The Asbury Park Music Foundation held their 2nd Annual Holiday fundraiser show last Sunday at the Paramount Theater. It was an all-star cast of many well known local musicians and some making their way into the Asbury Park music scene bringing people to their feet throughout the night.
DeSol, one of the early bands to perform, incorporated kids from the Lakehouse Music Academy as back up singers.
The evening was filled with solid performances from artists like Emily Grove, J T Bowen, Deseree of Des and The Swagmatics, The Weeklings, Eddie Testa, Jillian Rhys McCoy, as well as some special guest performances like Bill Babjack of the Smithereens, all backed by an A-list house band.
The house band is a composition of old and young musicians, mostly local, which included Anthony Krizan, Tommy LaBella, Arne Wendt, and Mark Leimbach, just to name a few. There was also a solo performance by Pat Guadagno.
All of the artists donate their time and talent for this annual fundraising event. Last year the APMF donated significant funds to keep music alive in Asbury Park, as well as raise money for local charities. The recipients of this years benefit concert are the Boys and Girls Club, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, and the Mercy Center of Asbury Park.
They played everything from classic Christmas songs to a mix of classic rock and soul. C C Coletti sang “Santa Baby” in traditional holiday style and singer/keyboard player Arne Wendt, (pronounced Arna) did a killer rendition of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
Two other favorites of the show were Laura Johnson’s “Lady Marmalade” and Ryan Gregg’s the “Grinch.”
Some highlight performances of the evening:
Jim Babjack
Deseree and JT Bowen
Eddie Testa and Anthony Krizan
Laura C Johnson, Moroccan Sheepherders
