What are you doing Saturday July 20th in New Jersey this summer? If your calendar says anything other than checking out over 50 bands on six stages for only $25, cross it out now and enter the Jersey Shore Music Festival at FirstEnergy Park (Blue Claws Stadium) in Lakewood NJ. This all-ages event will feature national acts including Papadosio, The Front Bottoms, River City Extension, Brick + Mortar, AER and some of the area’s favorite local acts, including one of NVMP’s favorite bands Echo Movement, to represent all genres of music. Aside from the music, the Jersey Shore Music Festival will also feature an array of New Jersey’s top artisans, crafters, photographers and restaurants to provide plenty of local flavors. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult (limit 2 kids/adult). Kids will also have access to the Dr. Bernard’s Kids Zone which will include bungee runs, an obstacle course, bounce house, inflatable 22-foot slide and more. VIP passes are available; $75 for Gold VIP, which include free parking and premier viewing access in front of the main stage. Platinum VIP passes are available for $150 and include same benefits as Gold VIP pass but also a private buffet, cash bar and access to the BlueClaw’s air-conditioned bathrooms and upstairs sports club. Don’t forget, general admission tickets are only $25! All tickets are available online and can be purchased at http://thejerseyshoremusicfest.com/ or at the FirstEnergy Park stadium box office.
We were able to ask co-founder Cory Pedalino a few questions about the festival:
NVMP: What inspired the creation of the Jersey Shore Music Festival? What sets it apart from other music festivals this summer?
Cory Pedalino (CP): The creation of the Jersey Shore Music Festival started with an idea from Jersey Shore natives Joe Ciano and his friend Tyler Culley. I was brought on when Joe and I were introduced through a mutual friend. At first, Joe, Tyler and I weren’t sure what the festival would turn out to look like, but as soon as we completed our team with Justin Hoy from Halogen and Matt Burns from Trendkiller, the planning process compounded with hard work set everything into motion. It’s only been within the past 14 months that Jersey Shore Music Festival was born. JSMF sets itself apart from other summer music festivals because it has almost every genre of music represented and there are no corporate sponsors (other than the personal relationships that Joe and I have attained over the years). Plus it is a homegrown event. We already have ideas for plans to host an annual Jersey Shore Music Festival, a winter event and another event TBD every year. We’re keeping a lot close to chest for now but announcements will be made soon.
NVMP: Is this your first foray into music festivals? What is your vision for this festival next year, 5 years from now, 10 years from now?
CP: For Joe and Tyler, I believe it is their first foray into music festivals other than being an attendee. I’ve been working production on festivals for quite some time. I’ve been engulfed and worked in the local Asbury Park music scene since I was 16. Recently, I came off of a long weekend at this year’s Skate and Surf festival working production on the main stage. I can’t tell you what the vision is for the festival for next year just yet…but I will say it’s going to be bigger and might include an entire weekend of dates. That’s all we’re releasing as of now. We will always include the local bands, artists and vendors in the festival – that is a promise. Some of the best local and regional bands are featured this year on the Harrison/Lakehouse stage.
NVMP: There is a very eclectic line-up of musicians, how did that come together?
CP: The relationships that Matt, Justin and I have formed and bonded our entire musical careers with is what is featured at this year’s festival. Aside from discovering new music, what else can your guests enjoy at the festival?
There will be over 200 craft vendors and artists, an assortment of food choices, a Magic Hat party area, a non-profit village, plus a kids’ area with inflatable slides and did I mention that tickets are only $25??? A great deal for a full day of music and entertainment!
NVMP: What experience do you hope your audience will take away from the Jersey Shore Music Festival?
CP: A fun-filled party with a ton of amazing local, regional and national talent. And one more thing…for music fans looking for something to do after the festival, we are in the process of solidifying deals with local bars River Rock and PB Shorehouse to run exclusive after parties with shuttles to and from the festival on the hour every hour.
We are very excited to hear Echo Movement will be playing at the Jersey Shore Music Festival! Nevermind the Posers was at their record release show at The Stony Pony last September for Love and the Human Outreach and can’t wait to hear their progress with the new album! Echo Movement has decided to lower their carbon footprint for the summer and tour locally, so be sure to see them live at the Jersey Shore Music Festival!
Nevermind The Posers 