Side gig

Tavern patrons sipped their favorite beverage while chatting at a table or the bar. The band played on at one end of the room, churning out spirited versions of soft-rock hits like the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Stuck in Lodi” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

People enjoying themselves in a bar while a band played familiar tunes. That weekend scene played out simultaneously in numerous New Jersey watering holes. But on this Saturday night in Middlesex Borough, there was a slightly different twist to the musical entertainment in one venue.

The band playing there – Mama’s Stew – has worked the Central Jersey tavern scene for about 15 years. The group’s drummer/vocalist – Jack Mikolajczyk – is a familiar face to anyone versed in Middlesex Borough municipal government.

A Republican, Mikolajczyk won the Middlesex mayoralty in the 2023 general election while running unopposed. Previously, he served three Borough Council terms as well a stint on the Board of Education, part of it as president.

While there were many other cover bands entertaining throughout the Garden State on this night, few others, if any, included elected officials like a sitting mayor. How many of Mama’s Stew’s listeners knew or even cared? After all, a night out with a few drinks and a band is supposed to be about a good time, not public officials.

While performing, Mikolajczyk fosters anonymity of his mayoral role. Close friends who come to a Mama’s Stew gig know that he presides over Middlesex Borough Council meetings. Most in the band’s tavern audiences do not.

“I don’t advertise the fact, or tell people that I’m the mayor of Middlesex,” Mikolajczyk said. “I’m just some guy in a band. I actually like it that way. The music – for me – is stress relief.”

The worlds of music and local politics do not clash at a Mama’s Stew gig. The band deftly navigates Middlesex Borough’s often deep-rooted tavern loyalties. On this particular Saturday night, Mama’s Stew is rocking out Tim Kerwin’s. The Stew has frequently played crosstown-rival Ellery’s and is doing so again in early January. The respective owners of each bar are listed among the band’s “friends” on its Facebook page – true bi-partisan support. 

Another frequent Mama’s Stew gig site is Top O’Th’ Hill Tavern in Bridgewater. Recently, the band played a Republican event at the Dunellen Theatre.

Along with Mikolajczyk, Mama’s Stew comprises guitarist Chris Marchant, bass player Bob Ingram and Joe Andreaocci on keyboards. All share vocals with their drummer. Occasionally, Hank Greco fills in on bass and Peter Allen subs on guitar.

Mikolajczyk’s musical journey began like many others, by taking up an instrument as a kid. As a youth he played in both marching and stage bands and honed his talent at Immaculata High School in Somerville, which is known for its music program.

Along with a cousin, he did paying gigs at weddings. He was later a member of various bands that penned their own music and sat-in with others. Like many Central Jersey young adults in the late 1970s, he was a fan of the Good Rats, watching them perform at area clubs. By the early 1980s, Mikolajczyk’s list of venues played included legendary New York City night spots CBGB’s and the Mudd Club.

While Mikolajczyk and his wife were raising their children, his music gigging went on the shelf for a period of about 11 years. At a late 1990s block party, he hooked up with the local band Walnut Street and renewed his live music career.

Mikolajczyk again played and sat-in with various bands. Circa 2008, he and other musicians formed Mama’s Stew. and have continued on since. Last year, he was recruited to perform on “Over and Over,” an album of original music by Rich Campanella and the Sunrise Band that is available on Spotify.

Cover bands such as Mama’s Stew play primarily for the love of music, according to Mikolajczyk. The sum that band members earn at gigs, he said, amounts to “beer and peanuts money.”

There are several keys to a successful cover band, he said. One is the ability of the group’s members to get along. Another is to realize that while you might not enjoy playing a particular song, some of your bandmates might.

It’s also crucial to work well with tavern owners, try to give your audience what it wants, and realize there are different aspects to a night’s gig. If your audience is in a dancing mood, give them music that will keep them on the dance floor. At the same time, sprinkle in a few slower numbers to give them chances to catch their breath.

Over a roughly five-decade career, there are likely few Central Jersey bars he hasn’t played, Mikolajczyk said.

At the same time, the years of experience lend familiarity and ease to playing gigs. “‘Brown Eyed Girl’ really hasn’t changed much in 50 years,” Mikolajczyk joked.

Reminder

Subscribe to Inside – Middlesex. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It is absolutely free.

Visit Inside – Middlesex on our new Facebook page.