By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/05/2024

"How Much Is Enough?" People seem to be taking to it," laughed Iain Matthews as he openly talked about his new release, his musical wanderlust, writer's block and more.   You finish a record and you're so saturated with it; you know if it's good but you just don't know how people are going to relate to it; you only know what you've created as an artist, you don't know whether you've made something that will draw people in but now that Wendy (Brynford-Jones) is doing her thing with all of the press and sending the record out to people, I'm getting these amazing responses back. So, I'm kind of thinking; maybe it's good (laughs)."

Catching up with Matthews after a recent gig at Randy Now's Man Cave in Hightstown, NJ where he did a solo gig, he spoke of "How Much Is Enough?" and the need to "Diversify" in order to keep himself and his music fresh.

"It's hard, because you kind of come at it from the inside as a songwriter rather than a listener and you know that you're trying to create the best possible atmosphere that you can with your songs but again, until somebody else reacts to it, you don't know whether it's working or not," he stated about the recording process and getting consumed with the project being worked on. "Over the years, I've made somewhere between 40 and 50 solo albums; I've lost track at this certain point. I just started thinking; how many solo albums do people need? Maybe I need to kind of diversify a little bit and do more projects rather than solo records and see what becomes of my songs when I put them in the hands of other people. A little bit of the unknown really; see what happens when I just let go of them and have other people interpret them. Yeah, I'm looking for a bit more adventure I guess and making solo albums is something I've had a lot of practice at over the years and if anything, for myself, I've just become a little predictable. That's not a bad thing, I mean it's a good thing because it gives kind of a professional edge to what you're doing. I just want to find that little bit of adventure from other people and see what they will put into my songs. So, I'm trying to diversify a little bit and maybe make records with different kinds of lineups." 

"I also think that's kind of why I've flip-flopped so much over the years" he went on. "I'll make a solo album and I'll play solo for a couple of years and then I'll kind of get a little bit disenchanted with it and I'll make a Matthews Southern Comfort album instead and see what those guys do with my songs and I'll do that for a while and then I'll come back and make another solo album and then I'll make a duo record or a plain song record or something. I like to see; I like to experiment with sound but I tend to not do that when I'm making solo records. I think, with this record, I consciously tried to have it sound like a band album rather than a solo acoustic album. I achieved it a little bit with this record but then, I had people playing on it that I've worked with for 20 years on and off and I kind of knew what they would do to a degree. What I really want to do is work with people that I don't know what they're gonna do."

 

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"How Much Is Enough?"  features some of Iain's talented friends, one of which is The Immediate Family member Steve Postell.

"Steve didn't actually play on it," he was quick to correct, "Steve and I co-wrote a song. I've known Steve for about 10 years now and he and I, when I go to the West Coast, he and I for the last three years have gone out as a duo; it's his alter-ego he calls us, "The Folk Boys" (laughs). We play his songs and we play my songs and we sing on each others' stuff and at some point, Steve and I had a three day writing session and we ended up with a half-a-dozen new songs. "Santa Fe Line" is one of the songs that I wrote with Steve; he doesn't actually play on the record, he just co-wrote the song."

Far removed from his days of fronting the great Fairport Convention, Iain is always looking for that "Diversity" and new ways to interpret or have his music interpreted. One of the ways he has done so in the past was to work with an interesting set of musicians from Norway which allowed him to wade into uncharted waters.

"I'll tell you, the one band that I've worked with in the last five or six years that I've really enjoyed a lot is a Norwegian band called, The Salmon Smokers. They live in a small town in Norway called Alden. About four years ago, I actually went to Alden and made a record with these guys. They are a rock 'n' roll band but stylistically, they're a little more unusual than your standard rock 'n' roll band. I went there and made an album called, "Fake Tan," you might be able to find it on Spotify. I made this album with them, I collected a dozen of my old songs or old performances; they're not all of my songs, there is a Jules Shear song that I revisited on there and I made this album by re-inventing old songs and it's one of my favorite records and again, it's one of my favorites records because it's so different, it's very un-Iain Matthews. I don't know what you'd call it really, you just have to have a listen to it and see what you make of it. I love that aspect of recording; just kind of diving into the unknown. Did you watch that Beatles epic? The part where McCartney got to the studio first and he began writing; was it "Let It Be" or; it was one of their big songs and you suddenly realize, my God, he's writing a song. He's playing bass and he's practicing, I know what he's writing; it was just fantastic stuff." 

With always trying to look for new or different ways to write and/or record, one might think Matthews would never stagnate or suffer the proverbial "Writer's block" and with all of those albums under his belt, it is easy to think as such but he says he has had a couple of rough patches over the years.

"I just don't like to pigeon hole myself," he started slowly. "I began by thinking, this life as a musician, it can be so brief, it can be long but it can be so brief but you don't know and until you dive into it, you just don't know what the extent of it is going to be. I was determined to experience as much as I possibly could given whatever time I have as a musician. Little did I know that 50 years later, I'd have a new album out and I'd be talking down the phone to you (laughs). It has happened to me a couple of times, the first time was quite brief but I panicked. I thought maybe this was the end and the second time, I realized that it does come back; it came back the first time and it's going to come back again. I think the key is to not panic but to keep searching. There is no real reason for it, it's some kind of mindset that you get into, it's not that you can't write, it's that you can't write anything that really makes any sense or has any value. The key for me was to just not worry about it, just to keep writing and keep playing and at some point, something will come out that you feel is good. The breakthrough for me was when a friend came over, I was about three or four months into writer's block and he had a capo and it was a capo that didn't cover all six strings, it only covered the inner four strings. He put it on the guitar on the second fret and it left the two outside E strings open and when you play a "D" it's like an open tuning because all of those E strings ring and it was like a revelation for me. I put it on my guitar and I started messing around with it and I swear, within an hour, I was into a song. I realized once I got into it that it was going to be a good one as well; it doesn't always work out that way, you don't always break through it that way and some people may never break through it but that was the key for me, again, the unknown and trying something totally different."

Six decades into it isn't exactly a "Brief" career and Matthews looks back fondly on his influences, the 1960s and what brought him here to the U.S.

"Oh, I'd say (the '60s) they were very important. Back in the late '60s, almost exclusively, all of my influences were coming from the U.S. We're talking about "67 or '68, so we are talking about people like Leonard Cohen, Johnny, Dylan, Rich Farina, Tim Harden, Tim Buckley and David Eccles, gosh, so many. The bands; Springfield, the Airplane, The Byrds, Moby Grape; my influences were almost exclusively American and it made me just want to get up and go or move to America and just sit there in the middle of it and soak it up and be influenced by it which I didn't really manage to do until '73 but there was still a lot going on when I got there."

"How Much Is Enough" was released at the end of October and is available on Sunset Blvd. Records and Matthews has plans on hitting the road early and throughout 2025.

"Touring is key, I'm doing some dates here in Europe, then in February of next year I'm heading to the West Coast to do some shows out there, probably in the Summer, I'll go back to England again and then in the Fall, I'll go to the American Midwest and do some stuff out there. I'll tell you man, this label, Sunset Blvd, they hired Wendy to do the press and it has been a revelation for me. I've never had somebody like her working on my behalf; she gets me so much stuff. I mean, you and I are talking now, I probably do at least one of these every day, sometimes two and three every day. Whether they are podcasts or telephone calls or email interviews, she's putting it out there and it's coming back in aces. I see printed reviews and interviews every day now; she's special, she's really special."

Oh yeah, about our buddy Randy Now; he's been part of Matthews' journey too.

"I've known Randy since he worked for John at The Record Collector. I used to play shows at The Record Collector, those were usually my warm up shows and about 15 years ago, I started playing for John at The Record Collector and that's where I met Randy." 

To discover more about Matthews or purchase the new release, please visit http://iainmatthews.nl/

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

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This week's event listings

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Ace Cafe 
15 Market Place New Hope, PA
Thurs. 6 p.m. Biker Movie Night: "Wild Hogs"
Fri. 6 p.m. Miata/Rotary Power Meet / Teen Open Mic Night
Sat. (11 a.m.) Corvette Day (2 p.m.) Hot Rod day
Sun. 11 a.m. British Car & Bike Meet / 3-Wheeler Sunday 

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Allentown Borough
Main Street Allentown
Thurs. (10:15 a.m.)  Baby Storytime (11:45 a.m. / 3:30 p.m.) family Storytime (Both take place at 16 South Main Street)
Wed. 12:30 p.m. "Saint to Santa" (Takes place at 16 South Main Street)

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Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Bud & Carm (8 p.m.) Trivia hosted by 94.5 WPST
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch w/ Jerry Monk (5 p.m.) John Brennan
Mon. 5 p.m. Joe Hutchinson
Tues. 7 p.m. Mike & Laura
Wed. 7 p.m. Sady Zio

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

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Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Sat. 8 p.m. Spectacular, Spectacular: A Holiday Cabaret
 Wed. 7 p.m. JAM: Jersey Art Meet-Up

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Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 7 p.m. Sara & Tamer
Sat. 7 p.m. Billy Futrell
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil & Troy
Wed. 6 p.m. Cara Cartney

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Bella Mia
3224 U.S. Highway 206 Bordentown
(609) 291-7475
Sun. 1 p.m. "Snowman Tray" Pizza and Paint Day

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Betor Memorial Park
2 Jake Garzio Drive Ewing
Sat. 3 p.m. Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting/Toy & Food Drive feat. (4 p.m.) Photos w/ santa (5:30 p.m.) Tree Lighting

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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

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Bit-hin' Kitten Brewery
58-B East Bridge Street Morrisville, PA
(267) 799-5348
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo

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Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown  
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Holiday Chocolate Walk
Sat. 12 p.m. Bordentown Walking Tours. $20 

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Bowman's Tavern 
1600 River Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Fermenters 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. 6 p.m. Soul Custody
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour 

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Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Goblin" The Ultimate Anthology. $37.50, ages 18+. / Mike Estabrook "All Request Show"
Fri. (6 p.m.) Meet The Authors Book Signing w/ authors Marc Wasserman & Aaron Carnes (8 p.m.) Hub City Stompers (Record Release), Duffy's Cut, The Bad Ups, West Kensington. $20 (advance), ages 18+
Sat. 8 p.m. "Houses of The Holy" A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. $21.73, $30.42, $34.77, doors open at 7 p.m., ages 21+
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Paint & Sip w/ Penelope Fox Art Studio. $29 (Includes 2 glasses to paint, all supplies and 1 beer) 
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

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Burlington Riverfront Promenade
Sat. 1 p.m. City of Burlington Holiday Extravaganza

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Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 
(408) 335-4400 
Sat. (10 a.m.) Family Ornament Making Workshop (2 p.m.) TCHS Sport Nite Talk: "1943"

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Cazz's Sports Bar 'N' Grille
1560 Haines Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 580-5469 
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul

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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

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Clubhouse at Mountain View (The Patio)
850 Bear Tavern Road Ewing 
(609) 538-0808
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Full Grown Men

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Continental Tavern
2 North Main Street Yardley, PA  
(215) 493-9191
Fri. 8 p.m. Mark Robidoux
Sat. 8 p.m. Brian Lantanzi

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Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Cosmic Jerry Band
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour 

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Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Santa's Corky Workshop
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Bill Thomas 
Sun. 2 p.m. Rodney Wright

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Crosswicks Community House 
480 Main Street Crosswicks
(609) 442-5830
Sun. 5:30 p.m. Crosswicks Christmas Tree Lighting

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Curran’s Irish Inn
1909 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA
(215) 245-1800
Thurs. 7 p.m. Music Bingo 
Mon. 7:30 p.m. Quizzo

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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

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Dadz Bar and Grill 
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609)267-4344
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. 7 p.m. Victoria Station
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Carie Lynne McKay

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Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 7 p.m. Dirk Quinn Duo
Fri. 8 p.m. Mark Diomede and the Juggling Suns Project. $10 (advance)
Sat. (9 a.m.) Holiday Clothing and Gift Swap (1 p.m.) Craft & A Cocktail: Bohemian Wreath Workshop $50 (8 p.m.) Cheaky. $10 (advance)
Wed. (6 p.m.)Craft & A Cocktail: Bohemian Wreath Workshop Session 2. $50 (7 p.m.) DBums Hootenanny: An Open Mic of Music, Comedy & Spoken Word Hosted by Michael Henry Robert

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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

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Florence Community Center
69 Main Street Roebling
Fri. 6 p.m. "Lasagna Love" Service Project (Make lasagna for families in need)

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Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Ladies Night" w/ DJ Mig
Fri. 8 p.m. Balanced Breakfast Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Dockside
Sun. 1 p.m. Brunch w/ Santa
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia 

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Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Thurs. (8:30 a.m.) Holiday Winterfest 2024 (6 p.m.) Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Fri. 6 p.m. "First Friday" w/ Kathleen Elle
Sat. 9 a.m. Breakfast w/ Santa
Mon. 1 p.m. Mahjong
Tues. 6 p.m. Christmas Trivia Night

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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

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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.)

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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"  

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Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Annual Holiday Sip & Shop w/ music by LJ Hall / Quizzo
Fri.  8 p.m. Jeff Selby
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch with The Grinch (8 p.m.) Tyler Kingsley Party Band 
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo

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Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors way Hamilton
(609) 586-0616 
Sun. 1 p.m. The wax Monuments/Activation

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Grover's Mill Coffee House 
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction   
(609) 716-8771  
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Wade Prestridge

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Halo Pub
4617 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square 
(609) 586-1811  
Sat. 7 p.m. Jerry Monk & Joe Kramer

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Hamilatte Cafe
1971 Route 33 Hamilton
Sat. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Saturdays

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Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Shakey" An Evening with Neil Young...Almost. $20
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "Know Return" Kansas & Styx Tribute. $30  (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. (12:30 p.m.) Doyestown School of Rock (8:30 p.m.) Semitones (11:59 p.m.) DJ Dance Party w/ DJ Iron Mike
Sun. 6:30 p.m. Slidewinder Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo

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Holy Grounds Coffee House (Cranbury United Methodist Church) 
21 Norh Main Street Cranbury
(609) 395-1737
Fri. 6:30 p.m. A Holy Grounds Christmas w/ Eddy Mann & His Band

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Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5 p.m.) Rainbow Fresh
Sat. (10 a.m.) WWFM (5 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Bad Hombres
Sun. (2:30 p.m.) The Delucia Duo (6:30 p.m.) A "Not-So-Silent" Holiday Show feat. mama's Black Sheep, Christine Havrilla Duo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

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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. 
Fri. 8 p.m. Don't Tell Rosa 
Sat. 8 p.m. Jeds Gold
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Tuesday 
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic w/ Laura Fiocco

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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

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Irish Rover Station House 
1033 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 
(215) 970-5412 
Wed. 7 p.m. Quizzo Night

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus 
(732) 306-9111 
Fri. 2 p.m. Holiday Classics Santa
Sat. 4:30 p.m. Carmen Marranco
Sun. 1 p.m. AudioPilot

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Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton 
(609) 888-1435 
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 
All shows 21+    

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John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa 
(215) 862-5981 
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Comedy Night (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Kelly's Bar n Banquet Hall
14 Railroad Avenue Fort Dix
(732) 230-6169
Fri. 7 p.m. Random Notes 

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Lofash (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sat. (9 a.m.) Breakfast w/ Santa (Reservations required) (10 a.m.) Brunch (5:30 p.m.) Lou Mutter (10 p.m.) DJ Bay
Sun. (9 a.m.) Breakfast w/ Santa (Reservations required) (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch 
Mon. (5 p.m.) Santa's Workshop (6 p.m.) Holiday Mixology Class (Reservations required)

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KUMO 27
3376 Route 27 South Brunswick
(732) 419-3452 
Sat. 5:30 p.m. "Winter's Song" BVS Holiday Concert

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Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn 
11 Bridge Street Lambertville 
(609) 397-8300 
Sun. 10 a.m. / 1 p.m. Brunch w/ Santa (Two seatings). $50 (Ages 12 and under $35)
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "The Holidays with Dickens & Poe" 

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Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Sat. 2 p.m./8 p.m. "Walking The Line" Johnny Cash Christmas Concert. $40
Sun. (9 a.m.) Breakfast w/ Santa. $22.95 ($15 ages 3-12, under age 3 FREE) (2 p.m.) Atlantic Brass band Holiday Concert. $30

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Library Company of Burlington
23 West Union Street Burlington
(609) 3861273
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night

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Lillipies Bakery
30 North Harrison Street Princeton 
(609) 423-2100  
Sat. 10 a.m. Storytime with Jeff 

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Locust Hall at Johnson's Farm
2691 Monmouth Road Jobstow 
(609) 723-2630  
Fri. 7 p.m. Wreath Making Workshop
Sat. 10 a.m. Breakfast w/ Santa / Historic Christmas
Sun. 10 a.m. Breakfast w/ Santa / Historic Christmas

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Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 6 p.m. Jumper Duo
Fri. 7 p.m. Omeed Nyman Trio
Sat. 7 p.m. Keith Franklin Quartet or Aaron Quarterman
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Rob Lanter Duo

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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   

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Main Street Mt. Holly  
28 Washington Street Mt. Holly  
(609) 914-0811 
Fri. 6 p.m. "2024 Mount Holly Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade" (Takes place at 449 High Street) 
Mansfield Township Community Park 
24594 East Main Street Columbus
Sat. 4 p.m. "26th Annual Tree Lighting" feat. (4:30 p.m.) Town and Country Girl Scouts, Mansfield Twp. School District Glee Club (5 p.m.) Train Rides (7 p.m.) Fireworks

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Marcello's Coal Fired Restaurant/Pizza/Bordentown
206 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 298-8360
Wed. 7 p.m. Paint Night & Dinner: Snowman Candy Dish or Candleholder

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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
Sun. (9:30 a.m.) Sensory-Friendly Santa (12 p.m.) Photos with Santa
Mon. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa
Tues. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa
Wed. 11 a.m. Photos with Santa

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McManimon's Pub
151 Liberty Street Trenton 
(609) 393-9023
Sat. 7 p.m. Kevin & Tommy McCloskey and Friends

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McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Sat. 8 p.m. "Far Byond Giving Toy Drive" feat. (9 p.m.) Jericho Cane (10 p.m.) Power Theory (11 p.m.) Machines of Penalty (11:59 p.m.) Eyes of the Living. $5 or a NEW unwrapped toy.
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night

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Mercer Oaks Golf Course 
725 Village Road West West Windsor NJ 
(609) 936-1383 
Thurs. 6 p.m. The Nerds

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Morrisville Lanes 
625 Nolan Avenue Morrisville, PA 
(215) 295-5526 
Sat. 1 p.m. Women's Singles Handicap Tournament

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Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8144
Thurs.-Wed. 6 p.m. "Festival of Trees"

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Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project 
Fri.  8 p.m. First Friday Karaoke w/ DJ Triiish
Sat. 7 p.m. Joe & Krista
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Books & Beers Meet Up: "The Mountain King" 
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Movie Night and Beer Release feat. "The Shining"
Sun. 12 p.m. Blown Glass Ornaments

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New Egypt Flea Market Village 
933 Monmouth County Road Cream Ridge 
(609) 758-2082
Fri. 5 p.m. First Friday / Tree Lighting and Holiday Shopping
Sun. 8 a.m. "Hand Made for the Holidays" / Flea Market 
Wed. 8 a.m. Flea Market

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New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ted Vigil: A John Denver Christmas
Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. Eagles Tribute w/ "Eaglemania"
Sun. 6 p.m. "Christmas with Absolute Adele" feat. Jennifer Cella

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Newtown Fire Rescue
14 Liberty Street Newtown, PA
Fri. 6 p.m. Newtown Borough Tree Lighting 

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Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Karate Kid/Cobra Kai" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Fly On The Wall
Sat. 6 p.m. Slim & the Perkolators
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night w/ Bill Monach 

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Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. (6 p.m.) Mike McCullough (9 p.m.) Fish Out of Water
Sat. 9 p.m. Jamison
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke

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Nomad Distilling Company
20 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch

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Nottingham Tavern 
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-6623
Thur. (7 p.m.) Rock On radio happy Hour Hosted by Danny Coleman feat. music by Radio Fiction (9:30 pm.) Karaoke w/ Super Dave Curtis 
Fri. 9 p.m. Guns 4 Hire
Sat. 9:30 p.m. El Ka Bong
Mon. 6 p.m. BINGO
Tues. 5 p.m. Prime Rib Night feat. (6:30 p.m.) The Blue-Eyed Balladeer's Christmas and Classics Show
Ages 21+   

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Odd Logic Brewing Co. 
500 Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Candle Making Class: Sip & Sleigh
Sat. 10 a.m. Breakfast w/ Santa

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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

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Old Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. "Happy Hour"
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Acoustic Karaoke
Sat. 6 p.m. Talking In Cursive Trio 

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Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

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Palmer Square 
40 Nassau Street Princeton 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Holiday Jam & Toy Drive  
Sat./Sun. 12 p.m. Strolling Entertainment 

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Pasquale's Sports Bar 
9078 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 
(267) 202-6268 
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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Patriots Crossing 
1339 River Road Titusville 
(609) 737-2780
Thurs. 8 p.m. Ladies Night  
Sat. 8 p.m. The Brooks Brothers Blues Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"

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Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial                                                             
1 Memorial Drive Trenton 
(609) 984-8400
Sun. 3 p.m. NJ Youth Symphony Percussion Ensemles and Philharmonia

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Pete's Steak House 
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
 (609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Out Of The Red

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Picture Perfect Affairs
76 High Street Mount Holly
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday Lyrics To Go Open Mic and Showcase

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Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury
(609) 799-4013
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Evergreen Wreath Making Workshop
Fri. 12 p.m. Evergreen Wreath Making Workshop
sat. 10 a.m. Evergreen Holiday Swag Workshop

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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 w/ Darryl Gibson

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Princeton Makes 
301 North Harrison Street Princeton 
Sat. 11 a.m. "Hot Chocolate Crawl with Santa Claus" Sponsored by Lillipies feat. Santa & Mrs. Claus, photos, holiday market
Sun. 4 p.m. "Music Themed" Poetry Reading and Open Mic feat. Winifred Hughes and Lynn Levine

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Princeton Public Library (Hinds Plaza)
65 Witherspoon Street Princeton  
(609) 924-9529 
Wed. 7 p.m. "Colonial Taverns of New Jersey" w/ Author Michael Gabriele

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Princeton University (Richardson Auditorium)
Nassau Street Princeton
Sun. 2:30 p.m. A Yuletide Feast for Organ & Brass. (Takes place at University Chapel) 

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Puss N Boots Tavern
942 Trenton Road Fairless Hills, PA
Fri. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia

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Randy Now's Man Cave
119 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 424-3766
Sun. 4 p.m. Book Signing/Lecture/Q&A: "Living The Beatles legend: The Untold Story Of Mal Evans" w/ Kenneth Womack and a live performance by Brute Force. (FREE event)

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Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night 
Wed. (5:30 p.m.) "Ugly Sweater Party" Holiday Business Networking (FREE event) (6 p.m.) "Ladies Night" w/ Live Jazz 

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River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. (6 p.m.) Cara Cartney (7 p.m.) Gina Corso
Fri. 7 p.m. Keith Franklin & Catrice
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan 

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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

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Salon 33 
794 Alexander Road Princeton 
Fri. 7 p.m. "World" Levyosn w/ Klezmer Band
Sat. 7 p.m. Classical feat. Alex Covelli and Julian Jenon
Sun. 7 p.m. "Popular Song" Some Christmas Spirit and Jazz Staples feat. Sid & Harry Trio
Wed. 7 p.m. Princeton Jazz Jam: Play/Jam or Enjoy Listening

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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

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

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Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Mon. 6 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Cecil 
Wed. 6 p.m. Karaoke Contest

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Small World Coffee 
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2 
Fri. 6 p.m. Opening Reception "Worldling Art Show"
Sat. 7 p.m. Dan Kassel

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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 
Wed. 8 p.m. Acoustic BS Trio

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Spellbound Brewing
10 Lippincott Lane #12 Mt. Holly 
(609) 832-0077 
Sat. 4 p.m. The Successful Failures

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Springfield Township Municipal Building
2159 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road Jobstown
Sat. 6 p.m. Tree Lighting and a Visit from Santa

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Starving Artist Cafe
18 Bridge Street Stockton
Fri. 10 a.m. JB Kline Facebook Live Stream Event

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Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Sat. 10:30 p.m. EarCandy

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Stone Terrace by John Henry's
2275 Kuser Road Hamilton  
(609) 581-8855    
Fri. 7 p.m. Annual Holiday Cocktail Party Benefitting The Jeremy Fund feat. DJ AJ / The Meg Hansen Group. $125 (Includes open bar, hors d'oeuvres, buffet, dessert), ages 21+

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Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 9 p.m. The Dexters
Tues. 6 p.m. Trivia 
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke 

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TCNJ College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Road Ewing 
(609) 771-2467
Thurs.-Wed.. 12 p.m. "Something Between Air and LIght" feat. works by Juyon Lee & Simona Prives

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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

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Terhune Orchards  
330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310 
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Holiday Arrangements & Wine Tasting
Sat. (10 a.m.) Holiday Wreath Workshop (1 p.m.) "Weekend Music Series" feat. Bud Belviso
Sun. 1 p.m. "Weekend Music Series" feat. Michael Montemurro 

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TGI Fridays
319 US Highway 130 North East Windsor 
(609) 490-1450
Thurs. 7 p.m. Paint with Priya "Happy Snowman Wine Glasses"

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TGI Fridays 
780 Route 130 South Hamilton
(609) 581-6910 
Sun. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Burn

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TGI Fridays
2703 Mount Holly Road Suite 3 Washington Twp.
(609) 239-486 
Thurs. 7 p.m.  Trivia  

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TGI Fridays
3535 U.S. Route 1 North #275 Princeton
(609) 520-0378
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia Night 

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The Beer Garden and Education Center at Snipes Farm
890 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Sat. 1 p.m. Wreath Making Workshop

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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

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The Buck Hotel 
1200 Buck Road Feasterville, PA 
(215) 396-2002 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. The Naturals
Sat. (10 a.m./12:30 p.m.) Brunch w/ Santa. $45 (9 p.m.) Soul Cruisers
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch Project

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 8:30 p.m. 80s Undercover
Mon. 7 p.m. Trivia 

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

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The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Wed. 7 p.m. Jeff Dunham "Artificial Intelligence"

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The Deck Restaurant and Bar at Bucks County Playhouse
70 South Main Steet New Hope PA
Sun. 4 p.m. "High Tea" feat. Live DJ Entertainment

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The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Andrew Koontz & Billy O'Neal
Sat. 7 p.m. Keith Quinn Trio
Sun. 3 p.m. "Traditional Irish Session" 
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Trivia

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The Federal Twist Vineyard 
8 Federal Twist Road Stockton
(609) 773-6066 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Grapevine Holiday Wreath Workshop. $110.00

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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 Groove Dudes
Sat. 9 p.m. Phantom Trap
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel

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The HOB Tavern 
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020 
Fri. 8 p.m. The Successful Failures

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The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs.10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Ty
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Iron Mike
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown

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The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Dragsville
Sat. 8 p.m. Jukebox Graveyard
Mon. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 

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The Newtown Theatre
120 North State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 968-3859
Mon. 3 p.m. "Yesterday Once More" A Tribute to The Carpenters. $40.10
Tues. 3 p.m./7:30 p.m. "The Bells of St. Mary's" $6.57, doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. 
Wed. 3 p.m. Holiday Hits with Th Sassies. $29.62

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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. Joe Cerisano, Anthony Krizan, Bruce & Charlie of Deko Ent. and Calls from Joe Deninzon and Dan McGowan of Kansas, Punky Meadows, Elvis Francoise
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

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The Roost
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. DC Duo 
Fri. 8 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band 
Sat. 8 p.m. Sideways Willy
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala

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The Tavern at Penns Park 
2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Fri. 7 p.m. Project 22

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The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Fri. 7 p.m. "Krampus Nacht!" Feat. Minor Setback, 3 Cavaties, Little Miss Carriage, Phaos Protocol. $15, Doors open at 6:30 p.m., All ages.
Sat. 9 p.m. "R&B and Chill" A Grown Sexy Experience Hosted by Comedian Will Wright, Music by DJ Flamez. $20 (advance / $30 at the door and cash only), doors open at 8 p.m.
Sun. 3:30 p.m. Poor Man NJ Hardcore Presents: Cropsey, Tear Gas, GUNK, Human Blister, Lift the Dead, RedWoods. $15, doors open at 3 p.m., all ages

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The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. My Name Is Marco
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.) Poor Mouth Henry
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch 

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Tindall Road Brewing Co.
102 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 526-8651 
Sat. 7 p.m. The Coconutz
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Yoga by Elise

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton 
(609) 392-2554
Sun. 3 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All Shows 21+

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Trenton City Hall
319 East State Street trenton
Fri. 5 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade
Mon. 4 p.m. Photos with Santa

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Trenton Free Public Library
120 Academy Street Trenton
(609) 392-7188
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday"

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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

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Under The Moon 
23 North Union Street Lambertville
(609) 397-1710
Sun. 10 a.m. Holiday Brunch Bash w/ The Grinch, Santa, Carolers

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Union Coffee
49 North Union Street Lambertville 
(609) 460-4637
Fri. 5 p.m. "First Friday" Tarot Meet-Up w/ Kristina Gorman

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Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street Yardley, PA 
(267) 573-4291
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rachel & Ty Acoustic
Fri. 7 p.m. Brian Elliot Band
Sat. 7 p.m. John Sheridan Trio

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Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Sat. 5 p.m. "10th Annual Lighting of the Leg & Notafingah Release
Wed. 6 p.m. "Bring a Toy, Get a Beer"

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

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

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Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Vinny Rugnetta
Sat. 1 p.m. Rob Silvers
Sun. 1 p.m. Ronnie Brandt

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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"

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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.

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

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