Sea. Hear. Now Organizers Plan Sandcastle Tribute
Donnelly: Master builder Matt Long Will Construct Tribute Starting 7 am Tuesday On Eighth Avenue Beach
Sea. Hear. Now. organizers are inviting the public to catch master sandcastle builder Matt Long pay tribute to the city by the sea.
“Sand castles are intrinsic to the history of Asbury Park,” festival co founder and city resident Tim Donnelly said.
Water Street Sandcastle in Downtown Manhattan
Long, also known as the ‘sandman,’ was a cast member on the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters, and has won a few World Championship medals.
Long who has reportedly made as much at $70,000 for his sculptures, has carved out sand art for everyone from American Express, McDonalds, Disney, Time Warner, and Johnson and Johnson to Ringling Brothers, Nickelodeon, John Frieda, Nike, Banana Republic, Remy Martin, and hotels, casinos and tourism boards across the world.
The sculpture will be built on the site where the inaugural music, surfing and art festival will take place – from September 29 through 30, officials 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,” organizer Tim Donnelly said. “Mr. Harris not only made world renowned art, he used his creativity as a conduit for social change for all residents of Asbury Park.”
Now, in celebration of Asbury Park’s biggest holiday, the artistic spirit of Asbury Park will be honored, Donnelly said. The sand sculpture is also a nod back to Asbury Park’s past. Construction is set to start at 7 a.m. Tuesday on the Eighth Avenue beach.
The Sea. Hear. Now. festival is the brainchild of legendary music industry photographer Danny Clinch. The end of summer music, art and surf event lineup features 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.
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