Nearly 100 years into its legacy of live musical entertainment, Somers Points Concerts on the Beach has been nationally recognized as the Best Outdoor Concert Series in America by USA Today.
In an overwhelming display of regional pride and love for the unique and magical concert series, the people of the Northeast have given their hearts and their votes to Somers Point’s summertime staple.
It’s an appropriate award, coming on the 30th anniversary of the series founded by Nicholas Regine, then recreation director for Somers Point. The series is now produced by the all-volunteer Somers Point Beach Concert Committee led by Nancy and Carmen Marotta of the Tony Mart Legacy.
Because it was just across the bay from the pretty, pristine, “dry” oceanfront resort of Ocean City, entertainment establishments began to appear in Somers Point almost a century ago in the 1930s.
In 1944 a Sicilian immigrant discovered and acted upon the momentous opportunities in post-World War II America. The Marotta Family was one of many families including the Gregorys, DiOrios, Roy Steel, the Blakes, the Previtis the Antolinis the Corniglias, the McCanns, the McCains, the Thomas Family, the Circle Liquor Store, Walt’s Original Primo Pizza and several more organizations whose hard work and dedication to their small family businesses created one of the Jersey Shore’s original party towns, which ultimately became one of the most famous rock ‘n’ roll meccas on the East Coast.
The hard-working, opportunistic Antonino “Tony Mart” Marotta bought Schick’s Tavern and turned it into the legendary “Tony Marts,” which contributed 38 years of fame to the history of Somers Point.
Thirty years ago Nick Regine envisioned live concerts on the beach and in the last 18-20 years these Concerts on the Beach have increased exponentially in their scope and budgeting to become the top outdoor concert series in the country, regularly presenting Grammy-winning artists, million-selling recording artists, multiple New Orleans Big Easy Award and Memphis Blues Hall of Fame Award winners as well as members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll and International Blues Hall of Fame.
The series is deep in cultural content and patronage, supporting the artists and their careers; it is extensive in its diversity and distinctive in artistic talent.
Like all living things it can only proliferate in an environment conducive to growth. Somers Point is just that remarkable, historic shore town distinguished by great community leadership led by the mayor, City Council, the chief of police, the Public Works Department and thousands of volunteers, sponsors, and contributors.
Everyone who is a part of this deserves recognition, rewards, credit and heartfelt thanks for the profuse outpouring of support and good will that propelled all of us, as a community, to this truly remarkable accomplishment in a lovely small town of about 12,000 people.
Your Beach Concert Committee and the City of Somers Point are hard at work planning a special celebration.
Let the Good Times Roll!
One Response
It was funny to see my maiden last name (Antolini) in this story.
Nice to see him ranked along with those bringing fame to Somers Point.