Music is coming to St. John’s Island in Sunset Lake, Asbury Park thanks to the Asbury Park Music Foundation.
The new music series, billed as “an intimate show” starts Sun., Sept. 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring Steve Forbert, with an opening performance by local artists, Ocean Avenue Stompers.
Proceeds from the $35 ticket sales, snacks, water, and Music Saved Asbury Park merchandise will benefit the music foundation’s music education programs for under-served youth in Asbury Park and support local musicians who have been deeply affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
City Councilwoman Eileen Chapman, who is on the Board of Directors of the music foundation, said they needed to find a way to fund the youth music programs since so many fundaisers have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic..
“This is an opportunity to raise revenue and fund the programs,” Chapman said. “There’s not a lot of music happening in Asbury Park and this is a change to have music and raise funds for our youth.”
In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, reserved spots will be marked and spaced six feet apart (spots are for 2 people each). Masks will also be required.
All attendees are asked to bring their own beach chairs or blankets and drinks.
Limited snacks and water will be available for purchase.
There are no restrooms on St. John’s Island, but the foundation is working on a potential solution and will update this information as it becomes available.
Due to space constraints, dogs will not be allowed.
Gates open at 2:15 p.m.
The concert is the first of its kind on the island. It is also the first time an event has been held there in more than a decade. The last event, a garden party, was sponsored there by the Asbury Park Garden Club.
There is parking in many locations surrounding Sunset Park (both metered and free). Walking or biking are also options.
Donations will be accepted, but they do not count as an entry ticket.
This series is made possible by the generosity of sponsors and the musicians who believe in supporting their community through the power of music.
Sponsors are: Max and Bella Shulman endowment; Asbury Park Press; The Coaster; Local Mogo; Premselaar Foundation and Rockrete Recycling Corp.
For more information go to asburyparkmusiclives.org/stjoh
St. John’s Island is on Sunset Lake (entrance on Grand Avenue, between Sunset and Fifth Avenues.)
The series lineup includes Sept. 13, Steve Forbert/Ocean Avenue Stompers; Sept. 20, Connor Myers/TBA; Sept. 27, Cranston Dean/Jackson Pines; Oct. 4, Bobby Bandiera and Friends; Oct. 11, Sandy Mack and Friends/Stringbean and The Stalkers; Oct. 18, Glen Burtnick and Friends/Emily Grove and Oct. 25, A Very Asbury Holiday Show with All Star Band featuring Tony Perruso; Jillian Rhys McCoy; Eddie Testa; Anthony Krizan and more.
