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The Asbury Park Music Foundation [APMF], in partnership with Lakehouse Music Academy, held its Third Annual Music Saved My Life Softball Tournament in support of youth music programs this month.

Over $28,000 was raised to support the nonprofit’s Music Saved My Life programs. APMF not only works to provides music education programs for underserved youth, it promotes local events, musicians and venues to help unite the community, improve economic well-being for residents and preserve city’s legacy as a destination where music lives and gives.

Ten teams vied for bragging rights at Asbury Park High School baseball fields as the Lakehouse Music Academy Junior Pros payed. They raised over $28,000 during the all day event, said APMF Chairman James Lenskold said.

The Local businesses who contributed and participated to charity tournament included 1101 Ocean, First Constitution Bank, the Asbury Park Press, House of Independents, Johnny Mac House of Spirits, Kivvit, Madison Marquette, New Jersey Natural Gas, Sackman Enterprise, and Watermark.

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten and Eneractive Solutions also donated as team participants but had business conflicts that interfered with their participation, Lenskold said. In the end, NJ Natural Gas stole the tournament title from last year’s winner Watermark.

Funds raised will help support APMF music curriculum at Hope Academy Charter School, its Hip Hop Institute in the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, music for the Asbury Park Summer Recreation Camp, and private scholarship for Asbury Park School District students, Lenskold said.

Launching this year, will be Voices, a vocal training program that will run in partnership with the Asbury Park school district, Lenskold said.

Event support also came from Wegmans, Pepsi Co, Ansell Grimm & Aaron, AP Chamber of Commerce, French & Parrello Associates, John C. Conover Agency, and Shoreline Media.

This week, the APMF finished out its summer season of free concerts in Springwood Avenue Park and along the AP Boardwalk.

“We had an incredible lineup of musical talent this summer and we hope you were able to make it out to a few of the shows,” organizers said in written statement. “These free shows help to bridge the east and west Asbury Park communities, bringing people together through the positive power of music.  It has been a great experience for all involved.”

Concert supporters included the City of Asbury Park, Interfaith Neighbors, Madison Marquette, NJ Natural Gas, UMT Presents, Mogo Korean Tacos, Watermark Ansell Grimm & Aaron, Asbury Park Brewery, AP Food Collective, the Asbury Park Press, The Crepe Shop, Lakehouse Music Academy, Pepsi, Pucker, Tony’s Dog and Cheesesteak, The Stone Pony, Next week, Dark City Strings, who were rained out of their scheduled AP Live Summer show, will headline a fundraising show 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at Asbury Park Brewery, located at 810 Sewall Ave.

But before that, the final Asbury Park Concert Band [Children’s Concert] next to McLoone’s closes out their 73rd season 7 p.m. Aug. 31 with a Salute to our Armed Forces.

Also catch a show at the APMF space inside the Lakehouse building. These are all ages, no alcohol events, Lenskold said. Next up is the Sept 15 show featuring Weakened Friends, Toy Cars, Ragged Lines, and Well Wisher. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 via their Facebook event page.

The APMF space is located at 621 Lake Avenue, Suite 1C, and is also available for rent. For more information, email info@asburyparkmusiclives.org, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.  

[Photos courtesy of Jim Lenskold]

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