(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University will present a symposium on Saturday, January 7, 2023 that celebrates the release of Springsteen’s debut album a half century ago. Titled The 50th Anniversary: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J, the day-long symposium will include panel discussions, interviews, a book signing, and a special performance of the songs on the album by Jersey Shore musicians.

Among the guests participating in the symposium will be original E Street Band members Garry Tallent, David Sancious, and Vini Lopez, along with former Springsteen manager Mike Appel.

“This event kicks off a series of 50th anniversary events that will bring attention to Springsteen’s earliest accomplishments in the recording studio and contextualize the historical importance of each,” said Eileen Chapman, Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.  “This symposium is the first of many coming down the road.”

Topics such as Springsteen’s early ‘70s songwriting style; the Jersey Shore music scene in 1972, the year Greetings was recorded; recollections of those E Street Band members that played on the album; and the premiere of a mini-documentary on the making of Greetings that includes an exclusive interview with Bruce Springsteen will round out the day’s activities.

Photographer Nicki Germaine will debut her book, Springsteen: Liberty Hall, from his 1974 concert in Houston, TX.

The symposium, which is open to the public, will be held in the Great Hall Auditorium, beginning at 9:00 am.  Registration is required.  The cost for attending the symposium, which includes lunch, is $50.  Free parking is available in Parking Lots 13, 14, 16, and 25.

To register for the symposium, click here.

The Springsteen Archives is hosting two other events during the first week in January to celebrate the 50th anniversary. On Tuesday, January 3, the Tuesday Night Record Club, moderated by Professor Ken Womack, will be discussing the album.  In addition, David Sancious will be in concert at The Vogel on Friday, January 6; for ticket information, click here.

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University serves as the official archival repository for Bruce Springsteen’s written works, photographs, periodicals, and artifacts.  The Center preserves and promotes the legacy of Bruce Springsteen and his role in American music, while honoring and celebrating icons of American music like Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, Frank Sinatra, Gaslight Anthem and others.  The Archives comprise nearly 35,000 items from 47 countries, ranging from articles and concert memorabilia to artifacts and oral histories. The collection serves the research and informational needs of music fans, scholars, authors, and others with a serious interest in the life and career of Bruce Springsteen.  By appointment only. For more information, Contact Eileen Chapman at 732-571-3512 or email echapman@springsteenarchives.org