Live Music For Every Taste
Want catchy pop tunes? Soothing classical instrumentals? Energetic rock anthems? Monmouth has a concert for everyone.
Sometimes the music sets the mood—and sometimes your mood picks the music. Who hasn’t queued up a “Driving Jams” playlist before hitting the road or cranked up an upbeat mix to power through a workout? The right soundtrack has a way of making every moment just a little more memorable.
The same goes for live music. Some nights call for singing along at the top of your lungs to classic hits, while others are better spent relaxing under the stars with mellow acoustic tunes or smooth jazz. Fortunately, Monmouth County delivers all of the above. From talented local bands and crowd-pleasing tribute acts to nationally known performers, there’s no shortage of great live music to enjoy all summer long. For example:
For chill vibes. If you’re looking for smooth instrumentals, talented musicians and the perfect end-of-weekend soundtrack, head over to Downtown Freehold every Sunday through Aug. 30. Starting at 7 p.m., the weekly Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series plays in the gazebo, adding rhythm and richness to the sunset. You can also head over to Ocean Grove’s Jersey Shore Art Center on the first Wednesday of every month (doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7) for the Cafe Artiste night, filled with acoustic sets and singer-songwriters giving their best. For a one-night experience, try Ocean Grove’s Summer Stroll Fine Art Show, which starts at 4 p.m. Take in the work of local artists to live music for the perfect ambiance.
For high energy. Head to the sand and enjoy Long Branch’s Bands on the Beach series, which takes place every Sunday at 7 p.m. Bring your own blanket and chair and rock out to classic rock covers, upbeat pop tunes and country songs sure to get you moving. Or head to Veterans Park in Hazlet on Thursdays at 7 p.m. for its free summer concerts, including a night of ’80s hits and a Journey cover band. If you get the musical craving on a Saturday, Bradley Beach has you covered with its Saturdays in the Park concert series. Starting at 6 p.m. in Riley Park, you can listen to talented artists give their best (including the always-popular Moroccan Sheepherders, who play July 11).
For classical sounds. Craving softer sounds? Monmouth University in West Long Branch is presenting two of its popular Candlelight Concerts on July 17. In these concerts, a string quartet plays covers and interpretations of the music of an iconic artist in other genres while lit by flickering candles. At 6 p.m., you can listen to the tribute to reggaeton trailblazer Bad Bunny; return at 8:30 for Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons.
For big names. Monmouth’s musical legacy draws big-name talent here like moths to a flame, and there’s no better time to catch them then the summer. At Asbury Park’s The Stone Pony, check out punk legends the Menzingers on July 17 at 6 p.m. or critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus on July 25 at 5:30 p.m. At PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, you can catch country superstar Jason Aldean (July 17, 7:30 p.m.), rock group Train with the Barenaked Ladies as openers (July 24, 6:45 p.m.) or legendary metal band Mötley Crüe (July 30, 6:30 p.m.). At the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, don’t miss a performance by Richard Marx on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
For rising stars. Check out these shows, and you just might catch the next big thing. At Asbury Park’s House of Independents, check out genre-bending indie act A Boy Named John on July 18 at 4:30 p.m. Alt-hip hop duo Little Stranger comes to Asbury Lanes on July 25 at 7 p.m. Jersey Shore hometown heroes Dogs in a Pile return to the Stone Pony on Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. And for fresh talent and brand-new voices, stop by the Freehold Borough Arts Council’s monthly Open Mic Night on July 21, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Want to see more of what’s going on in Monmouth County? Follow us on Instagram @monmouthmagazine so you never miss a thing!
