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

By Gary Wien

originally published: 10/16/2008


Sent from the Asbury Music Awards Committee

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

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Mary Fahl

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Stray Cats

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Wilma

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
Morristown, NJ


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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