More music festivals this weekend

SUSSEX COUNTY. Blues legend Coco Montoya plays Saturday night at the Newton Theatre.

| 02 Oct 2023 | 06:21

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, Sussex County is gearing up for a week filled with incredible live music performances.

From local talents to renowned artists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Friday, Oct. 6

Kicking off the musical week is the talented Rick Barth, a local singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his captivating acoustic rock, classic rock and hard rock tunes. Join him at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, at 6:30 p.m.

Also at 6:30 p.m., Glenn Roberts will be serenading the Alibi Beach Bar & Grill, 172 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, with his fiery and iconic country tunes.

At 7 p.m., the Stanhope House, 45 Main St., welcomes you to Jeiris Cook’s debut album release party. Cook promises a night of musical magic as he unveils his latest record. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Also at 7 p.m., brace yourself for high-energy covers with Sick Star Nation at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y.

The Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., is the place to be at 8 p.m. as Cabinet takes the stage. The band seamlessly blends influences from various music genres into a unique patchwork of Americana. Tickets for this exceptional show start at $29.50.

Saturday, Oct. 7

On Saturday morning, head over to the Sparta Farmers Market, 89 S. Sparta Ave., where Maribyrd will grace the scene with her melodic tunes, providing the perfect backdrop for your weekend shopping.

From 2 to 7 p.m., Crystal Springs Music Festival, 1 Wild Turkey Way, takes center stage, offering an exceptional lineup that includes the Nerds, Gypsy, 70s Rock Parade, Sean O’Flynn, Joe Var Veri, and more. Tickets are $65 and are available online at https://www.crystalgolfresort.com/culinary/culinary-events/music-fest

At 4 p.m., make your way to Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton, where Sue Polcer will captivate the audience with her keyboard-driven rock, pop and country tunes. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy craft brews while grooving to live music.

Visit the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing, Vernon, at 6:30 p.m. to experience the soulful tunes of Warwick, N>Y.-based singer-songwriter Chris Reali. He will treat you to three sets of original music and tasteful cover songs.

From 7 to 11 p.m., Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, hosts Second Helping, a Rockland County, N.Y.-based southern rock band, delivering the music of such iconic bands as the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshal Tucker, Charlie Daniels, ZZ Top and more.

Music enthusiasts may head to Hef’s Hut Bar and Grill, 414 County Road 517, Vernon, at 8 p.m. for an electrifying performance by the Black Radish band.

At the Newton Theatre, also at 8 p.m., blues aficionados are in for a treat as the legendary Coco Montoya takes the stage. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Montoya has evolved from drumming for blues icon Albert Collins to becoming the lead guitarist for John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and eventually leading his own band, touring worldwide. Tickets for this extraordinary blues experience start at $34 and may be purchased online at https://skypac.org/

For a unique musical experience, head to Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, at 8 p.m., where Frankie Goes to Dollywood will delight you with their blend of ‘80s bluegrass.

At O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton, PS Xperiment will take the stage at 9 p.m., playing an exciting mix of cover songs to keep the energy alive.

Sunday, Oct. 8

On Sunday, Blue Arrow Farm invites you to a rock extravaganza from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the fantastic lineup, including Speed Demons, Grand Funk Revival and Citizen’s Arrest.

Brian St. John will enchant you with acoustic rock and folk melodies at 2:30 p.m. at Angry Erik Brewing.

Thursday, Oct. 12

Kick-start your Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with open mic night at the Homestead Rest, 94 N. Church Road, Sparta. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m., providing a platform for local talent to shine.

Midweek music continues at the Stanhope House with performances by OM53, Nostranders, Screenager and Te Vista at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 at the door, with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Send information to Stef at themicnj@gmail.com