Tune In, Turn On
As we close the book on 2025 and welcome in the renewed hopes, goals and dreams of a new year, Tune In Turn On shines a light on some of the behind-the-scenes people in our small-but-mighty music community for their often unnoticed contributions. We’re calling them our Unsung Music Heroes for 2025.
John Loreaux: Acknowledged as the premier music photographer at the Jersey Shore, John is seemingly everywhere, all the time, shooting both national and local bands with the skilled precision of a pro who’s been at this for years. Loreaux is also Carmen and Nancy Marotta’s right-hand man, involved with presenting the yearly Tony Mart’s shows both on the A.C. Boardwalk, and at Somers Point beach. He’s helped discover bands such as local blues upstarts Twisted Livin’ and others, hiring them for the terrific yearly backyard parties he and wife Cami throw. He’s the MVP of our Unsung Music Heroes in 2025.
Jim Tuohy: He’s the proverbial patron of the arts, super supportive of our local music scene, particularly in the genre of jazz. Jim’s thrice-yearly live music parties at his home in Ventnor are much-anticipated events, where musicians play to appreciative crowds and can make a little money, too.
Steffen Klenk: One of my Shore Local colleagues, he makes the list for his great work ethic. He’s always willing to go shoot a myriad of events in the area, plus he edits SL’s Top Weekend Entertainment Picks column. He’s a tireless worker and has the kindest personality.
Betsy Lynn Paisley: The Den Mother of the Blues in South Jersey, Betsy not only throws great, intimate blues shows during the warmer months at her Sound Reflections /Betsy’s Backyard room, she also houses national music acts that perform at the Lizzie Rose Music Room.
Tina Notaro: Promotes cool indie rock and rave events via her Noetrope company at Anchor Rock Club and elsewhere, as well as her involvement with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and helping to run the City of Atlantic City’s yearly events at O’Donnell Memorial Park. She’s a tireless worker and a rising star in A.C.
DeCaf: Go to any decent blues or rock show from A.C. to Asbury Park, and you’re likely to see Darren Caffrey (DeCaf) with his trusty video camera, taping for his Dr. D’s Synchronicity podcast. Darren is always helping bands promote their shows with interviews and social media posts.
Amy Elizabeth: Singer-songwriter who fronts her own band and also helps organize events, such as the Women in the Arts live music series she’s co-promoting with Anchor Rock Club on Feb. 7. As a musician who can also write a decent press release, she’s definitely a step ahead.
Greg Mungan: Anchor Rock Club’s booker/head honcho not only has painstakingly built A.C.’s premiere non-casino music venue into a solid business entity, he’s as nice to the local bands as he is the national acts.
Jerry Ryan: Passionately promotes his yearly Elephant Indie Talk Festival and Music Awards events, featuring bands of all genres from the tri-state area – not an easy thing to do, but what he seems to have been born to do.
Scott Cronick/Matt Unversaw/Johnny Fones: Had to include a few of our area DJs: Scott Cronick hosts a weekday show “Off The Press” at WOND and is always interviewing bands performing in the area; Matt hosts “Strange Ways Radio” on WLFR 91.7 and spins music by local bands and also does interviews, and Fones, who hosts the “Stacks o’ Wax” show Tuesdays on WLFR, is an avid scenester who also can be found spinning occasionally at Anchor Rock Club, too.
Happy New Year!
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
