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While seafood, with all its local flavor, remains centerstage at the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, the annual event is kicking things up a notch with an array of favored musical performers.

“We’re particularly excited about this year’s music lineup,” Chamber Executive Director Sylvia Sylvia Cioffi said. “It is undoubtedly the most amazing one to date thanks to sponsorships from Monmouth University, Fortune Web Marketing, Initial Impact and Purple Glaze. We’re so excited to announce that MINI of Monmouth has agreed to become a major sponsor of this year’s event.”

At the top of the leaderboard are Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Vini ‘Mad Dog’ Lopez, Waiting on Mongo, Des and the Swagmatics, Chris Brown, and Tiki Torture, Sylvia-Cioffi said.

Oysterfest returns 5 p.m. Friday and runs through to 6 pm Sunday at Bradley Park, bordered by Kingsley Street, Fifth, Ocean and Sunset avenues. Its signature features include an array of crafters, games, rides, beer, wine, and of course oysters, Sylvia-Cioffi said.

The three day festival launches with a nod to community known as Asbury Park Open House Night. Held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, organizers have waived the $3 entrance fee for those who live and work in the 1.4 square mile community.

“[It] is intentionally planned for the weekend after Labor Day to extend the summer season and welcome visitors to continue to visit Asbury not just in the summer season, but all year long,”  Sylvia-Cioffi said. “Guests are enticed to taste culinary delights from our magnificent food vendors, and can find cool and unique items that our craft and resale vendors offer.”

Last year’s festival garnered over 20,000 visitors, she said.

Oysterfest not only serves as a signature fundraising event for the Chamber but for its Roy Werts Scholarship Fund [earmarked for college-bound Asbury Park High School students] and for other charitable endeavors.

“Much of the funds raised is devoted to promoting the city,” Sylvia-Cioffi said. “It gives us an opportunity to help other nonprofits through our Charity Partner program. The organization that is chosen as our partner, earns a portion of the entrance fee, as well as 100 percent of the proceeds from the carnival games.”

This year, the Chamber once again chose the Community Affairs and Resource Center as its charity partner. Established in 1980, the social service organization provides a host of support programs for economically disadvantaged individuals and families. The Sewall Avenue nonprofit was the recipient of last year’s partnering program, garning $6,000 in proceeds.

The Chamber also gratis vendor space to member non-profits; with non members charged only  $25, Sylvia-Cioffi said.

Below is a snapshot of the three day lineup:

Food

Oysters, seafood, and traditional festival fare are available from over 25 vendors including: Local 130 Seafood, The Tiger’s Tail, The Tasty Trolley, Ike’s Famous Crabcakes, Bistro Red Bank, Sweet Pepper Empanadas, Torta Truck, Louie Linguine, Empanada Guy, Teamco Foodservice, King of Rock-n-Roll Treats, Dainty Donuts, Squeezed Fresh, Tony’s Clam Bar, Fantastic Thai Cuisine, Sweet Concessions, We So Korny Kettle Corn, Simply Southern, Kona Ice, and Gourmet Barbecue.

Spirits

Blue Point Brewing Company will be back with fan favorite beers from past years along with Budweiser and Bud Light. Also on tap is Asbury Park Beer tent featuring brews from the Asbury Park Brewery; and Italy’s premiere vitner Tavernello, a cooperative offering an array of blends.

Crafts

Gifts and treasures from over 25 local and unique vendors will be on display.

Music Highlights

Friday

5 pm – Lakehouse Music Academy

7:15 pm – Vini ‘Mad Dog’ Lopez

8:45 pm – The Cold Seas

Saturday

Noon – Renee Maskin

1:45 pm – Run For Cover

3:30 pm – Kate and the Melonheads

5 pm – Pride – Misfit Johnny plays U2

6:30 pm – Tiki Torture

8 pm – Waiting on Mongo

                     Fireworks on Fourth Avenue beach 

Sunday

11 am – Karen Lee Jazz Duo

Noon – The Unknowns

1:30 pm – Jimmy Shoez & The Magooz

3 pm – Chris Brown

4:30 pm – Des & The Swagmatics

Admission is $3; free for children age 6 and under

Hours are 5 to 10 pm Friday; 11 am to 10 pm Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Dogs are welcome and a cooling station is being offered by Cream Ridge-based Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue nonprofit.

For more about the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, call 732-775-7676, email info@asburyparkchamber.com, visit the website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

[Photos, in part, courtesy of Asbury Park Councilwoman Eileen Chapman & the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce]

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