NJ Musings: Yacht Rocking at the Stone Pony
Wet and wild summer fun at a New Jersey institution.
The last time I saw a show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage was on July 6, 2019. There are a lot of reasons why that show was memorable, but the biggest one was that I got to witness one of the most hallowed of all New Jersey myths come to life - the surprise appearance of Bruce Springsteen on an Asbury Park stage. Although I hate to sound braggy, it was actually the second time I had experienced a surprise Bruce showing at a storied Asbury venue. The first time was at the Wonder Bar, the smaller, more intimate club right down the street. I’m not sure if the Wonder Bar appearance counts as a surprise, because from what I remember, it was a well-kept secret among the ones in the know (one that I am lucky enough to know) that he would be showing up that night. I think it was the year before. I’ll have to go back to check…
But that night at the Summer Stage was memorable in more than one way, as nights like that tend to be. That night wound up being the night of a handful of lasts, although at the time, like many lasts, I didn’t know it at the time (although too long a tale to tell today, it will be told maybe tomorrow). That summer night, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played their hits, other bands’ hits, and I got to see Bruce sing on a cover of “Not Fade Away”, the Buddy Holly song made famous by others including another summertime favorite, The Grateful Dead.
But this night, almost three years to the day later, I had plans to return for a much looked-forward concert with many of the people I had also been with on the Bruce night. This show wasn’t Southside, it was Yacht Rock Review. Now, before you chuckle or laugh, please understand that Yacht Rock as a genre is awesome. It features many of the songs of my childhood and adolescence. Yacht Rock songs are fun, but they are also full of angst and adult topics if you listen to the lyrics. They are the songs that filled the car radios, cookouts, beach visits, and parental house parties of the 1970s and 80s. They are the songs that wired and readied my growing Gen-X brain to readily accept and connect with the full on angst of 90s grunge.
I made a bet with myself about what songs would be played which included “Brandy”, (not a fave), “Southern Cross”, (a huge fave), something from Steely Dan (yes, please), or something else attached* to Michael McDonald (Doobies, et. al.). I promised myself I would keep a setlist, but deep down knew I wouldn’t. I also made a bet with myself that the rain would hold off. I lost both. No to “Brandy”, no to “Southern Cross”, yes to Steely Dan (“My Old School” and “Peg”) and Michael McDonald, of course (“What A Fool Believes”).
The vibe at the show was exciting. There were tons of people all over the streets, even as a new variant was said to be quickly emerging. It would be the first time in two and a half years I voluntarily became part of a big crowd, and if this new variant became a real threat, it also might be the last for me for awhile, so I wanted to make the most of it. My group, along with the rest of the crowd was in a particularly festive mood. People decked out in yacht attire and captains’ hats filled the outdoor stage and aromas of hot dogs, burgers, and fried dough filled the air. A very Jersey scene.
And then, right at 7:30, the band took the stage and the crowd erupted. I had no idea that this band had such a following. They came onto the stage and took their places at the drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and horns and began to strum a tune that fellow Anchorheads (yes, that’s what they are called, and yes, I guess I am one now) immediately recognized as Hall and Oates vibey, moody, timeless story of regret, lost love, aging, and self-medication: “She’s Gone”. Everyone seemed to lose their minds.
It was fucking awesome. Don’t believe me? Here’s one of their performances.
They played for a good two hours, and some of the highlights included “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”, “Ride Like the Wind”, “Rosanna”, “One Of These Nights”, “Give Me The Night”, “Somebody’s Baby”, and the one I can’t seem to get out of my head, “Cool Change”. Little River Band FTW.
Oh, and the second bet I lost about the rain? Not once, but twice the skies opened up and dumped heavy rain on the crowd. Most people not only seemed not to care, the deluge seemed to pump people up even more. Rain ponchos were shared, captain hats were passed around, and puddles were danced in. It was a truly special night in New Jersey. Next year I’ll be sure to bring my own hat…
Want more info about Yacht Rock? Believe it or not, there’s a Masterclass and there’s always good old Wikipedia.
You can find upcoming Yacht Rock Review dates and more info about the bands here, and upcoming Summer Stage events here.
* I learned during the writing of this post (or at least Wikipedia told me) that Michael McDonald co-wrote Van Halen’s "I’ll Wait”, which appeared on Van Halen’s “1984”. Truly an impresario.
© 2022 Kim Selby. All rights reserved.
All photography © Kim Selby unless otherwise credited.