A reunion celebration of two legendary hot spots at the Jersey Shore is being held at The Headliner in Neptune on Fri., Aug. 10.
The staff and customers of Montego Bay, which was located in Belmar, and Long Branch Dance Sanctuary Tsunami, are invited.
According to a release from organizers Fred Palumbo and Tommy Sueta, from 1982 thru the Summer of ’87, Montego was The Party Paradise of the Jersey Shore; many years before fist pumping and bad behavior was emulated and trashed on MTV.
Both landmark nightspots attracted music lovers from New Jersey, New York and around the country, once its reputation spread.
Every June until September, Montego filled its 1,200-person capacity almost daily…with an overflow of nearly 600 people regularly waiting on line.
The Saturday and Sunday afternoon matinees became a Shore legend when droves of dancers escaped to this high-energy heaven, leaving their workweek behind. It brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Shore, becoming an integral part in the success of many businesses.
Further north, Tsunami anchored the Long Branch club scene, featuring underground and mainstream dance music. National recording acts performed regularly as the venue developed a serious dance following as a New York style nightclub.
Original Montego Bay and Tsunami DJs Tony Monte and Freddie Palumbo will return, playing music from the era, a cornerstone of The Bay and Tsunami.
Owner/Mgr. Don “Beada” Ward injected both places with a jolt of electricity, copied throughout New Jersey and will host the upcoming reunion…with some original bartenders back behind the bar.
“A year doesn’t pass without someone sharing a memory from Montego Bay or Tsunami. When reminiscing about these clubs, people well up with tears because it reflects such a meaningful time in their life. The gathering of our co-workers is a ‘thank you’ to everyone, while offering a step back into a simpler and more enjoyable world,” Monte said.
“Montego Bay and Tsunami were realms of release for masses of clubgoers. To be entertained or employed at either venue was a mind blowing experience. On Friday, Aug 10 for one night only, we come together to relight the fire,” Palumbo said.
Ward said, “Tommy Sueta and Carney Vetrano, owners of The Headliner, made this special event possible. The reunion will feature a video booth where everyone can share personal memories of Montego Bay, which may be used in a documentary, reflecting when it was the soundtrack of the Jersey Shore.”
There is also a Facebook Event Page that includes updates and comments. Original Montego Bay memorabilia and special prizes will be raffled off at the event with proceeds benefiting Tails of Hope.
“If you ever walked through the doors of either club, you’ll once again enjoy what was an unforgettable time in your life. If you hadn’t, you’ll experience a little taste of what clubs emulated but never duplicated,” Sueta said.
