Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
With word that there won’t be any large-scale beach concerts this summer – heck, the much-loved Atlantic City Air Show is even being postponed until 2026! – two local upcoming multi-band concert events loom as being very important to the Jersey Shore’s 2024 live music and culture scene.
The AC Beer & Music Festival returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center April 12-13.
“We’re celebrating 18 years (in business as a festival) and we’re back inside this year,” said Jon Henderson, president and executive producer of Good Time Tricycle Productions, which also presents the popular Downbeach Seafood Festival each September.
“While people love (the festival) inside, they also love it outside, so we’ve split the festival into five sessions – three in April, and two sessions outdoors at Bader Field on July 13 (where we saw the incredible Dropkick Murphys last spring during the last AC Beer & Music Festival),” Henderson said.
As their website proudly states, “The sounds of the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival are one of our most important components, hence why we added ‘music’ to the name of the event back in 2012 (fun fact!).
Headliners for April’s Session No. 1 are Hot Mulligan, Free Throw, and Just Friends (April 12, 8 p.m.-midnight), while Session No.2 (Saturday, April 13, noon-4 p.m.) features full sets by Saves The Day, Catch 22, and Action Adventure. Session No. 3 (Saturday, April 13, 6-10 p.m.) sees Goldfinger, Cliffdiver and Keep Flying.
While we’re not up on the merits of all the aforementioned bands, Henderson – along with the very reputable Near Dark Entertainment – both have well-earned reputations for always booking top, cutting-edge talent each year.
Another popular attraction at the AC Beer & Music Festival is the Acoustic Stage, which is overseen and booked by local, music/420 event promoter, Stephen Weiss of Norstep Productions. It will feature 12 bands April 12 and 13 (three sessions each day, four bands per session performing).
“The Acoustic Stage at one of the country’s best beer and music festivals has long been the place for local independent bands to strut their stuff,” said Weiss. “This year’s return to the (AC Convention) Center marks the fifth time Norstep has hosted the stage. Each year we receive dozens of submissions; we try to book those acts that we feel not only translate well to the acoustic world, but that will represent Good Time Tricycle, Norstep, and Atlantic City with the same energy as we do.”
Among the artists playing the Acoustic Stage: Red Desert Motel, a “roots-rock cowpunk duo from South Jersey who describe their sound as Johnny Cash meets the Clash;” P-Funk North, “a musical cocktail with a reggae rock core who formed in North Plainfield, NJ (hence the band moniker P-Funk North); and Jersey Calling (pictured above), who formed in 2002 and whose sound is described as “containing all the hallmarks of the punk genre: power chords and catchy riffs backed by a driving bass and drumbeat, with a singer whose voice is reminiscent of the punk greats from the ’90s,” AC Beer & Music Festival tickets/info: www.acbeerfest.com.
Then on April 19-21, Jerry Ryan presents his 15th Annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival once again at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City. Ryan always features some of South Jersey’s more eclectic acts. An added plus is that this is an all-ages event, along with free parking across the street from TABH. Tickets/info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1333604533962037.
See you next time and please support local music!
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 also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
