Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Concert of the week: The annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade happens this Saturday, March 8 on the Boardwalk. Those wishing to take a break from all the parade revelry should consider taking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party at AC’s Anchor Rock Club that day from 1 to 6 p.m.
Besides well-curated, Irish-themed rock music by one of our area’s best, DJ Sparkles, there’s also live music by Philly-based Bar Dust (pictured below), a highly-regarded tribute to The Pogues, one of Ireland’s finest rock groups whose surviving members reformed last year and will tour the UK and Ireland during 2025. Free show (beers cost extra). Info: anchorrockclub.com.
Betsy’s Backyard Blues is back: One of our area’s unsung musical heroes, Betsy Lynn Paisley, has announced her Betsy’s Backyard 2025 Spring Series “PotLuck Dinner and Music” schedule, and it’s a good one.
First up are two-time IBC semifinalists Blues People (March 25), followed by The ShaeLyn Band (April 8), Ryan Lee Crosby with Grant Smith (April 16), Dave Keyes (April 29) and Johnny Burgin with Harmonica Slim (May 17). More shows to be announced.
Betsy’s shows start at 6-6:30 p.m., so you can catch some fine, original live music in a friendly, cozy setting, grab a bite to eat while you’re there and still be home in time for the 10 o’clock news. Message Betsy on Facebook for additional info: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.paisley
Johnny & The Mongrels at the ’Rose: Right now is Mardi Gras time. Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton marks this fun-filled annual occurrence with a show by a band whose sound blends “swamp funk and Bayou soul.” Johnny & The Mongrels will perform Saturday, March 8.
The Louisiana/Colorado-based ensemble just released a new album, “Magnolia & Pine.” We predict a rockin’ good time for all who attend. See more on this show, and other fine artists coming to Lizzie Rose at www.lizzierosemusic.com/.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Legacy Concerts on the Bay in Somers Point: Carmen and Nancy Marotta report that both popular annual concert series will once again take place this summer.
“Look for an eleven-piece tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire; the return of the one of the greatest East Coast rockers in the world, Gary US Bonds; five-time Grammy-nominated ‘Queen of the Blues,’ Shemekia Copeland; the Prince of the Neville family dynasty, Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk; as well as the Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra paying tribute to the great Quincy Jones, and Jeff Bradshaw bringing the Neo Soul of Philly to his fabulously entertaining performances on the same night, August 13,” Carmen told us.
“On August 20th, the Boardwalk will become the site of Devon Allman’s Blues Summit with Jimmy Hall, vocalist from famed Southern group Wet Willie, plus guitarist Larry McCray, and the Neo Soul star of New Orleans Frenchman Street, Sierra Green.”
In Somers Point, the Tony Mart All-Stars will present their Tribute to the Classic Rock Guitarists (June 20). It will be “The Boss Meets the Jukes” when Southside Johnny’s lead guitarist, Glenn Alexander, brings the Asbury Jukes’ horn section to perform (July 11) the same night as premier Springsteen tribute, East Street Shuffle. On Aug. 22, grandson of legendary Conway Twitty, Tre Twitty, will join the great boogie-woogie piano players, The Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, along with blues-roots stalwarts, The Nighthawks, for a memorable musical party. Sept. 12 features renowned Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast singer/songwriter/pianist Marcia Ball, in the finale to the Somers Point 2025 Concert Series Season.
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. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com.
