An unusual focus on Asbury Park predominates this week's Two River Times Arts & Entertainment section:
1. Excerpt from the featured positive review of Hair: "The second act works better here than anywhere else I've seen it. "The fortitude that tuned the recently-decrepit carousel building into a viable theater venue is praiseworthy in itself. What a pleasure to see Asbury Park's Boardwalk, virtually deserted for decades, bustling again with shops, strolling couples, laughing teenagers and, would you believe, even theatergoers...." 2. "The Original Sounds Of Asbury Park Return" A lot of good music has come out of Asbury Park. When the world discovered the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny, they got a taste of what its creators call S.O.A.P. (The Sound of Asbury Park) - real music of the Jersey Shore. On Friday, August 29 some (actually, quite a few) of those original creators will again be on stage at Asbury's preeminent rock venue, The Stone Pony, echoing the songs they played "back in the day." This reunion concert is being billed as the "ultimate Jersey Shore jam" and will benefit two prominent Asbury Park charities, The Mercy Center and Interfaith Neighbors. Among those hitting the stage will be The Thunder of E-Street Band; original E-Street Band drummer, Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez; Garry Tallent; Stormin' Norman Seldin of Red Bank; Doc "Fast Eddie Wohanka" Holiday; and special invited guests, which will include local singer, Pam McCoy-Minson of Fair Haven; Mark Herndon who is the youngest member of the Country Hall of Fame and drummer for the country super group Alabama; and Dale Herr, a guitarist with a long list of credits that include producing music for popular television shows like Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons. Those who have been in the area for a while and know the local music scene will recognize the other Asbury Park favorites over the years, Nicky Addeo, Mickey Holiday, Kenny "Mr. PopEye" Pentifallo, Leon Trent from Waterfront, Tom Wuorio, Donnie Lowell, Jack Valentine, John Consoli, Rick De Sarno, Jay Pilling, Patsy and Sam Siciliano, Johnny Petillo and Anthony Mirabile. Also in the lineup is a band from the early days of Asbury Park's golden age of rock, The Moment of Truth, who will also take the stage together for the first time in 40 years. This unique event will also be introducing a hot new band from Virginia Beach, called Wava. This young band (members are only 16 to 18 years old) has received worldwide acclaim for their self-titled first CD that incorporates aspects of the unmistakable sound of Asbury Park into their music. "This is going to be just a crazy event," says Asbury music scene veteran, Norman Seldin, is a founder of S.O.A.P. and key player in organizing the event. "There will be so many great players there and we've literally had interest in the event and recordings from all over the world." Seldin says that the last reunion produced over 17 thousand hits at the Ticketmaster site, proving there is still a vital interest in the music made by these pioneers of the Asbury sound. The event will feature a compilation CD release of "The Creators" entitled Asbury Park Then and Now by Stormin' Norman and Friends. The double CD features 45 original re-mastered tracks by local bands, The Motifs, Jaywalkers, Joyful Noyze, Soul Set, Uniques, Valtairs plus Nick Addeo and the Night Owls. Also released at the event will be a CD by Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez with his revival effort of the band, Steel Mill, the group he founded with Bruce Springsteen and Danny Federici. As if this event weren't unique enough, at some point in the evening the musicians will take a break and be available for questions from the audience. It's likely that performers will be swapping stories as they field questions and play unplugged versions of early songs and styles. This will be a rare opportunity for fans of the music to hear the original players talk about the early days of the Asbury music scene. This special event will take place on Friday, August 29 at 9 p.m. at The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. Tickets for this special event are available at the Stone Pony, or online at Ticketmaster. General admission is $17.50 in advance or $20 at the door. 3. A preview Tim McLoone's Supper Club's "Simply Barbra."
