By Liz Johnson
There’s nothing like foot-stomping, booty-shaking music to tune up your ‘tude. Here are some of the best places in Hunterdon County to rock on:
Live Music
American Spirits Roadhouse
1090 Route 173, Asbury
908-735-0101
www.americanspiritsroadhouse.com/calendar-of-events/
Local bands play every Friday and Saturday night at this Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Music Venue. There’s also an Open Mic night on Wednesdays and Karaoke on the first and third Thursdays.
Arties Bar and Grill
1020 Route 12, Frenchtown
908-996-1203
www.arties-frenchtown.com/activities.html
There’s plenty of live music at this Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Music Venue, with bands playing most Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Artie’s also has an outdoor bar and volleyball court, just in case you get bored.
The National Hotel
31 Race Street, Frenchtown
908-996-3200
www.thenationalhotelnj.com/
While the weather’s still warm, pull up a chair on the historic hotel’s front porch and listen to cover tunes and original music on Sunday afternoons. You can find a rollicking band in the Ratskellar on most Saturday nights. To get a glimpse of upcoming local talent, check out Open Mic night on Thursday nights at this Hunterdon Happening List winner for Best Happy Hour.
(Photo from Beneduce Vineyards Facebook Page)
Beneduce Vineyard
1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown
908-996-3823
beneducevineyards.com/events/
Listen to live music on a beautiful stone patio surrounding a bonfire while sipping great local wine at this Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Date Night. Saturday performances are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a full band and $10 cover charge. Sundays are more low-key acoustic acts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and are free to attend.
Open Mic Nights
The Ship Inn
When: Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Where: Ship Inn, 61 Bridge Street, Milford,NJ
908-995-0188
www.shipinn.com
Hosted by Mike Wojik and Derrek Wismer.
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church
When: First Friday of the month from September to June, 7 p.m.
Where: Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 2 Race Street (Rte 513 & Race St), Pittstown, NJ
908-735-412
bethlehempc.org
Walk-ins of all ages and experience are welcome. Each month features a local artist. There’s no cover and free coffee, soft drinks and snacks are served. For more information or to get on the schedule for a First Friday event, please contact Mark Fresolone at FirstFridayOfHunterdon@gmail.com
Unionville Winery
When: Second Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Unionville Winery, 9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes NJ 08551
908-788-0400
unionvillevineyards.com
Join Tina and her band of merrymakers for a vineyard open mic night in the tasting room. Wine is served by the glass or bottle and guests are encouraged to bring appetizers to enjoy while the music plays. There’s no cover charge. Performers should arrive at the beginning of the evening to guarantee stage time.
Black River Roasters
When: Last Friday of the month, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Black River Roasters, 424 US 22, Whitehouse Station
908-823-4715
www.blackriverroasters.com
Enjoy a night of free live music, comedy, and spoken word by local performers while cozying up with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
Favorite Bands
Maybe the venue isn’t important, it’s more the music you’re interested in. Consider following:
We May Be Right, a Phillipsburg band that does a Billy Joel Tribute and is a Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Band Performance. They play many local venues and events. Other bands worth checking out are Flemington-based The Big Fuss or Coo CooCachoo or JT Rooney, a solo acoustic act from Glen Gardner, all Hunterdon Happening Finalists for Best Band.
We May Be Right: Billy Joel Tribute Band (photo by Lori Smith at L Studio Makeovers, via Facebook)
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