The real heroes of any thriving music scene are not necessarily the big outlets that shine a spotlight on a town, a style, or an ethos. They are, instead, the individuals who consistently deliver the message about talent – young and seasoned alike – to their audiences and keep them engaged.
For ten years, radio personality Danny Coleman and his program Rock On Radio have done just that, focusing on the New Jersey music scene but covering music and the arts in their entirety. His program is heard online, originating from historic Hightstown, New Jersey. You can find out more at his website, https://dannycolemansrockonradio.com, and hear the show on Sundays, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST, on www.coaradio.com.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Rock On Radio program, a free concert will take place in what many perceive to be the heart of the New Jersey music community, Asbury Park, tomorrow night (April 24). If you are in the New York/Tri-State area, head down to the Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Avenue, 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
The free concert is sponsored by Brian Erick, New Jersey Stage Magazine, Makin Waves, City of Angels NJ, and Carousel Arts NJ. The evening’s performers include:
Radio Fiction http://radiofiction.net
John Alberici FB page https://johnalberici.com
Strumberry Pie https://www.strumberrypie.com
The Williamsboy https://www.williamsboy.com
Kevin John Allen https://www.KevinJohnAllen.com
Astronaut Jones https://www.facebook.com/astronautjonesnj
Dave Vargo http://davevargomusic.com
Jo Wymer https://www.jowymer.com
and according to Coleman, maybe a few surprises.
MusicTAP will feature a lengthy interview with Coleman regarding his radio career, the ups and downs of supporting new talent in the modern media climate, as well as some of his highlights (and a few low-lights he’s had to work with) from these past ten years of broadcasts. As a reliable and dedicated fixture of the New Jersey music movement, Coleman has seen the great potential in the artists of the region and has carried on against the odds, including moving the show to different stations and more.
Coleman has said, “My cousin gave me Led Zeppelin IV for my twelfth birthday and it literally changed my life forever.” The receipt of that record was the impetus behind a career in music, first as a drummer and later as an ardent supporter of New Jersey’s artist communities; eventually leading him to become a published entertainment journalist and radio personality.
Rock On Radio debuted on April 26, 2009, on WIFI 1460 AM Radio in Burlington County, N.J. as a one-hour weekly program featuring interviews and live performances largely by unsigned independent artists, bands, and entertainers.
The popularity of the program grew quickly and so did its length; expanding to a full two hours causing Coleman to abandon terrestrial radio for the vast audience of internet broadcasting resulting in syndication in the U.S., the UK, and Canada.
As the show’s audience increased, national artists began part of the focus as well. Performers such as John Oates, comedian Louie Anderson, Steve Hackett, the late Peter Tork, and many more have called into the program and interacted with Coleman and his guests; offering insight, advice, and amusing anecdotes.
Coleman also writes a weekly column entitled “Rock On…” which appears every Thursday at www.NewJerseyStage.com — the column regularly interviews local and national artists, reviews, releases, and provides a list of upcoming shows in the New Jersey area.
The Rock On Radio 10th Anniversary Concert in Asbury Park, April 24, Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Avenue, 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. You can find out more at his website, https://dannycolemansrockonradio.com, and hear the show on Sundays, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST, on www.coaradio.com.