Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/07/2025
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Bongos will celebrate the release of The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Showtime is 8:00pm. The CD will be released by JEM Records on May 23rd.
Originally recorded for RCA on the steamy Memorial Day weekend of 1985 on the Jersey Shore, The Bongos' only official live album, The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 has remained unreleased until now - The 40th Anniversary of the performance.
The album captures the band's legendary energy at the peak of its power, joined by percussionist Steve Scales, fresh from the Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense Tour and movie. Restored from the original 24-track analog tapes, newly mixed and sounding as electrifying as ever, The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 brings the Bongos' highly percussive sound to a new generation of fans.
The Bongos famously were the founding fathers of the Hoboken pop scene of the 1980s. Fronted by Richard Barone with Rob Norris and Frank Giannini, the group recorded its debut album, Drums Along the Hudson (PVC Records/1982), a critical hit on both sides of the Atlantic and a college radio staple.
Adding guitarist James Mastro, the group toured relentlessly, signed with RCA Records, and released their major label debut, Numbers with Wings in 1983. The sweeping title song became an MTV favorite. Songs like "Barbarella" and "Tiger Nights" fared well on the fledgling alternative radio format and further raised the group's profile. They released Beat Hotel (RCA/1985) , a year that saw them perform over 300 concerts across the U.S.
It was during that whirlwind tour that The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 was recorded at the jam-packed Tradewinds in Sea Bright, NJ on May 24th, 1985.
The Bongos upcoming performance at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, brings all four original members back to the Jersey Shore forty years later to celebrate the release of a nearly-lost relic of a particularly wild night. Tickets are available for purchase online. The Wonder Bar is located at 1213 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The four original members include Richard Barone (vocals, lead guitar), James Mastro (guitar, vocals, lead vocals on "Splinters"), Rob Norris (bass, backing vocals), and Frank Giannini (drums, backing vocals).
Here’s the track list for The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985:
1. In the Congo
2. Apache Dancing
3. I've Got A Secret
4. Mambo Sun
5. A Story (Written in the Sky)
6. Telephoto Lens
7. Zebra Club
8. Splinters
9. Glow in the Dark
10. Blow Up
11. Come Back to Me
12. Brave New World
13. Totem Pole
14. Numbers With Wings
15. The Beat Hotel
16. Barbarella
17. Space Jungle
Produced by The Bongos and Steve Addabbo, the audio is remarkable. Tape restoration and digital transfer credits go to Steve Rosenthal.
FEATURED EVENTS
You can have your events appear here, whenever someone reads an article about Asbury Park
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
