Shore Local Talent
By Krystle J. Bailey
Jim Craine, also known as “The Singing Lifeguard” has been entertaining the South Jersey area for 47 years. This summer, live performances are back in full swing featuring Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Star Band.
Jim runs the gamut when it comes to entertainment. As a comedian, singer, impressionist, and music shop owner, one would think Jim’s schedule is too full for anything else. However, you can hear him every Saturday night on WOND-AM radio hosting the only primetime entertainment show in the area.
Jim’s story began in Atlantic City where he was born and raised. In 1963 he started working on the Steel Pier where he would do just about anything to be involved in show business, including but not limited to “cleaning up” behind the infamous diving horses.
During his formative years at Steel Pier, Jim had the honor of meeting and learning from some of the greats in entertainment. From sitting on the piano bench with Duke Ellington to witnessing Michael Jackson’s first tour, Jim’s famous line is, “you name the act, I saw them.”
For 25 years, Jim served as a lifeguard with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, earning him the nickname, “The Singing Lifeguard.”
Being the “jack of all trades” that Jim is, it is no surprise that his live performances offer audience members a full entertainment experience. Playing alongside his band of 47 years, Jim brings his musical performances, comedy, impressions, and nostalgic stories to one stage.
This summer, Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Star Band are back on the road. They will be opening the Brigantine Community Center June 9th from 7-9pm to kick off the summer season. Then on June 25th, the band will perform the opening concert for the Rhythm in the Park Series at the Tony Canale Amphitheatre in Egg Harbor Township.
When Jim is not busy performing or hosting radio show guests, you can find him at his family owned music shop in Pleasantville or volunteering his time for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The Pleasantville Music Shoppe has been in the family for over 83 years. Now run by Jim Craine and his wife, the shop once belonged to Jim’s father in law.
Jim’s entire life has been centered around music in some capacity. After all these years in show business, Jim explains that he has just as much fun performing with his band as he did in the beginning. Show business is in Jim’s DNA and South Jersey has had the pleasure of enjoying his performances for nearly 50 years.
Upcoming Event Details:
Brigantine Community Center
265 42nd Street, Brigantine, NJ
June 9, 2021
7:00-9:00pm
Bring your own chair
Tony Canale Summer Concert
Sycamore Avenue off of Dogwood Avenue
Egg Harbor Township
June 25th, 2021
7:00-9:00pm
Visit www.JimCraine.com for more information and upcoming events.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet
KrystleJBailey.com
