Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
While many people associate all the great entertainment here at the Jersey Shore with casinos – and much of it does take place at our nine gaming properties here in Atlantic City – there’s so much that goes on music-wise outside the casinos.
Great Day Fest This Saturday: “Our main focus is to give local talent the opportunity to showcase their talent on the big stage,” says Benjamin Howard, CEO of Dirty Politics Apparel, which will present Great Day Fest Summer Edition in AC’s Brighton Park Saturday, Aug. 19. Doors open at 11 a.m. You must be 18 or older to attend, 21 or older to drink.
“We’ve been (bridging) the gap between Atlantic City’s underground scene and mainstream to (shine) a light on talent that would otherwise go unnoticed,” Howard said.
No fewer than 50 deejays/musicians are scheduled to perform that day, so this should be an interesting event! There’s also vendors; concessions, live art, merchandise, food trucks, a speaker panel, photo ops, games, and more. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/705337671602779.
Funky Reggae Party at Anchor: The Anchor Rock Club on New York Avenue is so much more than just a rock club. There’s emo, hip hop, salsa, disco nights (to wit, there’s a Déjà Vu Reunion Party with former owner Buddy Morton on Sept. 3), fashion shows and even drag shows occasionally booked by ARC head honcho, Greg Mungan. Therefore, it’s no surprise that reggae music takes front and center this Saturday night (Aug. 19) at the Anchor with a cool triple bill featuring Ill Rendition, Buncha Scrubs, and Suburban Sensei. Some label these groups “alternative reggae” as they’re not “pure” reggae and incorporate elements of rock, ska, and even funk into their music as well. To which we reply, bring it! Early start (7p.m.).
Info: www.anchorrockclub.com.
And Then There’s Dead Reckoning: Yes, there are quite a few Grateful Dead/Dead and Company tribute acts around, but here at the Shore, we have one of the best: Dead Reckoning (pictured above).
I can attest to this, having finally seen/heard them a few weeks ago at Wednesday night’s concert at Ski Beach in Ventnor. This Saturday, Aug. 19, Charlie Wigo IV and crew will bring their talents (and full band) to Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City for a DR show from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No excuse not to attend: There’s always free parking at TABH across the street, and no cover charge. Expect the place to be packed.
Info: www.tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com.
Tony Marts Presents: Two great free shows this week: The Weight Band featuring members of The Band and Levon Helm Band (all the more poignant with the recent passing of The Band’s guitarist Robbie Robertson), at Mardi Gras AC Concerts on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m.; and Tom Hambridge and the Rattlesnakes featuring the four-time Grammy winner.
Hambridge recently performed in Atlantic City as part of Buddy Guy’s Farewell Tour (as his drummer) and opened many of the tour dates for Guy. Catch Hambridge at AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point, Friday, Aug. 25 (7 p.m.).
Band of the Week/No Clue Trio: One of the many great party/cover bands in the South Jersey area is NC3 or the No Clue Trio. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Dawn Manning, NC3 is actually a quartet: Richard Manning (guitar), Dr. Bob Sudol (bass), and Joe Monteleon (drums). As further proof of the group’s skill level, they’re booked by one of the top agencies in the tri-state area, Anthony Baker Entertainment. Catch the No Clue Trio locally at Caroline’s By The Bay in Somers Point Sept. 1.
More info on NC3 at www.nc3thenocluetrio.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.
