TAKE A MOMENT...

Remember the days when a worker actually received a "paid holiday" on the holiday itself? Now, because it's in the "union contract that we get a paid day off when the holiday falls on a weekend;" many workers get a chance to celebrate America's Independence for an extra day.

As we gather to eat, socialize, drink, and "celebrate;" I think that all of us should take a moment to reflect on OUR independence. Yes, today we celebrate the two hundred & thirty fourth declaration of our thirst for freedom from tyrannical rule; but the ideals and foundations that led to this event were planted long prior.

By now you're all probably wondering, "What does this have to do with the "Indie" music scene?" Just like those brave Colonials in the seventeen hundreds; today we need to reflect upon the brave young men and women in our military who are all over the world protecting our "Rights, endowed by our creator;" the people who are fighting for OUR dreams, and make it possible for us to go to our parades, fireworks displays, backyard BBQs and out to the bars/pubs later on tonight (because Mon. is a "paid holiday") to hear great original music by INDEPENDENT artists.

Yes, take a minute to reflect upon why it is that we're able to visit many of our local area establishments and drink, eat, and listen FREELY. By my own admission, I am perhaps one of the worse people on the planet to travel with; this due to my penchant for thanking EVERY veteran and service man/woman that I happen to come upon with a handshake and a simple "Thank You." My children, who as young teens would distance themselves from me (from fear of embarrassment) in airports, now "get it." Now they stand near me (at least) as I express my gratitude. Many of these fine young men and women are musicians, vocalists and Indie artists. They are artists who are putting their own lives on hold and on the line so that ours may continue uninterrupted. They are awake while we sleep, alone while we're with company, and while we are doing shots from a tube at some seaside bar...they are being shot at.

All of that being said, I'm not asking you to donate, nor am I asking anyone to do something that they may or may not be comfortable with. What I am asking is that all of us just take a moment to think, reflect and if possible, renew a commitment to someone, something, or to the dreams that our independent country and our brave military provide each and every one of us with on a daily basis.

Keeping in line with the above theme; I will be playing this Thursday 7/8 at 5pm along side of JOE KILDEA at a benefit for our disabled veterans. The COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTER of Trenton NJ are the organizers of this event which will feature the following line up of local area musicians who are donating their time:

5-6pm - JOE KILDEA w/ DANNY COLEMAN

6-7PM - TOM GLOVER

7-8PM - THE HIGH HEARTS

8-9PM - ERIC GREB

Also this week, Wed. 7/7 the "Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Showcase" is back at KATMANDU on the mighty Delaware River in Trenton NJ. This fantastic free showcase kicks off at 7:30pm and features talent from all over the state! LANCE REICHERT always does a great job of assembling TOP-NOTCH performers on a weekly basis for these shows....the deck overlooking the river is fabulous, and the atmosphere very enjoyable.

Lastly, former ROCK ON RADIO alumni MIKE MONTREY and his band will be performing live at the STONE PONY on Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park NJ tonight! MONTREY is a great live act and well worth the trip. Doors open at 5pm.

There is no live presentation of ROCK ON RADIO this evening due to the holiday. We shall return next week 7/11 when my guest will be Hopewell NJ singer/songwriter JAMES POPIK.

Have a safe, enjoyable holiday and as always.............ROCK ON!