Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 03/08/2026
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- From 1993 through 2018, the Asbury Music Awards celebrated the best of the local music scene. On February 20, 2026, the celebration returned, rebranded as the Asbury Park Music Awards now presented by the Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF) with the night serving as a benefit for the organization.
Awards in over 30 categories were presented at The Stone Pony along with performances by Des and The Swagmatics, The Gay Blades, Sunshine Spazz Gods, Heather Hills, Blaise, Geenetica, Williams Honor, Emerson Woolf, Rachel Ana Dobken, Nick Francis, Renee Maskin, Soulfood, and Joseph Alton Miller.
The night was hosted by Taylor Allen and is expected to become an annual event again.
Proceeds from the Asbury Park Music Awards night will directly support APMF’s mission to provide life-changing music education for under-resourced youth across Monmouth County.
Founded in 1991 by Scott Stamper and Peter Mantas of The Saint, the Asbury Park Music Awards have long been a cornerstone of local music culture. Known as “the Heart of the Asbury Music Scene,” The Saint closed in 2022, and this year founder Scott Stamper has officially passed the torch to APMF, with his full support, to continue the tradition.
Here is a list of the 2025 Asbury Park Music Award winners:
Emerging Artist of the Year- Band | Surfing For Daisy
Emerging Artist of the Year- Solo | Monte Maybe
Established Artist of the Year- Band | Yawn Mower
Established Artist of the Year- Solo | Joe P
EP of the Year | Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones- To Easy To Kill
Album of the Year | Surfing for Daisy- Surfing for Daisy
Song of the Year | Blaise- Tan Lines
Music Video of the Year | Blaise- Tan Lines
Live Performer of the Year- Band | Surfing For Daisy
Live Performer of the Year- Solo | Blaise
Americana/Folk Artist of the Year | Surfing For Daisy
Hip Hop Artist of the Year | Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
Indie / Alt Rock Artist of the Year | Teen Idle
Jam/Funk/Groove Artist of the Year | Fungkshui
Pop Artist of the Year | Blaise
Punk/Ska Artist of the Year | NOT YER BABY
Rock/Garage Artist of the Year | Bobby Mahoney
R&B/ Soul Artist of the Year | Alexander Simone & Whodat?
Vocalist of the Year | Deseree Spinks
Rapper of the Year | Kuf Knotz
Spoken Word Performer of the Year | Kuf Knotz
Guitarist of the Year | James McCaffrey
Bassist of the Year | Wojo (Sara Wojciehowski)
Drummer of the Year | Biff Swenson
Keyboardist of the Year | Ryan Gregg
Horns/Strings/Other Player of the Year | Ian Gray
Multi-Instrumentalist of the Year | Cranston Dean
In addition to the above, they presented a few awards to cover the years after the Asbury Music Awards were last presented.
EP of the Gap Years | Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones - Not A Good Woman
Album of the Gap Years | Dentist - Making a Scene
Song of the Gap Years | Alexander Simone & Whodat? - Even Now
Music Video of the Gap Years | Renee Maskin - Scrimshaw
And a few special awards were presented to:
"The Saint" Music Community Award | Scott Stamper & Meg Donoghue Kelly
Asbury Park Music Ambassador | Reagan Richards
Asbury Park Music Ambassador | Dr. Geena Buono
Asbury Park Music Ambassador | Chill Smith
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
