Trentonian LIVE!

It's been a long time since I've last posted....just one of those things I suppose.

However, the mood has struck me today and I would love to share this new feature from the Trentonian newspaper that I am fortunate enough to be a part of; TRENTONIAN LIVE.

TRENTONIAN LIVE (http://www.trentonian.com/) is in its' 5th week of existence and is the brainchild of Trentonian reporter JOE D'AQUILA. Each week JOE rises early and arrives at an area diner (usually at 6am) where he sets up laptops, webcams and other electronic devices and hosts a weekly LIVE interactive video chat session. I am fortunate enough to have been asked to join him in an effort to promote the Jersey entertainment scene.

Each week JOE has multiple guests stop by. Recently he has interviewed local politicians, candidates, business owners, myself and just this past Thursday he had his first live musical performance by none other than Hamilton resident KELLY CARVIN (http://www.kellycarvin.com/).

CARVIN rocked as she launched her first ever "DINER TOUR" doing several songs from her forthcoming CD which is due to be released early this summer. The patrons at the Vincentown Diner were very engaging and receptive (well, all but one woman who mumbled something about not liking "guitar music" with her eggs....) as KELLY did several of her original tunes.

So JOE D'AQUILA and I will be meeting at an area diner each week between 6-11am. Now let's not get ridiculous, JOE will be there at 6am; myself, I will be there around 8:30ish with my segment beginning around 9am. If there are any bands or solo artist who are interested in appearing LIVE or want their upcoming gig schedule mentioned, please contact me at ROCKONRADIO1460@hotmail.com and we'll put the wheels in motion to make it happen!

This Sunday 4/24 at 10pm est. Hamilton NJ solo acoustic artist KEVIN TOFT will be my guest on ROCK ON RADIO. Tune into http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets such as http://www.hamiltonradio.net/ and ROCK ON!

THIS WEEK!

I trust that every one's stress levels that usually visit us all around this time of year have arrived?

Relieve some of that stress this Friday evening 12/17 with one of the best darn classic rock cover bands in the area. My buds in DRIVEN hit the stage at The Sticky Wicket at 9pm playing their hearts out for their hometown! "THE WICKET" is located at 2465 So. Broad St. (Rte. 206 So.) in Hamilton NJ.

Now personally I look very much forward to visits from at least three spirits (if not more) during the holidays. As a matter of fact, this Sunday I will be making the first of many batches of homemade egg nog. The first three spirits to visit will be Jim Beam, Ron Bacardi and ALL of the Christian Bros! This will be sampled at the 2nd. annual ROCK ON RADIO CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR this Sunday 12/19 from 9pm-12am est. airing LIVE on multiple outlets! This year the show expands to three hours of unscripted revelry. My scheduled guest is THE HERD OF BLUES featuring DINO COLOROCCO, MIKE LENYO and JOE LEMING. Also scheduled to stop by are MIKE MATISA, KELLY CARVIN and possibly more former guests. There will be new original Christmas tunes from Matisa and Carvin as well as MICHAEL PATRICK, TANGLE TOWN, SHAUN RUYMEN and others. My man O'G from Canada Dry Beverages will be in attendance as well! I have no idea what is going to take place; but my egg nog packs a kick; so it should be interesting.

Also on Sunday 12/19 from 7-10pm at Coffee Works located at 910 Haddonfield Berlin Rd. in Voorhees NJ, former ROR guest and a dynamite performer, the girl who puts the "fun" in funky....LAURA CHEADLE takes the stage! If you've never seen this amazingly talented lady with the sultry voice, you need to do so; she won't leave you disappointed.

Tuesday 12/21 I have been asked to bring my drum kit to THE SAINT located at 601 Main St. in Asbury Park NJ to play along side many talented musicians for the "Acoustic Holiday Gathering" featuring JOE MILLER, COOK SMITH, EMILY GROVE,THE AQUILLA SISTERS and other special guests. Tickets are $8 and the doors open at 7:30pm. I'm VERY sure that the spirits will all be there as well....just in many varying flavors! I'm not sure who or what musicians that I'll be playing with; but perhaps the "spirits" shall guide me?

Since I last wrote, ROR has been picked up by more outlets; one in Ireland, one in Canada, and three in the UK. This of course is very exciting news for me and my program. This brings the total affiliations to 22! ROCK ON RADIO is now carried live on eight stations every Sunday night at 10pm est., is available for free download, is podcasted, and is also on smart phones/iPhones. The program is also re-aired seven days a week on the remaining outlets at various times of the day. Please check www.myspace.com/rockonradio1460 for show schedules, outlets and times.

Lastly, I wish to thank all of you for your continued support of me, my program, my musical ability (or lack thereof...), and all of the extremely talented original artists who I have been lucky enough to meet, interview, and partner with since the inception of this program. I tip my hat to all of you and your exceptional abilities!

Here's to a Merry Christmas, a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2011 and as always......ROCK ON!

Multis...

I hope that title has sparked some interest in some readership! C'mon people, help me out a little bit! I'm trying to do my best to promote the indie music scene; but I need your help. So if you can post and/or re-post the link to my blog, that would be just FAN-TAS-TIC! Thank you in advance!

Now, on to this week's indie calendar. Tonight 10/6, 10pm at THE ALL CALL INN 214 Weber Ave. in Ewing NJ...A TOUR KICKOFF show featuring RAY STRIFE, ROEBUS, DINZ, LOCAL D and other special guests. TERRY LODA of DEAD SCENE PRODUCTIONS is the featured bartender, and there are drink/food specials ($2. Yeungling bottles/$1.50 PBR cans).

Across the mighty Delaware River tonight; SCOTT REDNOR and His Band are hosting an INVITATIONAL JAM NIGHT at JOHN & PETER'S on Main St. in New Hope Pa. beginning at 9pm. They are looking for quality players to come on out and join them on stage as they jam the night away!

Also tonight at 8pm at THE SAINT located at 609 Main St. in Asbury Park NJ, former ROCK ON RADIO guest MICHAEL DANTE SUMMONTE will headline a show which also features COLTON KAYSER, JOE CIROTTI, and from Los Angeles Ca. ANGIE MATTSON. Tx. are $10.

Friday 10/8, JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND will be closing out the night at The Musicians VIP Party at the STONE PONY located on Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park NJ. JO hits the stage at approximately 11pm following Jersey Shore rockers OUTSIDE THE BOX. also on this bill are VIC DELLA PELLO and LOOSE FIT.

Saturday 10/9, JO WYMER and members of THE ITTY BITTY BAND will be performing in Ocean Grove NJ at THE OCEAN GROVE FALL FESTIVAL. Then later that same evening at 9pm, JO and the full ITTY BITTY BAND will be playing along with my new friends THE ITCH at THE COLTS NECK INN located just before the intersection of Rtes. 34/537 in Colts Neck NJ.

Sunday 10/10 at 10pm est. Bucks county singer/songwriter CHUCK SCHAEFFER will visit ROCK ON RADIO for an hour long interview/performance. Tune into http://www.wifiam1460/ or check for more listening options at www.myspace.com/rockonradio1460 and ROCK ON!

Shameless Self Promotion

Back in the month of June, I was asked to do a speaking engagement for an event at THE WINE LOFT in Long Branch NJ.

As I stood before the network known as THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY, the words of my neighbor went through my mind, "Give them a catch phrase; something they'll remember." So, as I prepared to give my first ever speech to a room full of total strangers, it hit me...."Shameless Self Promotion."

These are the words that I began my speech with. I based this upon the simple fact that if I didn't promote myself, my music, and my radio program; then who would?

So, keeping these words in mind; I am about to engage in "Shameless Self Promotion."

Friday evening 10/1 from 7-9pm, I will be performing as a member of THE ITTY BITTY BAND featuring my amazing band mate JO WYMER on the boardwalk in Asbury Park NJ at the SAND WITCH. It is the second "BONFIRE ON THE BEACH" night, and this week it's on the beach area directly in front of this venue.

Saturday 10/2 at 8pm, JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND will be the opening act for EDDIE TESTA and the headliner JOHN EDDIE at SCOOTERS located 6782 Rte. 9 South in Howell NJ Tickets are $15. in advance, and $20. at the door. www.bernawhip63@hotmail.com

Sunday 10/3 from 12-7pm "PAPPA CARL'S JAM FOR LIFE" benefiting organ transplants and organ donors, takes place at KATMANDU; 50 Riverview Executive Park in Trenton NJ. I am playing with JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND as well as along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS. I have also been asked to host the outside stage as well. My good friend MIKE MATISA will be hosting the inside stage as well as kicking off the music with his band on the outside stage. Please go to http://www.jamforlifefoundation.com/ for a complete list of performers as well as locations to purchase tickets which are $15. in advance and $20. the day of show.

When it's all said and done, I still have a radio show to do at 10pm est. This week, my guests are Philadelphia Pa. area band HANGMANS CRY. This hard rockin' band with an '80's metal sound are working on their first CD and have a big gig upcoming as they open for SKID ROW at Whiskey Tango.

Tune into http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets and ROCK ON!

Weekend Activities...

Tonight 9/24 at 7:30pm...SHELI AARDEN at the TIN ANGEL in Philly! SHELI needs your support; so if you're in the area please stop in and give a listen to this great artist!

Tomorrow 9/25 from 12 noon on; CRANSTOCK takes place at Village Road Park (off of Maplewood Ave.) in Cranbury NJ. I'll be performing at 2pm along with KIM YARSON as one of her VOLUNTEERS. Stop on out for a great day featuring many local performers. Suggested $5 donation to benefit the Cranbury Arts Council.

Sunday at 10pm est. Jersey rockin' pop artist LINDA CHORNEY is my guest on this week's ROCK ON RADIO.

Turn on...Tune in...and as always....ROCK ON!

Amusing....

Ok, so we've all heard the stories of how big name stars just "show up" at places unannounced and "so and so" just happened to be there correct? Well, I just had one of those experiences....sort of.

Picture this: A quiet night on the boardwalk in a Jersey Shore town which is trying to reconnect with the masses as well as its' own identity. I'm playing with my band in front of a popular little sandwich shop on a Friday night. Just down the block a crowd begins to gather as the town is about to launch its first of several Friday night "Bonfires On The Beach."

Due to some minor difficulties, the band takes an early break. So as I'm standing there, I notice this gentleman walking towards our location; he's all alone and dressed like a regular "Joe." The man is wearing blue jeans, motorcycle boots, chaps and a leather jacket; his motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. Now given the location of this event, I'm thinking that this fellow is dressed as such because he's a "wanna be." My exact thoughts were, "Look at this idiot! He's a wanna be! What an idiot." Then as he drew closer I realized that he wasn't just any "idiot" trying to duplicate a famous personality; he WAS the famous personality!

The place was the Sand Witch, the location was Asbury Park NJ, and the man was none other than "The Boss" himself, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. Bruce said a brief hello to my band mate and continued on his way. So now that I feel like the "idiot," I'm dumb founded as to how come no one is even noticing him.

Is it that everyone else felt like I did? Could it be that he commands that much respect, such that people don't wish to intrude on his privacy? Perhaps it's because he's such a local icon and ingrained in the Asbury Park culture that he really is "just like us?" Whatever the answer may be; none of them can change the fact that I pre-judged an individual based on some preconceived notion that things are not always as they appear. I mean, come on people, granted it's Asbury Park, but does anyone actually think that they are going to see Springsteen just strolling down the boardwalk on a Friday evening? I never expected it.

I guess that my point is; never be judgemental. Just like I pre-judged a legend, many artists, bands and musicians (as well as co-workers, friends and sometimes family) suffer the same fate. Things (such as in this case) are not always as they appear. Some times you just need to see things for yourself, block out others opinions, and make your own informed decisions and judgements. I made a rash judgement and almost made a fool of myself. Notice I said almost? This is only because I realized before it was too late that he was the real deal and I didn't comment on my first thoughts aloud. Just think about it my friends......

Saturday 9/25, I'll be playing along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS from 2-3pm on Maplewood Ave. in Cranbury NJ at CRANSTOCK. This is a benefit for The Cranbury Arts Council. This festival runs all afternoon and will feature many talented bands and artists.

Sunday, 9/26, popular Jersey rockin' pop artist LINDA CHORNEY is my guest on ROCK ON RADIO. This very talented artist has a world of experience that she'll be sharing with us. Tune in at 10pm est. to http://www.wifiam1460.com/ or multiple other outlets and ROCK ON!

Starting Thursday....

There are many choices for Indie/original music artists this weekend.

Beginning tomorrow evening 9/16; three fabulous singer/songwriters will be appearing together on the same stage. JO WYMER, KIM YARSON, and SANDY ZIO will be performing from 7-9pm at the Main St. Gazebo in Freehold NJ. The Gazebo is located between Federici's and the Metropolitan restaurants. I will be providing background percussion on this evening for these extremely talented artists.

Now, for our Pa. residents and those who want to take a road trip; two great solo artists will be performing on Friday 9/17. SHELI AARDEN and KEITH MONACCHIO will be appearing at the Milkboy Acoustic Cafe located at 824 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr from 7:30-10pm. These two acoustic favorites are always a crowd pleaser.

Also on Friday from 7-10pm, JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND (of which I am a part) will be back at The Sand Witch on the boardwalk in Asbury Park NJ. Always a fun night, the boardwalk is new and improved and just waiting for you! The Sand Witch is located in-between The Stone Pony and the Wonder Bar on Ocean Ave. next to the mini-golf.

If neither of these events are for you, how about this? KIM YARSON will be the hostess at a house concert featuring her music and that of KELLY CARVIN, RUSSELL NORKEVICH, and JIM GAVEN. To make a reservation and/or purchase tickets, contact Kim at kyarson@comcast.net . This is a BYOB affair with light refreshments provided.

Saturday 9/18 from 10pm-1:30am, MIKE MATISA & DINO COLOROCCO will be doing originals and cover tunes at Bill's Olde Tavern located at 2694 Nottingham Way in Mercerville NJ. I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with these fine musicians who have a great following and a love of performing..... this, along with $2. pint and $3. regular Stoli specials guarantees a great night!

I will be playing emergency fill in for my new friends THE ITCH in Colts Neck NJ on Saturday at 4pm at the Colts Neck Rock Fest. This event begins at noon and is being held in Bucks Mill Park located on Bucks Mill Rd. in Colts Neck NJ. For more information see http://www.sheepherders.com/

Sunday 9/19, KIM YARSON is back at it along with BARBARA HURLEY and AL LIND at the Ewing Township Library in Ewing NJ. Concluding her weekend, these three songwriters will be performing "In The Round" from 2-4pm. To obtain more information or reserve a seat for this event, please call (609) 882-3130.

I am very flattered to tell all of you that my good buddy MIKE MATISA and new friend PAPPA CARL, have asked me to emcee the upcoming JAM FOR LIFE being held on Sunday 10/3 at KATMANDU in Trenton NJ. MATISA will be handling the inside stage, and I will be doing the honors on the outside stage on the deck. The JAM FOR LIFE raises monies and awareness for organ donations and transplants. I will also be performing with JO WYMER & THE ITTY BITTY BAND as well as along with KIM YARSON & THE VOLUNTEERS and possibly some others.

Tune into ROCK ON RADIO at 10pm est. on Sunday 9/19 as my guest is Baltimore Md. resident JASON AGER. AGER is making his second appearance on my program and this time he's armed with his new CD "Lunchdate."

Turn on...Tune in...and as always....ROCK ON!