August 16, 2022
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The Original Donut Shop® Coffee, Mars Join Forces for SNICKERS-Flavored K-Cup Java

What is better than a delicious SNICKERS® bar and a good cup of The Original Donut Shop Coffee®?

Well, not much. and now you can have both. The coffee company has introduced SNICKERS-flavored Keurig coffee pods last month.

With notes of chocolate, caramel and peanuts, it is sure to give you a blissful caffeinated experience like no other.

“We’re excited to unveil a new and delicious coffee flavor that allows our fans to treat their taste buds,” Scott Christensen, Senior Director Brand Marketing, Keurig Dr Pepper, said in a press release. “Inspiring discovery through flavorful coffee experiences is at the core of our brand purpose and The Original Donut Shop SNICKERS® Coffee does just that.”

Since it is still summer, why don’t you pour it over a chilling cup of ice to help cool you off in an instance while getting your sweet treat caffeine fix?

To learn more about The Original Donut Shop® Coffee, visit https://www.keurig.com/content/theoriginaldonutshop  and follow @theoriginaldonutshop on Instagram, @OriginalDonutShop on Facebook and @origdonutshop on Twitter. Mars produces water-watering chocolates such as M&M’s®; MILKY WAY®; SNICKERS®; and TWIX®.

*Check locally, not recycled in all communities. Packaging may vary. *

Purchase your SNICKERS-flavored Keurig coffee pods at the link below.

https://amzn.to/3dBlbrJ (The Original Donut Shop Snickers, Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pods, Flavored Coffee, 72 Count).

Note: If you click the above Amazon link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission to help support my continuing efforts to provide free content to my growing readership. Thank you for supporting independent journalism.

— Jerry Del Priore

June 24, 2022
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NJ 2022 Live Outdoor Free Exciting Summer Concerts in July

The 2022 New Jersey live summer free concerts in the nine towns below are sure to be as smoldering as the July weather. Here is a schedule for performances in the Garden State’s Morris, Union and Essex counties.

Rock on!

Berkley Heights (Veteran’s Memorial Park)

On Wednesday, July 6th, Revolver–a New Jersey-based band, will be performing classic rock hits from the 60s all the way through the ages, as well as hits from today–starting at 7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Wednesday. July 13th, from 7:8:30 – Lost in Place will be playing classics music from four decades, staring in the 60s and rocking its way to the 90s.

Big Hix, a modern country tribute band, will take its talent to the area for a night of fun entertainment.

On Wednesday July 27th, from 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Bergen County Line, will belt out the best of old, outlaw and new country music.

Chatham (Chatham Gazebo, by the train station; all shows on Thursdays)

On July 7th, from 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. two acts will be performing at the Gazebo.

First, Acoustic Grunge from 6-6:30, then Blue Soul, a group that plays classic blues, RnB, soul and funk from.

July 21st – Mike Sodano (6-6:30) opens up the night by singing songs from the catalogues of artists such as Neil Young and James Taylor. Then, the unappareled musical stylings of popular NJ local cover band Mama D & the Vexations will rock the night away (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.).

Millburn (Taylor Park, across from 44 Whittingham Terrace)

On Thursday, July 7th from 7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. – Jersey Sound, one of the Tri State area’s most popular premiere oldies band, will hit the stage to bring you back in time, as the group performs classic rock, Motown, R&B, British Invasion and pop tracks.

July 21st – Enjoy, one of the Jersey Shore’s premiere cover bands, will play at Taylor Park from 7p.m -8:30 p.m.

Sunday. July 31st from 7:00 p.m. –8″30 p.m., Enough Said, a N.J. a pop rock cover band, will be making a trip to Taylor Park to perform for the locals.

Madison — (in front of Madison Museum of Early Crats &Trades).

On Friday, July 8th, from 6p.m. to 8 p.m., Zaire, a classic rock band with strong three-part harmonies covering artists such as Eagles, Tom Petty and Radiohead, will be in Rose City.

Zaire can also be seen playing as a four-piece band, with Jed Hoban on drums.

Friday. July 22nd, 6 p.m.-8:00 p.m., should be a magical night for showtune fans, as Best of Broadway comes to Madison, sparing you the long voyage into Manhattan’s theater district.

Morris Plains (Roberts Gardens)

Sunday, July 10th – Moon Dogs 6p.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday, July17th, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., London Calling: A Beatles Tribute Band will take to the stage and play a number of the Fab Four’s greatest tunes. And the group is as talented as they come.

Sunday, June 24th 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. – The Kootz will treat you to all types of classic hits, such as the Beatles, Donald Fagan, and Nancy Sinatra, plus the Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, The Pretenders and The Motels. 

On July, Sunday 31st, from 6:00 p.m. — 8 p.m., Genesee Stills Band, a five-piece band that performs American grassroots Rock and Roll. The group’s set list consists of The Eagles, The Grateful Dead, Paul Simon, The Band, The Counting Crows, The Allman Brothers and so much more.

Morristown (Ginty Field)

Tuesday, July 12th 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.: Jake Thistle is a musician, singer, songwriter, New Jersey-based, 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist who performs his own tunes in the vein of ‘70s singer/songwriters.

Tuesday July19th– When the Belle Tones hit the stage, they celebrate music’s harmonious, melodic girl groups with class, panache, and fun. The trio’s impressive repertoire includes songs from the 1920s to the 80s and such styles as country, Broadway, jazz and holiday classics.

26th Tuesday – Billy Joel Tribute 7-9

What is better than enjoying songs from Long Island’s piano man? If it is not the man himself, you might as well come to Morristown for a few scenes from an Italian Restaurant and stay for the music.

Summit
12th Tuesday (7:00 p.m.–8 p.m.) – The Nerds, arguably the world’s greatest cover band, will be performing at the Hot Summer Nights 2022 Concert Series at the Village Green.

Pure Energy. Pure Excitement. Pure Fun.

19th (Tuesday) – The Priceless Band, playing Motown classics — 7-8:30

26th (Tuesday) 7-8:30– Wowing audiences from the Hamptons to D.C., from swanky black-tie affairs to your favorite shore bar, The Counterfeiters are one of the most highly sought-after party bands in the business. They play the hottest music from 80s and 90s, which is sure to please frenetic partygoers everywhere.

New Providence at Centennial Park

July 14th (Thursday 7) – As you may have guessed, Asbury Fever rocks the sounds of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes along with many other great classic rock acts.  

July 21st (Thursday 7) – Kinderhook, one of New Jersey’s foremost country rock bands, with a soulful twist, is a must-see musical act. So, pencil them in for the evening.

July 28th (Thursday)– The Kootz 7 pm

Florham Park — Gazebo (111 Ridgedale Ave.)

Sunday, July 24th at 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Beatlemania Again, a Beatles tribute band that features three amazing costume changes and the legendary music of the Fab Four, sure to please everyone in attendance.

Sunday, July 31st – Separate Ways, a Journey tribute band – 7 p.m.-8p.m.

Please check out my sports and health blog at NYNJSportsWorld.com

— Jerry Del Priore

June 19, 2022
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Live, Free Outdoor Concerts in NJ’s Morris, Union and Essex Counties in June 2022

is that time of year again, when the weather turns warms and the good people of New Jersey head outside to see fantastic, free live music.

Below is a list of bands playing in Morris, Union, and Essex Counties through the middle of the month of June.

Tequila Rose, one of New Jersey’s hippest bands performing the hottest new country hits along with some country classics and classic rock tunes, will be playing at Taylor Park at the Millburn-Short Hills Summer Concert Series Sunday, June 19th from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Heart of Gold, a rock cover band, with special guest Frank Elmo on sax, will open up Morris Township Concert Series at Ginty Field, in Morris Township, on Tuesday, June 21 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

At the Chatham Gazebo on Thursday June 23, Jacob Matthews will be playing at 6-6:30, then The Master Keys (Jazz) will be from 6:30 p.m.--8:00p.m.

Jumping the Gun, a classic rock cover band, will be rocking downtown Madison on Friday, June 24 from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. in front of the Musuem of Trades & Trades.

New Jersey’s greatest cover band, The Nerds, will be geeking out on Tuesday, June 28th at Veteran’s Memorial Park, in Berkley Heights. It is always a fun time with these group four dweebs, but the Nerds put on an awesome show.

The Kootz, self-described as classic rock band with fiber, will be performing at Ginty Field, in Morris Township, on Tuesday, June 28th, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

— Jerry Del Priore

May 20, 2022
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Aerosmith Tribute Band Pump Keeps Timeless Rock Alive and Kicking

With great hard rock and heavy metal just about a thing of the past, people have been turning to tribute bands to relive their days of rock n’ roll glory, when the music flowed and good rolled.

For bands like Pump, an Aerosmith tribute band based in Long Island, N.Y., that is one of the reasons why founder member and bassist Frank Tassielli started the band approximately 11 years ago.

Pump, an Aerosmith Tribute Band, back in action.

“I hope to be a part of keeping this (rock music) around,” Tassielli said. “It’s so much fun.”

Lead singer Ian Temple, who joined the band in November of 2020, said that hard rock music provides people with intense feelings and experiences that few other past times can match while eventually retuning to your regular life a more fulfilled person.

“Rock music gives you the opportunity to lose your mind,” said Temple, who is also a voice actor. “You don’t get that at a museum. Then, you can return to your regular life. Hey, you have to have that energy at a rock show,” not to mention love it to pieces.

As much as he has a passion for rocking out for kicks and good times, he said: “When your hobby is cash positive, what’s better than that?”

Upcoming Pump shows include:

Pump will be playing live at the Great Divide Campground, in Newton, N.J., on Saturday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m.

On June 18th, from 8 p.m. – 9p.m. Pump will be performing at the Long Island Fun Fest at Suffolk County Community College, in Brentwood, Long Island.

Then, on Saturday, July 2nd at 8 p.m., the group heads to Upstate N.Y., at Lake George at the Warrensburg Travel Park, in Warrensburg, N.Y.

Next, on Sunday, July 3rd at 6 p.m., Pump heads to Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground, in Schroon Lake, N.Y. (near Lake George).

On July 21st, from 7:00 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pump plays a scaled down free show at the Connetquot Library, in Bohemia, N.Y., as it presents an audio / visual-chronological presentation of Aerosmith s history.

Monday, August 8th, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Pump will be playing an outdoor show at Mitchell Park, in Greenport, N.Y.

Next, on Saturday, August 27th, the band will hit the stage at the Woodbury Brewing Co., in Woodbury, Conn., with the show starting at 8:30 p.m.

On Friday, November 18th, Pump has a special performance planned at The Metropolitan, in Glen Cove, N.Y., as the boys will be playing Aerosmith’s greatest hits as well as the Rocks album in its entirety. Show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

Pump members include lead singer and pianist, Ian Temple; Frank Tassielli, bass/vocals/band manager/booker; Herb Ricco, drummer/vocals; Johnny Flaggs Francese, guitar/synthesizer/vocals; and Tommy Lestat Collier, guitars/vocals/talk box.

Check out Pump’s promo video here.

For more information on Pump and its schedule, visit PumpRocks.net. To follow the band on social media, go to its Facebook and Instagram.

March 31, 2022
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NJ’s Mr. Socks’ World of Rock and Company Rock Any Musical Occasion

There is no doubt that when it comes to performing great live music while rocking out, Paul Fessock, A.K.A. Mr. Socks, and his talented group of veteran musicians and various other spine-tingling projects got your back–bar none.

From heavy metal to good ole fashion rock n’ roll, and everything in between, there is something to satisfy the musical tastebuds of everyone who holds a passion for amazing, entertaining live music.

First, there is his Mötley Crüe tribute band Sixx Seconds to Mars. Playing the classic, hard-rocking heavy metal Crüe tunes such as Shout at the Devil, Live Wire, Kick Start My Heart, 10 Seconds to Love, Primal Scream, and list goes on, the band simply delivers an electrifying performance that transcends time and space.

Check out the video of Sixx Seconds to Mars as it pays tribute to one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time: Motely Crue.

Do you crave more? Well, there is AMP’D, New Jersey’s premiere rock band, playing the coolest rock hits from the 80s up through the ages, sure to make you scream and shout for more.

And for the fans of cocktail rock music, there is the World of Rock Trio, great for lower key events as well as weddings and corporate outings, that are in need of sizzling, smooth entertainment.

World of Rock Trio plays outdoor space in Summit, N.J.

Like to help your child become inspired to take the steps to learn a musical instrument like the guitar, or to learn how to become a next generation musical entertainer?

Well, there is Mr. Socks’ World of Rock, a high-quality rocking children’s assembly program that features motivational educator Mr. Socks (Fessock), who, along with his gifted rock band and puppet pal Heavy Metal Harry, will inform and inspire children from all walks of life.

Fessock, who teaches guitar lessons at his World of Rock music school in Summit, N.J., performs with a few of his gifted students, along with Sixx Seconds to Mars in the first video below, and with Amp’d in the second.

Amp’d with special guests Kobi and James.

Additionally, Fessock has authored four children’s books, which are all available on Amazon: Heavy Metal Harry’s First Gig, with Vince Neil; Who is Heavy Metal Harry?; Who is Johnny One Lip?; and Who is Major Rob?

Click the links below t0o purchase:

https://amzn.to/3NzNYKz (Heavy Metal Harry’s First Gig with Vince Neil Paperback).
https://amzn.to/3IT9TJe (Who Is Heavy Metal Harry?)
https://amzn.to/3IVCEoy (Who is Johnny One Lip?
https://amzn.to/3x7ah4T (Who is Major Rob?: A true story about family, friendship, and an introduction to Post Traumatic Stress).

For more information and to book his bands, please contact Paul Fessock at Paul@Worldofrock,com. Fessock performs all over New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Note: I may earn a commission if you purchase something from the Amazon links above. Please support independent arts.

— Jerry Del Priore

March 21, 2022
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NJ’s MPAC to Host 2 Rock Icon Tribute Shows: Queen, Fleetwood Mac

I love live music, and it is good to be able to attend in-person shows again since COVID-19 restriction have loosed a bit.

I will be attending, along with my girlfriend Maggie, two tribute performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, N.J.: one in April, and the other in May.

First up, on Saturday, April 16th at 8:00 p.m., One Night of Queen, Gary Mullen and the Works, will be playing at MPAC.

The band will rock you when it brings the music of Queen to life with note-by-note renditions of such classics as “Keep Yourself Alive,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and more.

Mullen began touring on his own and in 2002, he formed the band ‘The Works’, to pay tribute to rock legends Queen. 

Tusk, a five-person Fleetwood Mac tribute band (Press Photo).

For tickets for the One Night of Queen show, click here.

Up next is Tusk, one of the world’s most foremost Fleetwood Mac tribute bands, as it will be hitting the stage at MPAC on Friday, May 6th at 8:00 p.m.

From “Don’t Stop,” “Go Your Own Way,” to “Dreams” and “The Chain,” Tusk recreates the tunes of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and others over the years in perfect musical form.

To purchase tickets to see Tusk, click here.

— Jerry Del Priore

March 12, 2022
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Sixx Seconds to Mars, a Mötley Crüe Tribute Band, Ready to Rock for Children with Traumatic Brain Injuries

For people who witnessed Sixx Seconds to Mars, a Mötley Crüe tribute band, bring down the house last month at Dingbatz, in Clifton, N.J., you do not want to miss the group’s next outdoor show on April 9th, in Old Bride, N.J. (67 Old Amboy RD.), for Ride for Charity, as Bikers Rally Across America for Brain Injured Children.

Heck, you might as well grab a bunch of old-school metal heads and take them with you, willingly or not. It is your call, but, hey, it’s for charity. So, what do you have to lose?

Paul Fessock, Johnny Leigh and company rock out to the Motely Crue’s best Heavy Metal tracks at NJ’s Dingbatz last month.

Sixx Seconds to Mars, fronted by Paul Fessock, an educator and five-time children’s book author, hits the high notes the way Vince Neil does.

Plus, the band is absolutely dead-on spectacular, from the rockstar-looking bass player Johnny Leigh to the glitzy guitar virtuoso Chris Radice, down to gifted drummer Ron Lipnicki, formerly of tOverkill. 

Other bands on hand will be That Metal Band, Big House Pete, and Junkyard Dawgs.

https://amzn.to/3q1hWNt (Who is Heavy Metal Harry? The Paperback is only $9.99).
https://amzn.to/34B4YhY (Heavy Metal Harry’s First Gig with Vince Neil — Paperback for $19.99).

Note: If you click on the above Amazon links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission to help provide free content to the masses. Help support independent journalism and musical artist such as Sixx Seconds to Mars.

Long live rock n’ roll.

— Jerry Del Priore

February 28, 2022
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Sixx Seconds to Mars Brings Heavy Metal Gods Mötley Crüe to Life at Dingbatz

Nothing brings me back to my adolescent years than heavy metal, and one of my all-time favorite bands, Mötley Crüe.

So, my friends and I drove out to Dingbatz, in Clifton, N.J., on Saturday night to see Sixx Seconds to Mars, a Mötley Crüe tribute band fronted by the dynamic Paul Fessock. Also performing live was Tribute, an Ozzy cover band, and Interstate Love Songs, playing the tunes of the 90’s Stone Temple Pilots and 2000’s Velvet Revolver.

Fessock rocks out with bass player Johnny Leigh.

First, Sixx Seconds to Mars totally blew the roof of Dingbatz, playing the classic, hard-rocking heavy metal Crüe tunes such as Shout at the Devil, Bastard, Live Wire, Kick Start My Heart, 10 Seconds to Love, Primal Scream, and list goes on.

Fessock, an educator and children's book author (Heavy Metal Harry’s First Gig with Vince Neil Paperback) nailed the high notes the way Vince Neil was once able to flawlessly hit.

Furthermore, the band was absolutely dead-on amazing, from the rockstar-looking bass player Johnny Leigh to the glitzy guitar virtuoso Chris Radice, down to gifted drummer Ron Lipnicki, formerly of Overkill. I swear, if you closed your eyes for a few seconds and forgot you were at small rock bar in New Jersey, you would channel the hard-rocking vibes of Mötley Crüe. No, really.

A highly recommend taking in one of Sixx Seconds to Mars’s show in the near future.

I did not get to see Tribute, but Interstate Love Songs was a quality band that had the crowed rocking throughout its set.

For more information on Sixx Seconds Mars and live performance dates, visit sixxsecondstomars.com.

If you click on one of the Amazon affiliated links above and make a purchase, I may earn a commission to help provide free content that helps support the independent music scene and local New Jersey and New York bars and restaurants.

Thank you.

— Jerry Del Priore

February 1, 2022
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Harry Connick, Jr. Set to Perform at MPAC on Wednesday

There is not much Harry Connick, Jr. has not done in the entertainment industry.

From music and film to television and Broadway, the New Orleans, La., native has done it all, and well. On Wednesday, February 2nd, at 7:30 p.m., Connick will make his way over to Morristown’s MPAC for a night of musical celebration, as he plans to perform songs from across his stories, remarkable career.

The three-time Grammy Award winner’s highlights of his music career include several multi-platinum recordings such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Blue Light, Red Light (Someone’s There)”, “When My Heart Finds Christmas,” “Come By Me, and “Only You.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to Mayoarts.org.

— Jerry Del Priore

November 22, 2021
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Oryx Desert Salt: The Salt of the Earth, Straight from South Africa’s Kalahari Desert to the USA

Food doesn’t have to taste bland. And while most people avoid adding salt to food due to health reasons, Oryx Desert Salt from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa is packed with a ton of flavor. So I find that you just need to add a pinch or two to improve the taste of the dishes that you prepare.

Additionally, Oryx Desert Salt is unrefined and unprocessed – a 100% pure, crystal white, natural, mineral-rich desert salt. The ancient source and sun-dried method creates an exceptional taste, enhancing and enriching flavors of your food.

Being locally and sustainably produced is a foundational value for Oryx Desert Salt. Its motto is “Refill, Reuse, Real Value.” Plus, recyclable glass bottles and long-lasting ceramic grinder heads ensure they can be refilled several rimes. Refill boxes are available across the range.

Also, Oryx Desert Salt believes in giving back, so for every bag of salt sold, a percentage is donated to the Khomani San and Mier communities who own Xaus Lodge in the Kalahari Desert.

Oryx Desert Salt also makes a wonderful Oryx Desert Black Pepper product, perfect for cooking and adding to your favorite dishes. Plus, Oryx Smoked Salt and Oryx Wine Salt.

To learn more about the company, go to ORYXDESERTSALT.CO.ZA. The Oryx Desert Salt product is on promotion at Wholefoods for the rest of November.

— Jerry Del Priore