Yankees Fans Cap a Great Opening Day with Bernie Williams and His Band of Friends
As a young baseball card collector, I remember opening packs in 1990 looking for the rookie cards of a promising young outfielder from my beloved New York Yankees. Two years later he was starting in LF when I attended my very first game at the old Yankee Stadium. Over a sixteen year career, Bernie Williams used his glove and bat to become a star while helping the Yankees win four World Series. Turns out he’s just as talented with a guitar in his hand.
Last week Williams brought his Band of Friends to The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and the legendary venue was filled with fans who cheered for him like they were sitting amongst the bleacher creatures. Williams, known for his fusions of jazz, rock, and the tropical rhythms from his Latin heritage, was joined by a talented group that included Dan Orlando, Carl Fischer (trumpet player from the Billy Joel Band), Joe Piteo, Kip Sophos, and Erik Piza. Before the music started, Williams took the stage for a Q&A session with Nick Corasaniti, author of I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of The Stone Pony.
It was an eclectic set that showcased the immense talent of all on stage, and included some great versions of “Give Me the Night” by George Benson, “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon, “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, and of course “Glory Days” by some local guy named Bruce. Williams appropriately closed the night with a beautiful rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, a fitting end to a great Opening Day.
If you ever get a chance to see Williams live, I highly recommend it. Until then you can check out his albums The Journey Within and Moving Forward wherever you stream your music.
Coverage from March 27, 2025 at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ.
All photos are © Michael Campanile Photography and cannot be used without permission.
