Get Your Groove On: Live Music is Back on the Island and Here's Where to Catch It
The only thing that can compete with the glory of sweet summer days is hot summer nights! Now that things are back to normal and businesses are open and thriving, there is no better place to be than right here on Seven Mile Beach. If you are looking for some musical entertainment, we have it all. Catch an acoustic act while sitting in the sand, hit the hot spots with the latest bands, or just sit back with a cocktail and listen to the sounds of the piano.
In Avalon, Bobby Dee’s Rock ’n Chair at 2409 Dune Drive has a little bit of everything. Every day starting around 6pm the entertainment kicks off. While a few details are still being confirmed, a few things are already set. Mark Fisher will be playing Monday nights, and Tuesday nights Rob Lipkin will alternate with Steve Tulli. It will be Ty Kingsley on Wednesday nights. Friday is Quizzo night, and Sunday’s entertainment is Johnny’s Cousin Steve. On Saturday nights from 9pm-1am, you will find acts such as Cornerboys, Dave Turner, Vince Schneider and Bigg Romeo. On July 3 and 24, Doug Kelly will be playing from 4-8pm. For a complete list of specials and an entertainment schedule, visit rocknchair.net.
Heading toward Stone Harbor at 7849 Dune Drive is the beautiful ICONA Avalon. Right on the beach there is The Sandbar Village, with live music every night. There’s just something about having a drink with your feet in the sand while listening to some good music that makes you feel like you are on vacation. Monday night’s music includes the Bay Street Boys and Ryan Shubert alternating weeks. On Tuesday nights, Ryan Tennis and the Matt Adams Duo will be alternating. Wednesday nights include local guy MJ Nestor (July 7 and 21) and The Indelible Groove. On Thursday nights, Brandon Ireland and the Amy Faden Duo will be switching off. Friday nights, acts such as Tom Powdermaker, Sean Loosh, Keep the Change and the John Gill Duo will be on stage. Sean Loosh will also be on stage most Saturday nights including July 3, 10 and 24. Aloha My Broha will be in the house on July 17 and 31. Even if you stopped by during the week, you have to come back on Sunday for Raggae Sundays! The Raggamuffins will be playing on July 4, 11 and 25, and Cheezy & the Crackers will be in the house on July 18. There is a little something for everyone all week long. When the sun is shining, there is no better place to be!
Just a block over is the Windrift Hotel Resort, where you find different sources of entertainment on each level. There are piano performances in the Signature Lounge starting at 6pm seven days a week. Jim Bannach plays Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Doug Jennings has Tuesdays, and Darrin McDonald will play Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Later in the night, head over to the Blue Wave Lounge to catch some of your favorite bands every weekend. The famous Chatterband will be playing on July 2 and 10. Everyone’s favorite, the Juliano Brothers Band, will be there every Sunday night in July. On Friday and Saturday nights, bands include Marquee, All Souled Out, The Big House Band, The Zone, Mystery Machine and more! For more information, visit windrifthotel.com.
Head down to Stone Harbor, where Fred’s Tavern, 314 96th Street, has been a favorite hangout for decades. There is always something happening at Fred’s. Try your hand at Quizzo on Monday nights and come back on Tuesdays for Music Trivia! Danny Lynch will be in the house every Thursday night. On Friday nights, there will be a variety of acts playing. CJ & Kevin are one act that you won’t want to miss. They will be performing on July 2 and 30 and Aug. 27. Staycation will be there July 9, Dan Ward is in the house on July 16, and catch the Dandelion Duo on July 23. Bryen O’Boyle, formally the front man of Mr. Greengenes, will be back on Aug. 6. Rob & Dave are scheduled for Aug. 13, and 5X Famous is set for Aug. 20. Saturday nights are when the party kicks it up a notch. Local Mike Beck will be playing on July 3, while another local, Sean Loosh is booked for July 17 and Aug. 28. Kirko will take the stage July 24, and Bat is back on Aug. 14. Grab a seat at the bar, kick your feet up, and enjoy the tunes! Visit the web for more information at fredstavern.net.
Right across the street is The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave. Sax at The Reeds has a coastal ambience paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There is live music in the lounge every night from 8-11. Ray McGeehan and Fourth Son alternate on Monday nights. Tom Powdermaker is there every Tuesday. C. Lynn Smith is in the house every Wednesday. Thursday nights bring entertainers such as Robin Gazzara, Peter Stone, Allison Landon, and Camille Puerto. Every Friday night, Megan Knight will be playing, and every Saturday night it’s Thomas Quaile and Robin Gazzara. Sunday nights you will find Brooke DiCaro and Ken Shiles & Ci Bon. Says CEO Ron Gorodesky: “Water Star Grille has lined up an incredible program to make this an unforgettable summer for both locals and guests of The Reeds at Shelter Haven. We’ve curated a live entertainment lineup featuring the region’s best talents coupled with a new, enticing menu and wine list for a perfect evening right on the waterfront.”
If you are looking for something a little more casual and maybe a margarita is on your mind, head right next door to Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina. Serving Mexican food right on the water, Buckets is a place you will want to come with the whole family and then come back again for date night. Seasonal specials include Sunday Fun-Days, Margarita Mondays, No Shower Happy Hours, Taco Tuesdays, weekend late-night cocktails and everything in between. There is also live entertainment every night of the week. Catch the sounds of Al Olivero, Christina Glomb, Marc Wass, John Rodden, Doug Kaetz, John Harris and so many more artists who will be playing over the summer! For a complete schedule, visit reedsatshelterhaven.com.
Last summer, the Lazy Bass opened at 4001 Old North Wildwood Blvd., North Wildwood. Because of the pandemic, the kitchen remained closed and food trucks were serving meals every night of the week. The trucks were such a hit that they are back for the summer of 2021! Also returning are a lot of your favorite artists to help you relax while you sit out by the water in style. Mike Thompson will be playing your favorite tunes every Monday night. He is also there on July 31 and Aug. 28. Jim Bannach is booked for Tuesday nights. Wednesday nights brings artist such as Jefe on July 7 and Aug. 4, and Rob Violla on July 14 and Aug. 18. Bryen O’Boyle will be performing on July 1, 22 and 27. Friday nights, catch Mike Beck, CJ & Kevin, Kirko, and Bat. On Saturdays and Sundays, the first music session starts at 1pm, followed by the second starting at 5pm. Joe O’Brien, Mike Beck, The Seabillys Band, Chris Huff and many other artists will be there. Says owner Terri Hand: “Last summer was our first summer open and despite the pandemic it was amazing! We are looking forward to another fun summer. We have a schedule packed with entertainment and will be serving good food and drinks on the water.” For more information, visit lazybass.com.
There is so much to do, and summer moves fast! Enjoy those lazy days basking in the sun and those fun nights out!
