(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works is pleased to present three classic rock concerts, bringing a little musical heat to the cold spring months. Whether it’s the memorable melodies, nostalgia for a misspent youth or solidarity with the social and cultural movements of the time, all agree that the music of the '60s,'70s, and '80s was pretty good! The tunes of the past are presented at Bell Theater by some of the most exciting local musicians, bringing today's energy to yesterday's classics.
The series starts with CSNY & Beyond on Friday, February 21. It’s a deep and glorious dive into the timeless songs of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Young's solo years, Buffalo Springfield, and more. The show features music director Marc Ribler (Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Darlene Love); Arne Wendt (Jon Bon Jovi's Kings of Suburbia); Muddy Shews (Rick Derringer, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes); Dave Moore (Rick Danko, Popa Chubby) and Mike McKernan (NJ All Stars).
“Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was formed out of three of the biggest bands of the time, The Byrds, The Hollies and Buffalo Springfield,” said Ribler. “Their music still resonates as deeply today as it did when it was introduced because it has all the key elements: timeless songs, great arrangements, striking vocal harmonies, a great rhythm section and Stills and Young’s incredible lead guitar chemistry. In our current age of ‘disposable everything,’ their music will live on for as long as any life form is capable of listening and appreciating greatness.”
On Friday, March 28, Back to the Garden 1969 returns to Bell Theater after a sold-out show in 2024. Back to the Garden celebrates the bands from the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, a celebration of peace, love, and music. Re-live the Woodstock experience with this full multi-media theatrical event including video, lighting and costumes.
These talented musicians recreate the classic sounds of CSNY, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, The Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Canned Heat, Ten Years After, The Who, Mountain, Richie Havens, Melanie, Arlo Guthrie, Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Grateful Dead, Country Joe & the Fish, and more!
On Saturday, May 17, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and ex-Meat Loaf band member Ray Andersen heads up Bowie & Beyond. It’s an exciting celebration of the music of David Bowie, plus songs he co-wrote and/or produced, including “Walk on the Wild Side” (Lou Reed), “Under Pressure” (Queen), “All the Young Dudes" (Mott the Hoople), plus some glam-rock gems from the 1970s. Andersen will be joined by some of NJ’s most talented and sought-after musicians: Reagan Richards, Layonne Holmes, Arne Wendt, Ralph Notaro, David Anthony, Tommy Labella and Mike Doktorski.
“We welcome you to come celebrate David Bowie’s timeless music, which never seems to go out of style,” said Andersen. “Generation after generation continue to seek out, discover and be inspired by the unique artistic music and visual world he left all of us.”
Bell Theater at Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, New Jersey, inside the iconic Bell Works complex with plenty of free parking. Additional upcoming concerts include rock, jazz, country, soul, theatrical productions and more. For tickets and a full lineup of performances, call 732-531-9106 ext. 14 or visit www.belltheater.org
In 2024, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park opened a second venue, Bell Theater, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing exceptional cultural programming to the community. Bell Theater offers a platform for emerging artists while showcasing established acts, all within a space designed to create an immersive and accessible experience for all guests.
