Hitting the high chords December is alright at Uncle Joe’s

Uncle Joe’s bar in Jersey City still going strong after more than a year showcasing live original indie acts ranging from alternative rockabilly to hard punk. The compact showroom and bar has featured top local acts like Rye Coalition and Dirt Bike Annie, and even faraway bands like Shopping.

This month, booking manager Shaun Towey has put together a lineup of terrific bands playing something for everyone.

On Dec. 4, The New Years, Bastion and The Finals will rock the back room. Finals, originally from North Jersey, will perform their brand of up-tempo art punk.

The next night, The Brilliant Mistakes, True Love and The Yams will rock the stage. The Mistakes are devouring through the indie New York City scene and gaining a large fan base with their energetic shows and solid tunes.

On Dec. 6, The Lonesome Prairie Dogs and friends will host a ranch party featuring honky-tonk melodies guaranteed to make audiences drop. "Uncle Joe’s gives us the space to express our music," said Steve Strunsky, lead singer for the Dogs.

And on Dec. 7, The John Raido Band finishes up the week with mellow rock styles. All the shows are $5 and start at 9 p.m.

"Our first week is rock solid. Jersey City folks and people from the area are invited to check out what we’ve got here," Towey said during a recent interview.

The following weekend, on Dec. 12, Pilot to Gunner, The Milwaukees, and Houston McCoy perform.

"The Milwaukees are coo too. Good dudes. I used to wait tables with the drummer," Towey said.

On Dec. 13, North Jersey indie heroes Particle Zoo play with Tris McCall and Karwreck. And on Dec. 14, local band Delicious plays two sets to finish off the weekend.

On Dec. 19, Big In Jersey presents their brand of trip punk with a pop tone at 9 p.m.

Uncle Joe’s bartender Joe Condiracci, a singer/songwriter, will begin an unplugged session every Monday at the venue starting in January.

"I’m proposing a night in which we feature songwriters and their songs," Condiracci said. "I’d like to give the talented people in this area an opportunity to step out of what it is they usually do."

There’s also mellow house and acid trance with classic rock tunes spun by DJ Billy Filo on Thursday and Saturday nights. DJ Andy spins rock on Wednesdays.

Uncle Joe’s is at 154 First St. in Jersey City. For information visit www.unclejoesbar.com or call (201) 659-6999. q

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