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The AP Showcase Stage Spotlights Exceptional Local Musicians

Curious about the Asbury Park music scene but don’t know where to start? North To Shore has designed an awesome crash-course for your listening pleasure. On Friday, June 14 check out 11 of the amazing local artists who make Asbury Park one of the most vibrant creative hubs in the region. Head over to the North to Shore Showcase Stage in the Grand Arcade at the historic Convention Hall – for free – as we shine a light on Asbury’s hometown heroes. Not only can you catch some of the best music Asbury has to offer, but you can also eat, drink and shop at the bars, restaurants and shops located inside the Grand Arcade.

The bulk of the feature Showcase Stage artists were selected through a competitive

application process by Asbury Park arts and culture leaders to represent the city in a

free, public performance for the North to Shore Festival. The artists chosen represent

the multi-cultural, multi-genre goodness that Asbury is known for, including rock, pop,

punk, psych, R&B, funk, soul and global sounds. Hosted by local spoken word poet and

hip-hop artist Chris Rockwell, the event features the talents of Des and the Swagmatics, Joe Miller, Mike Montrey, Dave Vargo, johnny nameless, Myster-E Edutainment, Space and the Goodstock Jamband, The Mercury Brothers, and Jake Thistle. DJ Adam Jay will keep things groovy between sets.

This Jersey Shore town is legendary for the musicians who've gotten their start here.

But the magic that helped create icons like Bruce Springsteen is still alive and well, andyou can experience it for yourself this summer at the North to Shore Asbury Park

Showcase Stage at the Grand Arcade June 14. Music starts at 3:30pm.

3:30pm – Johnny Nameless

4:30pm – Myster-E Entertainment

5:30pm – Joe Miller, Mike Montrey, Dave Vargo

7pm – Jake Thistle

8pm – Space and the Goodstock Jamband

9:15pm – The Mercury Brothers

10:30pm – Des and the Swagmatics


Chris Rockwell

Nationally touring local hero Chris Rockwell is a spoken word and hip-hop powerhouse.

Named Poet Laureate of Asbury Park in 2010, he founded and runs SOUP CAN

MAGAZINE, co-founded the Jersey Shore Poetry Slam, was the first Grand Slam

Champion of the prestigious Loser Slam and shared stages with giants Sugarhill Gang

and Bootsy Collins.

DJ Adam Jay

Asbury Park-based DJ Adam Jay started spinning professionally in 1997 and hasn't

stopped since. His styles and influences range from disco, house and funk through rock,

soul, world music and beyond.

Johnny Nameless*

Mixing up vintage psych with a dash of surf, punk and blues, Johnny Nameless have

been shaking up the scene since 2017 and their debut “Seaside Motel,” crafting an

adventurous musical ride that’s anything but ordinary.

Myster-E Entertainment*

From sharing stages with hip hop icons like KRS One and the Wu-Tang Clan to

inspiring kids in the classroom here and abroad, Myster-E (Eric Shandroff) embodies

the heart and soul of hip hop culture.

Joe Miller – Mike MontreyDave Vargo*

When Joe Miller, Mike Montrey and Dave Vargo team up, you know you’re in for a treat.

These three exceptional singer/songwriters are fan faves at the Shore, and for good

reason! Don’t miss them!

Jake Thistle

To call Jake Thistle a rising star would be a severe understatement. At just 20, he's

rocked major music events across Europe and the US, shared stages with revered

names in entertainment like Bruce Springsteen, Brandi Carlisle and Carlos Santana.

Space and the Goodstock Jamband*

Channeling the ghost of her grandfather, Raoul Cita of The Harptones, Space creates a

harmonious blend that summons elements of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and NinaSimone, then sprinkles in her own special brand of funky R&B vibes on top. The result?

Pure magic.

The Mercury Brothers*

An Asbury Park indie rock sensation, The Mercury Brothers bring a passionate,

unrefined message through their music. They’ve mastered the art of blending

sentimental, upbeat and sometimes abrasive indie rock, with a sound that nods to the

likes of My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse.

Des and the Swagmatics*

Dive into a sound so rich, so funky, it could only be Des and the Swagmatics! These

Asbury Park heroes deliver a scorching mix of R&B, soul, rock, funk and pop that will

leave you no choice but to dance.

* NTS Official Selections:

The category denotes local independent artists, non-profits, small businesses and faith

organizations that applied and won a competitive grant to perform on showcase stages

located in each city or to curate and produce an event for the festival.

Ticket/Registration Link:

N2S Link: https://northtoshore.com/event/showcase-stage-at-the-grand-arcade/