The Ocean City Pops will perform a special concert featuring the music of the legendary composer John Williams on Sunday, Sept. 3 at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Over a span of eight decades, the movie music of Williams has touched the lives of every living generation. Having worked with Williams, Maestro Vince Lee has become one of the premier interpreters of his music and is thrilled to continue this annual celebration of his works. Expect to hear big hits (“Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones”), family favorites (“Harry Potter,” “E.T.”), along with the Ocean City debut of the stunning music from the movie “War Horse.”
The Ocean City Pops will also perform on Wednesday, Aug. 30 when they present the “Great American Songbook.” The show will feature Emily Margevich performing favorites from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and many more. Referred to as the “star of the 2022 Ocean City Pops season” by Maestro Vince Lee (due to her three separate appearances, including one on short notice), Margevich returns as a headliner. She stunned audiences in 2022 with her remarkable versatility, singing opera, Broadway, and popular tunes with equal vigor and expertise, while also having everyone in stitches with her humor and panache. For tickets to both Pops shows, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the welcome centers at City Hall, the Ninth Street causeway or the Music Pier Box Office.
The 2023 Boardwalk Concert Series will continue with the Wailers performing at the Music Pier at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. The reggae band was formed by bassist Familyman Barrett and remaining members of Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Wailers are currently on tour and recording in the studio. Check the Music Pier Box Office for ticket availability or visit Ticketmaster.
Ocean City will celebrate Labor Day with its 32nd annual Labor Day Race on the beach at 23rd Street on Monday, Sept. 4. The beach runs include a 5-mile race on the beach from 23rd Street to 46th Street and back, along with a 1-mile health walk/run and a 1-mile kids’ course. The races start at 9 a.m., and race-day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.ocnj.us/OCNJ-LABOR-DAY-RACE.
CONTESTS AND WEEKLY
HAPPENINGS
This will be the final week of the season for Mummers Night (Tuesday, Aug. 29) and Family Night (Thursday, Aug. 31) on the Ocean City Boardwalk and for Funtastic Tuesday (Aug. 29) and Market Days (Aug. 31) along downtown Asbury Avenue.
The popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle will be open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 13. The market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.
COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER
Ocean City Pops Presents Maestro Vince Lee at the Keys (Sept. 6): Maestro Vince Lee will step off of the podium and behind the piano for this unique concert event. Joined by his long-time colleague and regular Ocean City Pops orchestral pianist Eric Svejcar, 176 piano keys will be smoldering as Vince and Eric scorch through some of the greatest hits of rock, pop, Broadway, classical and more. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or 609-399-6111.
Street Rod Show (Sept. 9): Classic cars on display on the Boardwalk from noon to 4 p.m. Register online at www.ocnjcarshows.com.
Radio Jukebox with Sheena Easton (Sept. 9): Groove along to more than eight decades of chart-topping hits from the greatest names in music history, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Adele and more. International pop superstar Sheena Easton and Scott Coulter will perform the songs, accompanied by the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. The show also features Easton (“For Your Eyes Only” and “Morning Train”) performing some of her own songs. This concert is produced by Scott Coulter and Spot-On Entertainment. Ocean City Music Pier, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available atoceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or 609-399-6111.
Corvette Show (Sept. 10): More than 350 cars exhibited from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony (Sept. 11): 6 p.m. outside Ocean City Fire Department headquarters (550 Asbury Avenue).
Ocean City Walk to Defeat ALS (Sept. 16): Two-mile walk raises funds to support patient services and research. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Visit www.oceancitywalktodefeatals.org.
Ocean City Airport Festival (Sept. 16): Annual festival at the Municipal Airport (26th and Bay Ave.) features a ground display of unusual and classic airplanes and a parachute jump from Team Fastrax. Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show (Sept. 16): An 8 p.m. show includes the Team Fastrax parachute team creating a dazzling display of lights and pyrotechnics for spectators on the ground. The show is viewable along the entire Boardwalk with the landing area on the beach at Seventh Street.
Ocean City Pops Presents Dance Elegance With the Atlantic City Ballet (Sept. 16): After their breathtaking feature with the Ocean City Pops in 2022, the stars of the Atlantic City Ballet return to heat up the Music Pier Stage. Forging a new, continuing artistic partnership between the ballet and the OC Pops, Maestro Vince Lee is delighted to highlight the talents of neighboring arts organizations. The Pops will also shine tonight as they play dance-themed orchestral features. A great way to finish an exciting season. Ocean City Music Pier, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or 609-399-6111.
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow (Sept. 17): Some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world put on a display starting at 1 p.m. and best viewed from the beach and boardwalk from Fifth Street to 14th Street.
Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion (Sept. 23): Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.NJJeepInvasion.com.
OCNJ Half Marathon, 5k & 10 Mile Non-Competitive Walk/Run (Sept. 24): Choose your distance and participate in one of New Jersey’s favorite race events. Advance registration required for the half marathon. Sign up early to save on registration fees at www.ocnj.us/Race-Events.
Boardwalk and Downtown Table Sales (Sept. 30-Oct. 1): Merchants offer special deals – Sixth Street to 14th Street along Asbury Avenue and the Boardwalk.
MS City to Shore Ride (Sept. 30-Oct. 1): About 7,000 cyclists raise millions of dollars through a two-day charity ride from Philadelphia area to Ocean City and back. For more information, call 1-800-445-BIKE or visit www.mscycling.org.
