Summer in southern New Jersey is slowly creeping up on us, and this weekend is giving the nightlife scene a sneak peak at what's to come: music, music, music!
Kick off the weekend early, and by early, that means tonight! On Thursday, April 23, WJSE 102.7-FM - the area's leading alternative rock radio station - will once again present great live acts at a superb venue as it brings back Local Commotion at the Hard Rock Caf� inside the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City. This rock show is absolutely free and is absolutely certain to rock as Behind The Beautiful and Dear Althea are scheduled to perform. The music starts at 9 p.m. Call 609-441-0007.
Cumberland County is dominating nearly all musical interests on Saturday, April 25, as Hangar 84 and S.R. Riley's Musical Caf� are hosting two special events. Hangar 84, a fresh music venue creating a lot of buzz, is hosting a live show featuring The Dangerous Summer, a band that has been touring across the U.S. The band is about to launch its debut CD, "Reach For The Sun," and it plans to make a pit stop in our neck of the woods. You can catch The Dangerous Summer along with The Time Next Year and The Morning Of at Hangar 84 at 9 p.m.
Other acts playing at Hangar 84 this weekend include Houston Calls, TV/TV, The Volunteers, Last Try, Airplanes Collide and The Bottom Line on Thursday at 6 p.m. Vanna, Voice Of Reason, Heed The Warning, Visions of Another, The Horizon Line and At Day Break, are all slated to rock on Saturday, also at 6 p.m. Hangar 84 is located at 20 S. 6th St. in Vineland. Call 856-692-6283.
S.R. Riley's Musical Caf�, also known as "that great Beatles place" in Bridgeton, is bringing in famed Beatles authors Jude Southerland Kessler and Gary Berman. Kessler, who hails from Alabama, will discuss her book, "Shoulda Been There," which depicts the facts about John Lennon's childhood and follows his story through the Beatles break-up. Kessler is hailed among musical authors for her extensive travels through England to gather pertinent and unique information for "Shoulda Been There."
Berman, who happens to be a New Jersey native, will be talking about his book, "We're Going To See The Beatles." Berman's work, unlike Kessler, is more of an oral history surrounding Beatlemania and is full of true accounts of Beatles fans interacting with the Fab Four. Some stories in Berman's work revolve around the group's first arrival to America at Kennedy Airport in 1964, audience members from the group's performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," and even anecdotes about The Beatles' shows at Shea Stadium and Candlestick Park. Berman is also known in the Beatle word for his contributions to Beatlefan Magazine.
S.R. Riley's is located at 101 E. Commerce St. in Bridgeton. The author's lunch runs from 1 to 4 p.m., and Riley's, as always, will have a Beatles-inspired menu available for guests to dine from while they listen to the stories of these two authors. For more details or to make reservations, call 856-459-1109.
There's no rest for the musically wicked on Sunday, April 26, either. Take a drive out of Cumberland County and into Somers Point, where The Inlet will host the Jeff Morrison Quintet CD Release Concert. Morrison is originally from Arizona but has most recently been living in Chicago. So his return to southern New Jersey should be a real treat. He and his band will debut songs from its third album, "September Sessions."
Joining Morrison on stage is Joe Breidenstine on trumpet, Steve Einerson on piano, Pete Zimmer on drums and Chris Haney on bass. The CD Release Concert and celebration lasts from 7 to 10 p.m., with sets at 7 and 8:45 p.m. Admission is $10. You can get more information about The Jeff Morrison Quintet at www.jeffmorrisonjazz.com. This show is sponsored by the Somers Point Jazz Society, which can be reached at 609-927-6677 or go to
Original Music
Bogart's Books (210 N. High St., Millville, 856-327-3714) - Friday: Tom Moran, 5 p.m., Maine Street, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Open Mic Night hosted by the South Jersey Songwriters Group, 6 p.m.
Brain Church (129 N. High St., Millville, 856-825-4738) - Friday: Live music by Ryan Quinn and Robert Price, 7 p.m.
S.R. Riley's (101 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, 856-459-1109) - Saturday: Beatles Authors Lunch with Jude Southerland Kessler and Gary Berman, Beatles menu offered, 1 to 4 p.m.
WXGN 90.5 FM's Solid Grounds Coffee Lounge (Word Of Life Christian Fellowship, 508 S. 2nd Ave., Galloway, 609-204-6855) - Saturday: Open Mic, 7 p.m., KEPT, 8 p.m., $3.
Live Music
Barista's Coffee House (68 Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 14, Galloway, 609-568-5519) - Friday: Michael Pedicin Quartet, 7 p.m.
The Boiler Room (Congress Hall at end of Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 609-884-8421) - Saturday: The Prigs, 9 p.m.
Bojo's Ale House (222 High St., Millville, 856-327-8011) - Thursday: Ladies Night with Charlie Maines, 8 p.m.; Friday: Red House, 8 p.m.; Saturday: Sing-A-Long with Charlie Maines, 8 p.m.; Sunday: Nascar and Baseball Night; Monday: Texas Hold'Em, Happy Hour with $1 off all drinks, 4 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday: Texas Hold 'Em.
Bridgewater Pub (22 S. Laurel St., Bridgeton, 856-455-9551) - Thursday, Monday and Tuesday: Pool League Tournament and open pool tables.; Friday: Jones Brothers, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Rod's Birthday Bash, 9 p.m.
The Brown Room (Congress Hall at end of Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 609-884-8421) - Friday: Ann Oswald Duo, 7:30 p.m.
Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern (101 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, 609-492-1065) - Friday: Dennis Linde, 6 p.m., Timmy Flynn and Friends, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Ricky Shades, 6 p.m.
Bullshots Pizza Pub (2309 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, 609-344-0055) - Thursday: Foosball Night with $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts, $2 Miller High Life bottles, watch the game and join the Foosball tournament; Friday: Ladies Night with Cosmo and other martini specials; Saturday: Live music, changes every week, 10 p.m.; Sunday: Latin Night with Corona and margarita specials, discounted tequila shots and Latin dance music; Monday: Amsterdam Night with discounted Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel Light and Kettle One drinks; Tuesday: Irish Night with $4 Guinness pints, Irish Whiskey specials; Wednesday: Service Appreciation Night, $1 off beers and $2 off specialty drinks and cocktails.; Mondays through Thursday: $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon draft, $2 cans and $4 specialty drinks, $1 pizza slices and 25 cent wings, 9 p.m. to midnight.
Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill (Beach and Decatur avenues, Cape May, 609-884-4800) - Saturday: Joe Grassi Band, 9 p.m.; Wednesday: VIP Night with the Dead Poets, 9 p.m.
DiDonato's Bowling Center and Cocktail Lounge (1151 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, 609-561-3040) - Friday: Singer/Songwriter Showdown hosted by JAS Nature, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Karaoke, 9 p.m.
Formica Brother's Bakery (2310 Arctic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-344-8723) - Saturday: Bob Mower and the Cole Brothers with Frankie Formica, Jr., 7 p.m.
Formica Brother's Bakery (200 N. Tilton Road, Kensington Square Shopping Center, Northfield, 609-646-6565) - Friday: Live music, 7 p.m.
Fuel House Coffee Co. (Bain's Deli, 636 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, 856-563-1400) - Saturday: Band Of Worship, 7 p.m.
Goodnight Irene's (2708 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, 866-493-5281) - Friday, Saturday and Wednesday: Live rock music, 8:30 p.m.
Hangar 84 (20 S. 6th St., Vineland, 856-692-6283) - Thursday: Houston Calls, TV/TV, The Volunteers, Last Try, Airplanes Collide and The Bottom Line, 6 p.m.; Friday: Vanna Voice of Reason Reunion, Heed The Warning, Visions of Another, The Horizon Line and At Day Break, 6 p.m.; Saturday: The Dangerous Summer with This Time Next Year and The Morning Of, 9 p.m.
Hard Rock Caf� (inside the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, 609-441-0007) - Thursday: 102.7 WSJE FM presents Local Commotion with Behind The Beautiful and Dear Althea, free, 9 p.m.
Hibiscus Island Cafe and Grill (Longport Boulevard, Somers Point, 609-926-9400) - Thursday: NTA Quizzo with prizes and drink specials, 8 p.m.; Friday: DJ, Dancing and Karaoke with Judy Cline, 6 p.m.; Saturday: Live rock music, changes weekly, 9 p.m.
The Inlet Restaurant (998 Bay Ave., Somers Point, 609-926-9611) - Sunday: The Jeff Morrison Quintet CD Release Concert, $10, 7 p.m.
Irish Pub (164 St. James Place, Atlantic City, 609-345-9613) - Thursday: Glenn Eric, 10 p.m.; Friday: DJ Fran, 9 p.m.; Wednesday: Quizzo, 9 p.m.
JP Prime (206 Olde New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, 609-729-4141) - Thursday and Sunday: Frank Drake as Frank Sinatra, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: Live jazz with Lois Smith and Bill McGrady, 7 p.m.
JR's Tavern (650 New Road, Somers Point, 609-653-9853) - Thursday: Karaoke and DJ Ronnie, 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: DJ Mike, 10 p.m.; Tuesday: Trivia Night, 9 p.m.
Kelly's Corner Pub (2721 Arctic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-348-4925) - Thursday: The Frankadelics, 9:30 p.m.
Laguna Grill (1400 Ocean Ave., Brigantine, 609-266-7731) - Saturday: DJ Frannie, 9 p.m.; Monday: Revolver, 9 p.m.
Library III Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge (6605 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 609-645-7655) - Thursday: Patty Blee, 7 p.m.; Friday: Acoustic Fish, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Sharon Sable, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Patty Blee, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Acoustic Fish, 7 p.m.
The Looking Glass Caf� (16 N. High St., Millville, 856-327-1666) - Wednesday: live music, 6 p.m.
Ma France Creperie (506 9th Street, Ocean City, 609-399-9955) - Friday: Music night, 6 p.m.
Mangia by the Greens (3016 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township, 609-926-3900 ext. 5) - Thursday and Monday: World Tavern Poker; Friday: DJ, 8 p.m.; Wednesday: Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.
Merighi's Savoy Inn (4940 Landis Ave., Vineland, 856-691-8051) - Friday: Friday Night Flashback in the Savoy Bistro with DJ Nicky G spinning all your favorite hits from the 50's, 60's and 70's, no cover, reservations suggested, 9 p.m. to midnight; Saturday: Johnny's Cousin Steve, 9 p.m.
Merion Inn (106 Decatur St., Cape May, 609-884-8363) - Thursday: Jazz Trio, 8:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Live piano music, 5:30 p.m.
MVP Sports Bar (408 Wheat Road, Vineland, 856-697-9825) - Friday: The Jack Chamberlain Band with guitarist Brandon Ireland, 9 p.m.
Old Oar House Irish Pub (123 N. High St., Millville, 856-293-1200) - Thursday: Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.; Friday: Live music, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Take Two, 9 p.m.
Ram's Head Inn (White Horse Pike, Absecon, 609-652-1700) - Friday and Saturday: Johnny Arnett, 5 p.m.
Ri-Ra (Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-348-8600) - Thursday: DJ Vito G, 10 p.m.; Friday: One Step Ahead, 10 p.m.; Saturday: Decade 8, 10 p.m.
Sea Oaks Golf Club (99 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, 609-296-2656) - Friday: House DJ, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Saturday Night Live with live entertainment, 9 p.m.
Sofia (9314 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-822-9111) - Friday: Live music, 8 p.m.; Saturday: Old World Mediterranean Dinner and Dancing with Tony Malandro and Kathleen Angela, 8 p.m.; Wednesday: Live jazz with Gil Lewis, 6:30 p.m.
Steve and Cookie's (9700 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-823-1163) - Thursday: Joe and Friends, 7 p.m.; Friday: Lew London and Chris Sooy, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Joe Mancini, 7 p.m.; Sunday: Joe Mancini and Paula Jones, 7 p.m.; Monday: Madeline Sandman and Bill McGrady, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Lew London and Chris Sooy, 7 p.m.
A Touch of Italy (Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp., 609-646-1855) - Thursday: Bob and Doug, jazz, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Bob and Alex, 7p.m.
Tre Figlio Restaurant (500 W. White Horse Pike, Pomona, 609-965-3303) - Friday and Saturday: Piano player, 7 p.m.
Trinity Pub (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6900) - Friday: Ravioli Shanker, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Sparkles, 10 p.m.
Tomatoe's (9300 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-822-7535) - Thursday and Friday: DJ Steve-O, 7 p.m.; Saturday: live saxophone by Jacob, 6 p.m., House DJ, 9 p.m.; Sunday: Jazz Trio with Sharon Sable, 6 p.m.; Monday: The Odessa Brothers, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Chic, 6 p.m.; Wednesday: Tony C., 6 p.m.; DJ Steve-O, 9 p.m.
Tuckahoe Inn (Route 9, Tuckahoe, 609-390-3322) - Thursday: Johnny's Cousin Steve, 5 p.m.; Friday: Back Bay Duo, 7 p.m.; Saturday: June Evans and Mercy City, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Bob Campanell, 5 p.m.
Tun Tavern Brewery and Restaurant (Sheraton Hotel, 2 Miss America Way, Atlantic City, 609-347-7800) - Friday: Live music, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Live music, 9 p.m.; Wednesday: Live Classic Rock music, 9 p.m.
DJs and Dancing
32 Degrees Luxe Lounge (inside the Quarter, Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-348-6700) - Thursday: Antidote Party with DJ Ronnie D, 10 p.m.; Friday: DJ Rico, 10 p.m.; Saturday: VIP After Hours Party with DJ Jason E, 11 p.m.
A Dam Good Sports Bar (The Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-347-7770) - Thursday, Friday and Saturday: House DJ, 10 p.m.; Sunday through Friday: $5 40 ounce beers and $8 bottles of wine.
Bernardi's Restaurant and Lounge (140 E. Wheat Road, Vineland 856-696-1461) - Thursday: Karaoke with DJ Dancin' Doug, 9 p.m.; Friday: DJ Dancin' Doug, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Oldies Night with DJ Dancin' Doug, 9 p.m.
Blue Marlin (200 S. Pitney Road, Galloway Township, 609-748-5000) - Thursday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.
Boogie Nights (inside Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, 800-336-6378) - Friday and Saturday: Boogie Nights 70's and 80's Dance Party, 9 p.m.
Bulldog's Bar and Grill (743 White Horse Pike, Cologne, 609-965-4433) - Friday: DJ Dance Party hosted by J2 Productions, 10 p.m.
Chickie's and Pete's (6055 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 609-272-1930) - Friday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party; Quizzo, 9 p.m.
Cuba Libre (Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-348-6700) - Thursday: Late Night Latin Happy Hour with free admission, 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: Late Night Latin Floorshow, 10 p.m.
Firewaters (Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-344-6699) - Thursday, Friday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.
Game On! (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6800) - Friday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m.
Sonsie (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6300) - Saturday: New York DJ, 10 p.m.
Testa's Good Guys Pub (5698 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, Mays Landing, 609-625-1926) - Friday: DJ Dance Party with DJ Sonny, 10 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Dance Party with DJ Joe, 10 p.m.
Toad Fish Bar & Grill (222 Bridgeton-Fairton Road, Bridgeton, 856-455-1300) - Friday: DJ Greg Fink, 9:30 p.m.
Towne Tavern (694 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, 856-455-3474) - Saturday: Live DJ and Karaoke, 9 p.m.
Whiskey Grille (20 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Atlantic City, 609-345-3290) - Monday: In The Biz nights with Happy Hour drink specials, live DJ, 10 p.m.
Xhibition Bar (inside Harrah's Casino, 800-242-7724) - Saturday: House DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m.
The Top 5 Places to Party This Week
mur.mur in Atlantic City
Since mur.mur at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is one of the hottest places to party in Atlantic City, and the hit TV series "Gossip Girl" is one of the hottest shows on the tube, it only makes sense for the two to come together. On Saturday the show's Jessica Szohr, left, hosts a great dance party with music by D-Nice. Throw on your favorite designer clothes and show Szohr just how N.Y.C. A.C. can be. The evening gets going at 10 p.m. Call 609-317-1000 for any additional info.
Tuckahoe Inn in Tuckahoe
Have mercy! This weekend, the Tuckahoe Inn is booming with great live entertainment. Friday night brings out the Back Bay Duo, a local favorite and regular act at the Tuckahoe. Saturday's got June Evans and Mercy City - quite the dynamic duo. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. Don't be late! Call 609-390-3322.
mIxx in Atlantic City
mur.mur isn't the only Borgata hot spot spicing things up this weekend. Mixx is also having a special guest on Saturday night: DJ Jazzy Jeff. He has spun his signature tracks at mixx before, and all of Atlantic City is looking forward to having him back. Be a part of the party, starting at 10 p.m. Call 609-317-1000.
The Mountain Bar in Atlantic City
Nearly every day you get a visit from your mailman, but it's not every day that your mailman is DJing your favorite bar inside Bally's Atlantic City. On Friday, enjoy DJ Mailman Dave as he plays all your favorite tunes at the Mountain Bar at 7 p.m. If your invitation to this party got lost in the mail, don't worry: DJ Mailman Dave openly invites all of you to come dance the night away. Call 609-340-2000 for details.
Cabana's in Cape May
It's about time you were treated like the very important person that you are, and Cabana's is bringing in one of the area's leading local acts to help celebrate your VIP status. On Wednesday, check out Cabana's VIP Night with live music by The Dead Poets. Being your very own star in Cape May kicks off at 9 p.m., and if you're in the mood for great live music at Cabana's this Saturday, don't hesitate to check out the Joe Grassi Band, which begins its set at 9 p.m. Call 609-884-4800.