There’s something special about seeing one of your own take the stage, and that magic is intensified when local musician Bill McMenamin plugs in his guitar and clears his throat, ready to play to the masses. One thing’s for sure: When McMenamin is set to perform at a local bar, the crowd always shows up.
Born and raised right here in South Jersey, McMenamin is a self-taught talent who’s been making waves on the local music scene with his sound and magnetic stage presence. His passion, authenticity, and deep roots in the community have turned him into more than just another performer. Around here, he’s a hometown favorite.
McMenamin grew up in Longport, New Jersey, where his parents still live today. Many of his other family members also live and grew up on the island nearby, and he credits both his family and the local community for shaping who he is.
“Family and community are some of the most important things in my life,” McMenamin said. “I think community means being supportive to people who are supportive to you. A good community gets back what it puts in, like ours.”
In the name of community, he played his first gig right on the island he grew up on and has been performing there ever since.
“Big shoutout to Lou Freedman at Bocca for giving me my first gigs here on the island. I remember being super supported by so many people even back when I barely knew how to sing into a mic,” McMenamin said. “It’s great to see a lot of those same people still showing up to shows today.”
And they definitely do still show up. Now living in New York City, McMenamin moved away from home for a job but can still be found playing and patronizing local bars most weekends. Since his schedule has become a bit more limited over the years, the shows he does play are extra special. So, if you see his name pop up on a bar’s Instagram page, consider it a sign to head out. Enjoy the music, meet new people, and have a good time.
“I don’t play as much as I used to these days, so when I do see people fill out a bar or restaurant for my gigs, honestly it’s insanely appreciated,” McMenamin said. “I look at it as a big responsibility too in a lot of ways. These people are taking time and money out of their day to have some drinks and listen to some music they’ve heard before. It’s my job to make it fun and personal for them, to help them connect to it in a way that’s different than just having a six-pack and listening to the radio.”
When it comes to his style, McMenamin says he just aims to make everyone feel comfortable. Whether it’s cracking jokes over the mic, calling out friends as they walk in, or just connecting with the crowd in genuine ways, it’s all part of his approach.
“I don’t think I try to be anything I’m not, and I know what my strengths are. I’m by no means the best vocalist you’re going to see on the island, nor am I the best guitarist by a very, very large margin,” McMenamin joked. “But I think I’ve found my niche in being able to connect with crowds. I’ve worked hard to be the best I can at bridging the gap between the joy and emotions I feel playing music, and the joy and emotions the crowd experiences while listening. If I can get even one person singing or dancing to a three-minute song and help them forget about whatever else is going on in life, that’s a win for me.”
Comfort, familiar tunes, and a happy vibe fill the air wherever McMenamin plays, and that’s exactly how his fans like it. While he jokes during most shows that the setlist rarely changes, you can almost always count on him playing favorites like “Atlantic City,” “Wagon Wheel,” and “Pink Pony Club” a few times throughout the night.
McMenamin’s love for music began early, thanks to his parents. His dad introduced him to guitar by showing him a few chords, and that spark quickly turned into a passion. He also took up classical violin and spent a few years in the county youth orchestra, though it didn’t last forever.
“My dad showed me a few chords as a kid on the guitar, and I took a liking to it. They got me involved in classical violin at that point, and I even played a couple of years in the county youth orchestra,” McMenamin said. “Unfortunately, when you’re 14 and trying to impress girls, you don’t think the violin is super cool. So, when I was supposed to be practicing my fiddle, I’d steal my dad’s guitar and learn songs on YouTube. Great idea to get me playing in bars, horrible idea for the quality of the orchestra those two years.”
While the orchestra may not have appreciated that diversion to guitar, McMenamin, and his loyal supporters, sure do.
Whether he’s strumming away or cracking jokes between songs, McMenamin brings more than just music to the stage; he brings heart, humor, and a deep-rooted sense of home. So next time you see his name on the lineup, show up, sing along, and soak in the magic that only a hometown favorite like McMenamin can deliver.
“I feel super lucky to be able to play for the people I’m closest with,” McMenamin said. “If you’re going to have fun doing something, you may as well do it with your people. I’m lucky I get to do that.”
