More than holiday tunes on tap

As the temperatures drop, Sussex County is heating up with a lineup of live music events that will keep you moving and grooving throughout the chilly season.

Friday, Dec. 8

Kick off the weekend at 6 p.m. at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, where Kenny & Gil will be serving up a mix of classic rock and country tunes to get the party started.

Chris Reali will make his Krogh Restaurant & Brew Pub debut at 6:30 p.m. at 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, with a blend of original Americana tunes infused with country blues and a touch of pop.

If you’re in the mood for a solo acoustic set, head to Bell’s Mansion, 11 Main St., Stanhope, at 7 p.m. to catch James Vilade’s intimate performance.

For some Southern rock passion, check out Southern Stew at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., at 7 p.m.

At 8 p.m., DUG the Band will take the stage at Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, with their trio covers that are sure to keep the energy high.

For a musical journey back in time, make your way to the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., at 8 p.m., where “Yesterday - A Tribute to the Beatles,” founded by Don Bellezzo, will transport you to the heyday of the Fab Four. Voted the No. 1 Tribute Act in Las Vegas, this show promises a night of nostalgia and timeless tunes. Tickets start at $34 and may be purchased online at skypac.org

Wrap up the night at 9 p.m. at O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton, where you can take the mic and have a blast with karaoke fun.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Start your Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton, with acoustic jazz by Edric.

At 6:30 p.m., the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, will feature a performance by Sean O’Flynn.

Follow that with a night of freestyle music with DJ Frankie Cutlass at Blue Arrow Farm at 7 p.m.

If you’re looking for a unique sound, head to Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, at 7 p.m. to catch Uncle Stump’s signature “mud funk” sound.

Also at 7 p.m., McQ’s Pub will host singer-songwriter Rick Barth, delivering a mix of rock, alternative and Americana tunes.

At 8 p.m., Hef’s Hut, 414 County Road 517, will present Back in the Day with its American rock covers.

At O’Reilly’s at 9 p.m., Vera & the Force will play classic and southern rock covers.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Ease into Sunday at Angry Erik Brewing with Brian St. John’s acoustic rock and folk favorites at 2:30 p.m.

At 3 p.m., head to the Walpack Inn, 7 National Park Service Road Route 615, Walpack, for Sisterly Harmonies, featuring local favorite Maribyrd and Kathy Hubley.

Close out the weekend at the Newton Theatre at 3 p.m. with Twelve Twenty-Four, presenting a high-energy, full-scale holiday rock orchestra concert. Tickets start at $32.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Embrace the holiday spirit from 5 to 9 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm with High Strung. You can enjoy a night of fun, prizes and stuffed stockings while donning your favorite ugly sweater.

Also at 5 p.m. at McQ’s, Sean Henry will perform his weekly renditions, providing the perfect mid-week musical escape.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Cap off the week at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church St., Sparta, where you can enjoy or participate in the acoustic open mic night. Sign-ups start at 5:30.

At 6:30 p.m. at Krogh’s, sax player David Wallace will bring phenomenal funk-soul jazz to spice up your Thursday night.

Send information to Stef at themicnj@gmail.com