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Three years after first opening its doors, Lakehouse, known for fostering growth, arts, and education in Asbury Park, will celebrates the expansion of its Lake Avenue complex and the creative collaborations – new and old, that have taken root.

Dubbed as an infrastructure for the creative spirit, the three-story brick building boasts not only the expansion of its music academy and recording studio space, but the burgeoning synergy of an eclectic group of young entrepreneurs opting to launch or continue their ventures in Asbury Park.

“It’s such an exciting time in Asbury Park and it’s exciting to be part of what’s happening here at Lakehouse,” owner Jon Leidersdorff [at right] said. “All of these businesses are filled with, and run by interesting people from our community who are doing creative things.”

Throughout its vintage meets modern industrial design by architect James Watt, the décor screams an attention to detail – i.e. the building’s reclaimed wood now used as artistic accents throughout the complex. In each venue, small business, and creative art space, the eclectic creativity of its tenants blend seamlessly together.

One example is the side by side offerings of AP Moto Club and Swagger and Blade. The throwback feel of the former’s clothing and cycle culture accents the latter’s vintage straight blade shave and haircuts popular a few decades back.

Swagger and Blade’s flagship location opened six years ago in Wanamassa and opened its second location here 6 weeks ago. AP Moto offers an AMA membership, sponsored rides, and a monthly catered party.

A grand opening celebration featuring musical performances by the local talent pool, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The event will be an introduction to two world famous talents who have opted to call Asbury Park their headquarters – Machine [relocating from Austin is known for his work with Fall Out Boy, and Lamb of God] and Steve Greenwell [known for his work with Joss Stone, Andy Grammer, and James Maddock].

“I’ve been in the business for 25 years and I’ve gotten to the point in my career where people come to where I’m at,” said Greenwell [at right], formerly based in Manhattan. “I’ve wanted to join Jon here at Lakehouse for some years now. It’s an amazing quality of life thing; about community. It’s fun down here and the artists that are coming to work with me love the town.”

Leidersdorff said the expertise Machine and Greenwell lend helps to enrich not only the Lakehouse family but the larger community.

“It’s a way of life we are creating,” Leidersdorff said. “We are making an effort to create something that’s real and that is going to serve music, art, the city, and everything.”

Meandering through the expanded practice rooms and recording studios, one can’t help but take note of the top of the line equipment, some donated by the likes of Sony and Max Weinberg.

The Lakehouse Music Academy features individual and group classes, with concert performances at local venues like The Saint, on the way to the annual the Big Gig event, held last year at The Stone Pony. That showcases featured over 300 students ranging from ages 7 to 73.

In the short 3½  years the Freehold Borough native has taken root in Asbury Park, Leidersdorff has fostered music education and opportunities for adults and children.

Leidersdorff has nurtured programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Asbury Park where an in house recording studio has a 90 percent girl participation rate, with Hope Academy, Mt. Carmel and the Asbury Park School District schools.

“We are finally really connecting with the community,” Leidersdorff said. “We just recently got some money donated from the Spring Lake 5K so we can create some scholarships to get some more kids here. There’s a lot of support and we are just starting to make some waves.”

Saturday’s Grand Opening family friendly event highlights include:

Guided tours unveiling not only the Lakehouse Music Academy new rehearsal studios, lesson rooms and interactive curriculum but also a glimpse of the expanded Lakehouse Recording Studios and Cowerks spaces, as well as Monmouth University’s new Music Industry Facility and The Asbury Park Music Foundation’s new home.

An organic outdoor barbecue by Kitch Organic, a beer tent sponsored by Asbury Park Brewery with music by DJ Mikey Gallo., the guided tours, free giveaways and one day sales, as well as promotions from the various business.

All drink proceeds will be donated to Asbury Park Music Foundation [APMF] and their youth initiative partnership with Lakehouse Music Academy. Located on the ground floor, the APMF space will be a rentable venue in support of the nonprofit’s mission to bring music education to children most in need.

APMF will host performances by Von Mons and Gods at 5 and 6 p.m., respectively at a pop up stage at the ground floor located AP Moto Club’s lounge.

Inside the newly expanded third floor located Cowerks -the creative workplace for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, you will find BandsOnABudget offering 10 percent off first orders of over $150 on custom merchandise for bands, brands, and businesses. Cowerks is offering a free a free day pass of coworking.

Throughout the afternoon, first floor resident [Andrew] Holtz Photography will offer snapshots on stage alongside a full stack of vintage amps provided by Russo Music, and by the building’s step and repeat.

The free limited-edition tee shirt giveaway features original artwork by Gregory Edgerton, Creative Director of Humble Humans – the full stack design agency located at Cowerks.

Back on the ground floor, Swagger and Blade will be offering free haircuts to veterans, police, and firemen while third floor located Boho Hair Salon will feature a ladies-only Holiday Market, complete with R+Co and Coldspring Apothecary hair product gift bags and an exclusive macramé gallery, with sale items under $50. A bit of pampering will come in the form of their Dry/Express Hair Bar, makeup consultations, and a promo coupon for first visits.

Stop into Russo Music for a free restring and guitar tune service with the purchase of new strings. Fret polish, fingerboard clean and condition, guitar cleaning, restring, stretch, and tune are included.

And join Gold Group Enterprises, founded in 2006 and now located on the third floor, as their  mashup of system architects and e-commerce experts hold a gift auction on their scenic balcony overlooking the lake in support of the Asbury Park Music Foundation.

The Lakehouse is located at 619 and 621 Lake Avenue. For more information, visit lakehouseap.com.

[feature photo courtesy of Leidersdorff]

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