(RAHWAY, NJ) -- The Garden State boasts many achievements, and one of its proudest is being the home state of the legendary Bruce Springsteen. While The Boss himself isn't currently touring, fans have a chance to see a tribute of unrivaled proportions at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on July 8. With the use of vintage instruments and several costume changes, The Springsteen Experience finely mirrors the sights, sounds and ambiance of an actual Springsteen concert from the 1970s and '80s. This highly professional recreation is made possible by musicians that come from the same Jersey Shore culture that shaped Springsteen himself.
Josh Tanner, the frontman of The Springsteen Experience and Springsteen's own doppelganger, hails from the celebrated performer's hometown of Freehold, NJ. The majority of the rest of the cast has their origins in New Jersey's Somerville, Asbury Park and Freehold, and New York City, NY. Stepping into Springsteen's role as the voice of the American working-class is natural to these performers, who come from where his story began. In addition, Tanner and company strive to give audiences more than just a Springsteen concert, but rather a "Springsteen Experience," as their name suggests. By reenacting the musician's performances from past decades, fans can glimpse at a concert experience that would otherwise be lost to them. Starting with 1973 Springsteen, this musical journey shows fans the path from Springsteen's breakthrough album Born to Run in 1975 to the height of his fame with 1984's Born in the U.S.A. and beyond. Listen for fan favorites "Rosalita," "Jungleland," "Glory Days," "Dancing in the Dark," "Hungry Heart" and more.
Opening for The Springsteen Experience will be Midnight Rock Show, another group whose core mission is to transport their audience to another time and place. With a set list comprised of 70s rock (groundbreaking then and timeless even now), plus costuming from the era and immersive video and sound elements, Midnight Rock Show will set the mood for an evening of nostalgic rock.
Tickets for The Springsteen Experience range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased online at ucpac.org, over the phone by calling (732) 499-8226 or in person at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM- 5 PM, with extended hours of 11 AM- 8 PM on Thursdays.
The Union County Performing Arts Center is located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street and is easily accessible to major roads and public transportation. Doors open at 6 PM.
