Depending on where in New Jersey you are from, the phrase "the city" connotes either New York or Philly, never a city all our own - Trenton.
With its reputation as one of the state's most violent cities, most students at the College avoid spending much time in our neighboring capital city.
But Trenton, as any student who has disregarded the rumors and trekked the few miles across its boundaries will tell, has a vibrant entertainment scene.
And overlooking it leaves many students missing out.
Conduit
For students who love to dance and/or rock out, Trenton's renowned Conduit Music Club offers musical entertainment for all tastes and preferences. The popular club features both well-known and local bands and artists, as well as DJ-driven dance parties.
The College's own alternative rock band, The Embassy, will be playing the Conduit on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
The Embassy consists of guitarists/vocalists Matt Morone and Mike Rabasca, junior secondary education major and senior business administration major respectively; bassist Andrew Ferencevych, junior history major; and drummer/vocalist Jason George, junior criminology and justice studies major.
"It's the first time we'll be performing the songs from our new EP live," Ferencevych said, "so we're pretty excited."
The Embassy's concert is one of a series of shows called the "Ultimate College Band Showcase" that will headline student bands from various colleges in the New Jersey-Pennsylvania area.
Beginning Feb. 28, the Conduit will also host "College Night" every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. Students 21 and older can dance to the Swat Team DJs or just grab a drink and mingle.
Matt Leibowitz, special events manager at the Conduit and an alumnus of the College, expressed his enthusiasm about College Night.
"I would love to build a relationship between the club and the school, and I think this would be a great start," Leibowitz said.
On College Nights the Conduit will provide free transportation for students at the College outside of Brower Student Center.
The Conduit is located at 439 S. Broad St. For more information visit conduitmusic.com or call (609) 656-1199.
War Memorial
Since 1932, the Trenton War Memorial's Patriots Theater has been a venue for some of the 20th century's finest entertainers and musicians.
Upcoming events include a Feb. 26 performance by the irreverent and incomparable comic George Carlin. Carlin will be joined by fellow comedian Dennis Blair. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are now on sale for $39 or $44.
For music lovers, B.B. King, the legendary bluesman who visited the College last year, will also play the Patriots Theater on March 23 at 7:30 p.m. The show is part of King's 80th Birthday Celebration Tour. Tickets are now on sale and range from $39.50 to $100.
The Trenton War Memorial is located on Memorial Drive in the historic Capitol Complex along the Delaware River. For information on these or other scheduled events visit warmemorial.com.
New Jersey State Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Trenton in the Capitol Complex, the New Jersey State Museum combines exhibits in fine art, archaeology, cultural history and natural history.
The four-story museum houses permanent and traveling exhibits, a 380-seat auditorium and a 150-seat planetarium. Exhibits can also be seen throughout the year at the affiliated Galleries at 225 West State Street.
While the main building and planetarium have both been undergoing construction and are set to reopen soon, the galleries are operating for regular business, and the museum's caf? has been relocated to 225 W. State St.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are accepted.
The New Jersey State Museum is located at 205 W. State St. near the corner of Calhoun Street. For more specific visitor information or dates of reopening, please call (609) 292-6464.
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies
Famous for its delicious tomato pies, this landmark in the historic Chambersburg neighborhood is as accommodating as any New Yorker - patrons stand on line outside the store regardless of the season, and when it gets too busy the owners take the phone off the hook.
But the pizza is so good and the atmosphere is so classic, it's difficult to criticize.
DeLorenzo's is located at 530 Hudson St. For hours of operation or more information, please call (609) 695-9534.
Mill Hill Saloon & Eatery
Located in the historic Mill Hill section of Trenton, the Mill Hill began as a restaurant/jazz club. But in recent years the bar has expanded its musical acts, securing rock, blues and folk gigs.
Today, the Mill Hill stands as one of Trenton's quintessential bar experiences.
With a large bar-food menu, a tap list that includes many local and regional favorites and a packed schedule of music performances, twentysomethings in the Trenton area flock here.
And the pub's central location makes it a perfect stop after a day of exploring all the city has to offer.
The Mill Hill is located at 300 S. Broad St. at Market Street. For more information or to view menus please visit millhillsaloon.com or call (609) 394-7222.
-Katelyn McCormick, Arts & Entertainment Editor; Matt Stambaugh, Arts & Entertainment Assistant
