Correction – Tom Donovan, a director of the Asbury Park Film and Music Festival and publisher of The Asbury Park Press, discussed the festival in a story in last week’s edition. He was incorrectly identified in that story. The correct story appears here.
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The festival will run over three days, Fri., April 21, Sat., April 22 and Sun., April 23.
The main attraction at this third annual festival is the movie “Just Before the Dawn,” directed by Tom Jones. It is the story of the legendary Upstage rock club on Cookman Avenue.
The film takes viewers through the music scene at the club through the late 1960s and early 1970s and includes exclusive interviews with many of the musicians who helped create the aura of the venue.
According to a release from organizers it also takes a unique look at the city in the 1970s and how riots impacted Asbury Park for years to come.
Tom Donovan, a director of the festival and publisher of The Asbury Park Press, said the film is a must for those interested in music.
“It points to the future as well…there are young kids in the film. If you are interested in Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore at all, this is a can’t miss film. “The film is phenomenal.”
Donovan said film maker Tom Jones looked through 100 hours of film.
The film makes its debuts Fri., April 21 at the Paramount.
It will be followed by a panel discussion and an old time music jam with many of the musicians who played there including Steven VanZandt, Southside Johnny, Sonny Kenn, David Sanchez and Gary Tallent
“It’s going to be a once in a lifetime event…it was an amazing couple of years,” Donovan said.
He also said the event will be captured on film so it can be given to the Bruce Springsteen archives at Monmouth University.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul (Steve VanZandt of the E Street Band) will perform Sat., April 22 at the Paramount Theatre on the boardwalk. Doors are at 7 p.m. Festival organizers have also announced that on Fri., April 21 at 4 p.m. Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul have added an additional performance at the House of Independents for a live episode of the public television live music series “Front and Center.” VIP tickets priced at $325 include an assigned seat in the first three rows, an invitation to a meet and greet with VanZandt following the performance, festival gallery pass and drink ticket. General admission (standing) tickets will be available for $75. Tickets are available at www.apmff.com.
On Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m. there will be two events at the House of Independents on Cookman Avenue.
The first will be Bob Dylan Archives II, a follow up to last year’s archive event which was a festival hit. It will feature rare footage from the archives at the University of Tulsa.
At 4:45 p.m Bob Santelli presents A Conversation with Max Weinberg, drummer for the E Street Band.
Tickets for both events are available at www.apmff.com and at the Stone Pony box office along with a full schedule of the three day event.
Sunday will be a big Beatles day with a screening of the John Lennon themed film “Imagine” and The Weeklings, a Beatles tribute band will perform followed by a panel discussion, all held at the Paramount.
A new addition this year is a festival app which can be downloaded at the Apple Store and contains info and schedule.
Donovan emphasizes that funds raised at the festival benefit city youth music programs including the Hope Academy Charter School, The Hip Hop Institute and the Summer Recreation Music Camp.
“It’s great for Asbury Park, great for fans of music and film,” he said.
Donovan fully expects the APMFF to be an annual event that will only get better with each year.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger, eventually it will be a national event,” he said.
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