---

Outpost, an immersive rest stop for touring artists has opened in Asbury Park.

Developed by The Participation Agency, an experiential marketing firm based in New York City, Outpost is a gratis haven for those touring creatives visiting town to recharge, produce, and just hangout before and/or after a gig.

This month North Jersey electro pop band A R I Z O N A, making waves across the nation during their recent tour with Coin, helped launch the collaborative concept done in conjunction with waterfront redeveloper iStar.

“I grew up coming to Asbury,” said keyboardist David Labuguen, an Elizabeth native. The group tours in a 15 passenger band, staying in inexpensive motels or sleeping in van. “This is awesome. I was taking a nap on the hammock earlier. It’s great to just sit, recharge and relax. It’s like a little oasis in the middle of tour.”

Decked in decor any HGTV fan would want to call home, Outpost features a Gibson recording studio, a yoga and fitness center, outdoor deck area, laundry, showers, and hammocks spotted throughout the seasonal landscape. Located one block from the beach and within walking distance of the city’s shops and restaurants, the 1,800 square foot space also features murals by artist Gosha Levochkin, grills, a general store.

“We are thrilled to bring Outpost to Asbury Park,” iStar’s Senior Vice President of Land & Development Brian Cheripka said in a written statement. “Through this partnership, an undeniable synergy will be created between the visiting artists and the talent that is already in town.”

Outpost is the second installment to Participation’s flagship El Paso site. Both are located along major tour routes, and the agency has plans to open three other locations by year’s end.

“The Outpost team is dedicated to ensuring that each new location stays true to its purpose,”  Outpost Co-Founder and The Participation Agency Creative Director Jessica Resler said. “We want to give back to the creative class while offering a platform on which unique, meaningful exchange can happen between people from all walks of life with varied stories to share.”

Outpost creators say the Asbury Park location pays homage to the town’s reputation as a musical epicenter. Designed in the ilk of Manhattan’s popular SoHo House, Outpost will offer both public and private engagements, as well as diverse community programming.

“The launch of Outpost Asbury Park, with the support of iStar, is the perfect example of the right destination and partners aligning to foster initiatives that will drive revitalization within both creative and local communities. We couldn’t be more proud,” Outpost Co-Founder and The Participation Agency President Ruthie Schulder said.

Outpost Asbury Park is located at 200 Cookman Avenue, and visitors and locals alike are encouraged to stop by, organizers said. For more information, visit www.outpost.city. 

——————————————————–

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---