(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag celebrated the band's 25th anniversary and the release of their latest album, Blue Bottles and Copper Coins, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at The Strand in Lakewood.  Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Based in Monmouth County, The Wag includes Brian Ostering and his wife Alicia Van Sant, Don Lee, and Joshua Van Ness.  Together, they bring a Beatles/60s British Invasion vibe to the Jersey Shore with catchy original songs and covers like the album's first single, "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'".

Special guests for the night included performances by fellow New Jersey artists Lisa Bouchelle and Morningside Lane.

In an interview with New Jersey Stage, Brian Ostering explained the album title. "I have this list of album names that I’ve come up with over the years, and Blue Bottles and Copper Coins was on that list.  I always liked how it sounded, and I thought that the meaning behind it was pretty cool.  A long time ago, blue bottles were put outside homes to ward off evil spirits and copper was thought to be used for protection and good luck.  Besides the alliteration of the album name, I also like the meaning behind it.  Ward off the bad with some good luck!"

The complete interview with Brian Ostering can be read here. In addition to talking about the new album, he talks about the history of the band (good times and bad), what it's like to be in a band with his wife, The Wag's special relationship to The Strand venue, and thoughts on heading back to England for the band's first shows there since 2015.

When asked what he's most proud of over the last 25 years of the band, Brian said, "I can’t believe it!  It only feels like a few years with Don and Joshua.  It definitely doesn’t feel like 25 years of The Wag!  I’m most proud of the good that we’ve helped contribute to.  I’m proud of the money we helped raise for charities, the food and toys that we’ve helped collect for those in need.  I’m also proud of us for pushing on after tragedy struck.  That wasn’t easy and it’s still a struggle, at times.  I’m also proud to see us playing bigger venues, touring different countries, and still maintaining our humility and gratefulness for everything we achieve.  I’m proud each time we put a smile on someone’s face.  Being in a band is like riding a roller coaster; there are ups and downs, but the overall ride is thrilling!  I truly enjoy it all."

Here are more photos from the night.

For more on The Wag, visit their website at www.thewagband.com

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.