Rocking and soothing melodies on tap

MUSIC. Tributes to Tom Petty and John Prine among the performances this week.

| 18 Aug 2024 | 03:04

Performers will have their audiences dancing to country tunes, blues rock and original songs throughout Sussex County.

Friday, Aug. 23

Mingo Lodge performs at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette House, 75 Route 15.

The E-Squared Duo, Eddie and Erick, will put their unique spin on everything from Smokey Robinson to John Mayer tunes at 6:30 p.m. at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta.

The Geuther Girls bring their country tunes back to the Irish Cottage, 602 Route 23, Franklin, at 7 p.m., offering a lively evening of heartfelt music.

Blues-rock fans won’t want to miss Katie Henry headlining the Sparta Arts Summer Concert Series at Dykstra Park, 25 Mohawk Ave., at 7 p.m. Henry, a New Jersey native and multi-instrumentalist, just released her third album, “Get Goin.’’ She is known for her fiery guitar chops and charismatic stage presence, and her set promises to be a powerful blend of rock, blues and roots music.

Also at 7 p.m., Pure Petty takes the stage at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., for an electrifying tribute to Tom Petty. With spot-on performances of hits, such as “Free Fallin’ ” and “I Won’t Back Down,” this band, led by the uncanny Tom Petty look-alike Jimmy Mannix, delivers a show that will have you singing and dancing all night long.

At Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, the Foster Children will rock out with their high-energy set, while the Kootz bring their eclectic mix of rock classics to McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton. Both performances begin at 7 p.m.

At 8 p.m., the Campfire Jukebox Band will play blues, country rock and MTV-era covers in the barn at Earthman Farm, 132 Drew Road, Sussex.

Cap off your night with some classic karaoke at O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton, starting at 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Start your day at 10 a.m. with Jake Roggenkamp performing at the Sparta Farmers Market, 89 S. Sparta Ave. His acoustic set will provide the perfect backdrop as you browse fresh produce and local goods.

Acoustic Wolves will serenade the audience with soothing melodies starting at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette House.

At 7 p.m., head to McQ’s Pub for a lively set by Chris Donnelly.

Also at 7 p.m., R.E.N.O. The Band brings its infectious energy to Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville. Known for its fun, happy vibe and original songs, R.E.N.O. is all about getting the crowd to smile, sing and dance.

At 8 p.m., the New York City-based West Side Cowboys will take over Earthman Farm, (formerly Moonlight Ramble), with its unique blend of country and bluegrass. Featuring guitar, stand-up bass, mandolin and fiddle, this band promises an authentic, foot-tapping experience.

Wrap up your night with a rocking set from EdgeWays at O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 25

Start your afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Walpack Inn, 7 National Park Service Road Route 615, where Smooth Retsina Glow, a genre-defying rock band, will take you on a musical journey from mellow grooves to electric riffs.

At 2 p.m., head to Blue Arrow Farm for a powerful tribute to women who rock with indie artist Freyah, showcasing her storytelling and fresh take on familiar themes.

Enjoy Mingo’s signature folk rock fusion at 2:30 p.m. at Angry Erik’s Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton.

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Brian St. John performs on the patio of O’Reilly’s at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Danny C’s Summer Concert Series & Hot Rod Cruise Night continues at 4 p.m. with a rockin’ performance by Don Oriolo and his all-star band Felix & the Cats at Blue Arrow Farm.

At 5 p.m., Sean Henry takes center stage at McQ’s Pub.

Enjoy Ladies Night at O’Reilly’s with live music by Shane Casey at 6 p.m.

Head to the Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, for a fun-filled karaoke night with Ray Sikora at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Join the Homestead Rest’s open mic night at 6 p.m. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m.

Catch Rene Avila performing at McQ’s Pub, also at 6 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., enjoy Ian Patrick’s acoustic tribute to John Prine at Krogh’s.

If you’re in the mood for country, Tim Vander Groef brings his sounds to the Early American Tavern, 9 Main St., Sussex, at 6:30 p.m.

Dave & John Acoustic will play upbeat tunes at the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, at 7 p.m.

End the night with music bingo at O’Reilly’s starting at 8 p.m.

Send information to Stefani at themicnj@gmail.com