Jazzfest stays in Sunset Park
Move to Bradley Park next to Convention Hall was considered — and then ruled out after city council prefers original location
A 24-year-old tradition is continuing this weekend with the Asbury Park Jazzfest — and it’s staying put in Sunset Park.
The event is being held on June 30 and July 1 in Sunset Park. It started in 1989 as a gathering of local jazz musicians and has grown into a two-day, 15-band, nationally recognized festival, according to a prepared release from Mike Hollemans of the Passion Group.
The festival each year is a joint effort from the city and the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation. This year, Passion Group is handling the event’s logistics. They had planned to move the event from Sunset Park to Bradley Park this year, but city council said at the June 6 meeting they would rather see it stay in its traditional locale, mostly due to the lack of shade in Bradley Park.
At the June 20 meeting, councilwoman Susan Henderson said she was “extremely happy” to learn the festival would be held in Sunset Park.
The festivities will kick off with Asbury Park High School’s Jazz Band, followed by a music line-up including Rod Williams, Bell Bottom Blues, Slim Chance and the Gamblers, JazzFunction, Deb Callahan and the Gas House Gorillas [pictured above] as headliners.
On Sunday, the a capella singing group Rock N Roll Chorus will open, followed by Dennis Gruenling, Jerry Topinka, the Voodudes, Roger Girke Band and headliners Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso.
In addition to jazz, blues and latin music all weekend, there will be food vendors, beer and wine at the outdoor festival.
