Sea.Hear.Now Tribute Sand Castle On Eighth Avenue Beach
Donnelly: Sand castles are intrinsic to the history of Asbury Park
What began at 7 a.m. wrapped up by mid afternoon Tuesday just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations to begin.
“A morning and afternoon later….. Asbury Park… tough sand,” master sand castle artist Matt Long said via social media after sculpting the holiday tribute that honors the city’s history and its upcoming inaugural Sea.Hear.Now festival, being held Sept. 29 to 30.
“Sand castles are intrinsic to the history of Asbury Park,” festival co founder and city resident 
Tim Donnelly said. “Over one hundred years ago, city resident and civil rights activist Lorenzo Harris thrilled tens of thousands of tourists every summer with his sand creations. Mr. Harris not only made world renowned art, he used his creativity as a conduit for social change for all residents of Asbury Park.”
Also known as the ‘sandman,’ Long was a cast member on the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters, and has won a few World Championship medals. He’s reportedly made as much at $70,000 for his sculptures.
“When you work close you can lose perspective,” Long told Verizon Fios 1 News Tuesday. “If I don’t have that top line right, nothing will be right.”
The Sea.Hear.Now tribute sculpture is located on the Eighth Avenue beach where the September’s end art, music, & surf event will be held.
The Sea. Hear. Now. festival is the brainchild of legendary music industry photographer Danny Clinch. Headliners include Jack Johnson and Incubus, along with performances from Social Distortion, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Brandi Carlile, Milky Chance, Blondie, Kaleo, Asbury Park’s The Front Bottoms, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls.
In total there are 25 shows slated for the 12:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept 29 and 30 event in Bradley and Atlantic parks, and along North Beach. Professional surfers from all over the country will hit the waves and artwork from musicians, artists and surfers alike will adorn the sprawling festival grounds.
For more information, visit seahearnowfestival.com.
[Photos courtesy of Matt Long]
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