(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Stone Pony co-founder Robert “Butch” Pielka, early Springsteen bandmate George Theiss, Cuba’s Nightclub owners Henry and Minnie Lopez and music journalist Al Muzer comprise tops this year’s class of Asbury Angels inductees announced annually at Light of Day WinterFest, the 10-day festival which this weekend kicks off its 20th Anniversary year of raising money and awareness through the awesome power of music in order to defeat Parkinson’s Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, in our lifetime.
The lives of the newest Asbury Angels will be remembered and celebrated at the annual Asbury Angels Induction show: The Weeklings Album Release with John Eddie, Hollis Brown, the James Maddock Band and more special guests, Friday, Jan. 17 at the Legendary Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., in Asbury Park, the final weekend of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20th ANNIVERSARY, with a 20th anniversary goal of pushing its two-decade total past $6 million in its ongoing battle against Parkinson’s disease.
Also performing will be The Anderson Council and Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son with acoustic side stage sets by Hans Ludviggson, Miss Emily, Gary Tripps, and Peter Hogklint. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets $25-$30 at www.stoneponyonline.com, Ticketmaster, and at (732) 502-0600.
The new inductees were selected by a blue-ribbon panel of music industry professionals and historians. Criteria used included significant contribution to the creative music community and impact on that community; and the length of time spent on the Asbury Park music scene. Those eligible for induction this year and in future years include musicians, songwriters, disc jockeys, writers, technical support staff and club and venue owners. They must have been deceased at least one year.
The inductees will be recognized in the upcoming year with plaques on the city’s “Boardwalk of Fame” by the Asbury Angels Project, which seeks to memorialize those who have made important contributions to the city’s musical legacy. There are currently more than 50 plaques along the Boardwalk. This will be the eighth Asbury Angels class.
With his business partner, Jack Roig, Pielka opened the doors of the Pony, formerly the Magic Touch, in February of 1974, giving birth to a world-renowned mecca for fans of the Sound of Asbury Park.In his obituary, E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg told the Asbury Park Press: “Butch was a wonderful, wonderful person, he and his partner created that whole scene and they were instrumental in resurrecting what had been a very vibrant show band atmosphere in Asbury Park from the ‘50s and ‘60s. It certainly helped that he had a great house band with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and Bruce (Springsteen) would show up all the time. It became known as the house that Bruce built and it was really fun. It was like Cheers — Butch and Jack created that vibe.”
Theiss, the man who co-wrote the first songs Bruce Springsteen ever recorded ( “That's What You Get” and “Baby I”), was a veteran of several Asbury Park bands in the '70s and '80s, including Rusty Chain, Doo-Dah, the Cahoots and the George Theiss Band, but his time with Springsteen as lead singer of their Freehold teenage band the Castiles in the '60s secured his legacy. “George was the best vocalist we had,” wrote Springsteen in his Born to Run autobiography. ‘“He had a real voice and charisma and did the job well. I was considered toxic in front of a microphone, my voice the butt of many of [manager Tex Vinyard’s] jokes, and years later, after selling millions of records, I would visit Tex and he would take grand pleasure in sneering at me, ‘You still can’t sing. George is the singer.’ ”
Henry Lopez, and his wife, Minnie, opened Cuba’s Nightclub (aka Cuba’s Spanish Tavern & Nightclub) on Springwood Avenue in 1934, a few doors down from their candy/newspaper store, also called Cuba’s. Performers include Billie Holiday, Ike and Tina Turner, Little Richard, and the Four Tops. Known for its Broadway-type shows with showgirls and comedians as well, Cuba’s was a glamorous nightspot that provided the same level of African American performers, especially, that one might otherwise need to travel to New York to see.
Before pursuing his passion as a music journalist, Al Muzer was a publicist, photojournalist, and manager of The Fast Lane in Asbury Park. He wrote a weekly column of music reviews called “Mr. Musichead” for The Ocean County Review in Seaside Heights. The column was later published in the now defunct Music Paper and his concert reviews regularly appeared in Musicians’ Exchange, The Aquarian Weekly and East Coast Rocker. He received several Asbury Music Awards, recognizing him as Top Journalist in Support of Live Music. He also won the Living Legend Award.
The Asbury Park foursome The Weeklings is a highly impressive rock ‘n’ roll ensemble that is at once classic and at the same time thoroughly up to the moment. The Weeklings are releasing their new studio album, 3 on January 17 – the same day as their Light of Day celebration at the Stone Pony ― on Marty Scott’s legendary indie label, JEM Records. Check out the video for the opening track, “I Want You Again”, with its indelible melodies, striking harmonies and 60’s era jangling guitars.
Tickets for most LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY events are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com,Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets for all events at House of Independents and the Saint are available through TicketWeb and at the venues’ websites. Tickets for McLoone’s Supper Club events are available at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com.
Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.
Here is the updated schedule with the latest show information for LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY is below. Shows will be held in Asbury Park, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Friday, JAN 10
LOD NORTH JERSEY - Willie Nile, James Maddock, The Weeklings’ Glen Burtnik (Lefty) & Bob Burger (Zeek), Joe D’Urso, Jill Hennessy, Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, Emily Grove, Rick Winowski - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 8pm, $35-$75.
Saturday, JAN 11
LOD PHILADELPHIA - Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, James Maddock, The Weeklings, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan – City Winery, Philadelphia, Pa., Doors 5 p.m.; Show 7 p.m.; $25-$50
Sunday, JAN 12
COVER ME: BEST IN NJ COVER & TRIBUTE BANDS – Almost U2, Moroccan Sheepherders, Bob Burger & Friends Performing the Music of Elvis Costello, Experience Janis featuring CC Coletti, Jobonanno's Spirit of Asbury Review, Carl Gentry Band, Kyle Ward & Aaron Manzo, Stella Mrowicki, DJ Lee Mrowicki - Stone Pony, All Ages, Doors 1pm; Show 1:30 p.m., $17 advance/$22 day of show.
LOD ROCKLAND – Joe D’Urso, Adam Falcon, Guy Davis, Alice Leon, plus Arlon Bennett, Caleb Caming, Art Leinoff from Over the Line, Tim O’Donohue, Dave Frye - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3 pm, $25
Wednesday, JAN 15
LOD NEW YORK CITY – Willie Nile, Hollis Brown, The Weeklings, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Jeff Slate - The Cutting Room, NYC, Doors 6 p.m.; Show 6:45 p.m., $45 general admission; $75 VIP.
Thursday, JAN 16
WINTERFEST 2020 KICK-OFF – Marc Ribler & Friends 50 Licks: The Music of the Rolling Stones; Willie Nile; Williams Honor; Colossal Street Jam, Vendetta Rose – House of Independents, Doors 6 p.m.; Show 6:30 p.m. $22.50 adv/$30 day of show.
FIRST NOTE – Foes of Fern, Smooch, Natalie Farrell, New Narratives, 8 Break Plans, more - The Saint, 18+, Doors 7 p.m. $8 adv/$12 dos.
SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM – Dogs in a Pile, Waiting on Mongo, Secret Sound, Cosmic Jerry Band, Fungkshui, Nicole Possin & Pete Tonti, Deseree Spinks & Jimmy Farkas, Strumberry Pie, Lindsey DeSena & Zack Loria, ResXUnplugged - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm, $15.
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY’S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS – Vini Lopez, Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen, Bryan & Alexa, Jarod Clemons, Max & Francesca, Blue Hawk Records Band, Vianna Rose (Lakehouse), Kelli Faith, Dillon Schindler, more - Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION
Friday, JAN 17
ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION: THE WEEKLINGS ALBUM RELEASE WITH JOHN EDDIE AND HOLLIS BROWN – The Weeklings, John Eddie, Hollis Brown, James Maddock Band, The Anderson Council, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, plus Hans Ludviggson, Miss Emily, Gary Tripps, Peter Hogklint - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages/21 to Drink, Doors 7pm, $25 advance/$30 day of show + fees.
REMEMBER JONES PERFORMS THE WHO’S “TOMMY”- Remember Jones and a cast of very special guests perform a concert version of the 24 songs on the double album done in the uniquely theatrical Remember Jones style. 6:30 p.m., $40.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: DRAMARAMA & THE BONGOS with The Grip Weeds - House of Independents, All Ages/21 to Drink; Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m. $22.50 adv/$30 dos
SONGWRITERS AT THE BERKELEY – Peter Elkas, Jackson Pines, Dave Vargo, Joe Petillo, JerzyJung, Jenny Cat, more - Berkeley Hotel Blue Bar, Doors 7 p.m.; FREE ADMISSION.
ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER OF MR. REALITY – Gregory Schwartz, Pete Mancini, Michael Brett, Cranston Dean, Peter Scherer & Rob Tanico, Marc Muller, Williams Honor, Paul Whistler, Dentist, Ryan Gregg, Mark Sunshine, Keith Roth, Ray Anderson, Rick Barth, Cara Smith, Chris Mardini - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION
SILVERBALL NIGHT OF COVERS – Kenny K and the Way, Kevin Mulvany & Friends, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, White Lightning - Silverball Museum, 7 p.m., $10-$15.
ROCK HEAVY – Pierced, The J.A.C.K.S., Tonal Crush, Blood Red Roses, more. The Saint, Fri.,18+, Doors 7pm, $8adv/$12dos
NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY - McLoone’s Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $25-$45.
FRIDAY AT THE CLUB – Stringbean & The Boardwalk Social Club - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
SOUNDBOOTH – Oh, Elis, Brother Andrew, Low Light – Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, JAN 18
BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH – Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $39-$399
ALL TOGETHER NOW: THE BEATLES ACOUSTIC – Bob Burger (Host), Quincy Mumford, Richard Barone, Ben Arnold, Joe D’s Acoustic Excursion - McLoone’s Supper Club, All Ages, Doors Noon; Show 1 p.m. $10
WOMEN OF SONG – Mary McCrink, Christine Martucci, Strumberry Pie, Lisa Bouchelle, Jo Wymer, Pam McCoy - The Saint, Lunch/Doors Noon; Show 1 p.m., $10 door (+$2 surcharge)
DOWNTOWN – ASBURY UNDERGROUND, curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon – 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
ASBURY BLUES – Billy Walton Band, Joe Bonanno & The Godsons of Soul, The Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, RB3, JT Bowen & The Mighty Kings of Soul, Poppa John Bug, Sharon Lasher, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Miss Emily, Mary McCrink, James Dalton - Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon, $15 + fees
FULL TILT BOOGIE – Billy Hector Band, Adam Ezra, Christine Martucci, Peter V Blues Train, plus Rick Winowski, Gary Wright, Michael Askin, Sandy Mack & Mike Flynn - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 6:55 pm, $15 adv/$20 dos.
ROCK HEAVY – “That’s How They Get Ya,” The Morgan Freemason, Tedesco’s Bittersweet 8-Ball, Lou Montasano & Jeremy Korpas, more - The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/ $12dos
BLUE BAR – Tom Kanach Band, Jon Caspi and First Gun, Mike Rocket Band – Berkeley Hotel, 2 p.m., FREE ADMISSION.
SATURDAY AT THE CLUB – Cranston Dean, Frank Lombardi - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
LANGOSTA LIVE – Mamadrama, Bottled Blonde, Spinning Bad – Langosta Lounge, 9 p.m., 21+, FREE ADMISSION.
SOUNDBOOTH – Cat London Band, Catherine Quintana, Moonwater - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS – Doors 7 pm; Show 7:30 pm. $18 advance/$25 day of show.
CAFÉ ARTISTE – Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove, 1 p.m., $10 at door only.
Sunday, JAN 19
REMEMBERING HARRY CHAPIN - A live concert featuring the song and stories of Harry Chapin, performed by John McMenamin and featuring special guests Howard Fields and John Wallace of the Harry Chapin Band, and others – Paramount Theater, 1 p.m., $22-$52
LOD 20 AT THE LANES: BEST OF THE EAGLES – with special guests Miss Emily, The Bob Polding Band, plus special “After-Set” - Asbury Lanes, Doors Noon; Show 12:30 pm., $20 advance/$25 day of show. Bowling lanes will be open throughout the show!
KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Lauren Gil, Sunsets From Jupiter, Jake Ryan, So Far Under, School of Rock Red Bank, The Nobodies, Rock’n Music Academy, Rockit (performing The Beatles: Solo Years), plus Ham by thePound, Ezra Caspi, Ross Owen, Julia Fleming, Evan Rotella, Double A, Jake Thistle, Matt Levine - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Doors Noon; Show 12:15 p.m., $15 advance + fees at door or online.
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1 – Adam Ezra, Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Hans Ludwigsson, plus Peter Hogklint, Matt Jaffe, Kent Nicholson, Arlon Bennett - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Doors 11:30 a.m.; Show 12:15 p.m., $15 at door only
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 – Pat Guadagno, Brian Dunne, Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Coletti & Krizan, Tess Cameron, Scott & Kyle, Stella Mrowicki - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15 at door only.
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3 – Upstairs: Joe Grushecky, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Peter Elkas, Danielia Cotton, Anthony Krizan. Downstairs: LOD Europe with Joe D’Urso, Miss Emily, Vini Lopez, James Maddock, Quincy Mumford, Matt Jaffe - McLoone’s Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6:15 pm, $20.
MUSICIANS ON A MISSION – Tommy B & The Deep Sea, Jake Tavil & Indigo Soul, Calabrese/Swerlin Band, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, We’re Ghosts Now - The Saint, Sun., 18+, 12:15 p.m., $10 door (+ plus surcharge)
BLUE BAR – Xol Azul, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Somewhat Relative, Virago – Berkeley Hotel, Noon, FREE ADMISSION.
ASBURY MUSIC HALL – Asbury Hotel, 2 pm, FREE ADMISSION.
LAST NOTE – Featuring Rock Groove, with Inflatable Head, Shady Street Show Band, Ian Gray Presents!, more - The Saint, 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
SPRINGSTEEN ON SUNDAY/107.1 THE BOSS LIVE BROADCAST - Longtime LOD concert host Tom Cunningham hosts his popular Springsteen program on 107.1 THE BOSS, live from the Anchor’s Bend restaurant, in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, with very special guests, for the 4th consecutive year. 9 am-11 a.m. FREE ADMISSION.
Monday, JAN 20
GOODBYE BRUNCH, McLoone’s Supper Club, All Ages, 10a-2:30p.
Saturday JAN 25
LOD AFTERFEST: STEVE FORBERT & THE NEW RENDITIONS – House of Independents, Doors 2 p.m.; Show 2:50 p.m., $25/$60 VIP.
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