Tune in, Turn On
Nashville Unplugged, Dollyrots, Rory Block, the Harrisons — these are a few of the many cool original music alternatives in our Shore area this weekend and beyond. There’s an awful lot of good musical choices, and that means we all win.
Nashville Unplugged, Borgata Music Box,
Aug. 9, 16:
Into country music? Want to know what it takes to be a successful songwriter in the ultra-competitive, high-stakes Nashville country music scene? Check out what Aaron Benward and his fellow country music songwriters are up to at “Nashville Unplugged,” happening Saturdays, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 at Borgata’s Music Box, 8 p.m. each night. The shows are 21 and over, no cover. The press materials call the events an “immersive show,” so perhaps these performers — Benward, Cameron Bedell, and Jimmie Allen on Aug. 9; Benward, Wynn Varble, and David Lee on Aug. 16 — will be taking questions from the audience while sharing the stories and music of some of country music’s most famous songs. For more information, see borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html.
Dollyrots with Black Widows, Anchor Rock Club, Aug. 9:
In an environment where indie, alternative, punk rock and emo dance music are definitely the underdog, Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City continues to not only present some of today’s best original bands, but also gives our area’s local bands a 500-plus venue with great sound to gig at, meaning said bands don’t have to schlep to Philly to play a good room. I can’t claim to know a whole lot about The Dollyrots, who play the Anchor Aug. 9, but we do love the aggressive pop-punk vocals of front-person Kelly Ogden. Plus, their 2019 album, “Daydream Explosion,” on Miami Steve Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records has been well-received. Openers Black Widows are an all-female surf-punk band from Minneapolis that played a cool set when they opened here for the Surfrajettes last February. Information: anchorrockclub.com.
The Harrisons, Lizzie Rose Music Room, Aug. 8:
Gotta love the husband and wife that also work together, making music, no less! That would aptly describe Christian and Jennifer Harrison, who play Lizzie Rose in Tuckerton this Friday. Their sound is “original soul and Americana music.” That’s two thumbs up right there. Hailing from Andover, New Jersey, they’re both multi-instrumentalists — so they’re in essence creating the sound of a full band! Lizzie Rose is a short drive up the Parkway, or take scenic Route 9, which the intimate 70-seat room is located directly off of. For more information, see lizzierosemusicroom.com.
The Avett Brothers, Hard Rock, Aug. 9
The North Carolina ensemble has built a loyal following with constant touring and good recordings, utilizing a folk sound heavy on harmonies. Their 2024 self-titled record was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, one of the best in the business, whom the group has worked with in the past and recorded for Rubin’s American Recordings label in 2008. For more information, go to: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/the-avett-brothers.
Tune-ups: Stevie Nicks reschedules dates, but AC Show firm
Every Wednesday on the Boardwalk during Tony Mart’s weekly shows, I see flashing billboards announcing that longtime Fleetwood Mac star vocalist Stevie Nicks is coming to Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall Oct. 18. Now comes word that Nicks, 77, is postponing her August and September shows due to sustaining a fractured shoulder. The good news for us Jersey Shore music fans: Nicks will be performing again by October, so her AC show is a go! For more information, go to boardwalkhall.com.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
