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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites..6/27/24


By Danny Coleman

originally published: 06/27/2024

Rock On! This Week

Joanne Shaw Taylor was "Discovered" by Eurythmics Dave Stewart when she was just 16 years old and at his urging, she teamed up with him; thus, opening doors which are now wide open spaces for this artist who was born in Wednesbury, West Midlands, England.

Taylor released her latest album called, "Heavy Soul" and did so with producer Kevin Shirley who has worked with the likes of Black Crowes, Journey and Aerosmith. Recently, she spoke about the album, blues music, her influences,career retrospective and more. 

"It's called "Heavy Soul," she began. "There was kind of a theme in that, I've always said that when I look back, hopefully many years from now when I'm very old and grey that I would love all of my albums to sound similar; sound like they all came from the same artist but I would love to hear some progression. "White Sugar" was made when I was 23 and "Heavy Soul" was made when I was a 39 year old woman. So, I'd like to see some progression there; it was kind of an interesting album for me because the previous album, "Nobody's Fool" was very much a departure for me. I had done a Blues covers album and then a live version of that and I think I kind of leaned toward, well, I've done two of the most traditional blues albums I'll probably ever do so for a new original album; why shouldn't I have some fun with it and write whatever I want to write and see what comes out of it? So, I think the challenge for me with "Heavy Soul" was, when I look back; how do I connect the dots between "Nobody's Fool" and back into "Heavy Soul" and my more usual genres of music. It is always a challenge to a songwriter when you sit down to write songs as to; what do I want to write about? I've kind of gotten to the age, now that I'm a grizzly old lady; it's interesting writing when you're 22 years old because you're so passionate and on fire about everything; first loves, first time touring, whereas now, I'm kind of reflecting on those times and maybe writing about those same relationships with an older opinion or older take on them. So, it's a bit more of a reflective album for me I suppose." 

A "Departure" for her? When asked why that was so, her response was immediate and quite confident. 



 
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"I never really listen to the radio really; I know you might hate me for saying that; I'm a good old fashioned library card member, I like my books and my vinyl. I was born in the wrong era, I probably should've been born in the '30s; the outfits and the dresses were astonishing."I think it was because; I've got to phrase this the right way because I don't want anyone to ever think that I ever sit down to write an album and I go, I've got to have four up-tempo blues rock, I've got to have four slow blues, I've got to have four of something different. I never really follow a formula, I like to just pick the best songs I've written. I think that album and having the security of having done two traditional blues albums, I just kind of thought that I could pretty much write anything and have fun with it. Like if I wanted to try and write a pop tune and see if I could do it; why don't I? So, for example, "Figure It Out," I probably never would've put on a normal album, I would have probably written it and maybe given it to somebody else if they wanted it. So, it's the first time I had more freedom with the songwriting and there are songs on there that I think as a whole, sound like a Joanne Shaw Taylor album; as I quote myself in the third person like a giant narcissist (laughs) but I also think it doesn't sound like me but there are more songs on there where I dip my toes in other genres which is really fun but that's why I say it was a departure from my other work."

Discovered at age 16 doesn't just happen; being that talented of a guitarist at such a young age doesn't happen overnight but if one thinks about it; Taylor made up a lot of ground in a very short period of time to get to that level. So; how did she begin her musical journey? 

"My dad really," she started, "He really loved his country blues; Brownie McGhee, Bill Broonzy and he played harmonica too, so I had a knowledge of it as a young kid. My brother played guitar, he was very into Joe Satriani, Malmsteen, Steve Vai; the shredders. So, I had an interesting time and I knew I could play and I enjoyed it but it was really Stevie Ray Vaughn. I always said he was a great gateway artist for my generation because when you are 12 years old and everything on the radio sounds like the Spice Girls and exceptionally polished, it's kind of hard to listen to Charley Patton which is great music but it's scratchy; it's a hundred year old recording so it's not easy to listen to whereas with Stevie, "Pride and Joy" or "Love Struck Baby" is like three-and-a-half minutes of a really smooth beautiful voice and guitar tones and a catchy song. So, he was like the perfect gateway into, oh, I like him so maybe I'll listen to Albert Collins or go farther back. If I'm going to listen to blues, there are a few artists that I'd put on; Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf; I love Luther Allison who I think is a greatly underrated blues artist who had quite a bit of success in Europe before he passed away. Jimmie Vaughn, those albums sound fantastic. So, yeah, if I'm gonna listen to blues, I want that feeling, the old school classics basically." 

Taylor is of the school of thought that blues music has its cycles and there is an importance of continuing to preserve the art form but she is also quick to point out that although there are many more females in the genre today; being a woman in a male dominant field isn't always easy. 

 "It always seems to be like every couple of decades there is that one artist who brings blues back into the mainstream. Whether it was John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers or Stevie Ray Vaughn or John Mayer or Jonny Lang; it seems like every 20 years and even now it's Bonamassa. Me and Samantha Fish have talked about this a lot as we are really good mates and the thing for me that is exciting is; I don't expect to be the next big thing or that one artist who stands out, I think Sam has a good shot at it but the thing I find interesting is; is there a little girl somewhere? When I was playing guitar I had to  model myself on male guitar players because there weren't any; there was Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Jennifer Batten but I was gonna have to invent myself because I don't play slide, Jennifer Batten doesn't sing there was no female Stevie Ray Vaughn or female Jonny Lang; what I find really interesting is; is there a little girl at home who sees me and Sam at home and says, if they can do it, I can do it?"

"As a guitarist it was very much; I begged, borrowed and stole like we all do," she went on. "I like the vibrato of Albert Collins, Stevie's raking technique and then I like the Albert King big bends; you kind of pick and choose your little bits. You were talking about being a blues musician; I'm not sure I'm a blues artist, I think I'm a blues guitarist. I think my singing is probably more soul and my songwriting more of a pop blues mixture of stuff but I think that's because if I had been born a man, there were so many male guitar players for me to choose from had I grown up as a guy. There is Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson,  Eric Gales; I can name you a million Erics that play guitar (laughs) but when I wanted to learn to sing, I was never going to be able to sound like Stevie Ray Vaughn. So, I had to find female influences that I could kind of draw from and learn how to sing and fortunately there was Koko Taylor who I was never gonna sound like; there was a handful of women in the blues back then but I really had to look at other genres like soul or Motown or even more '60s pop like Christine McVie. Then when it came to writing songs as well; I was never gonna write, "Good Morning Little SchoolGirl," I had to find female voices in that. So, I kind of had to invent myself a bit. I think it was quite an interesting journey looking back; then again it would've been sliding doors had I been born a man, maybe I would've stuck with straight ahead blues and singing but that wasn't an option for me. So, it was just a jigsaw puzzle for me; I like Tina Turner so maybe I'll like Etta James, I like Etta James so maybe I'll like Janis Joplin and you try to beg, borrow and steal and wrap it up into your own package hopefully."

Currently finishing up a few dates in the Netherlands and Finland, She'll be back here in the U.S. with dates mostly on the East and West Coasts with a few stops in between well into October. The closest to any NJ venues at the moment is a performance at the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival on September 14 before heading to the midwest. 



 
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Looking back; does she see differences in how she's perceived and received as an artist and performer?

"To be honest love, it's so hard to tell because I'll be 40 next year and I've been doing this professionally since I was 15 so 25 years in a career sounds like a long time but particularly when you're 40, it's a very long time. So, it has been such a slow build, it's kind of hard to tell but I will say, it has been a lot easier working with Joe and Joe's company and these are people who I've known for 10 plus years. They knew me when my mom passed away, when I became an auntie and that is so nice to have that kind of structure and support system around you. I get to have a tour bus as opposed to driving nine hours in a van and tour managing myself and having to get out and look fresh and going, "Hey, I'm Joanne! (laughs)" which is fantastic. So, it has definitely gotten easier, which I'm very thankful for because you know as a musician it is a lovely way to earn a living but there is no financial  security, you get to go home for Christmas if you're lucky. There are, I don't want to say sacrifices but it's a particular lifestyle choice."

Joanne Shaw Taylor is funny, straight to the point and beautifully honest and it comes through in her playing, performing and recordings. "Heavy Soul" can be found on Joe Bonamassa's Journeyman Records and she can be found at https://www.joanneshawtaylor.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
Fri, 6 p.m. Station Wagon Night
Al's Airport Inn
636 Bear Tavern Road West Trenton
(609) 883-5252 
Thurs. 5 p.m. Jessica Stanley
Sat. (12 p.m.) Acoustic Brunch (5 p.m.) Ed Wall
Sun. 12 p.m. Sunday Acoustic Brunch 
Aristaeus Brewing
2475C Big Oak Road Langhorne, PA 
(215) 757-2337
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Sat. 7 p.m. Slim & the Perkolators
Ark Brewery, Restaurant & Pub
106 Ark Road Lumberton
(609) 451-5023
Sat. 6 p.m. The Backyard Boys
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
  
Arts Council of Princeton 
102 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-8777 
Thurs. 6 p.m. ACP BYOB: Wheel Ceramics
Sat. 9 a.m. Princeton Community Blood Drive
Ashlynn Distillery 
32 West Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cecil & Carl
Fri. 7 p.m. AudioPilot
Sat. 7 p.m. Anba Tonel
Sun. 3 p.m. Cecil &Troy
Wed. 6 p.m. Car Cartney
Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 7 p.m. Paul Plumeri
Fri. 7 p.m. 80s Undercover
Sat. 7 p.m. The Gypsy Ramblers
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
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 
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. Matt Gordeuk Trio
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) Bennett Lee (8 p.m.) Bob Egan 
Sat. 7 p.m. Jill Dedrick Trio
Sun. (12 p.m.) Bill Avayou Trio (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Wed. 6 p.m. Liz DuFour
Broken Goblet Brewing
2500 State Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 812-5653
Thurs. 7:30 p.m.  Baroness, Filth is Eternal, Portrayal of Guilt. $32.60 ($135.81 VIP), doors open at 7 p.m., ages 18+
Sun. 7 p.m. Stop The Presses, K-Man and The 45s, The Upfux. $16.30 (advance), doors open at 6 p.m., all ages.
Bucks County Brewery and Hewn Spirits 
31 Appletree Lane Pipersville, PA
(215) 766-7711
Fri. 5:30 p.m. Cherry Lane
Sat. 5:30 p.m. The B-Sides
Sun. 2 p.m. Sarah Heine  
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 Fairgrounds and Pavillion
1960 Jacksonville Jobstown Road Columbus
(609) 265-5858
Sat. 12 p.m. Car Show
Caddyshack Plainsboro (Meadows of Middlesex Golf Course)
70 Hunters Glen Drive Plainsboro
(609) 799-9626
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
Cadwalader Park (Ellarslie Museum)
299 Parkside Avenue Trenton 
(408) 335-4400 
Sun. 1 p.m. "Sundaes on the Veranda"
Candlelight Lounge 
24 Passaic Street Trenton  
(609) 695-9612 
Thurs. 6 p.m. Thursday Night Blues Jam. $5
Sat. 3 p.m. Mike Boone. $20
Catch A Rising Star (Hyatt Regency Princeton) 
102 Carnagie Center Princeton
(781) 568-1471
Fri. 8 p.m. Al Lubel, Gerald Lee, Steve Trevelise $26.50, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Al Lubel, Gerald 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
Fri. 6:30 p.m. Full Grown Men
Cooper's Riverview                                                                     
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL
Fri. 5 p.m. Happy Hour (7 p.m.) Spare Parts / DJ Jazzi
Sat. 7 p.m. Kickin' Nash / DJ John Rossi 
Crossing Vineyard and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 7:15 p.m. "Summer Wine and Music Series" feat. "Here's Elton" Elton John Tribute. $15 (advance), Doors open at 5 p.m., Ages 21+ 
Sat. 2:30 p.m. Sweet Spot
Sun. 2 p.m. Kat Rivers
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 w/ Jimmy Mannix
Fri. (7 p.m.) Beyond Therapy (9 p.m.) Dance Party w/ Xavier 
Sat. (8 p.m.) Karaoke Dance Party w/ DJ Dubbs (9 p.m.) Dance Party w/ DJ Put It On
Sun. 3 p.m. Chris Walter & Wounded Souls
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic 
Dharma Bums 
4935 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 663-2867
Thurs. 8 p.m. Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans
Fri. 8 p.m. Wineskin / Calla Bere & The Attitude. $10 (advance)
Sat. 8 p.m. Local Honey. $10 (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 
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Starship Lovechild
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Springbrooke
Mon. 5:30 p.m. "Family Fun Night" w/ Amazing Balloon Creations by Kelsi-Joe
Escape Resort, Restaurant & Bar 
120 Pheasant Run Road Newtown, PA 
Fri. 6 p.m. Blush
Sat. 8 p.m. "Vegas Splash" Adult Pool Party
Tues. 6 p.m. Karaoke
Flying Pig Tavern & Tap 
167 US-Route 130 North Bordentown 
(609) 899-7447
Thurs. 8 p.m. DJ entertainment
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
Forsgate Country Club   
375 Forsgate Drive Monroe
(732) 521-0700 
Fri. 6 p.m. "Lobsterfest"
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.) 
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 p.m.) '90s Tribute w/ "The Posers" 
Sat. 8 p.m. 44 Fridays
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Best Choice Productions  
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub, & Patio
240 North Sycamore Street Newtown Township, PA 
(215) 504-7277 
Fri.  8 p.m. Bar None Duo
Sat. 8 p.m. Porch Duo
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 John Ezzo w/ Laura Szymczak
Hamilton Tap & Grill
557 US Route 130 North Hamilton 
(609) 905-0925
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Music Bingo w/ DJ Nebbs
Sat. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia
Happy Apple Inn 
29 Imlaystown Road Cream Ridge
(609) 259-7889
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Whiskey Tasting
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 7 p.m. Funk & Blues Jam Hosted by The Slidewinder Blues Band
Fri. ( 8 p.m.) "The Land of Ozz" Ozzy Osbourne Tribute $35 (11 p.m. ) DJ Dance Party 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Summer Dance Party 
Sun. 6 p.m. Best Of The Eagles. $40
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Steve
Tues. 7 p.m. Jillian Ashcroft Jazz Quartet 
Wed. 7 p.m. Jumper Duo
Hopewell Valley Golf Club
114 Pennington-Hopewell Road Hopewell
(609) 737-1199
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Trivia Hosted by Jack Furlong
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Avenue Pennington 
(609) 737-4465 
Fri. 4 p.m. "Music & Merlot" feat. (5:30 p.m.) Catmoondaddy
Sat. (9 a.m.) WWFM Fransisco (1 p.m.) ust Us (5:30 p.m.) "Music & Merlot" feat. Rainbow Fresh
Sun. 2:30 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensmble
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 w/ Mikey Jr
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. 6:30 p.m. Ed Wilson
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. 8 p.m. Papermaker, Super Jack, Hollow Howl
Fri. 9 p.m. The Necrophiliac Yacht Club / Gonzos. $5
Sat. 9 p.m. The Mercury Brothers, Emerson Wolf & The Wishbones, Hard Bargain. 
Sun. 9 p.m. Rich Cahill & The Lonely Lands / Sparrow. $5
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic Comedy Night w/ Mike Dialto (Sign-ups start at 8 p.m.) 
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Joseph Lawrence Park
317 Ward Avenue Bordentown
Wed. 4:30 p.m. Bordentown Independence Day Fireworks Celebration 
Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166 
Thurs. 5:30 p.m. Cookie Dcorating Class / Amanda & Nick (9 p.m.) DJ Perez
Fri. (5:30 p.m.) The Fryboys (10 p.m.) DJ Jimmy G
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch / Burger Cook-off (5:30 p.m.) Bob Banka (10 p.m.) DJ Dan
Sun. (10 a.m.) "Sunday Funday" Brunch feat. (11 a.m.) Joanna Caruso
Laurita Winery 
85 Archertown Road New Egypt 
(609) 752-0200 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Laurita Idol Tryouts
Fri. 6 p.m. Louisian Seafood Boil. $36
Sat. "School's Out" Food Truck Festival feat. (11 a.m.) Dockside (2:30 p.m.) Pennington Station (6 p.m.) Strictly '60s. $13 (FREE if you are a school employee)
Sun. "School's Out" Food Truck Festival feat. (11 a.m.) The Rsangers Nouveau (3 p.m.) 80s Undercover
Lawrenceville Main Street 
17 Phillips Avenue Lawrenceville
(609) 219-9300
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Music In The Park" feat. Kindred Spirit (Weeden Park FREE admission) 
Lawrence Township 
283 Lawrenceville Road Lawrence
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Fireworks w/ Parrotbeach (FREE event)
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
Logan Inn 
10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 862-2300
Thurs. 6 p.m. Aaron Quarterman 
Fri. 7 p.m. Karen Payne Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Bill Lund 
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Radam Schwartz 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  
McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 949-9570 
Tues. 7:30 p.m. Trivia Night
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds 
Hughes Drive/Old Trenton Road West Windsor 
(609) 448-1947 
Fri. 5 p.m. L.E.A.D Fest State Fair feat. (7 p.m.) The Original Ernie White Band / Fireworks (At dark)
Sat. 12 p.m. L.E.A.D Fest State Fair
Sun. 12 p.m. L.E.A.D Fest State Fair
Tues. 5 p.m. L.E.A.D Fest State Fair feat. (7 p.m.) Lovelight
Millhill Basement 
300 S. Broad Street Trenton 
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Variety Show Hosted by Lo-Fi Milf 
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Funeral Doors, Girlbossanova, Dark & Stormy. $10 (Suggested donation benefitting Garden State Equality), doors open at 9 p.m., ages 21+
Music Mountain Theater
1483 Route 179 Lambertville
(609)397-3337
Fri. 8 p.m. "Avenue Q"
Sat. 3 p.m./ 8 p.m. "Avenue Q"
Sun. 3 p.m. "Avenue Q"
Naked Brewing Company 
212 Mill Street Bristol, PA 
(267) 544-7129
Thurs.6:30 p.m. Dana Collins Project 
Fri.  7 p.m. Se7en Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Honey Spot Blvd
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company 
909 Ray Avenue Croydon, PA 
(215) 458-7081
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia Night 
Wed. 6:30 p.m. Cornhole League 
New Hope Winery / Tavern 
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 794-2331 
Fri. 8 p.m. Chris Pinella + The Billy Joel Songbook: "Songs In The Attic" Live
Newtown Brewing Company
103 Penns Trail Newtown, PA 
(215) 944-8609 
Thurs. 7:30 p.m. "Useless Knowledge" Trivia 
Fri. 6 p.m. Oliver Dagum 
Sat. 6 p.m. Two For Flinching
Wed. 4 p.m. Open Mic Night 
Nick's Roast Beef
4501 Woodhaven Road West Philadelphia, PA 
(215) 637-515
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. (6 p.m.) Brian Elliot (9 p.m.) AJ Slick
Wed. 7 p.m. Karaoke
NJWeedman's Dispensary
322 East State Street Trenton
(609) 437-0898
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 10 p.m. Tesheki
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. Deep Release
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 Hights Brewing 
123 West Ward Street Hightstown 
(609) 469-5976
Thurs. 5 p.m. Vinyl Night
Fri. 6 p.m. Chet & Ari 
Old Town Pub
135 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown 
(609) 291-9232
Thurs. 7 p.m. Quizzoholics Trivia
Fri. 9 p.m. Tour de Force Trio
Sat. 9 p.m. Marc Hoffman Duo
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
Tues. 6 p.m. Taco Tuesday w/ Radio Fiction 
Palmer Square 
40 Nassau Street Princeton 
Sat. 12 p.m. Summer Music Series feat. Ess Gees 
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. The MLC Band
Wed. 7 p.m. "Quizzo"
Patriot's Theater at The War Memorial                                                             
1 Memorial Drive Trenton 
(609) 984-8400
Sat. 3 p.m. "Art All Night" (Lasts for 24 hours)
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
Tues. 7 p.m. Trivia
Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge 
144 US Route 130 Bordentown 
(609) 262-0110
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jazz Night  
River House at Odette’s 
274 South Rive Road New Hope, PA 
(215) 682-2022 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Carmen Tomassetti
Fri. & p.m. Andy Prescott
Sat. 7 p.m. Bob Egan
Sun. 11:30 a.m. Brunch w/ Neil Podgurski Duo
Wed. 7 p.m. Megan Knight 
Robbinsville Senior Center 
1170 Route 130 North (Folsom Way) Robbinsville  
(609) 259-1567
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Pop-Up Beginner/Advanced Dance Reunion. $15
Rose Bank Winery 
258 Durham Road Newtown, PA  
(215) 860-5899
Sat. 1:30 p.m. "Tastings & Tunes in the Buckman Barn" feat. Jack O'Leary
Rosedale Mills 
101 Route 31 North Pennington 
(609) 737-2008 
Sat. 10 a.m. Pennington Farmers Market w/ Music by (TBA)  
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
Saint Mark United Methodist Church  
465 Paxson Avenue Hamilton Square 
(609) 587-1286
Sun. 12 p.m. Annual Church Picnic
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 
Second Sin Brewing Company
1500 Grundy Lane Bristol, P
(267) 812-5251
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Shady Brook Farm 
931 Stony Hill Road Yardley, PA 
(215) 968-1670 
Thurs: 6 p.m. Molly Seger
Fri. 6:30 p.m. "UnWINEd" Concert feat. The Needful. $12 (advance/online, $15 at door), doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Sat. "Party On The Patio" feat. (2 p.m.) Kindred Spirit Duo  (6:30 p.m.) Dana Collins Project
Sun. "Party On The Patio" feat. 2 p.m. Jim Monaghan
Slim's Irish Pub 
2195 Galloway Road Bensalem, PA
(267) 332-0047
Sat. 8 p.m. Midnight Sun TTL
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. Caruso
Sparky World-Famous Beer Garden
4333 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 943-2321 
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dana
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Never Enough
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 
Steam Pub 
606 2nd Street Pike Southampton, PA 
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Kev
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Cade
Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown 
(609) 286-2300 
Sat. 8:30 p.m. DJ Dream  
Tavern On The Lake 
101 Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 426-9345  
Fri. 9 p.m. Jambience
Sat. Transcharger Metropolis / Rodney Omen
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. Mike & Laura
Sun. (1 p.m.) "Weekend Music Series" feat. Michael Montemurro (4 p.m.) Lolly Hopwood
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 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 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Kirko
Fri. 8 p.m. Love Junk 
Sat. (11 a.m.) Brunch (9 p.m.) August
Tues. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch 
The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Dave Curtis
Sat. 9 p.m. Whiskey Grin
Tues. 6:30 p.m. Paint Nite: "Fireworks Over The City" 
The Cure Insurance Center  
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton  
(609) 656-3200  
Sun. 3:30 p.m. Philadelphia Soul vs Minnesota Myth
The Dubliner
34 North Main Street New Hope, PA 
(215) 693-1816
Fri. 7 p.m. Zaire!
Sat. 7 p.m. Gabriel Donohue
Sun. 2 p.m. Thomas Johnston
The Federal Twist Vineyard 
8 Federal Twist Road Stockton
(609) 773-6066 
Sat. 12 p.m. Mark Margolies Band. $5 (Ages 20 and under FREE)
Sun. 12 p.m. JB Kline & Ed Wall. $5 (Ages 20 and under FREE)
The Five Four Bar & Grill
8919 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 
(215) 547-5525
Thurs. 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula and Sam 
Fri. (6 p.m.) Casey Welborn (9 p.m.) DJ Johnny Bones 
Sat. 9 p.m. Mikey Jr
Tues. 7 p.m. Music Bingo w/ Jonathan Appel 
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. (7 p.m.) Bingo (10 p.m.) Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Ty
Sat. 9:30 p.m. DJ Bockman
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv 
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ Trey Brown
The Morrisville Tavern 
376 West Trenton Avenue Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-5310
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 8 p.m. Mojo Channel
Sat. 8 p.m. Light The Fuse
Mon. 8 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
Thurs. 8 p.m. Bluegrass with "Borderline" $29.62
Fri. 6 p.m. Comedian Mike E. Winfield.  $31 (includes 1 drink)
Sat. 8 p.m. A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd & Southern Rock w/ "High Noon" $34.86
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. Bruce Puccierello, T-Bear and a call from 010
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. Shore Traffic
Wed. 6 p.m. Joe Vadala
The Sycamore Grill
255 North Sycamore Street Newtown, PA
(215) 908-6326 
Fri. 8 p.m. Stranger Things
The Tavern at Penns Park 
2295 Second Street Pike Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5658
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic  
The Union Firehouse
18 Washington Street Mount Holly
(609) 288-6491
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. All Syatems Go, Sounds & Scenarios, Floracene, Snowman Fight
Fri. 8 p.m. "Black Dog" Led Zeppelin Tribute. $15 (advance), Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sat. 8 p.m. Street Light Circus (Record Release), Sic Vikki, Neverends, Electric Circus. Doors open at 7 p.m. 
The Union House 
19 East Union Street Burlington
(609) 531-6077
thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia 
Fri. 8 p.m. Mark Margolies Band 
Sat. (10 a.m.) Brunch (8 p.m.)Gumbo Nouveau
Sun. 10 a.m. Brunch
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 Free Public Library
120 Academy Street Trenton
(609) 392-7188
Sat. 1 p.m. "Zolta's Wild Ride on the Pecker Express" feat. Jazz Duchess Doris Spears
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. John Brennan
Fri. 7 p.m. Behn Gillece Duo
Sat. 7 p.m. Tony Miceli Trio
Vault Smoke House
19 West College Avenue Yardley, PA
(267) 907-8550
Thurs. 6 p.m. SoulShine w/ Andrea
Village Idiot Brewing Company
42 High Street Mount Holly
(609) 975-9270 
Thurs. 7 p.m. Trivia
Vince's Pizzeria and Taproom
573 Durham Road Newtown, PA
(267) 491-5418
Sat. 5 p.m. Kevin & Michael Toft
Whitehill Mansion
217 Fourth Street Fieldsboro
Fri. 8:30 p.m. FREE Movie Night feat. "Ghostbusters" Doors open at 8 p.m.  
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington 
(609) 773-239
Thurs. 6 p.m. Rob Silvers
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" 
Working Dog Winery
610 Windsor Perrineville Road Hightstown
(609) 371-6000
Thurs. 4:30 p.m. Rich Boland
Sat. 1 p.m. Justin Love 
Sun. 1 p.m. Roger Gardella 
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 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Dirty Jersey" by Ryan Gregg

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Dirty Jersey," singer-songwriter-keyboardist Ryan Gregg's latest single from his forthcoming solo debut EP, "Hustling in Place."




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts June 25 to July 2, 2024




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/24/24




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Julie Jane" by Jackson Pines






 

MORE NEWS

Serendipity ruled the day last week when my wife Irene Fizer spotted an upcoming outdoor concert taking place in the Hudson Valley,  featuring the singer-songwriter Julie Byrne and the harpist Mary Lattimore.  Irene and I had been planning to check out the event space–the Storm King Arts Center in New Windsor, New York–for quite a while, as we’ve passed the Center several times over the past few years, on our way to DIA-Beacon. So, we felt fortunate to secure two tickets a few days before the show, and we started to plan what to pack for our al fresco dinner.  Although we missed the chance to partake in the picnic specials offered by several food vendors at the Center that night, we filled our own picnic basket with some gluten-free treats, and then set out for an easy hour-and-20 minute drive north, from our home in New Jersey to the Hudson Valley. 


Saxophonist Mindi Abair Blends Her Jazz with a Taste of Wine




The Newton Theatre presents Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal




New Jersey Symphony concert at Liberty State Park TODAY moved indoors due to inclement weather






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Morgan Wade to Play Shows in Camden & Holmdel

(CAMDEN, NJ) -- Seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette announced 31 North America shows for The Triple Moon Tour. Following her 2021-2022 record breaking global tour celebrating 25 years of Jagged Little Pill, this new tour will feature special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts along with support from Morgan Wade. Locally, the tour comes to Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.


Don’t miss Marissa Nadler in Concert at the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival on Saturday, June 15




An Interview with Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore's Night




NJPAC Announces Lineup for 2024 Sounds of the City FREE Concerts






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


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