Outcrops team up with AJ Croix for holiday party

CHESTER — It will be a little bit of the Blues, a little bit of Outlaw Country, a little bit of American Roots, and a lot of rock and roll when The Outcrops and the AJ Croix Band hit the stage for a big night of music at Bernie's Hillside Lounge in Chester on Saturday Dec. 23.
The two bands are teaming up for a Bernie's Christmas Eve-Eve party that'll get the juices flowing in advance of Christmas and New Year's.
The Outcrops, based out of Sussex County, consider themselves a blues and folk infused rock'n'roll band. They play original tunes as well as putting their own unique flavor with cover tunes. Influences include classic blues and folk songs, and bands as such as The Band, Grateful Dead, and Tedeschi Trucks band.
The Outcrops, led by front woman Cassidy Rain on guitar and vocals, and lead guitarist Bryan Schroeder, have been making waves since their debut early last year. They've become a regular at numerous clubs in the area and excite crowds with their no holds bar music.
"I've been around enough bands to know talent and creativity when I hear it," said Tom Skevin, a New Jersey-based journalist who also has worked as a band publicist and manager. "The Outcrops are an up-and-coming group of skilled musicians playing strong, original material and select covers. And Cassidy Rain sings from the heart in her own style."
Croix meanwhile mixes Rock n’ Roll with Outlaw Country and American Roots, with songs that that speak of rebellion, salvation and the optimism that could only come from one’s true-life experiences. The band combines originals with covers.
Croix's latest album, American Idols, was produced and mixed by Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan).
Based in Morris County, Croix's rich voice, rootsy style of guitar playing and heartfelt emotion come alive on the album, and on stage. His influences include Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson,The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Tickets for the show are just $10 each and can be purchased at the door.