The Summer of Retro 2014: A List of 'Must See' Events

Well, what do you know?!?! The Summer of Retro 2014 is fast approaching, and along with the sun and surf, there’s the music and fun that just doesn’t stop. As someone who’s been enjoying the summer season at the Jersey Shore for many years now, here’s my list of “must see” events going in Long Branch this coming summer:

Blues By The Beach (West End Park)
Sunday, June 8: Philadelphia Funk (7PM)

There’s no better way to start the Long Branch concert season off than with the high-energy sound of Philadelphia Funk, featuring lead singer and Long Branch native Jillian Rhys, and the best horn section this side of Tower Of Power.

Thursday By The Sea (Festival Plaza in Pier Village)
Thursday, June 12: Tim McLoone & The Shirleys (7PM)

What is there to say about Tim McLoone and the Shirleys that hasn’t been said already? They play the favorites from back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s all the way up to today’s pop hits. 

Blues By The Beach (West End Park bandstand)
Sunday, June 22: Sandy Mack (7PM)

Sandy Mack, one of the Jersey Shore’s musical stalwarts, brings it for some rockin’ good times at West End Park.

Downtown Tuesday Nights (Union Avenue Bandstand behind Brookdale)
Tuesday, June 24: Long Branch High School Jazz Orchestra (7PM)

The city’s newest musical venue hosts Long Branch students performing under the direction of high school musical director Bob Clark. These kids never cease to amaze.

Oceanfest (The Long Branch Promenade)
Friday, July 4 from 1-10PM

This is the 24th year for Oceanfest, one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the state of New Jersey. This is one of my favorite events ever in Long Branch. Make sure to bring your appetites -- food vendors galore!

Thursday By The Sea (Festival Plaza in Pier Village)
Thursday, July 17: The Nerds (7PM)

The Nerds bring their high-energy rock ‘n’ roll road show to Pier Village. These guys have been together for almost 30 years, and they never disappoint. Every year, the Nerds play host to the largest crowds ever assembled at Pier Village on a Thursday night.

Thursday By The Sea (Festival Plaza in Pier Village)
August 7: After The Reign (7PM)

After The Reign is one of the hottest country & western bands in the country. Playing both cover songs and their own original music, they never fail to please. These guys continue up the ladder of success, and you can say you heard them first right at Pier Village.

Thursday By The Sea (Festival Plaza in Pier Village)
August 28: Brian Kirk and The Jirks (7PM)

Local favorite Brian Kirk & The Jirks cover Springsteen to a tee, and play other party-time hits as well. Always the crowd pleaser, they headline the final show of the summer season at Pier Village.

And of course, all of the concerts in Long Branch are free and open to the public. For more information on all the summer events, contact Barry Stein 732-923-2044 or e-mail bstein@ci.long-branch.nj.us. 

(The entire Jersey Shore Retro Blogography can be found at http://longbranch.patch.com/blogs/kevin-cieris-blog .You can also follow Kevin Cieri's blog on his Facebook page, "Jersey Shore Retro" as well as on Twitter @jsretro).