Wonder Bar, Stone Pony, Convention Hall & Paramount largely spared by Sandy
With minimal damage, some shows cancelled, postponed
Although Hurricane Sandy destroyed whole boardwalks elsewhere in the region, Asbury Park’s foremost waterfront music venues saw little to no damage.
The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall were largely spared, with only a few shows being cancelled or postponed, according to Pasqualina DeLucia, the marketing and events director for Madison Marquette.
Madison Marquette feels lucky that historic venues like the Stone Pony “stood strong, and will remain for the enjoyment of all our fans,” Stone Pony manager Caroline O’Toole said. “Our hearts go out to everyone who suffered loss.”
THE STONE PONY
The historic venue reopened last Friday after seeing “absolutely no damage” to its inside, O’Toole said, and some exterior damage to an awning and the fence around the Summer Stage. The Summer Stage itself had been taking down long before the storm.
The State Radio show and the annual Asbury Music Awards were both cancelled due to the storm. The State Radio show will be rescheduled, and the new date for the music awards is Dec. 13.
“That night will be extra special because all of our local musicians will be in one place,” O’Toole said. “It will be not only a time to honor their talent, but a chance for a celebration of our blessings here in Asbury Park by some of the people who love this city the most.”
THE WONDER BAR
This venue didn’t see any major damage from the storm, manager Debbie DeLisa said, aside from minimal sand and water which blew in under the doors.
The bar reopened on Saturday, and they’re currently holding a drive to collect food, blankets, toys and supplies for animals in need. So far, they’ve received supplies from rescue centers in Belmar and Red Bank as well as Philadelphia, Maryland, Delaware and New York.
The Yappy Hour Deck outside saw some minor damage, but it reopened for a puppy’s birthday party on Saturday. A group of volunteers from the Brooklyn and Manhattan Rescue Centers donated food and supplies to the bar’s Animals in Need collection effort.
The lack of power in that part of town affected the bar’s ability to re-open, so a Hinder show has been rescheduled to a date in December at the Stone Pony. Bobby Bertelsen and his big band have been rescheduled to Dec. 21 at the Wonder Bar.
A Tattoo Tony’s after-party was cancelled because the Bret Michaels show at the Paramount was cancelled. An after-party for the Leon Russell/Little Feat show was also postponed.
THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE
The venue has announced new shows and rescheduled others. Leon Russell and Little Feat, originally scheduled for Nov. 10, will be rescheduled. Bret Michaels, originally scheduled for Nov. 15, was cancelled.
CONVENTION HALL
The venue did not have to cancel any concerts following the storm. Their next show will be Daughtry and Three Doors Down on Nov. 30.
NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED
Madison Marquette is moving full steam ahead with programming shows at all four venues, including David Johansen on Nov. 23 at Wonder Bar; Everclear and Eve 6 on Dec. 7 at the Stone Pony; Gin Blossoms on Jan. 19 at the Stone Pony; 10,000 Maniacs on Feb. 1 at the Stone Pony; and an Acoustic Evening with Matisyahu on Feb. 14 at the Paramount Theatre.
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[NOTE: Attribution of some quotes and information has been clarified since this story was first published.]
