Music fans will have an opportunity to help their favorite Jersey Shore musicians who are struggling because of pandemic-related closures.
Many say that Asbury Park isn’t the same without live music. While the city's most famous rock club, the Stone Pony, waits to welcome back audiences, the venue is trying to help musicians struggling during the pandemic.
"There is a need. I know there's a need everywhere. But this one is very close to all of our hearts,” says Stone Pony manager Caroline O’Toole.
Asbury Bandaid is a streamed music event featuring performances from nearly 30 acts, many of which were recorded at the Stone Pony. The event will raise money for Jersey Shore musicians and other artists impacted by the pandemic. Among those performing is singer/songwriter Glen Burtnik.
“It has a history of amazing music. A lot of towns throughout America do…but this place does have a certain magic unlike any other,” Burtnik says.
Burtnik will even perform a private concert in exchange for a $2,000 donation to Asbury Bandaid.
Live music is as much a part of Asbury Park as the boardwalk and the ocean. And the musicians who make a living performing there bring in the crowds that help support the larger community.
Asbury Bandaid will begin streaming Tuesday at 7 p.m. Grant applications for artists will be open until April 30. The funds will be distributed by the Vin Gopal Civic Association, as an effort to help support the artists until they can make a living on stage once again.
Visit the
event's website for information about how to stream the event and to see some of the auctions and merchandise for sale.