Photo by Mitchell Davidson
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony Summer Stage presents Yacht Rock Revue on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Here's your chance to embark on a journey down memory lane through radiant musical waters. Deemed by Rolling Stone as the "world's premier soft-rock party band," these maestros of smooth grooves transport audiences back to the golden era of the '70s and '80s, bringing sun-soaked anthems into the 21st century. Gates open at 6:00pm.
Founded in Atlanta, GA, the dynamic 10-piece ensemble features Nicholas Niespodziani (vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Peter Olson (vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Greg Lee (bass, vocals), Mark Dannells (guitars, vocals), Mark Bencuya (keyboards, vocals), David B. Freeman (saxophones, keyboards, flute, piccolo, percussion, vocals), Keisha Jackson (vocals, percussion), Kourtney Jackson (vocals, percussion), Jason Nackers (drums), and Ganesh Giri Jaya (drums).
Their repertoire, spanning from the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to the velvety harmonies of Hall & Oates, evokes memories of palm trees, ocean breezes, and carefree summers. Yet, Yacht Rock Revue goes beyond mere tribute band status by seamlessly integrating their unique style with the iconic yacht rock vibe. This distinct fusion is evident on their upcoming original album, Escape Artist.
The 21-song concept album, set for release with A-side and B-side on Friday, September 6, and C-side and D-side on Friday, November 29, collectively spans four sides of vinyl. It’s a self-indulgent and ambitious ode to the yacht rock genre, capturing waves of emotions. Leading up to the album’s release, each preview features a single from one side paired with its counterpart, paying homage to the vinyl era.
The project captures the desire to escape modern society, using music as a primary tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” Nicholas explains. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nicholas continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
Released just in time for Memorial Day festivities were the lead singles off the project, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers” (released May 24). “Tropical Illusion” — co-written and featuring Elliot Lurie from the legendary band Looking Glass along with Nicholas Niespodziani — pays homage to the 1972 Memorial Day weekend success of Looking Glass’s groundbreaking hit, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” It’s a soundtrack for sunsets, salty breezes, and laid-back moments of romance — the epitome of appreciating the little moments in life.
Speaking on the collaboration, Elliot Lurie elaborates, “I played my first gig with Yacht Rock Revue about 12 years ago. I didn’t know who they were then, but there were 5,000 people in a park in Atlanta groovin’ to a killer band. I sang Brandy with them and I was an instant YRR fan. It’s great to now have co-written a tune with Nick for their new album.”
“Passengers,” effortlessly glides through waves of nostalgia, embodying the quintessential windows-down anthem for carefree summer days. Ethereal vocals and dreamy guitar melodies intertwine with rhythmic drum beats, enchanting listeners with fleeting moments of pure bliss.
The sophomore singles “Lost In The Meantime” and “Steal Away” (released July 12) are sultry tunes perfect for summer nights. “Steal Away,” a reimagined ukulele rendition of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 track, serves as the album’s sole cover. “I’ve been a fan of Yacht Rock Revue since first seeing their show 10 years ago at a small club in New York City,” Robbie Dupree shares. “They’re a national group now! Their new music is brilliant and their rendition of my song, ‘Steal Away,’ is fresh and delightful.”
“Some of my clearest memories aren’t major milestones or significant global events, like where I was when I heard Prince passed away,” Nicholas says. “They’re random snapshots from everyday moments that stick in my head for some reason. That’s the essence of ‘Lost In The Meantime’— it explores how the true essence of a relationship often lies in those ordinary, in-between moments.”
Fresh off a successful run with Kenny Loggins in 2023, Yacht Rock Revue is sailing smoothly into the hearts of fans across the country. Their latest venture, the 45-city Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour, sees them sharing the stage with Train and REO Speedwagon. With their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances, Yacht Rock Revue continues to captivate audiences nationwide.
Tickets for the Stone Pony show start at $45 and are available for purchase online. The Stone Pony is located at 913 Ocean Ave in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The show is open to all-ages and is a rain or shine event.
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