The summer concert season at the Jersey Shore continues with a lineup of free shows produced by Tony Mart Presents, honoring the region’s musical history.
In 1944, Antonino “Tony Mart” Marotta purchased Schick’s Tavern on the Somers Point bayfront and opened Tony Mart’s Café. Over the years, the venue hosted notable acts including Bill Haley & His Comets, Levon & The Hawks (who would go on to become The Band), and Mitch Ryder. The club also gained recognition in the 1983 film “Eddie and the Cruisers.”
That tradition of live music continues this month with a series of concerts organized by Tony Mart Presents.
On Friday, July 11, Somers Point’s Beach Concert Series will feature Glenn Alexander & Shadowland, which includes members of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. They’ll be joined by the E Street Shuffle, a Springsteen tribute band featuring the Loughlin Brothers.
On Monday, July 21, the Jersey Gumbo Festival will take place at The Point, located at 998 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. The free concert begins at 3:30 p.m. and will include performances by Billy Walton, Popa Chubby, Denny Shiffler, and Hiro Suzuki. The show will be led by Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy, who will also perform traditional New Orleans and Cajun music. A gumbo tasting begins at 3 p.m.
The concert will conclude with a group jam session, with musicians performing into the evening alongside the bay.
Looking ahead, John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band will perform on Friday, Aug. 1, as part of the Somers Point Beach Concert Series. The group’s music was featured in “Eddie and the Cruisers,” parts of which were filmed in Somers Point.
Tony Mart Presents continues to organize live music events rooted in the area’s musical past, offering free concerts throughout the summer.
Let the good times roll!
