(ASBURY PARK, NJ) —- There's no place in the world better to celebrate Bruce Springsteen's birthday than in Asbury Park and hundreds of Springsteen fans from around the world plan to turn the Jersey Shore into a major party this September. Fans are headed to the 2017 Brucebook Convention, which takes place September 22-24. A limited number of early bird registration tickets are on sale for $35 per person. Early bird registration ends on May 15th, afterwards the rate is $45 per person.
"People should take advantage of early registration for two reasons," explained John J. Kelly who runs the Facebook group behind the convention. "To get a discount on the cost and to get a spot before we have to put a cap on registration. Space is limited to just a few more individuals so act today!"
The Brucebook Convention offers fans the opportunity to see many of the places to inspire songs, videos, and legendary photos from throughout Springsteen's career. Fans can wander around the city on their own or take part in a number of optional activities ranging from a walking tour of the boardwalk and Ocean and Kingsley Avenues led by Stan Goldstein (co-author of "Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore") and special guest Vini Lopez (the original E Street band drummer and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame); three hours of pinball at the Silverball Arcade on the boardwalk (plus catered food); shopping along Cookman Avenue; and a group photo taken by Debra Rothenberg. The walking tour and pinball both cost $15 for attendees, but the registration fee includes entry to a special concert by the legendary Jersey Shore guitarist Bobby Bandiera and his band.
Bandiera's history reads like a who's who of Jersey Shore music history. In addition to starting out with the popular Jersey Shore band Holme in the seventies, he became known around the world as a member of Cats On A Smooth Surface - the house band at The Stone Pony and one Bruce Springsteen often jammed with on stage. From there he became a member of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, cementing his Jersey Shore resume, but he was just getting started. In addition to releasing several albums of his own, he created the popular Jersey Shore Rock n' Soul Revue shows which have paid tribute to artists like Roy Orbison, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen; and he's toured around the world in Bon Jovi's band.
The gathering will officially begin on Friday, September 22nd with a "check in" for everyone in the lobby of The Berkeley Hotel. After receiving their "Bruce Bag", the group will go to The Berkeley Hotel bar and then off to various optional bars, clubs, and restaurants — essentially using the opening night as a chance to get to know one another. The Berkeley Hotel is the home base for the convention, but activities will take place throughout Asbury Park.
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Registration is done online with the password LOHAD - fans of Bruce Springsteen are encouraged to join the Brucebook group as well. Brucebook is found here.
With more than 8,000 members of Brucebook on Facebook, the convention will likely fill the town with Springsteen fans. Your chance to join the party at reduced rates ends on May 15.
