(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Beloved singer/songwriter/rocker Willie Nile will perform a special solo "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Local favorite Robinson Treacher will open the show. The show marks the kickoff of the third season of Split Level Concerts at the Arts Center. The concert series highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
Buffalo-born, New York City–based singer-songwriter Willie Nile has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in American rock. Praised by The New York Times as “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene,” Nile blends the urgency of punk with the storytelling traditions of folk and classic rock. Over a career spanning decades, he has built a devoted following and the admiration of artists such as Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Pete Townshend.
Nile first gained attention with his acclaimed early albums and electrifying live performances, including touring with The Who. After a period of industry setbacks, he re-emerged with a string of critically praised releases that reaffirmed his place in the rock canon. Albums like Streets of New York and The Innocent Ones drew widespread acclaim, with the latter landing on Rolling Stone’s list of top under-the-radar albums and earning accolades from outlets around the world.
His later work has continued that momentum. Records such as American Ride, World War Willie, and Children of Paradise received year-end honors and awards, while his piano-driven album If I Was a River showcased a more introspective side. Nile’s songwriting—anthemic, socially conscious, and deeply rooted in the spirit of New York—has been consistently praised for its passion and authenticity.
Advance tickets are $40 are available for purchase online. The Jersey Shore Arts Center is located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
A tireless performer, Nile has shared stages with icons including Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr, and remains known for his powerful live shows. His more recent releases, including New York at Night, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and the live album Live at Daryl’s House Club, demonstrate an artist still creating with urgency and fire well into his career.
With the release of his latest album The Great Yellow Light, Nile continues to deliver what critics describe as timeless, emotionally resonant rock ’n’ roll. Often called the “unofficial poet laureate of New York City,” he remains a vital and enduring presence in contemporary music.
During his show at Jersey Shore Arts Center, Willie will perform songs that span his career in music and tell stories about the selections and his journey along the way.
A native New Yorker, opener Robinson Treacher was raised in formidable music scenes from downstate New York City to the upstate Adirondacks. The honesty and grit of his eclectic influences combined with his love of all genres makes his sound uniquely distinguishable on the singer/songwriter circuit. Robinson is an award-winning writer whose emotionally dramatic songwriting style, passionate vocals, and homage to multiple genres have earned him countless accolades.
Net ticket proceeds from all Split Level Concerts support the programming and arts education offered by the Jersey Shore Arts Center, a non-profit organization serving Ocean Grove and its surrounding areas. In addition, Jersey Shore Arts Center and Split Level Concerts are proud to partner with Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night and Musicians On A Mission (MOAM) to promote the concert series.
Musicians On A Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating connection and inspiring giving through music. MOAM will be on hand for all shows in the series, collecting non-perishable food, personal care items, and cash donations to benefit Fulfill (formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean County). Concertgoers that visit the MOAM table in the lobby before the show, or during intermission, can learn more about Fulfill’s mission and enter a drawing to win items donated by the artists, 90.5 The Night, and local businesses.
Remaining Split Level Concerts this season are as follows:
Saturday, December 5th – An evening with John Gorka
Saturday, January 9th – Dan Bern with special guest Redbird
Saturday, February 13th – Catie Curtis and Band with special guest Mike Montrey Saturday, March 13th – Stephen Kellogg with special guest to be announced Saturday, April 10th – Abbie Gardner with special guest Sean Kiely
Saturday, May 8th – Heather Maloney and Band with special guest Tiny Cities Saturday, June 5th – Kim Richey with special guest Sharon Lasher
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