Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Last weekend was electric entertainment-wise at the Jersey Shore, with this weekend seeing no letdown. Let’s get right to it.
Peach at the Beach: The Grateful Dead/Allman Brothers-themed event that came last weekend to the Island Waterpark-Showboat Resort, was a success by all measures, with great sets turned in by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dogs In A Pile (who killed it while performing way up high in the Island Waterpark’s Treehouse Bar), Karina Rykman, Trouble No More (who expertly performed the ABB’s classic “Eat A Peach” album in its entirety), cool DJ jam band music, and more.
The music and entertainment were spread out over two separate areas: the Waterpark itself, and outside the Showboat where a stage was erected. The vibe was great, and attendance looked to be solid.
A Saturday night after-party and Friday night’s pre-party with Disco Biscuits, were both in the Showboat’s Bourbon Room, which was once home to the House of Blues, bringing back music memories of a time when Atlantic City was a destination for virtually all big touring bands.
Bart Blatstein, who developed Island Waterpark and opened the multimillion-dollar structure last July, told us, “We would certainly consider hosting more music-themed events as this weekend’s concert certainly was a great success.
“The Showboat’s outdoor concert venue was alive with thousands of festival-goers having a great time. People are traveling from near and far to Showboat and Island Waterpark because we offer non-casino entertainment the whole family can enjoy. It’s exactly what Atlantic City needs to attract more visitors.”
Here’s hoping there’s a Peach at the Beach II in AC next year.
Goo Goo Ghouls At Sea: One of the most fun boat parties we attended last summer was Maribeth’s Hot Ghoul Summer Party, departing from Gardner’s Basin, cruising the bay and taking in AC’s bright lights while listening to some bangin’ tunes, with food and drinks available.
She’s running it back again Saturday, July 20, with exceptionally cool DJ sets by Kat Seventeen, Danny Fanta, Mighty Mike Saga, and Karnage Jey, to name a few. These sell out so I suggest purchasing your tickets ASAP.
Tickets/info: eventbrite.com/e/hot-ghoul-summer-atlantic-city-2024-tickets
Atlantic City, New Orleans, and Tony Mart’s: What do these three have in common? Every Wednesday, Atlantic City (on the Boardwalk, Kennedy Plaza) is transformed into a Mardi Gras-like party when Tony Mart Presents offers its free weekly shows. Next Wednesday, July 24, is a whopper: Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz, featuring performances by New Orleans musicians Dave Malone (from The Radiators), Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, one of our favorite Zydeco accordion players, Johnny Sansone; and the Honey Island Swamp Band (pictured above), the latter who are touring and also play Tony Mart’s Somers Point Concert Series Friday, July 26 (also free), and Convention Hall in Cape May on July 29. Guitarist “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin rounds out quite a night on July 24. Information at tonymart.com/Concert-Calendars
Te Vista Rocks The Anchor: This band’s been on our radar for some time, and have quietly built a nice local following. Te Vista plays Anchor Rock Club this Friday, July 19, with an opening set by Frankie Mermaid. Richard Allen Hardin and Niko Berardo are the main songwriters in Te Vista; if Berardo’s name sounds familiar, it’s because music runs in the family. His dad, longtime area musician Adam Berarado (aka 1adam12) plays with rock accordionist, Malcolm Tent. Te Vista info: tevista.bandcamp.com; anchorrockclub.com.
Until next week, make sure to Tune In and Turn On!
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.
