Asbury Park, N.J. may not jump right out to you as one of the country’s top live music hubs. In fact, there’s a strong chance that people reading this from places outside of the New Jersey tri-state area may not have an even heard of the coastal city.
But for any supporter of live music and the clubs fighting to keep it alive should immediately familiarize themselves with Asbury Park.
A few streets in from the boardwalk and the shore, you will find a number of venues that host both original music and cover bands.
The crown jewel of the city’s musical landscape is The Stone Pony, a world-famous rock-and-roll venue located on Ocean Avenue that has been a starting point for musicians and bands such as Bruce Springsteen, The Ramones and Jon Bon Jovi and has provided its stage to names such as Meatloaf, Joan Jett and Blue Oyster Cult.
The Stone Pony opened its doors over 40 years ago and still continues to draw in international acts for both its indoor and Summer Stage shows.
Asbury Lanes and The Saint are two other historic Asbury Park music spots, both promoting original music more toward the punk/rock genre.
The former was the earliest venue in Asbury Park, opening in 1961 on Fourth Avenue. Along with bands, Asbury Lanes hosts films, art and burlesque shows and has a bowling alley (hence “Lanes”).
Located more inland on Main Street, The Saint first started hosting music acts in the mid 90s. The venue welcomes back many local and nationally-touring bands again and again, with Incubus, Cake and Deftones just a few of the well-known bands to have come through The Saint.
Click the link below for a timeline of major events in the history of the Asbury Park music scene.
History of the Asbury Park music scene
Some information in timeline from various venue websites and Asbury Park Press.
Surround Sound 