Fans of the Dead, the Doors, rejoice
MUSIC. Performers bring a variety of genres to local stages this weekend.
| 18 May 2025 | 02:33
Feast of Friends recreates the music of the Doors on Friday night at Blue Arrow Farm in Pine Island, N.Y. (Photo courtesy of Feast of Friends)
Static Quo plays rock ‘n’ roll covers Saturday night at Brick & Brew in Franklin. (Photo courtesy of Static Quo)
Friday, May 23
Memorial Day weekend begins with a full lineup of talent across the county.
At 6 p.m., Brian McLoughlin brings his easygoing acoustic style to the Lafayette House, 75 Route 15.
The Brian St. John Band ignites Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, with its signature blend of rock, jam and blues at 7 p.m.
Fans of the Doors should head to Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., where Feast of Friends recreates the iconic band’s music with uncanny authenticity, also at 7 p.m. This tribute group has performed alongside Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and continues to celebrate Jim Morrison’s legacy through deep cuts and live album renditions. Tickets may be purchased online at bluearrowfarm.com
McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, welcomes the genre-jumping group Cat Treats at 8 p.m.
At the same time, the DeLear Brothers, known for their dynamic harmonies and tight instrumentation, light up the stage at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta.
Fully Loaded brings its high-octane covers to the Beacon, 453 River Styx Road, Hopatcong, at 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
Bard of the Hills performs at 10 a.m. at the Sparta Farmers Market, 89 S. Sparta Ave.
At 4 p.m., Steve Coombs sets up at Angry Erik Brewing, 4 Camre Drive, Newton, for an acoustic rock set perfect for sipping craft beer.
The evening brings more local favorites. Josie Webb returns to Lafayette House with her soul-infused songs at 6 p.m. while the Kenny & Gil Duo bring jams and classic covers to McQ’s Pub at the same time.
At 7 p.m., Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, hosts “Play Dead Part IV,” the annual Grateful Dead tribute show led by Brian St. John & Company, an essential night for Deadheads in the region.
Simultaneously, Static Quo powers up its rock ‘n’ roll cover set at Brick & Brew.
Dance the night away starting at 9 p.m. at the Beacon with the Grey Man Group, delivering groove-heavy rock and funk.
Sunday, May 25
Blue Arrow Farm hosts Soul Purpose, a long-running ensemble known for its commanding horn section, soul-shaking rhythm and dynamic vocals, at 2 p.m.
Tim Blohm, a guitarist and vocalist, performs his expansive cross-genre set list at Skylands Craft Beer and Wine Cellar, 447 Route 284, Wantage, also at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28
Midweek fun starts at 4 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm with Danny C’s Hot Rod Cruise Night & Concert Series, which features Some Guys and a Broad playing classic rock favorites.
The Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, turns up the interactive fun with karaoke hosted by Ray Sikora beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29
Acoustic Open Mic Night starts at 6 p.m. at the Homestead Rest, with sign-ups beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Felix and the Cats take the stage with their danceable rock tunes at 6 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm.
At 6:30 p.m., head to Krogh’s to catch Bryan Ramirez, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a repertoire spanning more than 2,500 songs from classic rock and country to hip-hop and Broadway.
Send information to Stefani at themicnj@gmail.com