North 2 Shore Festival Showcase
in the Grand Arcade on the Asbury Park Boardwalk

Curious about the Asbury Park music scene but don’t know where to start? We designed an awesome crash-course for your listening pleasure. On Friday, June 14 check out 11 of the amazing local artists who make Asbury Park one of the most vibrant creative hubs in the region. Head over to the North to Shore Showcase Stage in the Grand Arcade at the historic Convention Hall – for free – as we shine a light on Asbury Park’s hometown heroes. Not only can you catch some of the best music Asbury has to offer, but you can also eat, drink and shop at the bars, restaurants and shops located inside the Grand Arcade.

The bulk of the feature Showcase Stage artists were selected through a competitive application process by Asbury Park arts and culture leaders to represent the city in a free, public performance for the North to Shore Festival. The artists chosen represent the multi-cultural, multi-genre goodness that Asbury is known for, including rock, pop, punk, psych, R&B, funk, soul and global sounds. Hosted by local spoken word poet and hip-hop artist Chris Rockwell, the event features the talents of Des and the Swagmatics, Joe Miller, Mike Montrey, Dave Vargo, Johnny Nameless, Myster-E Edutainment, Space and the Goodstock Jamband, The Mercury Brothers, and Jake Thistle.

This Jersey Shore town is legendary for the musicians who’ve gotten their start here. But the magic that helped create icons like Bruce Springsteen is still alive and well, and you can experience it for yourself this summer at the North to Shore Asbury Park Showcase Stage at the Grand Arcade June 14. Music starts at 3:30pm.

3:30pm – Johnny Nameless
4:30pm – Myster-E Edutainment
5:30pm – Joe Miller, Mike Montrey Band, Dave Vargo
7pm – Jake Thistle
8pm – Space and the Goodstock Jamband
9:15pm – The Mercury Brothers
10:30pm – Des and the Swagmatics

Des & The Swagmatics
Dive into a sound so rich, so funky, it could only be Des and the Swagmatics! These Asbury Park heroes deliver a scorching mix of R&B, soul, rock, funk and pop that will leave you no choice but to dance.

Jake Thistle
To call Jake Thistle a rising star would be a severe understatement. At just 20, he’s rocked major music events across Europe and the US, shared stages with revered names in entertainment like Bruce Springsteen, Brandi Carlisle and Carlos Santana.

Joe Miller, Mike Montrey Band, and Dave Vargo
When Joe Miller, Mike Montrey and Dave Vargo team up, you know you’re in for a treat. These three exceptional singer/songwriters are fan faves at the Shore, and for good reason! Don’t miss them!

Johnny Nameless
Mixing up vintage psych with a dash of surf, punk and blues, Johnny Nameless have been shaking up the scene since 2017 and their debut “Seaside Motel,” crafting an adventurous musical ride that’s anything but ordinary.

Myster-E Edutainment
From sharing stages with hip hop icons like KRS One and the Wu-Tang Clan to inspiring kids in the classroom here and abroad, Myster-E (Eric Shandroff) embodies the heart and soul of hip hop culture.

Space and The Goodstock Jamband
Channeling the ghost of her grandfather, Raoul Cita of The Harptones, Space creates a harmonious blend that summons elements of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Nina Simone, then sprinkles in her own special brand of funky R&B vibes on top. The result? Pure magic.

The Mercury Brothers
An Asbury Park indie rock sensation, The Mercury Brothers bring a passionate, unrefined message through their music. They’ve mastered the art of blending sentimental, upbeat and sometimes abrasive indie rock, with a sound that nods to the likes of My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse.

Chris Rockwell
Nationally touring local hero Chris Rockwell is a spoken word and hip-hop powerhouse. Named Poet Laureate of Asbury Park in 2010, he founded and runs SOUP CAN MAGAZINE, co-founded the Jersey Shore Poetry Slam, was the first Grand Slam Champion of the prestigious Loser Slam and shared stages with giants Sugarhill Gang and Bootsy Collins.