2019/9/20-22 Sea.Hear.Now. @ Asbury Park Beach
Friday Night Day 0
Lettuce @ Stone Pony
Awesome vibes in the air at Ground Zero for Sea.Hear.Now as Lettuce fired a serious warning shot for this Asbury Park festival and the legendary weekend that was set to take place. Very chill and vibey before the dance party took off, Eric “Benny” Bloom was just chilling at the bar before the show, trumpet in hand. Lettuce took the stage somewhat promptly at 9:10 and first set dance party highlights included Your Royal Highness and Do It. For a band that’s played and sold out many of our country’s most legendary venues, it was very obvious to me that they were loving this room, Asbury Park’s own little slice of rock n’ roll history. More on that later.
Second set just as fun, Nigel laying down some stanky funk on the keys as Benny just kept picking up random shit and playing it and, each time, it was so subtle but like he found exactly what each song was missing. I was sure at the end of my 14,333 steps that I wouldn’t see a more danceable, funky grooves than that all weekend. I was to be proven wrong.
Saturday Day 1 – Festival Grounds
I made the mistake of going for the most unnecessary run of all time in the morning – 6000 steps that I should’ve put in the bank. Oh well. Live and learn seems unlikely as I’ve made this mistake before.
Going to start by saying that I felt so at home all weekend, the vibe very local and communal, even chill if that’s possible with 35,000 people. Loved all the art on the beach, the jellyfish and surfboard installations really enhancing a boardwalk so well known for its unique murals and artsy feel. The first act I really saw was Blind Melon, a fun set in the afternoon sun that I saw most of before heading to the Transparent Gallery popup. There while awaiting Mike McCready, I was treated to a beautiful ballad on the keyboard from Luke Spiller of The Struts. Much more on them later, too, but this song knocked me on my ass and totally rearranged my plan for the day as I knew I was now going to prioritize seeing the Struts from way up close.
Infinite Color and Sound, Mike McCready’s art/music project with Kate Neckel and Joseph Arthur, was on deck. Pearl Jam is, um, my jam, and MMcC blows my mind and is so down to earth and I was really looking forward to this intimate set in this most awesome space which was super small and hot as hades. The concept is the intersection of art and music and this was probably the event most aligned with the Gallery’s mission of putting art and music together, so suited for their space and the personalities that put so much love and effort into creating it — Thank you, Tina Kerekes for all you do! I don’t know if it’s just me but there is something so sensual about watching broad brushstrokes adorn canvas and mannequins and people alike while live music sets the tone for the art.
Mike’s obsession with Polaroids was a big part of the art and, by extension, so was everyone in the room as he continued snapping shots of the musicians and crowd and taping them to the canvas or sticking them to the paint. Rachel Ana Dobken was invited on stage for a song, a local musician who I’ve written about before – good for her! They played a mostly original set, more acoustic chill than face melting shred from Mike, until the encore when Danny Clinch and Chris Thorn (Blind Melon) joined the band for a ridiculous cover of Dead Flowers. ‘Twas a moment.
Wisconsin punched Michigan in the mouth, 35-14. It was at this point of the day that I learned of this glorious news, though my phone was blowing up in my pocket until 28-0 at halftime at which point seemingly half the planet arrived and there was nary a sliver of cell phone signal to be had.
So I had a sushi burrito and watched Sharon Van Etten and Joan Jett from the middle of the beach, too far from either stage to be more than tangentially engaged in either one, which was fine because I knew my next important move was getting close for …
The Struts. Only 4,000 steps on the day so far which were mostly walking, I got center aisle about 30 feet back for this next set. At 5:59, the hockey goal song, you know the one, The HEY Song, loved by Phish and hockey fans alike, rang out through the PA and The Struts took the stage, got into position, and started playing before Luke Spiller made his grand entrance, both looking and sounding somewhat like Freddie Mercury, and commanding the stage with a not too dissimilar stage presence. At one point, when he sat down at a white piano and started singing, I thought he was going to fly away like Rocket Man. So many comparisons running through my mind as I was completely taken with Luke and firmly under the spell of his star power… Austin Powers meets Freddie Mercury; Queen meets the Who; and more that I’m unwilling to admit to. Dressed to the nines in the second outfit I saw Luke wear this afternoon, I would later learn that Spiller uses Mercury’s designer after an impassioned plea via email in 2016.
Anyway, I was smitten. Maybe they’re the British version of Greta Van Fleet and earn some slack at home for that, but I see this band playing stadiums. I danced my ass off. 20 year old girls and 60 year old men alike knew every word to every song that I was hearing for the first time. How have I not heard of them before? Whatever, I’m buying what they’re selling and maybe I’ll follow Aaron’s advice and skip Phish on 12/29 (yes, still unannounced) and see the Struts that same night in the Fillmore Philly. Back to the show, in true Asbury fashion and with what would be the first of several Bruce covers of the next few days, they ripped Dancing in the Dark in front of the setting sun. Holy shit! ‘Twas another moment. Then, during a 5 minute hip shaking pocket groove, Luke brought an 11 year old girl on stage and turned her into a super star in front of a packed beach hanging on his every move. Like, there were girls throwing their fucking bras at this guy. Unreal. You can’t really do a festival set any better than that! And then, as if reading my mind, he closes the set with, “Ladies and gentlemen, The Struts! Remember the name!” As if I could forget. 6,675 steps.
The Lumineers. Great songwriters. Great set. I watched about 50 minutes from behind the soundboard but had one foot out the door the whole time as I was committed to getting my favorite rail spot for the after-party.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones with Mike McCready and special guests @ Stone Pony
Is anyone still with me? Though it would be great and I hope you find this somewhat entertaining and informative, I really need to relive this right now and memorialize my memories. Hope you’re still here.
Even though I was physically exhausted, now in my favorite spot, stage right by the VIP area and stage entrance, I was ready for the music to start and snap me out of my phsycial malaise. From my perch, I got to intimately witness Stone Pony history as Mike McCready signed a guitar soon to be hung alongsided countless others lining the walls of the Pony As promised, 10:45 sharp, Tangiers Blues Band took the stage and opened with Prince cover that I can no longer recall the name of…let’s gooooo! Ten minutes later, McCready joined this band that has played with its fair share of big name talent, and played a solid 35 minutes more of soul piercing blues. Oh man. This was good. Mike Fucking McCready shredding the blues at the Stone Fucking Pony. Justin Thorn joined for a cover of Hip Shake Dance and the old 4 guitar attack was on. And to close the set, a hair-raising (literally, major goosebumps) Buffalo Springfield cover of For What It’s Worth. Energy was so high after the set the whole crowd was loudly singing along to the Psycho Killer over the PA. 3,000ish steps.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones were up next after a short 12 minute break. Hardcore funk, soul, gospel, Paul Janeway is one of the most soulful crooners around and you wouldn’t know it to look at him. Dressed casual in a t-shirt and track jacket as opposed to his flowing sequined robe, he crushed the Pony with his 8 piece band featuring a 3-piece horn section. Quick 2,220 steps in a 30 minute set.
So, like everyone who played the festival today was standing next to me and next up was a 90 minute all-star set that was one of those things where you have to pinch yourself because you can’t believe you’re one of the chosen few who’s in the room, even more so, front row and literally rubbing elbows with everyone who would play on that stage. For example, I caught Nicole Atkins uploading a video snippet to Instagram with the caption, “Fuck yeah,” right after she crushed She’s So Heavy with Paul and Hey Jude with Chris from TBB. The Broken Bones were basically the house band and a rotating cast of Wes and Byron from the Lumineers, Paul, Nicole, Luke Spiller, King from TBB, Jake Clemons and others joined the stage for a rotating cast of covers including, but not limited to, Ophelia, the Theme from the Sopranos (so Jerz!), Nothing Compares to You, Won’t Back Down, Moonage Daydream, I’ve Been Loving You, and a crowded stage encore with everyone for Hungry Heart. Special night that will forever live in my memory and will definitely find itself in a small handful of the year’s best for me!
All said and done, 31,292 steps on the day, including the aforementioned unnecessary 5k.
Sunday Day 2 – Festival Grounds
Writing this is exhausting, there’s no way anyone is still reading it. A fall dip in the ocean just refreshed me to relive and power through the last day. Here goes.
Dave Hause & The Mermaid. This was another of those surprise festival sets where you learn about and enjoy a band you’ve never heard of before. Ran into Janine, whose company I’d enjoy for the next several sets, and we danced it up and had a blast on the beach in the early afternoon sun. Really good indie surfer rock. I’ve seen Danny Clinch guest countless times with countless band, but this next guest spot was the one that made me realize that he’s really good at harmonica. I found it very endearing when, in the most authentic and humble way, Hause told the crowd, “Thank you for getting here early and giving us some time and attention.” Then he called Trump a crooked piece of shit – what a country!- and invited Jake Clemons up to close the set. I’d see them again.
Infinite Color and Sound. Yep. Again. If McCready’s in Asbury then I’m gonna stalk him. Jake Clemons played today’s whole set. Rachel joined ond drums for a little. Aside from a few new stories that Mike told about surfing with Jake Clemons that morning and skiing with Stefan Lessard (DMB bassist) annually, the set was kind of similar to yesterday, up to and including Dead Flowers, and veered paths with a rousing cover of You’re All I’ve Got Tonight in tribute to Ric Ocasek. These were some special MMcC moments for me in the tiny tent. “I gotta get to Asbury more and shred some blues.” Uh, yeah, Mike.
Marcus King Band. I think Jake Clemons is following me. 3 sets, 3 appearances so far. No complaints there. Amazing set that I got up close for after splitting with Janine, and positively lost my shit when they brought Jake Clemons out to encore with a cover of Born To Run for Bruce’s soon-to-be (today, actually) 70th birthday. {Side note: best IG post ever by Tom Hamilton – check it out.} 5,300 steps.
Lowlight. Caught an unannounced short set from local favorite Lowlight back in the tent. Super intimate with only about 15-20 people in the tent where we squeezed 150 or so for MMcC. Nice synth, bass lines, and funky grooves, the 20 minute set culminated with an interesting cover of We Can Be Heroes.
Really heady festival folks tricked folks into cleaning up for a free t-shirt. Pretty cerebral stuff right there. And the best port-o-johns ever. Really well run festival.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones. I was about 3rd row on the center aisle rail for this one, knowing I’d want to be intimately engaged for what Mr. Janeway was about to do to this crowd. When you look at this guy, you don’t imagine that when he opens his mouth to sing he’ll be one of the most soulful crooners you’ve ever heard. My wife thinks his stuff is shtick. I think he’s authentic and bat shit crazy. He ate the fucking mic cord. Actually. These guys are now firmly on my do not miss list – love them! Another 6,000ish steps.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. On the somewhat mellow Park stage, this set was anything but, especially as I raged the super spacious VIP area with Mike Murphy, truly one of my favorite people in the world, who I know only because of this list. Now that’s where it’s at! Most dancing room ever and I used every inch of it, I must have covered a 50×50 square foot space with my 6,776 steps in an hour. At one point, there was this weird scene where this kid was magnetically drawn to me and Murph had him follow me and do everything I do. It was like a scene from my secret mid-afternoon pleasure the Ellen show where she sends people into Target to dance with random strangers. We danced hard and laughed harder.
Almost done, hang in there.
Dave Matthews Band. Walked all the way right next to the soundboard and enjoyed the set from close enough with great sound. Surrounded by 35,000 plus others, this sure wasn’t Club de Wash (see the biggest name in the smallest room thread). I had no more to give and was counting on DMB to be good enough to snap me out of my physical exhaustion. Meh. 6000ish steps in 100 minutes. Fun, but I was just beat. Cool medley that I guess they do pretty often of what sounded like a mix between Walk This Way and Back in Black but turned out being Staying Alive > Fly Like an Eagle. Started walking to the car and enjoying some different sightlines for the set closing Ants Marching.
39,606 steps on the day.
81,302 steps on the weekend spread over 2 ½ days and 14 sets with innumerable sit-ins and guest appearances.
This hometown festival kicked ass, and I may or may not have written all this with my feet in the sand on The Beach Where It Happened.
