Cigar Box Stompers play Rhythm & Spirits in AC on Jan. 13
Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
What some of South Jersey area’s top music promoters are up to for 2024 follows. This is our last column for 2023; we’re back Jan. 11.
“As old as we baby boomers are, our heart is in classic rock ‘n’ roll, the traditional blues, New Orleans rhythm and blues, late swing to rock ‘n’ roll and funk,” says longtime Jersey Shore promoter Carmen Marotta of Tony Mart’s Presents renown. Marotta, with wife Nancy, presented Summertime Blues/New Orleans-themed shows on the AC Boardwalk and in Somers Point (Curtis Salgado, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Gary U.S. Bonds, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux) and more.
“Entertainers like Devon Allman and Tedeschi Trucks are becoming the rock stars of the Americana Jam Rock scene, supported by Generation X audiences. These 30- to 60-year-olds are the active fans who attend, and support shows rooted in our older traditions.”
“The South Jersey Jazz Society will have a variety of music events to offer our fans in 2024,” promises SJJS’s VP and Artistic Director, Joseph Donofrio. “Our Spring Music Series will be three separate days with dates and artists TBA. The third date of this series is ‘Jazz on the Beach.’
“In the past we have had the likes of Tito Puente, Jr. and Edgardo Cintron,” Donofrio continued. “The Winter Series will start in late October. It will be a three-day themed event. SJJS also sponsors Tom Angelo’s All-Star Jazz Series, which happens twice a month throughout most of the year at Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point. The Jazz Society has built a unique and diverse fan base that is devoted to supporting jazz. It energizes us to secure world class jazz artists for our faithful followers.”
“2024 is our 10th anniversary at the Lizzie Rose. Our upcoming season will have a mix of new artists and many of our perennial favorites back in the Music Room. There will be some big surprises in the year ahead, so check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. We think the entertainment scene as far as 2024 goes looks positive,” says LRMR head honcho Lou Reichert, who runs the unique live original music room in Tuckerton.
“As the scene grows, I’d love originality in the arts to grow with it, more venues offering opportunities for original artists to showcase their music,” opines Elephant Talk Indie Festival promoter, Jerry Ryan. “More promoter collaborations, more people out supporting local owned, small businesses and more responsibility in the press/radio to cover local events/local original artists in their article rotations.
“Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall understands this,” Ryan continued. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to host two Elephant Talk Indie Music Festivals at their venue in 2024.”
Speaking of which: TABH’s Scott Cronick was omitted in last week’s column for the “Best Promoter” category. Sorry we forgot you. Jason Goldfarb at Near Dark Entertainment, you, too.
“NorStep is busy in 2024, with three rock shows: Jan. 13, 20, and 27 at Rhythm and Spirits (in Atlantic City),” says promoter Stephen Weiss. “April brings festival season and a re-imagined 420 Fest. Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival moves back inside in April and once again NorStep will host 12 original bands on the acoustic stage. Look to the Orange Loop to be the hub for independent entertainment with multiple places offering entertainment.”
On a personal note, thanks to Cindy and Bob at Shore Local for publishing a great magazine each week, and thanks for reading the column. Happy New Year.
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.
