Upcoming Events

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

The Sam Houseal Band is an emerging Americana/Rock/Folk/Indie/Soul/group from Nazareth, PA. 

The Big Trip is an eclectic jam band from the South Jersey/Philly area. Fronted by father and son team - Chris and Dylan Willits, along with Philly’s very own Joe Manning - they specialize in the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Dawes, The Band, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, and so much more. Taking on songs they love, they jam the hell out of them - whether there are jam band tunes or not, lol. Always a fun show  - The Big Trip will have you dancing and singing along all night. 

The New Hope Nonet, a wide ranging 9 piece jazz band featuring 6 horns, piano, bass and drums has had a fourth Sunday of every month residency for almost 2 years at Dharma Bums, 4935 River Road, Pt Pleasant, Pa (5 miles North of New Hope).

To celebrate the 3^rd anniversary of Dharma Bums, the innovative lap steel guitar (aka Hawaiian steel) master Mike Neer joins the band for 2 sets of live music this Sunday July 26^th from 6-9pm. The centerpiece of the set is a bold reimagining of the 18^th century Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel’s classic orchestral composition “Pavane”. It will feature Neer’s steel guitar in front of the 9 piece ensemble, with the well known and beloved piece completely updated and revised for today. Neer will also be performing other pieces with the New Hope Nonet ranging the gamut from Classic Americana, Jump Blues, superior compositions from great jazz composers and more.

Neer’s 2016 released debut CD on steel “Steelonious” (featuring his unique steel in a quartet setting) received abundant airplay and rave reviews worldwide.

“Steel guitarist Mike Neer has just put out a deliciously warped, dare we say paradigm-shifting album of Thelonious Monk covers for lapsteel. You’d be crazy to miss this”

Delarue/New York Music Journal

“One of the truly original instrumental albums in recent memory consists entirely of covers of compositions by jazz piano legend Thelonious Monk played on steel guitar. . Not merely one of the best instrumental CD’s of the year, Steelonious is one of the year’s best CD’s, period!
Dan Forte/Vintage Guitar (Feb 2017)

Neer’s 2^nd cd “Keepin’ it Real” (released 2022 featuring compositions by jazz greats including Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, McCoy Tyner) and “Steel Dossier” (2026, with material from Patsy Cline to Claude Debussy) have continued and expanded on his well received trail blazing path.

Mike Neer has been playing guitar since he was a teenager, and has devoted himself exclusively to lap steel guitar since 2004. He has absorbed the lessons of Hawaiian steel masters such as Sol Hoopii (in fact Neer was bequeathed Hoopi’s steel guitar) and Nashville steel guitarist legends such as Buddy Emmons.. However Neer has taken the lap steel in an altogether new, iconoclastic and jazzier direction.

New Hope Nonet saxophonist, chief composer/arranger and musical director Mike Kaplan and Mike Neer forged a strong personal and musical bond, having played hundreds of gigs together in the 1990s through the early 2000s. This is their first artistic collaboration since Neer made the switch to lap steel guitar.

The New Hope Nonet features some of the the NJ/NY/Pa area’s strongest and most in demand creative and versatile improvising musicians. The band’s book spans a wide range of material from Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton through Monk, Mingus, Shorter through Marvin Gaye and Peter Gabriel, all filtered through the 21^st century sensibilities of the bandmembers. NH9’s repertoire also encompasses Latin, funk and World music.

Come this Sunday July 26 and CATCH THE EXCITEMENT!
For tickets: https://dbums.seatengine-sites.com/shows/375712

For info on Dharma Bums: www.dbums.com

For info on New Hope Nonet: www.newhopenonet.com

For info on Mike Neer: http://www.steelonious.com

Seated upstairs with dinner & cocktail service available

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Murray's Law emerges from the profound creative synergy between Brian Murray and Jimmy Law, both known for their roles as guitarists and vocalists in Dogs In A Pile.

Dogs In A Pile has captivated audiences since forming in 2019, rising from a local Asbury Park, New Jersey act to one of the most exciting up-and-coming acts in the jam band world. Their fan base, affectionately dubbed the "Dog Pound", has grown significantly since their inception, thanks to a vigorous touring schedule and numerous sold-out shows across the nation.

Murray's Law delivers an acoustic experience that highlights vibrant covers alongside a compelling mix of original compositions, making each performance bold and engaging. The intimate settings in which they perform provide the perfect backdrop for audiences to connect with the raw musical prowess and spellbinding energy that Brian and Jimmy bring to the stage.

Guitarist Stanley Jordan has formed a new band called Stanley Plays The Dead. Stanley describes it as “Cosmic vibal variations on the music of the Grateful Dead. We're adding more jazz elements, while keeping the original musical feel and the trippy vibe.” Over the last 10 years or so, Stanley has been a frequent guest with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Stanley says, “Since I've been playing with Phil a lot of his fans have started coming to my shows. I wanted to reward them with something that I knew they would like. I also wanted to bring new people in to share in the spirit of openness and belongingness that this music brings about.” 

Here are the band members, all of whom sing as well as play instruments: 

STANLEY JORDAN was raised in Palo Alto, California—the very city in which the Grateful Dead was formed. In this band he uses his signature tapping style while still paying homage to Jerry Garcia's lilting melodies. 

Drummer KENWOOD DENNARD is unique among drummers, and he's influenced multiple generations of musicians of all instruments. 

Bassist GREG KOERNER brings a lifetime of experience playing Grateful Dead music. 

JESSE HIATT is the band's keyboardist and second guitarist. He brings the blues, African, Brazilian, funk and R&B.

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

"Friends of Jerry is a Grateful Dead cover band that sounds very little like the Grateful Dead. Drawing from punk, post rock, shoegaze, krautrock, and jazz, FOJ uses the Dead catalog as a springboard for trance-inducing improvisation and danceable groovecraft. By purposefully eschewing the tired tropes of the Dead cover band world, they have created a sound and a community as unique and varied as their influences, while remaining true to the Dead’s rambling, wanderlusty ethos. Founded in 2021 by guitarist Sean Reilly (Mumblr) and drummer Kevin Paschall (Roof Doctor) as an offshoot of their long running psychedelic two-piece Brown Rainbow, they soon enlisted Tommy Fala (Half Thought) on keys, Andrew Meagher (VVeed VVolf) on bass, Danielle Zabielski on vocals and electronics, and Zach Coleman (Witch Bomb) on guitar. Their music inhabits a vast universe, flirting with spacious and effected landscapes, tight and focused speed metal riffage, and deep exploratory jazz excursions, all framed by a deep reverence for the Dead songbook."

Deal aims to continue on with spirit of The Grateful Dead, putting forth their own flavor and voice!

Come find your tribe! Join the Psychedelic Community of New Hope every 2nd Sunday of the month at Dharma Bums. This casual social gathering brings together a diverse, heart-centered group of individuals who share an interest in personal growth, healing, and building a community of like-minded people. DBums offers a safe and supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn more about the power of psychedelics. Whether you’re an experienced psychonaut or just curious, you’re welcome here!

https://www.meetup.com/psychedelic-community-of-new-hope/
https://www.unleashnewhope.com/

Comedy Night Open Mic is at Dharma Bums — where brave jokes, big feelings, and slightly unhinged observations are always welcome. Come try new material, cheer on your pals, or just soak it all in with a drink in hand.

Sign-ups at 6:30 PM
Starts at 7 PM
Hosted by Jeannette Orr

No cover, Cellar bar

Swara Modi is an 19 year old singer/songwriter from Pittstown, New Jersey. She is currently a student at Berklee College of Music studying Professional Music with concentrations in music business, music production and songwriting. Swara has been a musician since before she could walk or talk and has even participated in musical theatre shows at her high school and local community theatre playing roles such as Wednesday in The Addams Family, Sandy in Grease and Peter Pan in Peter Pan. She plays numerous instruments including guitar, piano, ukulele and bass. Additionally, Swara has released original music on all streaming platforms under her full name “Swara Modi” and is excited to release more and continue performing! Follow her socials to join her on her musical journey! @swara.modi

The Barn Owls are a jam band born in 2023 out of a barn in Jackson, New Jersey.

We play a variety of of music such as as  Grateful Dead,Rolling  Stones, Allman Brothers ,Bob Dylan,The Band,Santana,Dire Straits, Meters

After a handful of spontaneous jam sessions, it became clear that this lineup of seasoned musicians had something special — a chemistry that blends blues, rock, Americana, and improvisation into something all their own. With some members playing together as far back as the late 70s, the band brings a lifetime of experience to every stage, and a shared love of letting the music breathe and go wherever it wants to go. Between them, they've shared bills with some of the biggest names in blues and rock, played stages from smoky bars to major festivals, and never played the same show twice.

Spider Daniels — guitar, vocalsAl LoBue — guitar, vocalsTim Prahm — bass, vocalsDoug Scocco — keysBob Cebalo — harmonica, percussionSteve Taylor — percussionRalph Albano — drums

"What Would Jerry Do?" plays the music of The Grateful Dead, The Jerry Garcia Band, as well as the occasional non-dead curveball. What began as a one off tribute show to honor the passing of long time Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter in 2019, quickly flourished into a monthly performance called "Steal Your Sunday" in the band's hometown of Lancaster, PA. Over the past seven years of their existence, the band has gradually expanded its reach to include numerous events both public and private across Pennsylvania. The members include Matt Hosttetter (Hoss & Friends, The Quiet Riders), Josh Kanusky (The David Bromberg Band, The Quiet Riders), Tuck Ryan (Tuck Ryan, The Quiet Riders), Caden Myers (Sun Not Yellow, The Quiet Riders), Jake Joyce (The Jake Joyce Band, The Quiet Riders), and Nate Young (Andy Mowatt's Frequency Movement). Together, these musicians present a unique take on the music of The Grateful Dead for an unforgettable live concert experience.

Hosted by Shaun Ellis

​wdvr 89.7 FM broadcast live from the Dharma Bums stage

local acoustic acts

supporting community radio

$10 suggested donation, pay what you can

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, BIG BLITZ combines dance, jazz, rock, and electronic musical influences to create their own dynamic sound. Brothers Lucas Ciesielski (Tenor Sax, Bari Sax) and Mason Ciesielski (Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Synthesizers) unite with drummer Nick Grabigel to forge their unique, infectious style. The trio’s chemistry, energy, and stage presence makes dancing mandatory, rather than optional. Their meld of vintage instruments with modern technology consistently mesmerizes audiences and delivers a huge, hard-hitting sound that will create an unforgettable show.

Be5D was formed in 2023 as one of Mark Diomede and Juggling Suns' projects. Be5D’s approach to the Grateful Dead catalog focuses on exploratory improvisation. Be5D is currently playing shows in NJ, PA, DE and NY.

The New Hope Nonet (NH9) is a 9 piece jazz group of stellar musicians that plays fresh interpretations of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Jelly Roll Morton, Wayne Shorter, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Joyce Moreno, Marvin Gaye, Horace Silver, Paul Desmond, Don Pullen, Gerry Mulligan, Sun Ra, George Adams, and Fats Waller.

FEATURING:

Mike Kaplan - primary arranger and composer, tenor sax

Todd Bashore - alto sax

Dan Monaghan & Peter MacDonald - drums

Anthony Nelson - bari sax

Chris Rogers - trumpet

Peter Rushing - piano

Jim Stagnitto - trumpet

Ian Young - trombone

Steve Varner - bass

Seated upstairs with dinner & cocktail service available

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness

It is often said that the private eye works in the shadows, quietly gathering information In the pursuit of evidence. Silence follows the spy. For there must be no trace. Suspense, Intrigue, Excitement. Every motion must be carefully calculated, if the spy is to remain undetected. Special Characters embraces the ebb and flow of the eternal mission, maintaining funky excellence and liquid grooves. Personnel includes Sammy Ciravolo (guitar), Mike Allen (drums), and Tristan Haraschak (keyboards, flugelhorn), Specialist’s in their own respective territory, this band of vagabonds has what it takes to make you want to shake. (Your booty that is) 

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness

Beggar’s Pay - Paying tribute to the Grateful Dead, was formed in 2023 by former members of ChinaCat Jubilee. The core band consists of Mike Coyne - Bass , Gianni Iacovino-rhythm guitar , Kenny Q- drums Star Coyne- vocals, and Gabe Lipko- Keyboards. Beggar’s Pay uses a rotating cast of lead guitar players ensuring a new and exciting experience at each show. This lineup will include Mark Diomede on lead guitar plus the double drum section of Jerry Horan & Kenny Q!

Fans of the Karmic Repair Company will be familiar with The Reverend Graham, serving up sermons from the rock and roll pulpit.

As a founder of the Blue Wave Ramblers he has further mined the catalogues of numerous artists for rare gems and offered up unique arrangements of well loved classics. As a member of the 9-9ers he has additionally explored artists and songbooks unique to that project.

Beginning in February, Graham Ford will step back onto the pulpit for a series of 1st Sunday Evenings that focus on the songwriters that have shaped his playing, singing and writing in an intimate solo setting.

Comedy Night Open Mic is at Dharma Bums — where brave jokes, big feelings, and slightly unhinged observations are always welcome. Come try new material, cheer on your pals, or just soak it all in with a drink in hand.

Sign-ups at 6:30 PM
Starts at 7 PM
Hosted by Jeannette Orr

No cover, Cellar bar

Come find your tribe! Join the Psychedelic Community of New Hope every 2nd Sunday of the month at Dharma Bums. This casual social gathering brings together a diverse, heart-centered group of individuals who share an interest in personal growth, healing, and building a community of like-minded people. DBums offers a safe and supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn more about the power of psychedelics. Whether you’re an experienced psychonaut or just curious, you’re welcome here!

https://www.meetup.com/psychedelic-community-of-new-hope/
https://www.unleashnewhope.com/

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Muscle Tough, Philadelphia’s premier Futuristic Funk Fusion trio, specializes in a heavily improvised blend of modal jazz, funk, and rocking psychedelia.

Their creative use of sound design and group-minded improvisation blurs the line between their originals and the quirky pop classics they stretch out on.

"Too Busy 4 Jail" (2025) is a testament to what happens when you combine road-hardened material with hi-fi studio magic. Mixed by Grammy-winning engineer John Davis at The Bunker Studio, Muscle Tough's kaleidoscopic approach has never sounded better, from in-your-face funk fusion to Pink Floyd-dosed jazz to straight-up polyrhythmic tech-metal.

"Goes to Hell" is a love letter to the band's improvisational chemistry. This live album is entirely improvised from start to finish, without edits – a myriad of nightmarish bliss, transcendental moods & true compositional telepathy on display.

With a revolving door of guests including members of Phish, MMW, Dopapod, Lotus, Snarky Puppy, and DJ Logic, along with a reputation for their sprawling late-night sets, Muscle Tough invites audiences around the world to GET TOUGH!

Instagram @muscletoughband

Band Members:

Ross Bellenoit - Guitar

Jonathan Colman - Bass

Joe Baldacci - Drums

Nik Greeley is known for being arguably the best frontman & performer in Philadelphia, and has established himself as one of the most entertaining musicians in the area, often being compared to the likes of James Brown, Joe Cocker, and Jim Morrison.

Greeley has had the pleasure of opening for respected artists such as George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Gene Ween (Ween), Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Shuggie Otis, Bernie Worrell (P-Funk, Talking Heads), Fishbone, Moon Hooch, Andy Frasco & The UN, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Rusted Root and many more.

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Jonah Lloyd (guitar, vocals), Brian Lally (mandolin, guitar, vocals), and JP Wasicko (percussion) perform open-ended versions of Americana, rock, and songwriter classics. Their style is improvisational at times with hints of bluegrass and country. Due to their dynamic interplay, no two shows are ever the same.

Ben Krakauer/Grant Gordy/Chris CoyleGrant Gordy (guitar) and Ben Krakauer (banjo) are both leading instrumentalists in today’s bluegrass and modern string-band circles. Both alumni of (the legendary) David Grisman’s bands, they play with a host of unique groups and artists. They’re joined by bassist Chris Coyle, who brings jazz and experimental music to the string-band tradition. They’ll play adventurous traditional tunes, arrangements and originals.

Matt DavisGuitarist, composer and educator Matt Davis is a visionary musician and artist involved in various scenes and traditions. He has played with Jazz legends such as Dave Liebman and Odean Pope. He has long been active with experimental and chamber ensembles in NYC and Philadelphia. He is an accomplished song-writer, as well as a composer of unique, ambitious works for large ensembles. He'll share an opening set of (mostly) original pieces. 

grantgordy.com
benkrakauer.com
chriscoylemusic.com
mattdavisguitar.com
video sample - Grant Gordy + Chris Coyleaudio sample - Matt Davis bandcamp

The New Hope Nonet (NH9) is a 9 piece jazz group of stellar musicians that plays fresh interpretations of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Jelly Roll Morton, Wayne Shorter, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Joyce Moreno, Marvin Gaye, Horace Silver, Paul Desmond, Don Pullen, Gerry Mulligan, Sun Ra, George Adams, and Fats Waller.

FEATURING:

Mike Kaplan - primary arranger and composer, tenor sax

Todd Bashore - alto sax

Dan Monaghan & Peter MacDonald - drums

Anthony Nelson - bari sax

Chris Rogers - trumpet

Peter Rushing - piano

Jim Stagnitto - trumpet

Ian Young - trombone

Steve Varner - bass

Seated upstairs with dinner & cocktail service available

Come join our Wednesday night Hootenanny. Take the "stage" with instrument, comedy sketch, poem or favorite composition or just cheer from the audience. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness!

Jen Howard is an American singer / songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, born in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Although coming from a blue-collar, religious and home schooled upbringing, Jen's music is a mic of Folk, Roots, Reggae and Sophisti-Pop. Her music's central themes include; human nature, love, courageous motivation and intentional compassion for ourselves and others. In 2024, she release "Still", the follow up to her 2019 debut EP "Motion".

Fans of the Karmic Repair Company will be familiar with The Reverend Graham, serving up sermons from the rock and roll pulpit.

As a founder of the Blue Wave Ramblers he has further mined the catalogues of numerous artists for rare gems and offered up unique arrangements of well loved classics. As a member of the 9-9ers he has additionally explored artists and songbooks unique to that project.

Beginning in February, Graham Ford will step back onto the pulpit for a series of 1st Sunday Evenings that focus on the songwriters that have shaped his playing, singing and writing in an intimate solo setting.

The Wild Hymns enchant their listeners with velvety vocals, emotive, meditative lyrics, captivating groove and sophisticated arrangements. Hailing from Central Pennsylvania, Megan Woodland, Jeff Hewitt and their band weave a multifaceted soundscape of folk-pop, art-rock, and Americana. Since their birth in 2014, The Wild Hymns have independently released 4 full-length albums of original songs and toured internationally as both duo and full band, building a solid fan base of dreamers. Throughout 2024 they are releasing a series of singles from their upcoming live-in-studio album.

Space Antelope is a high-energy tribute to the legendary, embracing the essence improvisational spirit of Phish's music— exploratory jams, tight musicianship, quirky lyrics, and a deep connection with the audience. You can expect a heavy diet of Phish favorites, some Grateful Dead sprinkled in, clever mashups and fun covers.

Come find your tribe! Join the Psychedelic Community of New Hope every 2nd Sunday of the month at Dharma Bums. This casual social gathering brings together a diverse, heart-centered group of individuals who share an interest in personal growth, healing, and building a community of like-minded people. DBums offers a safe and supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn more about the power of psychedelics. Whether you’re an experienced psychonaut or just curious, you’re welcome here!

https://www.meetup.com/psychedelic-community-of-new-hope/
https://www.unleashnewhope.com/

John Pronto blends the soul of folk, the grit of blues, and the openness of Americana into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal. His music captures the essence of life’s struggles and triumphs, exploring love, heartache, and redemption with unfiltered honesty. With a voice that carries both warmth and raw emotion, Pronto draws from the storytelling traditions of American roots music.

Born along the banks of Montgomery County’s Diamond Run, the Jody Drive Band (JDB) enjoys exploring and expanding the American Stringband Songbook. The group enthusiastically shares their musical adventures spanning traditional Old Time fiddle tunes, Bluegrasss standards, cross-over New Grass and folk songs, along with a smattering of originals.

From bluegrass festivals to local brew pubs and community stages, JDB brings Delaware Valley audiences toe-tapping good times with contagious energy and a sense of humor.

Mike Beaujeste, vocals and guitar; Pete Scarola, banjo and vocals; Owen Osborne, mandolin and vocals; Samina, fiddle and vocals; Bill Spink, bass and vocals.

Zimmy Shelter brings its acclaimed Jersey Shore–bred tribute to Dharma Bums in New Hope, PA on Black Friday 2026. Known for its disciplined musicianship and attention to detail, the group presents a focused interpretation of The Band’s landmark farewell performance, honoring the arrangements, tone, and collaborative spirit that defined the original show.

Led by Chris Fay, the ensemble features Bunker Strout (vocals, guitar, fiddle), Mike Flynn (vocals, guitar), Danny Caruso (bass), John Pittas (piano), Justin Hetrick (vocals, drums), and Joe Grillo (horns, percussion). Together, they deliver a tight, ensemble-driven performance rooted in authenticity rather than imitation.