The
organizers of the event, scheduled for today through Sunday at the Holiday Inn in Tinton
Falls, have dubbed it JUKESTOCK.
Basically, it's a chance for Jukes fans from many states and several countries to spend a
weekend together, seeing concert after concert, without having to drive anywhere. All
activities take place at the Holiday Inn, 700 Hope Road, except for the after-party at The
Stone Pony in Asbury Park and conventioneers will be transported to that event, too.
I am impressed at this devotion to a homegrown hero. This takes Jersey Cool to a new
level.
And, as usual, we have the Internet to thank. Jukes fans Debbie May, Jane McCreery and
Maggie Powell were the planning team. Fans bought their JUKESTOCK passes via e-mail for
$140 for all three days, which includes admission to all events plus a souvenir programme
booklet and T-shirt.
At press time, McCreery said there were a tiny number of passes still available. If you're
interested, send e-mail to SSJDigest@hotmail.com.
Southside Johnny, star of the weekend, accepted no payment for his participation and all
the other bands discounted their rates in order to make the convention affordable.
The itinerary follows:
The weekend begins tonight with a welcome reception with complimentary food. Concerts
follow by Professor Crewcut, featuring the Jukes' keyboardist, Jeff Kazee; and the Bobby
Bandiera Band.
Tomorrow afternoon, conventioneers will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Southside Johnny and
the Jukes, followed by a soul and funk concert by the Mark Pender band. Pender plays
trumpet in the Max Weinberg Seven on NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien."
The headlining concert tomorrow night will, of course, be by Southside Johnny and the
Asbury Jukes. The band has just released a new album, "Messin' With the Blues,"
on Leroy Records, so this show might be a sneak preview of an upcoming tour.
Sunday begins with an "I Don't Want To Go Home" buffet brunch, followed by a
concert by La Bamba & the Hubcaps. The affable Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg
is one of my all-time favorite Asbury musicians -- the trombone player is an original Juke
and also a member of the aforementioned Max Weinberg Seven.
Throughout the weekend, there will be a Rock Dreams sales room, with Jukes merchandise and
CD's for sale, as well as items from other bands. Souvenirs of Asbury Park, presented by
Kate Mellina and David Christopher of Cleopatra Steps Out Gallery in Asbury Park, also
will be on sale. Bob Crane and other "Save Tillie" members will be on hand to
update fans on their organization's efforts to save music-related historic landmarks in
Asbury Park.
Rare videos of the Jukes will be screened. There will be a Jukes trivia quiz and a charity
raffle of Jukes stuff. The grand prize is the chance to introduce the Jukes to the crowd
at tomorrow's concert.
An after-party is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury
Park. Admission is separate to this event (about $10) and open to the public.
Transportation from the Holiday Inn will be provided for those attending JUKESTOCK.
The party will feature DJ Lee Mrowicki and a performance by Talk Town, featuring Steve
"Muddy" Shews, the Jukes' current bassist.
By KELLY-JANE COTTER
Published with
permission.
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