Tune In Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Bamboozled: Okay, well that happened (actually it didn’t). This longtime festival, resuscitated by original founder John D’Agostino in 2020 after being dormant since 2012, had the virtual plug pulled last Friday, a scant week before the three-day event was scheduled to take place at Bader Field in Atlantic City.
Bamboozle – which in the past featured such big-time acts as Bon Jovi, My Chemical Romance, Foo Fighters, Skillrex, and more – was ultimately done in by paperwork, or rather, their lack of filing the necessary permits with the City of Atlantic City.
“There was an ongoing concern that we were not getting the required documents from festival organizers in a timely manner,” AC Business Administrator Anthony Swan said. “We asked for this information months in advance to protect the city and the taxpayers of Atlantic City.
“The event was fast approaching, and these issues were still unresolved.”
Bamboozle was also plagued with many fans claiming they were initially charged exorbitantly high ticket fees that were suddenly, extensively lowered once tickets were on sale, and who were stymied in attempts to get refunds.
Meanwhile, NorStep Productions is stepping up to present a show featuring five of the groups who were finalists in the recent Bamboozle Break Contest, which would have seen these bands performing at Bamboozle (two of them on the main stage), this Saturday, May 6 starting 2:20 p.m. at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall’s Outside Stage: Painted Young, Age of Ore, Misery, Specter, and Kobi Reese.
There’s no admission fee, says NorStep’s Stephen Weiss, but they’re currently working to ensure the bands get paid (please donate graciously that day to the tip jar!).
Speaking of Weiss, his recent 420 Festival went off without a hitch, and we saw/heard a band we loved there, The Record Keeper, straight outta Clifton. Look them up and check them out. Terrific female lead vocalist, kind of a modern-day cross between The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde and Pat Benatar. Hope to see them play the AC/Shore area again soon.
Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City is also going forward with its previously planned Sad and Boujee Bamboozle after parties this Friday and Saturday night, May 5 and 6, with Limp Biscuit front-man Fred Durst switching his scheduled appearance at the ARC from Friday to Saturday. More at http://www.anchorrockclub.com/.
Mardi Gras AC Concerts A Go: The summer slate of shows for Mardi Gras AC is taking shape, and what a lineup, starting with longtime Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, who kicks off the season June 28 with his Martin Barre’s Jethro Tull band (expect to hear “Aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath” and “Living In The Past,” among other memorable tunes).
Also on the schedule: Louisiana’s Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. IIs Sont Paris Band, along with past Grammy nominee and smooth blues crooner, Sugaray Rayford (pictured in above photo) on July 5; Heather Hardy and the Lil’ Mama Band (July 12); George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners (July 19); Johnny Sansone Band (July 26); Tito Puente Jr: The Living Legacy of Latin Jazz (Aug. 9); Shemekia Copeland Band (Aug. 16); and The Weight Band (featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band, on Aug. 23. Look for shows on 11 consecutive Wednesdays (taking place on Kennedy Plaza, across from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall) up until Sept. 6.
“More headliners will be announced soon,” says promoters Carmen and Nancy Marotta, who are also to be congratulated for being voted the ‘Best Outdoor Concert Series in America’ in a national contest sponsored by USA Today, for their great Somers Point beach concerts, now celebrating their 30th anniversary. Well done! All shows are free and family friendly. Info: http://www.tonymart.com.
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.
