Jersey Jubilation leads a week of holiday music
Music. A full slate of holiday performances, live music, and community gatherings fills the region Dec. 13–19, highlighted by the Jersey Jubilation Handbell Choir’s festive concert at the New Jersey Botanical Garden.
Saturday, Dec. 13
The weekend kicks off with a festive afternoon as the Jersey Jubilation Handbell Choir performs at 1:30 p.m. at the New Jersey Botanical Garden, 5 Morris Road, where director Elizabeth Hartman leads 14 skilled musicians through unique holiday arrangements played on 5 octaves of Whitechapel handbells and nearly 6 octaves of chimes.
That evening, the Christmas Showcase brings seasonal spirit to the Cove Castle Restaurant, 13 Castle Ct., at 7 p.m., filling the lakeside venue with holiday flair. Also at 7 p.m., High Strung delivers a lively mix of classic rock and country at J&S Roadhouse, 17 Wooley Rd., while the Wayne Bilotti Duo brings their acoustic-driven set to the Grasshopper Irish Pub, 2891 Route 23, rounding out a full night of music.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Sunday starts with more festive fun as the Jeremy Baum Trio presents a Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas at 1 p.m. during brunch and music at the Cove Castle Restaurant, offering soulful jazz interpretations perfect for the season.
At 2 p.m., Sean O’Flynn takes the stage at Pennings Farm Cidery, 4 Warwick Turnpike, adding an afternoon of singer-songwriter charm.
Over at J&S Roadhouse, Vinyl Tap amps up the energy at 3 p.m. with crowd-pleasing classic rock, while the Strings Attached Duo brings pop and rock favorites to D’Boathaus, 322 Lakeside Rd., also at 3 p.m., making it a great day for varied styles across the region.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Tuesday offers a midweek break with Karaoke Night at Old School Pub & Grill, 551 Warwick Turnpike, where locals can take the mic, sing their favorites, and enjoy a laid-back, community-friendly evening.
Thursday, Dec. 18
At 7 p.m., Trail’s End Taphouse, 1197 NY-17A, hosts its weekly open mic night, welcoming acoustic musicians, spoken word artists, poets, comedians, and more. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m., and with a PA system and mics provided, performers only need to bring their talent to take part in this supportive, creative space.
Friday, Dec. 19
Friday brings a double dose of live music at Pennings: at 6 p.m., Mychal Kelly performs at Pennings Farm Cidery, and at 7 p.m., the F Bomb Duo keeps the momentum going down the hill at Pennings Farm Market, 161 State Route 94 S., closing out the night with a fun and upbeat performance.