Plenty of music to make Christmas merry

Embrace the festive spirit of the holiday week with an electrifying lineup of live music events throughout Sussex County.

Friday, Dec. 22

Barry McArdle will kick off the weekend with a selection of rock tunes to get the crowd moving at 6 p.m. at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton.

Bryan & MJ will deliver acoustic harmonies, covering classic rock, country, alternative and modern hits and even taking requests at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta. This pre-holiday show full of musical delights starts at 6:30 p.m.

Darlene Love, the iconic singer, will perform her “Love Through the Holidays” concert at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., at 8 p.m. With a career spanning decades, Love is known for her powerful performances, including the legendary holiday classic “Christmas Baby Please Come Home.” Tickets start at $59 and may be purchased online at www.skypac.org

Glen Roberts will entertain the crowd with his selection of hot and iconic country tunes at Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, starting at 8 p.m.

At 9 p.m. head to O’Reilly’s Pub and Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton, for a night of karaoke, featuring your favorite holiday tunes and more. Go on stage and be the star of the show!

Saturday, Dec. 23

Maribyrd will enchant the audience with her acoustic arrangements starting at 4 p.m. in the cozy brewery setting of Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton.

Brian St. John will take the stage at 6 p.m. at McQ’s Pub, delivering a set of rock selections to keep the energy high.

Singer-songwriter Rick Winow will share his acoustic tunes at the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, creating a perfect Saturday evening vibe starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Fermenters will bring an eclectic mix of covers and originals, spanning Americana, bluegrass, indie folk and alt-country styles, at 7 p.m. at Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville.

Get into the holiday spirit with Frankie Goes to Dollywood at 8 p.m., and don’t forget to don your favorite and ugliest sweater for this festive performance at Brick & Brew.

At 9 p.m., Rich Ortiz will treat the audience to an acoustic and classic rock performance at O’Reilly’s.

Wednesday, Dec. 27

Danny C’s Wednesday Night Winter Concert Series at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., presents Kick Start Charlie, offering a “blast of brass” to wind down from the holiday hustle starting at 5 p.m.

Also starting at 5 p.m., Sean Henry will take the stage for another Wednesday night filled with musical melodies at McQ’s.

Thursday, Dec. 28

Join the open mic night at Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, 6 p.m. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m. This is your chance to showcase your talent or enjoy the diverse performances.

K&P Acoustically, a northern New Jersey-based duo, will perform its acoustic renditions and tasteful harmonies spanning different genres at Krogh’s starting at 6:30 p.m.

Or immerse yourself in the unique sound of Brother Flower, a Civil War Jam Band, as they take the stage for a fun performance at 6:30 p.m. at the Alibi Beach Bar & Grill, 172 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope.

Send information to Stef at themicnj@gmail.com