It’s no secret that Asbury Park is known as a hub for all things music. First, there’s Sea.Hear.Now — which has grown to become a beloved festival located directly on the sands of Asbury Park’s beach. Next, there’s the Stone Pony, a venue whose name alone has become a staple to the New Jersey music scene — the grounds for performances that transcend generations of music from Blondie to Green Day to Demi Lovato. And, of course, musician Bruce Springsteen, who locals know still frequently stops Asbury to pay homage to the location where he started his career. So, it makes sense that Asbury Park would have a PorchFest, a way for the community to celebrate the local talent who are inspired by this city by the sea — and that has been a pivotal part of many artists’ careers. So many performances are set up for the day; to make it easier for our readers, we created a list of some of our favorites. Keep reading for a guide to this year’s 2024 PorchFest on September 28th in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
What Is PorchFest?
Asbury Park Porchfest is a free day of live music. For frequent visitors of Asbury Park, it’s known that most houses have cute porches, practically a requirement for setting the scene of a beach town. PorchFest is an entire day of performers who play on said porches for visitors, strolling or biking around from one house to the next.
History + Contribution
AP Porchfest began in 2018. It is a 501c3 charity and the event has raised over 50,000 for local charities. The 2024 AP PorchFest supports Mercy Center, which feeds more than 3,500 local families, and the donations last year helped feed more than 2,000 people. The event also supports the Asbury Park African American Music Project (AP-MP), which celebrates the stories of Asbury Park’s Springwood Avenue. In this former jazz hub, inspiring performers such as Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington once played. The AP-MP is also trying to bring back the Turf Club, a historic music venue located on the west side of Asbury Park.
Read More: 12 Asbury Park Musicians You Should Be Listening to in 2024
Get To Know the Performers
The Jersey Shore Girl recommends viewing the schedule (ahead of time) of performances, linked here, and creating a schedule for yourself so no desired performance is forgotten about. To make this process easier for you, we selected a few of our favorites from each genre.
Genre: Acoustic
Ashley McKinley
Ashley is an option for those looking for an acoustic set. While she is an NYC-based artist, she originates from New Jersey, and visitors recognize her voice from various Jersey Shore festivals. Ashley is focused on writing and recording, as she received her Bachelor of Arts in Songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee; however, you can also often spot her performing at one of Asbury Park’s many live music venues.
The dt’s
The dt’s (David Cacciatore + Tom Losito), first met at a local bar’s open mic and have since toured the US and named themselves the dt’s in early 2020. The duo plays music that resembles rock, power pop, or acoustic. Each member can play various instruments, such as piano, drums, bass, and guitar; visitors can expect this duo to experiment with harmonies and feel the vintage influence in the song lyrics.
Rick Barth
Rick Barth is a good choice for those who want to listen to some Americana acoustic music. A singer and songwriter with NJ origins, Rick creates music that is heavily influenced by popular artists from the ‘70s, pop and hard rock music from the ‘80s, alternative voices from the ‘90s, and, of course, modern-day Americana music. Rick is now working on the follow-up album to his first two albums, Hand Me Down Soul and Fade.
Alternative
Big Floppy
JSG loves a good tribute band, and for anyone who is a fan of Weezer, Big Floppy is a can’t-miss at PorchFest. The members of Big Floppy include Bein Weinburg on drums, Steve Carr as the guitarist, Jim Mill on vocals + guitar, and Tony Beckler on bass. This Weezer tribute band plans on playing hits from the beloved alternative band, such as songs from the famous Blue Album, Pinkerton, and beyond.
Backhouse
Backhouse is a rock band with touches of pop. This alternative and indie rock band has its roots in the local beach town, Bradley Beach. The Backhouse started in a garage and is now showing up as another beloved PorchFest performance.
CJ 2.0 + The Asbury Park Outlaws
CJ 2.0 has SoCal musical vibes, including fun lyrics and an Americana Rock feeling that will help everyone get dancing. For those who want to check out CJ 2.0 before PorchFest, the most recent recordings like “Dreams” and “r i s e” can be found on Spotify and all streaming platforms. Besides the most recent songs, CJ has also recorded with famous engineers and musicians like Jack Daley and Riz Story.
Soul
The Chuck Lambert Band
The Chuck Lambert Band’s repertoire includes blues, R+B, and jazz sounds. Eddie Ellis, on bass guitar, and Chip Dixon, on drums, creates a fun rhythm; whereas Bob Stasiak, on piano, and Eric Salkin, on sax, develop a unique style. The band is wrapped up with Chuck, who uses his vocals and guitar playing to represent the power of blues.
Alexis Keegan
Alexis Keegan is a performance to check out if seeking R+B grooves with soulful tracks. During her career as a growing indie artist, she has toured and opened up for names like Lee DeWyze, Tyler Hilton, and O-Town. She also has three EPs and has earned multiple LA Examiner Music Critic Awards.
Reggae
MSJR
MSJR draws inspiration from Bob Marley, Stick Figure, Rebelution, and Sublime. Its music is a mix of reggae and rock. MSJR started as an open mic band in 2023 but has since released a new album called Spread The Love. With roots in Westmoreland County, PA, this reggae band is a fun option for a PorchFest visit.
Acoustic Flannel
JSG recommends visiting Acoustic Flannel’s set if you’re seeking music that mixes clues, Americana, reggae, and rock. Billy Christiani is the bassist, Pat Maturo is the harmonica player, Al Bazaz and Zeke Carey write the songs, and Maria Whitney provides the vocals. Acoustic Flannels plays both originals and covers, so it’s easy to sing along to many of its songs.
R+B
Sydney Jones
Sydney Jones creates music that sounds like sunshine. She creates soulful songs that are inspiring and serene. Many of her songs connect to nature and help listeners feel connected to the present. Sydney Jones is a good find for PorchFest if looking for a performance that will spread love and positivity.
Ryan Gregg
Ryan Gregg has his roots right here, in Asbury Park. As a piano player, he has exposed himself to various types of music, from honky tonk to rock and roll to soul. He has played around the U.S. and gets his blues inspiration from names like Dr. John and Otis Spann.
Hip-Hop
Big Boss Nuff
Big Boss Noff is a Central Jersey hip-hop artist skilled at creating lyrics with unique rhymes. His performances showcase his confidence and passion for his music. JSG recommends adding Big Boss Noff to the schedule for the day if you are a fan of J Cole or Fabulous.
Chill Smith
Chill Smith is another hip-hop artist scheduled to be at PorchFest. His lyrics are thoughtful, and the beats are modern. If looking for music that resonates with artists like Nas and Jay-Z, Chill Smith is a perfect performance to look out for.
Country
Hooper
Hooper is another Asbury Park group. The band’s music is described as a sound that is right between country and rock. Hooper’s show is typically high energy, as the five musicians are artists, filmmakers, and surfers. For those looking for a creative show that feels like a mix between Johnny Cash and The Rolling Stones, Hooper is a must-see for PorchFest.
Amanda Penecale
Amanda Penecale is the act to visit for anyone who enjoys Sheryl Crow or Jewel. Listeners can expect a performance that feels like it belongs in Nashville since Amanda recently moved back to the area after spending four years down south. The vocals and acoustic guitar at Amanda’s show are the parts that are sure to stand out.
Classic Rock
Andrew Agosta
Andrew Agosta gets his inspiration from acts like The Beatles, John Mayer, and Elton John. He plays piano, guitar, and harmonica, which creates a sound that mixes rock, pop, and blues. JSG loves that his song Step Into The Highway from his latest EP, Where Do They Land, was made into a music video and received an Honorable Mention at the 2024 Garden State Film Festival.
Six Ways to Nowhere
Six Ways From Nowhere is a performance that will give listeners all those classic rock songs they love from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The performance will include songs from The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is the band to sing along to if seeking rock hits from multiple generations.
Folk
Genevieve
Genevieve’s voice sounds like a mix between Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, and Belle. Her songs tell a story and connect people of all ages. Genevieve’s experience helps listeners experience the highs and lows of life through the music she projects to the world.
Dan Apy
Dan Apy is a true New Jersey performer. He plays in multiple local bands, such as the Apy Brothers, En Delirium, and Mercury Brothers. For anyone who likes Nathanial Rateliff, Benjamin Gibbard, and Justin Vernon, Dan Apy is a good choice for PorchFest listening.
Pop
The Break Plans
The Break Plans are a band with origins in Freehold. They play at venues and festivals throughout New Jersey, California, New York, and Pennsylvania, but PorchFest is always a favorite for them. The Break Plans, which consists of Colton Braun on vocals and keys, Daniel Carr on drums, and Mikey Strawz on guitar, is a pop and indie band that aims to get everyone dancing.
See More: Hoboken’s Fall Arts + Music Festival is Returning on 9/29
Sydney Sherwood
Sydney Sherwood is a singer-songwriter who uses her experiences to create lyrics that she hopes others can connect to. She plays an acoustic guitar and makes music that combines words that express essential aspects of her life. If stopping by for Sydney’s set, expect her to showcase experimentation of sounds.
JSG Recommendations
PorchFest is dog-friendly, so bring your pup, sunscreen, and a bike to make the day even more fun. Keep updated with setlists, porch maps, and time schedules by visiting the PorchFest website and Instagram.
