ASBURY PARK, N.J. (PIX11) - Some believe there's no better place for music than The Stone Pony, the same way some believe there's no better place for a music, comedy and arts festival than New Jersey.
With headlining talent like Kevin Hart, Matchbox Twenty and many more, Gov. Phil Murphy helped announce the star-studded lineup of the second edition of North to Shore Festival. Over three weeks in June in Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark, venues big and small will host some big names in entertainment.
"This is going to be a huge hit," said Murphy. "I think it's already committed more acts already, and I'm certain the attendance and economic impact will be meaningfully higher than last year, and last year was a home run."
The inaugural festival last year drew a quarter of a million people to see 300 acts at over a hundred venues, including the iconic Stone Pony, a venue that needs no introduction.
"Last year was great because it was the first year," said Caroline O'Toole, general manager of The Stone Pony. "No one really knew what to expect, so to see the reaction from everyone was amazing."
That, no doubt, has an impact on local businesses.
"If somebody comes here to The Stone Pony for a show, chances are they're going to walk the Boardwalk, either go downtown or on the Boardwalk, buy lunch, buy dinner, visit the stores in the Central Business District," said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. "It's a big financial impact, not just for the venues themselves, but also for the entire City."
"COVID was specifically a big hit to our arts, people performing, even outside," said Joe Castore, owner of Amici Gelato Cafe, located in the city's central business district. "I think it's important to open up the gates to let people know it's time to perform again."
For festival dates and other information, click here.
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