Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
2024 has come and gone, marking a terrific year for live original music both in and outside of Atlantic City’s nine casinos.
Some of the top shows reviewed for Shore Local in 2024 include blues-rock guitarist Samantha Fish, a rising star presented by Carmen and Nancy Marotta/Tony Marts Presents. They also hosted free weekly concerts featuring Devon Allman (son of Allman Brothers co-founder Gregg Allman), Phantom Blues Band, Victor Wainwright & The Train, soul singer Curtis Salgado, and more at their Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk location in Atlantic City and on Bay Avenue at the beach in Somers Point. Carmen Marotta told Tune In, Turn On they are planning to book more big names for 2025.
We also caught a rare area performance by Lucinda Williams at Ocean City Music Pier last November. The California-based roots-rock queen hasn’t been the same since suffering a stroke a few years ago, but it was still a treat to see her live. Thanks to Robert Rose for making this one happen.
Atlantic City’s casinos also delivered standout entertainment in 2024. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted acts like Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Chicago (a personal Top Ten pick), Jane’s Addiction (likely their last tour), Hank Williams, Jr., Cypress Hill, Snoop Dogg, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall featured headliners like The B-52’s during the North 2 Shore Festival week, Brad Paisley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Lenny Kravitz.
Tropicana Casino presented Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg and A Brothers Revival (an Allman Brothers Band tribute).
Harrah’s hosted Todd Rundgren last May, while Borgata Hotel & Casino focused on comedy acts like Bill Maher. Golden Nugget brought in British pop-rockers Sweet in June and continues showcasing top tribute bands like Red every Monday during summer.
Jon Henderson’s Good Time Tricycle Productions will bring the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival back to the Convention Center on Saturday, March 29. The event features rock bands Senses Fail (Session 1) and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (Session 2). Scott Cronick’s AC Wingfest returns to Golden Nugget on Feb. 1 with music by Billy Walton Band.
The local music scene thrives thanks to venues like Anchor Rock Club, which opened in 2019 in the former Chez Paree building. Anchor Rock Club books national acts while supporting local talent such as Molly Ringworm, Deardarkhead, Te Vista, and Gutter Drunk. On Friday, Jan. 3, Solace – a premier stoner doom metal band – will perform there before embarking on a short tour and recording a new album slated for late 2025 or early 2026.
Other noteworthy South Jersey venues to keep an eye on in 2025 include Lizzie Rose Music Room, Josie Kelly’s Public House, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, and Albert Music Hall.
Happy New Year! See you in 2025!
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.