(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Telegraph Hill Records and Transparent Clinch Gallery have added a “no ticket required” event at the gallery to the annual What a Wonderful Year (WAWY) festivities on December 29 and 30th. The inaugural What a Wonderful "Cheer" reception is December 29th and will feature interviews with WAWY festival's non-profit beneficiaries, The Asbury Park African-American Music Project (AP-AMP) and The Project Matters (TPM), performances from their alumni and an opportunity to mingle with the sponsors, organizers, and festival performers from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, just prior to the Wonder Bar event.

Musicians and guests are encouraged to "dress to impress" for a walk on the red carpet. Hosts Madison Van Houten and Brian Erickson will be there with commentary, on-the-spot interviews and photo ops and looking for those in the most festive outfits.  

Launched in 2017, What a Wonderful Year (WAWY) celebrates Asbury Park’s diverse, collaborative, and supportive live music community that keeps the city’s music legacy thriving. Over 20 established and emerging indie acts representing a blend of rock, soul, hip hop and pop will perform on two stages at the Wonder Bar with music running non-stop from 7:00pm to 12:30am each night. Advance tickets are $20 per night or $35 for a 2-night pass, available at the Stone Pony box office, Ticketmaster or directly from any of the performers. 

Night 1 of the WAWY festival includes performances by Jarod Clemons & the Late Nights, The Extensions, Candy Cavity, Olivia Bec, Levy Okun, Renee Maskin, Drewsie, Nikki Nailbomb, Izzy Miz and a special guest to be announced.  

Night 2 features Alexander Simone & WHODAT? Live Crew, The Foes of Fern, Pamela Flores, Blaise, Karma Gambit, King Ramses, 8DayzStr8, Dan Apy, Lexx Banko and Scxtty. Hosts include Meg O’Shea of 90.5 The Night, Matt Daniels and Sandy Froonjian.  

Proceeds go to both charities named above. AP-AMP is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Asbury Park’s African American rich music history, which includes restoring the historic Turf Club on Springwood Avenue. TPM helps aspiring young artists launch their careers by providing financial, business, legal, educational, and emotional support, as well as providing instruments for in-school music education. 

Last Wave Brewing is once again releasing the highly popular What A Wonderful Beer. This festive, crushable amber ale, perfectly embodies the spirit of the annual What Wonderful Year live music festival. The limited release will be available on tap and in 4-packs at Last Wave Brewery and locations in Asbury Park starting this week, as well as throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. 

“We refer to the WAWY event as ‘Asbury Park’s Annual After-Party’,” says Joe Pomarico, event organizer and Telegraph Hill Records executive. “It is an event by the music community for the music community. The event draws a passionate audience from throughout New Jersey who come for their longtime favorite performers and inevitably find new favorites.” 

The event and the donations to the non-profits are made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Playa Bowls, Last Wave Brewery, Vydia, MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos and Telegraph Hill Records. Additional support is provided by 90.5 The Night Brookdale Public Radio, Asbury Park Vibes and the Wonder Bar. 

“One of my favorite traditions is the Tito’s Toast, which we do with the entire audience about halfway through each evening,” says event organizer, Jim Lenskold. “We give thanks for the great original music coming out of Asbury Park over the past year and wish hope for the  upcoming year. I typically choose the “Pom” cocktail off the specialty menu featuring long- time supporter Tito’s Handmade Vodka.” 

The annual WAWY event is organized by Telegraph Hill Records. The music runs non-stop from 7:00pm until 12:30am each night, alternating between the Spotlight Stage and Band Stage.