By DON STINE
The 1980 graduating class of Ocean Township High School had a rockin’ good time in Asbury Park last Friday night. The high school class’s popular band, Nightfall, hit the stage at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park and played before its fellow classmates for the first time in 36 years.
“It went very well and it was awesome. It was a good evening with lots of music and memories to share,” band spokesman Jim Finn said.
About 150 to 200 Ocean Township alum, mostly from the class of 1980, showed up for the special gig. Nightfall used to playschool dances, proms, and some bars during their years in high school.
“A lot of people remembered the band and came up and told us we played at their junior prom or remember us from the (Ocean Township) Italian-American festival. So it was really fun,” Finn said.
Six To Midnight, another high school band that followed in Nightfall’s footsteps, also played Friday night.
Nightfall band members are Rob Van Brunt (bass); Finn (guitar and vocals); Mark Sleifer (lead guitar); Dave Carlisle (lead singer); and Doug Loedell (drummer). Their music is mostly classic rock, including songs by Cheap Trick, the Cars, the Beatles and Stone Temple Pilots.
Finn said the band members have has been rehearsing separately depending on where they live and that it was “interesting to put it all together” on Friday night.
“It was a lot of work and we did our homework. The band was tight and it brought back a lot of memories,” he said.
The reunion also met on Saturday night at the Shrewsbury home of alumnus Mitchell Anselm.
“It was a gorgeous night and we played an acoustic set by the Shrewsbury River,” Finn said.
