Frankie and Annette. Gidget and Moondoggie. Great. I’ve already lost half of you. “Mom, what’s a Moondoggie? Is that like an IPhone App?” Or, “Dude, I know Frankie and Annette. Those are the two that just got busted for running a meth lab on ‘Breaking Bad’.” Ah… youth. For those of us who grew up with those old movies where spring break turned to summer and teenagers threw on their bikinis and jammies and rocked out on the sand to “Geechie Guy and the Shrimp Shack Shooter” or whoever, we know that rock and roll feels right at home on a beach. It could be the sun-soaked shores of Fort Lauderdale, the crystal coastline of Oahu or the shifting surf in San Diego (stay classy). But we here in the Garden State know that rock and roll is best served at the Shore. To be specific – Asbury Park.
Does anyone remember the WNEW-FM concerts at the boardwalk in Asbury Park in the late 1980’s? Bands like the Del Fuegos and Fabulous Thunderbirds would share the stage with native sons Southside Johnny and Cats on a Smooth Surface. Scott Muny and Pete Fornatele and Dennis Elsas would broadcast the show over the airwaves and a certain young comedian would guest, saying ee-YES! His name was Gary DeLena, that was me, and I remember every minute of the excitement and joy that everyone felt on those days, whether you were on the stage or on the sand.
Bamboozle 2012 has the festival to blow Gidget back to the 60’s and comedy back to the Catskills. The lineup is off the charts, the vendors are lining up to serve anything and everything under the sun and the city of Asbury Park is preparing like nobody’s business to make sure that all involved eNJoy a safe, pleasurable weekend in the sun. The event takes place on May 18, 19 and 20 right on the beach between Convention Hall and the Casino. There will be (count ‘em) seven stages rocking out continuously throughout the three day affair. The Main Stage is on the beach and will feature the festival’s headliners Blink 182, Incubus, the Foo Fighters, the Gaslight Anthem and Bon Jovi. In other areas on other stages you can rock out to the All American Rejects, Whitechapel, Dramarama, Riff Raff and Big Chocolate. You even get to experience the comedy of Andrew Dice Clay and Sailesh the Uncensored Hypnotist (he’s there to help you forget the Dice Man’s jokes). As the ad says, “…the best in mainstream pop, rock, metal, comedy and more.”
The best way to learn all the in’s and out’s of the festival is to go to their web site (listed below) but here are a few things you should know before you go:
You need to register for a wristband in advance. These come in different forms, from General Admission to the more exclusive VIP packages that will include access to after parties and hotel accommodations.
Did I mention After Parties? They will be held at Convention Hall, the Stone Pony, the Wonder Bar and on the beach but remember, you need a wristband.
Transportation. Think public transport all the way. Buses and trains will get you there with the least amount of hassle. We don’t need another Woodstock with people parking alongside driveways in Sea Girt. Please.
Food and drink. You want it, we got it.
Security. You bet your boozle.
Fun. That’s what it’s all about. I cannot think of a better way to kick start the summer.