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What is Beyond Asbury? Here's the scoop... | NJ

By Gary Wien

originally published: 10/16/2008

When the Asbury Music Awards first started back in 1993, the goal was to acknowledge local artists and highlight the importance of the local music scene. The original idea was to keep the spotlight on new and emerging artists with the idea that artists who have been part of the awards for five or more years would be moving on to bigger things. This process would enable new artists to emerge and keep the scene as vibrant as ever. Beyond Asbury is a new segment of the Asbury Music Awards where we pay respect to artists that find themselves beyond the local area; they may be artists who have already achieved great success in the Asbury Music Awards and are no longer nominees or artists who find themselves playing more shows out of state or around the world rather than in local clubs.

We are honored to say that these artists launched their careers as part of the local music scene and will always remain linked to Asbury Park, and we are proud to acknowledge them here.

HERE ARE THE ARTISTS
2007: Nicole Atkins, Juggling Suns, Blue Highways, De Sol, The Parlor Mob, Atomic Bitchwax, Val Emmich, Friends of Bill Wilson, The Youth Ahead, Burlap To Cashmere, Steven Delopoulos, Josh Zandman, Matt Witte, Anon, Billy Hector, Barry & The Penetrators, Predator Dub Assassins, Jody Joseph & The Average Joes, Phil Benson, Rick Barry, Sarah Tomek, Tom Brislin, Frankenstein 3000, Tommy Anton, Jazzlamic Jihad, Ropetree, Kris Oehme, Bobby Strange, Jessie Poland, Agency.

2008: April Smith & The Great Picture Show, Keith Monacchio, The Gay Blades, Christine Martucci Band, Matt O?Ree Band, Allie Moss, Woodfish, Frank Bressi & The Chilling Details, Stringbean & The Stalkers, Wellbaby, Random Test, Eric Ginsburg, Boccigalupe & The Badboys, Mike Rocket, Hub City Stompers, Jon Caspi, James Dalton, Janey Todd, Sonny Kenn Band, The Tonemasters, BBQ Bob & The Spareribs, Terraplane Blues Band, Steve Kalorin, Clark Westfield, Bob Burger, Christian Beach, Goldenseal, Dan Mulvey, Puppy Mills.

Beyond Asbury Legends
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band,Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, John Eddie, Bobby Bandiera, Glen Burtnik



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About the author:

Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


EVENT PREVIEWS

(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) presents Venezuelan soprano María Brea and Latin Grammy–winning pianist Kristhyan Benítez in an unforgettable evening of Latin American artistry as part of its acclaimed Latin Night Thursdays concert series on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at UCMP (4710 Park Avenue) in Weehawken, NJ. Showtime is 7:30pm.

The Vogel presents BobFest on May 28th

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents BobFest on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the music of Bob Dylan presented in the round Nashville style by John Cruz, Steve Delopoulos, Pat Guadagno, Renee Maskin, Rob Paparozzi, and Anne Hills.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan

Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary

The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary

(NEWTON, NJ) -- If you watched the film Song Sung Blue and realized you like more Neil Diamond songs that you thought you did, you should check out So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 29, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Air Supply on May 29th

Carteret PAC presents Air Supply on May 29th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Air Supply on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and heartfelt memories.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a tribute to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. They blend and layer the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere.  Limited tickets remain.

Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai with special guest Animals As Leaders on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Prudential Center presents Sergio George: Festival "Ataca Sergo"

Prudential Center presents Sergio George: Festival "Ataca Sergo"

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Following the resounding success and unforgettable energy experienced at the Kaseya Center, renowned producer, musician, and visionary Sergio George raises the bar once again, taking his Festival ¡Ataca Sergio! to the next level. This time, the concept returns as a birthday celebration set for Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the iconic Prudential Center in Newark. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Riverview Jazz Awarded Grant by Chamber Music America to Host Tim Berne Performances in Jersey City

Riverview Jazz Awarded Grant by Chamber Music America to Host Tim Berne Performances in Jersey City

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- A $15,000 grant has been awarded to Riverview Jazz by Chamber Music America to be used to present two Jersey City performances by the esteemed avant-garde jazz musician Tim Berne at Pet Shop on Tuesday, May 26 and on the RWJBarnabas Plaza Stage at the Jersey City Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Michael Arnone

Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest to Take Place May 29-31

(AUGUSTA, NJ) -- Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest — three unforgettable days and nights of Louisiana music, food, and fun — will take place May 29-31 at Sussex County Fairgrounds. From Cajun and Zydeco to Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel, and Jazz — the 2026 Crawfish Fest lineup features Grammy winners, Louisiana legends, and festival favorites lighting up the Main and Pavilion stages. Come for the day or stay and camp for the weekend.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


Chris Duarte Group

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Adoraborealis: Live and in Two Persons

Thursday, May 28, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre Studio
New Brunswick, NJ


Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan

Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ


Air Supply

Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
Carteret, NJ


MAGICAL MYSTERY DOORS Presents: Beatles / Zeppelin / Doors

Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ



 

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