They come from all walks of life and music genres but the most important thing is; they've come together to form a Blues band that is original, solid and different from the rest and what makes them so unique is a combination of experience and backgrounds.

Kelton Cooper, Mike Griot, Gene Lake and Ron Thompson form the North Jersey based unit known as Blues People and they've got a show coming up on Sunday December 22 at Montclair Brewery in Montclair, NJ and then in the beginning of January they head to Memphis, TN for chance at winning the International Blues Challenge. 

Recently, bassist Griot talked about the IBC, the Montclair gig, the band's formation, their "Experience" and how they are viewed by their peers in the industry.

"So, we came together right before the pandemic," he began. "We all had been working as basically hired guns in the New York area for decades and we've all done gigs and tours together, different projects, different genres and before the pandemic, I owned a live music club in Orange, New Jersey. Kelton, who I grew up with in Orange, he kind of moonlighted as my sound man at my live music venue while we were all still gigging and everything else. Gene Lake, our drummer, came to Kelton and suggested we should put together a blues outfit because he had recently done some work with Josh Smith and a couple of other people. So, they came to me and then the pandemic hit and there was nothing to do but write and record and that's how it started. The first time we played our own recorded material was not until a year into the pandemic."

---

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

---

"Kelton has had a relationship with Kool & The Gang, totaling about 16 years; doing a lot of recording with their producer and a few gigs as well," he continued. "We're all from the same part of New Jersey so everybody kind of knows everybody. I actually went to D.C. for a while because my family is from the D.C. area; even though I grew up in New Jersey. I went to college in D.C. and while I was at Howard University, I got my first pro tour; it wasan R&B tour with a girl named Stacy Lattisaw and that was like a thousand years ago (laughs). I didn't get a proper blues tour until later on in the early '90s; I think Deborah Coleman was my first blues tour and I also started around the same time with Michael Hill Blues Mob and then I was "In it" by that point. Michael Hill and drummer Tony Lewis are basically how I learned my vocabulary of music and Michael was actually the one who got me connected with Ruf Records and Thomas Ruf. I was there when Thomas started the whole Blues Caravan concept. I was actually the music director for the first three or four Blues Caravans, which is how I came to be around and play with and behind, Laura Chavez, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sue Foley; I even produced a couple of albums for Ruf on Dani Wilde and Oli Brown. Gene Lake is a massive, massive talent; I was always jealous of people whose families were in the music business and grew up doing it because I wasn't so fortunate (Laughs). Gene's father is the great jazz saxophonist Oliver Lake, so Gene grew up playing music and he also plays killer bass too and many people don't know that. His resume is really long, Marcus Miller, Meshell Ndegeocello, George Thorogood; it just goes on and on and he even did some Broadway. He played in "MJ the Musical" on Broadway. That's kind of the secret sauce of the group; we have this profound love of the blues and blues music but we're sort of vets; we bring all that other stuff we've done over 30 or 40 years with us and you can definitely see it on stage."

Just like a puzzle, there always seems to be that one piece that fits just well enough to open up the entire path to completion and in Blues People's case, one gentleman held the key; make that "Keys."

"I would say, in my opinion, that the group really came together when Ron Thompson came onboard," said Griot with confidence. "A guy named Victor Burks was doing some of the recording and a couple of gigs early on but when Ron came onboard, our sound really came together. He was a teacher for a long time and he also worked with Bo Diddley Jr. and a lot of freelance gigging in New York and when he stopped teaching and retired; we happened to get lucky enough to catch him in that transition and man, I think the Blues people sound was basically sealed when Ron came on board."

When one goes to see Blues People, it's important to understand; this isn't just some run of the mill event. Their combination of originals and select covers are done with the intent to broaden not only the audience's experience but their own as well. 

"This is where I'm going to speak for my brother Kelton," he laughed. "He has been a genius with this band in sort of awakening our roots in music. For example, I came up really into Bobby Blue Bland when I was a kid because my father was into Bobby Blue Bland and Kelton is like a musicologist. When you come to one of our shows for example, you'll hear our originals but you'll also hear basically "B" side blues records that come out of Kelton's head that he was listening to growing up. So, it's like Kelton opened up the musical dunk tank of the blues and kind of pushed us all back into it again (Laughs) and it has transformed what we sound like because if you come to one of our shows; you're not gonna hear "Mustang Sally" because that's not what we're doing. We do deep dive into some "B" sides and I think we put our own spin on them and Kelton will tell you; he can't sing anything he doesn't believe in. So, he really curates the selections very well and I would implore anybody; we can talk about the music all day; come out and see us play, the blues will be everywhere and that's a fact."

In the interest of "Full disclosure," Blues People are about to embark on their second trip to the International Blues Challenge and Griot feels the experiene of advancing very far in last year's competition gives them much better insight into this year's competition.

"We made it to the semi-finals which I hear is a pretty good attempt. The IBC, for those who have done it or for those who are thinking about doing it; you don't really know what you're walking into until you get there and then you kind of see what it is. I don't think anybody really expected a band from New Jersey or one from north of the Mason-Dixon Line to sound the way we do. We got a lot of great feedback and it was a really good experience. We didn't have our record out at the time, which I think now is going to be a huge difference because now, it's a year later, we won the regional IBC again, we've had a strong record out for most of this year, we've got great reviews from around the world, we've got some chart action as well and we have a year of playing our own material for audiences; we're road ready and sharp."

---

"Blues People The Skin I'm In" was nominated as the "Best New Artist Debut Album" at The Blues Blast 2024 Music Awards and has done well on the charts. So, with all of the band's vast individual experience and contacts in the industry; does that open doors for the band that others may not have access to?

"I don't know," said Mike, seemingly choosing his word carefully. "I think it helps to be known as a player from a certain area or region or scene; it's not like we are unknown on our respective instruments but I think, specific to this blues journey that we're involved in; I don't know if it has necessarily helped or hurt but I do know that there seems to be; I guess the reviews that we've gotten on the record suggest it too, there seems to be an authenticity to the stories we tell and of course, Blues is about storytelling but our stories seem to resonate here and around the world and the Blues audiences around the world are digging it. So, the only connections besides getting more people to book us, which is really important for us right now; the people; it's like the scene from that movie where the guy says, "The people know," The people know (Laughs) and we're happy about that."

Being veterans of the music scene does have its advantages and within their circle of "Contemporaries" they seem to have the approval of them and many more.

"One of the funniest reactions has been amongst the New York Metro pro musicians, touring and otherwise because in most cases, we're talking about our contemporaries who are in their 50s, 60s, guys who've been doing it 20,30,40 years and everybody has worked with everybody but that crew looks at us with almost subtle disbelief. Usually, the response to original material or being an original band is associated with young players, people and professionals and here we are, age 58 and up and all of the dudes we worked with in the New York scene, they are really kind of encouraging. They're like, "Man, you guys are really doing your thing and we're glad it's original and we're glad it's Blues" and that's been the most surprising thing. Our colleagues up here who are kind of silently supportive of the idea that some veterans can still make original music and possibly break-out ; I'm excited by that." 

The Montclair Brewery is located at 101 Walnut Street and the show on Decemeber 22 is a 4:30 p.m. start with tickets available here https://www.northjerseybluessociety.org/event-details/blues-people-3 and after that comes the IBC and after that...

"The IBC is January 7 to January 11, we just played Triumph Brewery in Red Bank and Sunday we are at The Montclair Brewery but we are planning to get back in the studio in March of 2025 to start working on the next record and if things go the way we hope they go, we really want to play some major festivals here and abroad during festival season in '25. The IBC is a great place to see some of those who book those festivals and I've already been in touch with a few in advance who say they are coming. So, we're on a lot of people's radar for the '25 touring and festival season so I hope to be visiting them."

To discover more about Blues People, please visit https://bluespeoplenj.com/blues-people

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. Biker Night
Sat. (2 p.m.) European Bikes Cruis-In (6 p.m.) Christmas Tunes Night

---

Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Marc Hoffman
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Joe Hutchinson (5 p.m.) Redbird
Mon. 5 p.m. Rick Winow
Tues. 5 p.m. (TBD)

---

Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 

---

Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Gallery Opening: Annual Member Show (7 p.m.) Story & Verse: A Storytelling, Poetic and Spoken Word Open Mic
Sat. 7 p.m. Cafe` Improv. $2
Wed. 7 p.m. JAM: Jersey Art Meet-Up

---

Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 7 p.m. Peggy Kellar
Sat. 7 p.m. Mike Goldman
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy

---

Bent Iron Brewing
70 Extonville Road Hamilton
Fri. 4 p.m. Holiday Hoagies and Brews
Sat. 12 p.m. "Santa-Palooza" feat. (5 p.m.) LakeHouse

---

Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Sun. 7 p.m. BINGO
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Tues. 8 p.m. / Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke 
Ages 21+

---

Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Fri. 4 p.m. Happy Hour
Sat. 12 p.m. Pet Photos w/ Santa
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo

---

Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Fri. 7 p.m. "Frightening Fridays!" Haunted History Tours. $20
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 feat. (8 p.m.) 2024 Holiday Lights & Architecture Tour (Leaves from corners of Farnsworth Ave. and Crosswicks St.)

---

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. Dave Dales Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Bob Egan

---

Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. (7 p.m.) The Slackers / The Bandulus feat. Jesse Wagner and Lady Hatchet. $29.34, doors open at 6:30 p.m., ages 18+ (8 p.m.) "Grinch's Night Out" w/ Mike Estabrook's "All Request Show"
Fri. (6 p.m.) Holiday Cheese & Charcuterie w/ Seasonal Pairings. $48.25-$85 (8 p.m.) The Wankers. $16.30, $24.99, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+
Sat. (11 a.m.) Holiday Market (4 p.m.) "Festiv-US!" A Festivus for All of Us (8 p.m.) Single Bullet Theory, We...Our War, Traitor. $16.30, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+

---

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

---

Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Kevin Lee. $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Kevin Lee. $26.50, Doors open at 7 p.m.

---

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

---

Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing 
(609) 538-0808
Sat. 7 p.m. Ernie White's Christmas Show

---

Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Thurs. 4 p.m. "Ladies Night" 
Fri. 8 p.m. Dave Maida
Sat. 8 p.m. Brian Latanzzi
Mon. 6 p.m. Magician/Mentalist Matthew Swanson

---

Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cosmic Jerry Band
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) The Soul Cruisers
Sat. 7 p.m. The Discoteks / DJ Frank Oliveti  

---

Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Tinsel & Tunes" Cabaret Show feat. Kate Nice w/ Eric Smrcka. $25
Sat. 2 p.m. Bunny Barnes
Sun. 2:30 p.m. Sweet Spot

---

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 
Sat. 5 p.m. Gala of Goodwill Rockin' Holiday Party w/ "Chrome Pony"
Wed. 8 p.m. Quizzo  

---

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

---

Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Nucoustix" Americana Bluegrass Jazz
Fri. 8 p.m. Blue Wave Ramblers. $10 (advance)
Sat. (12 p.m.) Heady Holiday Market feat. Prisms, Local Honey, Kevin Hill & Darilyn Avery. The Shoeshiners, Guesstimate. (FREE event) (8 p.m.) Ripplewood. $15 (advance)
Sun. 6 p.m. The New Hope Nonet. $15 (advance)

---

El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar
1470 Buck Road Southampton, PA 
(267) 685-0725 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Keep The Change

---

Florence Community Center
69 Main Street Roebling
Sat. 1 p.m. Vegan Potluck Meal

---

Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night w/ DJ Mig
Fri. 7 p.m. Lakehouse
Sat. (5 p.m.) Santa's Final Stop (7 p.m.) Honey Spot Blvd. 

---

Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Fri. 5 p.m. Christmas Carols, Cocktails & Wine Sale

---

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 
Wed. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin McGowan and/or Gino Formaroli (Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.)

---

Gleason's Bar
6700 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-4781 
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Christmas Music Music BINGO / “Ladies Night” Hosted by Best Choice Productions (9:30 p.m.) Karaoke
Fri. (6 p.m.) "Happy Hour" (8 p.m.) Christmas Party w/ "Doc Hollywood"
Sat. (12 p.m.) Music BINGO Brunch (8 p.m.) Christmas Pajama Party w/ "Never Enough" 

---

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. Tailspin
Sat. 9 p.m. The Rockets
Mon. 9 p.m. Christmas party w/ Brother Mike

---

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 Area YMCA
1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
Thurs. 6 p.m. Holiday Movie Night for BASE and Camp Families. Pajama Contest 

---

Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Junior Mack
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (3 p.m.) Strange Brew Crew (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party w/ Iron Mike
Sun. 6 p.m. "Best Of The Eagles" Eagles Tribute. $40
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve

---

Hopewell Valley Golf Club
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell
(609) 737-1199
Fri. 6 p.m. "Red Cardinal on a Winter Pine" Paint Nite

---

Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Mulled Wine Workshop
Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM (5 p.m.) Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/ On The Fly
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Blue Jersey Band

---

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. 

---

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

---

Immaculate Conception Church
540 Chestnut Avenue Trenton
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Sounds of Christmas" Benefitting Mout Carmel Guild feat. Fr. Alphonse and the Orchestra of  St. Peter by the Sea. $45, $40

---

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. Jo Wymer
Sat. (1 p.m.) Bob O & Kim (5 p.m.) Joe Vadala
Sun. 2 p.m. Ronnie Brandt

---

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 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trifecta
Fri. 9 p.m. JD Pinkus, Abstract Artimus, Joe Buck Yourself
Sat. (3 p.m.) The Real Fugitives (9 p.m.) Joy On Fire, Ronald Reagan? The Actor?, Dinner 
Sun. 9 p.m. Murphy's Law / Dinosaur Eyelids. $20 (advance)
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Night (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

---

Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Mario & Frank
Fri. (4 p.m.) Holiday "Onsie" Happy Hour (5:30 p.m.) Lou Mutter (10 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Bob Banka (10 p.m.) Ugly Sweater Party w/ DJ Jimmy G
Sun. (10 a.m.)"Sunday Funday" Brunch (1 p.m.) Football & Drinks w/ Santa
Mon. 6 p.m. Kid's "Polar Express" Night                                             

---

Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Fri. 7 p.m. Billy Joel Tribute and Christmas Show w/ Wade Preston. $20
Sat. (9 a.m.) Breakfast w/ Santa (11 a.m.) Christmas Craft Class. $22.50 (7 p.m.) Country Line Dancing
Sun. (9 a.m.) Breakfast w/ Santa (11 a.m.) Christmas Craft Class. $22.50 (12 p.m.) Santas, Sangrias, Sliders & Songs

---

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

---

Locust Hall at Johnson's Farm
2691 Monmouth Road Jobstow 
(609) 723-2630  
Sat./Sun. 10 a.m. Historic Christmas

---

Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 6 p.m. Scott Mcallister Trio
Fri. 7 p.m. Sam Ryan
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Keith Franklin Trio

---

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  

---

Main Street Mt. Holly  
28 Washington Street Mt. Holly  
(609) 914-0811 
Sat. 11 a.m. The Mill race Holiday Village (Takes place on White, Church and Charles Streets)

---

MarketFair
3535 U.S Highway 1 Princeton (Center Courtyard)
(609) 452-7777
Thurs. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa
Fri. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa
Sat. 10 a.m. Photos with Santa / Holiday Makers Market
Sun. (11 a.m.) Holiday Makers Market (12 p.m.) Photos with Santa
Mon. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa / Holiday Makers Market
Tues. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa

---

McGuinn's Place 
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence 
(609) 392-0599
Fri. 9 p.m. "A Very Trenton Christmas" w/ The Cryptkeeper Five, Doc Rotten, Alpha Rabbit, Pissed. $10, doors open at 8 p.m.
Ages 21+ 

---

McManimon's Pub
151 Liberty Street Trenton 
(609) 393-9023
 Sat. 3 p.m. Christmas Party

---

McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 9 p.m. Ugly Sweater Christmas Party w/ "All Lit Up"
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

---

Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8144
Fri. - Tues. "Festival of Trees"
Fri. 5:30 p.m. "A Night Out at The Museum" feat. Westrick Music Academy

---

Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana's Sh*t Show
Sat. 7 p.m. Festivus for the Rest of Us! w/ Low Totem

---

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Fri. 6 p.m. Pictures with Krampus, Santa Karnage, Santa Ghostface
Sat. 12 p.m. "Jingle Jawn" A very Neshaminy Christmas

---

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 Inn & Suites (Diva Lounge)
6426 Lower York Road New Hopoe, PA
(855) 229-5934
Fri. 7 p.m. $10 Country Night

---

New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. "Beginnings" Chicago Tribute
Sun. 1 p.m. Laurie Vosburg  

---

Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Holiday Movie" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Mark Margolies Blues Duo
Sat. (3 p.m.) Magic by Jared (6 p.m.) Allison Landon

---

Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. (6 p.m.) Brian & Mindy (9 p.m.) Y'all or Nothin'
Sat. 9 p.m. LeCompt
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. 9:30 pm. Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Ages 21+   

---

Odd Logic Brewing Co. 
500 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Pinkmas" Candle Making and Holiday Market

---

O'Fowley's Tavern & Grill 
200 State Road Croydon, PA 
(215) 785-6998 
Fri. 8 p.m. O'Fowleys Christmas Party
Mon. 7 p.m. Music Bingo Hosted by Best Choice Productions w/ DJ John S 

---

Olde Liberty Tavern 
2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 8 p.m. Annual Holiday Party feat. Karaoke R&B Caroling (Ugly Sweater or Christmas Attire Required)

---

Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Sat. 1 p.m. Holiday Party feat. Santa, Caroling, Tatra Baking (6 p.m.) FOGLight

---

Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Gerry Rosenthal Duo
Sat. 9 p.m. John Coler Trio
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

---

Palmer Square 
40 Nassau Street Princeton 
Thurs./Fri./Sat. 12 p.m. Strolling Entertainment and Santa
Tues. (12 p.m.) Strolling Entertainment and Santa (5 p.m.)Christmas Eve Sing-A-Long (Takes place on The Green) 

---

Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Birthday Celebration w/ The Paul Plumeri Band

---

Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Balanced Breakfast Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Annual Holiday Palooza w/ "El Ka Bong" 

---

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

---

Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke

---

Randy Now's Man Cave
119 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 2 p.m. Katye Kellye and The Interruption (FREE event) 
Sun. 5 p.m. Hamell On Trial

---

Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night 
Tues. 5 p.m. "Feast of the Seven Fishes"

---

River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Gina Corso
Fri. 7 p.m. Liz Du Four
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 7 p.m. Dave Dales Duo
Tues. 7 p.m. Scott Gurney
Wed. 7 p.m. Joshua Yudkin 

---

Rossi's Bar & Grill
2110 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 890-2004 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Ernie White
Fri. 6 p.m. Lyndsay Jordon
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
Fri. 5 p.m. Holiday Party 

---

Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

---

Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Thurs. 8 p.m. The Night Before, The Night Before, The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas w/ Dirty Chuck
Sat. 9 p.m. Velvet Snow
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest 

---

Slocum's Bowling, Bar & Grille
1675 Pennington Road Ewing
Wed. 5 p.m. Drunken Santa Party

---

Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Sat. 7 p.m. Tom Littwin

---

Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9 p.m. Christmas party w/ Jukebox Graveyard
Sun. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Cara Cartney
Mon. 9 p.m. Game Night Hosted by Kid Dalton 

---

Starving Artist Cafe
18 Bridge Street Stockton
Thurs. 6 p.m. Jerry Monk & Joe Kramer
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Frank Pinto & Richie Z
Sat. 6 p.m. The Successful Failures "Christmas Show" w/ Tod the Mod

---

Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Montone
Sat. 10 p.m. Christmas pajama Party w/ DJ Kev Nichols

---

Stratosphere Brewing Company
72 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 6677116
Sat. 6 p.m. Christmas Party

---

Subculture Artisan Ales
11 West Second Street Florence
Sat. 6 p.m. Son and Father Duo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia

---

 
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. Jerry Steele
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Mike Tusay

---

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 Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. The Zings
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch w/ Santa. $45 (8:30 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis

---

The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Asylum Choir

---

The Corner Inn
24509 East Main Street Columbus
(609) 298-8543
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ We R Entertainment

---

The Cranbury Inn
21 South Main Street Cranbury 
(609) 655-5595
Fri. 7:30 p.m. The Blue-Eyed Balladeer Holiday Extravaganza

---

The Cub Room
400 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
 (215) 693-1051
Fri. 7 p.m. Synergy Twins Christmas Show. $30

---

The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Keith Quinn Trio
Sat. 7 p.m. Sean Fleming
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. The Posers
Sat. 9 p.m. WitZend
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 Darius the 1st
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Trey

---

The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Bambu Weasels
Sat. 8 p.m. Mikey Jr.
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night

---

The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Die Hard" $6.57, doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. (9 a.m.) "Polar Express" $24.39 (1 p.m.) "The Muppet Christmas Carol" $6.57, doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Sun. (9 a.m.) "Polar Express" $24.39 (1 p.m.) "It's a Wonderful Life" $6.57, doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Mon. (9 a.m.) "Polar Express" $24.39 (1 p.m.) "A Christmas Story" $6.57, doors open at 12:30 p.m. (8 p.m.) A Very Slambovian Christmas. $40.10
Tues. (9 a.m.) "Polar Express" $29.62

---

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. "16th Annual Christmas Spectacular Part 1"
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. DC Duo 
Fri. 8 p.m. Bad Hombres
Sat. 8 p.m. Talking In Cursive
Mon. 6 p.m. Music BINGO
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala 

---

The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 6:30 p.m. "Holiday Banger" feat. MAKS, Groundless, The Looms, Ingdorf, Stential, False Nine, Acrolein. $15

---

The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 6 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Nobody's Business
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Three Question Marks
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

---

Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Kathy's Holiday Cookie Decorating Party!
Sun. 11 a.m. Bagels & Beer Ugly Sweater Pregame Party

---

Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
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
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty
Fri. 7 p.m. Acoustic Keys
Sat. 7 p.m. Paul Lingerman Trio

---

Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia

---

Wildflowers Too
255 Route 156 Yardville
(609) 585-5483
Wed. 7 p.m. Poker Night

---

Woodlin Lodge 30
19 Park Street Bordentown
(609) 298-9849
Fri. 8 p.m. Fridays On Park Street 
Sat. 12 p.m. Christmas Toy Giveaway

---

Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Justin Love
Sat. 1 p.m. Patty Blee
Sun. 1 p.m. Vinny Rugnetta

---

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

---

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.

---

---

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

---

Narrow results by date, categories, or region of New Jersey.

Brian Kirk & the Jirks: Santa for Lunch Break

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

View event page for full information

---

Floyd Pink - Celebrating The Music of Pink Floyd

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music

View event page for full information

---

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Emo for Kids

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 12:00pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

View event page for full information

---

The Sensational Soul Cruisers

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 7:00pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

View event page for full information

---

Broadway for the Holidays 4

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music

View event page for full information

---

Broadway for the Holidays 4

Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music

View event page for full information

---

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages

---

The Porchistas Home Studio Hosts a Winter Solstice House Show on December 21st

 

Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Congregational Church of Montclair. Imogen Clark will open the night. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

New Jersey Stage

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like 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, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and on our RSS feed

---

Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Ad Rates | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy