Coaster Photo by John Cavanaugh
Southside Johnny is just one of the artists scheduled to perform at the North to Shore festival in June
By CAROL GORGA WILLIAMS
A three-city celebration of the arts and technology – in which Asbury Park will figure prominently – will kick off June 7 and feature performances in Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark.
The event was announced by Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy on stage of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Prudential Hall last week. The announcement was held in the presence of Asbury Park Mayor John B. Moor and the chief executives of the other locations, including Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.
The North to Shore festival also was endorsed by John Schreiber, NJPAC president. One of the sponsors of the event is Madison Marquette, who is a redeveloper of the Asbury Park oceanfront who is at odds with the city and who has been the recipient of a number of default notices from the city. Two venues owned by the redeveloper where live performances have often been held in the city – Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre- have been closed due to safety issues.
This inaugural, month-long festival is meant to showcase the state’s talent, diversity and creativity. Events are scheduled for June 7 to June 11 in Atlantic City, Asbury Park from June 14 to June 18 and Newark from June 21 to June 25 in more than 50 venues.
“Today, we are thrilled to announce North to Shore — New Jersey’s first multi-city festival celebrating the very best of music, comedy, film, and technology,” the governor said during a press conference. “This superstar event, held over three weekends in June, will attract folks from all over, creating another great reason for tourists to visit the Garden State as well as opportunities for local businesses in three of our iconic cities to shine. These festivals will generate economic activity and have a significant impact on our region and we look forward to shining a light on the diversity, creativity, and energy that makes New Jersey unique this summer.”
From producers to artists, filmmakers to comedians, this month-long celebration will also serve as an opportunity to elevate dozens of local performers and talent, said the First Lady.
“We look forward to sharing New Jersey’s exceptional culture with the rest of the country and enjoying a festival that will undoubtedly be like no other,” she said.
Local favorites will be joined by global headliners including Halsey, Santana, the B52s, Remember Jones, Bill Burr, Jay Wheeler, Stephen Colbert with Jim Gaffigan, Alanis Morissette with Aimee Mann, Marisa Monte, Daymond John, Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, Natalie Merchant, The Smithereens, Brian Fallon, Southside Johnny and dozens more. More performers are expected to sign on. They will be joined by comedians and leaders in business, technology and clean energy,. Film screenings also are planned.
NJPAC will produce this three-weekend extravaganza in collaboration with partners including Montclair Film, Newark International Film Festival, Tech United/Propelify and MediaSense.
Music and comedy programming will be produced in collaboration with a cohort of other presenters, including SJ Presents, Madison Marquette, Live Nation, Platinum Productions and Absolutely Live!
For cinephiles, a North to Shore Film Pass offers access to multiple screenings. Technology enthusiasts can use a Tech Pass to take in every one of the demonstrations of New Jersey’s newest inventions with a focus on those developing sustainable, Earth-friendly innovations.
“We are big fans of the work the New Jersey Performing Arts Center does connecting communities to culture and we are grateful to be one of three cities partnering with them for the North to Shore Festival highlighting the arts, innovation and creativity,” Asbury Park Mayor Moor said.. “Asbury Park has a prolific arts scene — and while we are best known for our musical history, we are also home to a wealth of creators in all art forms including film, dance, theater and the visual arts. Asbury Park’s creative spirit and diverse talent makes us the perfect place to show off both local artists and artists from around the great state of New Jersey.”
Local producers and art organizations in all three cities are invited to apply for funding to present events showcasing their city’s unique cultural community. Applications will be accepted through March 24 at njpac.submittable.com.
Presenting partners for music and comedy include Madison Marquette, SJ Presents, LiveNation, Platinum Productions and Absolutely Live!
