Tony Mart and The Point, the Jersey Shore’s premier tropical tiki bar, will present the Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off and Louisiana Music Festival on Monday, July 21, 2025, at The Point Tiki Bar, located at 998 Bay Ave. on the historic Somers Point bayfront.
This family-friendly event, inspired by the vibrant culture of Louisiana, is free to attend and features an all-star lineup of live music, children’s activities, and award-winning gumbo.
The music festival will showcase five hours of live performances beginning at 3:30 p.m. Violin virtuoso and musical director Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy, whose credits range from Greenwich Village clubs to the Tucson Symphony, will headline alongside three outstanding guitarists: Jersey Shore’s own rock and soul hero Billy Walton, Somers Point blues-rock standout Denny Shiffler of Twisted Livin’, and Hiro Suzuki, Hardy’s longtime accompanist. Expect a lively blend of New Orleans classics and American standards, with the added flair of Cajun/Zydeco squeezebox sounds.
The afternoon begins at 3 p.m. with a meet-and-greet tasting party featuring unlimited gumbo samples for $20. The tasting includes dishes from many of South Jersey’s top chefs and past Gumbo champions, including:
- Chef David Goldstein, 2023 King Gumbo Champion
- Executive Chef Philip Gormley, The Smithville Inn
- Chef Joseph Sheridan, Director, Atlantic Cape Community College Academy of Culinary Arts
- Chef Dan Luber, Greate Bay Country Club (2024 People’s Choice Winner)
- Chef Niko Karamanis, Galloway Casual Dining
- Executive Chef Robert Levenson, Resorts and 2024 King Gumbo Champion
- Chef Mohammad, owner of The Golden Pyramid Restaurant
Additional contenders and champions will also be featured.
Twisted Livin’ will kick off the music with soulful grooves to pair with the gumbo tasting. The full concert runs until 10:45 p.m., concluding with a high-energy jam session along the bay.
The event also includes free face painting, balloons, and kids’ activities. The Point’s light and tropical food menu and full bar will be available throughout the day.
Admission, live music, and parking are all free.
Gumbo tasting wristbands are $20 per person.
Experience the spirit of New Orleans and the legacy of summer fun at the Jersey Shore at The Point, just across from where the legendary Tony Mart’s once stood.
For more information, visit www.tonymart.com or follow @TonyMartPresents on Facebook and Instagram.
Also visit: www.concertsonthebeachinsomerspoint.com
Let the good times roll!
