Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight
Bryen O’Boyle
“And I remember every moment of those endless summer nights…” – Richard Marx
When you live at the beach or are lucky enough to vacation here, you know that summer nights are just as unforgettable as sunny, summer days. Summer nights are filled with fun, laughter, and music that never ends. So many of my favorite memories happened on summer nights, with great friends while we listened to the latest cover bands. These days, my summer nights are much different but yours don’t have to be - the night scene is hotter than ever! Whether you are looking to enjoy cocktails with your feet in the sand, or to dance the night away to your favorite shore band, we’ve got it all happening right here for you seven nights a week!
Our first stop is Fred’s Tavern, 315 96th St., everyone’s hometown bar. Over the years the entertainment scene has changed and thankfully, Fred’s has managed to keep up with the times. What was once a booming lounge with all of the hottest cover bands on the scene is now a restaurant and tavern where crowds gather to watch the game and listen to live music. Fred’s is the place to go when you are meeting up with good friends and want to have a good time. There is live music every Friday and Saturday night over the summer. Their schedule includes a lot of great musicians that you won’t want to miss! Friday, July 5,
Bryen O’Boyle is in the house playing all of your favorite songs and taking your holiday weekend up a notch. He makes a second appearance on Aug. 23, so mark that down in your planner now! Mike Thompson is playing Saturday July 6,
Aug. 2, and Aug. 24. Matt Quinton is back from Key West bringing the island vibes to Jersey on Aug. 2. Other entertainment acts over the summer include Jefe, Rob Groden Duo and 1 Fish 2 Fish. Every Monday night is Quizzo and every Tuesday at 9:30 is Name That Tune.
Right across the street is The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave. From upscale dining to margaritas by the bay, The Reeds has everything right in one spot. If you are heading out on a date, we suggest you stop at the Sax Lounge for dinner and entertainment. The music plays seven nights a week from 8-11pm. Entertainers include Don Shaw every Monday, Tom Powdermaker every Tuesday, C. Lynn Smith every Wednesday, Sean Loosh every Friday and Kevin Burns every Sunday. Every Thursday in August is local favorites Marnie and Nate. Other entertainers fill in over the summer.
For a more casual and always fun evening, head over to Buckets by the Bay, The Reeds’ Mexican restaurant. Join in on the fiesta with specials including Sunday Fun-Days, Margarita Mondays, No Shower Happy Hours, Taco Tuesdays, weekend late-night cocktails and everything in between. There is live music at Buckets seven nights a week as well. Christian Glomb is in the house on July 1, 15, 27, 29, Aug. 12 and 26. AJ Jesson returns on July 3, 17, 31, Aug. 14 and 28. Other people playing throughout the summer include Brandon Ireland, Marc Wass, Justin Steere, Ken Shiles and so many more! For a complete list, check out the website, reedsatshelterhaven.com.
Says Reeds general manager Justin Mogavero: “Whether you’re enjoying a margarita at the Belly-Up Bar at Buckets or indulging in small plates and cocktails at SAX, summer evenings are simply more fun with live music. We’re excited to offer a summer entertainment lineup full of local favorites and up-and-coming artists that will enhance guests’ experiences when dining with us.”
If you head down 96th Street, above the Harbor Square Mall on the second floor you will find The Watering Hull, 261 96th St. The Watering Hull is a spacious restaurant with a view overlooking the mall. The restaurant features a Caribbean menu, bar and live entertainment throughout the summer. Some of the highlights include the ever-popular Seabillys on the Fourth of July, right after the fireworks. What a way to celebrate the holiday! On Saturday, July 6, the Zodiac Jack Duo will perform, followed by the Terry O’Brien Band on July 12, playing the music of the Beatles, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Prince! Triage is playing on July 13. Alexandra March will take the stage July 19, and the Beatles tribute band Love Me Dudes is scheduled for July 26.
“Our mission is to deliver quality food and drinks at reasonable family prices while providing a relaxing place for people to gather and have some summer fun!” says owner Tom Tice.
Head further down 96th Street and you will find Chill, 224 96th St., the only rooftop restaurant in town. This summer, Chill will have live music Friday through Sunday from 6-9:30pm. On Friday nights, come and jam to the island beats of Bill Bittman and the Steel Drum Guy. On Saturday nights, the music alternates between Lane Simkins, TQ Acoustic and Red Fish Blue Fish. On Sunday nights the music alternates between local favorite Sean Loosh and Abbie & Sage. Stop in, have an amazing dinner and enjoy the music while you overlook the famous 96th Street shopping district.
Right on the border of Avalon and Stone Harbor is the Windrift Resort Hotel, 105 80th St. Here you will find eight different dining experiences so you can eat somewhere new every night of the week! Local hint: Make sure you stop by on a Tuesday night for the ever-popular Wing Night, it’s a must. There is various entertainment happening throughout the resort all week long. Every night at 6 in the Signature Lounge, come listen to the sounds of the piano. Darin McDonald is there Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. Jim Bannach plays Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and Doug Jennings performs on Wednesdays. Head out to the beach bar where the party is really getting started! Kicking off the weekend, The Exceptions play every Thursday at 8pm. Friday night highlights include Chatterband on July 5 and 20, Big House Band on July 12 and 27, and Love Seed Mama Jump is back on July 6. End the weekend with a bang every Sunday at 4 with The Juliano Brothers. Don’t forget there is also entertainment daily on Level 2! John Anthony plays every Monday at 7pm, Chris Huff is there every Tuesday at 4pm, followed by more entertainment such as the Stellar Mojo Duo, and the Steal Savannah Duo at 8:30pm. Thursday through Sunday, DJ Jules is on hand to keep the party going, starting at 8pm. Whatever type of night you are looking to have, you can find it all right at the Windrift.
Right next door you will find ICONA Avalon, 78th Street and the beach. The Sandbar Village Beach Bar and Lounge features food, cocktails, fire pits and live music daily from 4-8pm. Every Monday night, Robin Gazzara is playing. Tuesday night, listen to the sounds of Atley Moon. On Wednesday, it’s Avalon local MJ Nestor, and Steve Moore & MIA play every Thursday night. On Fridays, highlights include Keep the Change on July 5 and Aug. 2, The Zone on July 19, and The Zone Duo on Aug. 16. Sean Loosh plays every Saturday night. Sundays are for Raggae! The music will be playing from 3-8pm. Cheezy & Crackers are playing July 7, 21, Aug. 4 and 18. The Raggamuffins are playing July 15 and 28, Aug. 11 and 25. So grab a drink, put your toes in the sand, and have a true beach party!
Heading further north into Avalon is Bobby Dee’s Rock ’N Chair, 2409 Dune Drive. Come early and enjoy a meal before the music starts. Sunday through Thursday at 7pm, you will be entertained by the sounds of Johnny’s Cousin Steve, Rob Lipkin, Jay, Mark Fisher and Que. Every Friday night, Dan Ryan hosts Quizzo, beginning at 8. Throughout the summer, live bands play every weekend. Some of the highlights include: Animal House July 6 and 27 and Aug. 24.
The Mark Fisher Trio makes appearances on July 4 and 13. The Cornerboys are in the house July 20, Aug. 3 and 31. Other bands playing over the summer include Juicy Trio, Bucket of Hot and All Tuned Up. Stop in for a special night on July 3: Dueling Pianos, starting at 7pm.
Just a few blocks away is The Princeton Bar and Grill, 21st Street and Dune Drive, which also has live entertainment all summer long. On Tuesdays, Bobby Fingers will be playing the piano from 7-11pm. Stop in for popular acts such as Stellar Mojo, Liquid A, Split Decision, The Zone, Jumper and so many more! There will be three special ticketed events over the summer: G. Love on July 1, Almost Queen on July 7, and Boat House Row on July 21 with its “Yacht Rock Experience.” Tickets for these three concert events can be purchased on princetonbar.com.
Additional special events include 50th Anniversary Woodstock on the block on Sunday, Aug. 11. The Princeton will host 15 local musicians for the event in the Rock Room. On Aug. 18, stop in for Tour de Shore. This event is a must-see. People line up every summer to watch the parade of the crazy and unique costumes that are displayed.
Finally, we know this story is about nighttime entertainment, but sometimes you need help to get moving after a wild Saturday night. The Princeton has an extended brunch menu. Grab a cocktail to get rid of that Sunday morning hangover while you dine and listen to live music.
“I am really excited about all of our live entertainment this summer,” owner Lizanne Tracy says. “We have a fantastic lineup of bands playing in The Rock Room on weekends as well as a few special concert events. Don’t miss Sunday Brunch and Tuesday night’s piano bar. There is always something happening at the Princeton.”
If you are hanging out with an old friend and want to catch up over a few beers, there’s a place for that. If you are heading out with a whole crew for a wild night, there’s a place for that, too. Wherever you want the night to take you, it’s happening right here on Seven Mile Beach.
