Sure, it's the time to be out and enjoy the sunshine. I would never tell you otherwise. But even the most ardent sun worshipper has to come inside at some point, so why not take in a local musical performance? Let's open up the musical calendar and take a look at some noteworthy concerts and performances in July.
There's no taking off the summer at The Vault at Victor Records in Berlin. Blood, Sweat & Tears fans and rock-history lovers can see founding member Steve Katz on July 14. Katz will perform and talk about his recentl -released autobiography "Blood, Sweat, and My Rock 'n' Roll Years: Is Steve Katz a Rock Star?" Also performing this month at The Vault is the singer and songwriter Sarah Lee Guthrie, continuing the family musical tradition from her father Arlo and grandfather Woody. New Jersey-based Nalani & Sarina, along with The Cryers, are the double bill for July 2. 150 S. White Horse Pike, Berlin. (844) 802-2557. victorrecords.com.
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Volume Café has its calendar full of musical events this month. Saturday nights are when the local musicians and bands come to play. This Saturday, you can check out the classic rock stylings of Matt DeAngelis. July 15 is a Summer Freakout, with several bands on the bill. The headliner for the evening is The Texas Leggs, with a unique take on bluesy rock. Other bands playing include Bill Roth & The Reason and Lost Art. Alt-rocky ShadowStation and trippy-poppy Psychedelic Elders do a double bill on July 29. On July 11, it's Volume Café's continuing series of hip-hop open mic from 8 to 11 p.m. Don't forget the All Star Jam sessions every Monday night from 7 to 11 p.m., and the open-mic nights, hosted by South Jersey's own LNJ Sessions, also from 7 to 11. 5600 Black Horse Pike, Washington Township. (856) 218-7777. volume.cafe.
Another unique multi-band event is coming to The Room at Harper's Pub this month. On July 15, it will be the Groove of the Summer, starting at 8 p.m. Agent Moosehead will groove its jazz fusion sounds from Philly. Also coming over the bridge is the funky and trippy sounds of Juice Wax. The home state will be represented by the instrumental rock group Ariables. Guitar ninja Matt Kraus has also been added to the show. Now you just need to add yourself. 1 Gibbsboro Road, Clementon. (856) 435-5655. facebook.com/TheRoomatHarpers/.
On a sad note, we recently had the closing of Carollo's in Hainesport – and with that, the end of Friday night karaoke at that establishment. Although I couldn't get there as often as I would have liked, the mix of friends old and new was always fun and entertaining. But the gang is finding a new home: Dadz Bar and Grill on Wednesday nights. Wednesday night karaoke at Dadz is from 8 p.m. to midnight, with drink and food specials to boot. Route 38 and Madison Avenue, Lumberton. (609) 267-4344. dadzbarandgrill.com.