(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Tickets for the bands’ July 11th concert at ParkStage are available here.
Launched during the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration, the Walk of Fame honors artists who have performed at the Basie Center, made an indelible impact on culture and whose contributions reflect the enduring power of the arts. Permanent keystones along Monmouth Street celebrate performers whose artistry has helped define the Basie Center’s first century while inspiring generations of audiences and artists.
“The Walk of Fame celebrates artists whose performances have become part of the Basie Center’s story and whose influence continues to resonate far beyond our stages,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Dramarama have each had an important impact on music and culture, and we’re proud to recognize their extraordinary contributions by welcoming them onto the Basie Center Walk of Fame and then celebrating with an incredible concert at ParkStage on Saturday.”
For more than five decades, The B-52s have been one of popular music’s most distinctive and influential bands. Their unmistakable blend of new wave, rock and pop produced enduring hits including “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack” and “Roam,” helping the band sell more than 20 million records worldwide while earning multiple Grammy Award nominations.
Pierson and Schneider share deep New Jersey roots.
“I am so pleased and surprised by this honor from the Count Basie Center For The Arts,” said Schneider. “I grew up in Oceanport, my father worked at the Red Bank Register, and I went to many shows at the theatre in the 60’s with my best friend Adrian. It was always a thrill for me when I performed in New Jersey and It’s funny, my mother was treated like a celebrity whenever we played the Basie. At one show I remember her saying to me, ‘Freddy, people want me to sign autographs!’ Anyway, this is truly a highlight for me and I am so happy I’ll be there in person along with my fellow New Jersey bandmate, Kate Pierson.”
“I grew up in the Garden State — though with all the incredible music that has come from New Jersey, maybe it should be known as the Rock Garden State. Along with Count Basie, Bruce Springsteen, Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Queen Latifah, and so many more greats all have New Jersey roots. Fred and I are so thrilled to be honored by the Count Basie Center For The Arts and included in such august company,” said Pierson. “I grew up in Weehawken and Rutherford, but I also spent summers on my aunt and uncle’s farm in Blairstown and at my grandmother’s house near Lake Erskine. So my New Jersey was city energy, farms, countryside, lakes, and beaches — not always what people expect. Rock on, New Jersey. I’m proud to be from here!”
The Basie Center will also welcome Dramarama to its Walk of Fame during the ParkStage concert on Saturday, July 11, where the band will be presented with its commemorative Walk of Fame plaque.
Formed in Wayne, Dramarama has spent nearly five decades building a devoted following with its unmistakable sound and energetic live performances. The band’s influence continues to resonate with audiences across generations, making it a fitting addition to the Basie Center’s Walk of Fame.
“It’s a magnificent honor to be inducted into the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame, though we must admit, we’re a bit stunned,” said John Easdale, lead vocalist and founding member of Dramarama. “We’re just guys from the Garden State who’ve known each other since we were kids, who are amazed that after almost five decades we still get to make music together, and who are so immensely grateful to the countless and varied artists and institutions–like the Basie Center–that inspire, encourage and help kids from anywhere, even Wayne, New Jersey, feel like we have a place in the Arts. Thank you to anyone who has ever listened to Dramarama, whether you liked us or not; we appreciate that you took the time to give us a chance.”
