Southern Shore Music Festival

WE MADE IT !

2009-06-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you who kept the faith and braved the elements, each of you know what a special day was had by all who gathered yesterday on Carmel Green. With great and diverse music hosted by Gene Shay and performed by Nik Everett, 61 North, Nora Whittaker, Eilen Jewell, Bonerama, Hoots & Hellmouth, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and the legendary Arlo Guthrie. To the volunteers, many of which worked 12 hours thank you. To the stage crew and production teams and the keep it dry team, we are extremely appreciative. Special thanks to members of the Cumberland County Fair Association for making some late Sat am help to turn the 4H Barn into a real live dance hall for Eilen Jewell who played two sets to accomodate our urgent need to move from the main stage and dry off and make the area safe. Arlo Guthrie also moved his closing festival set into the intimate setting of the barn complete with tractors in the background to provde a great ending to what could have been a very bad day for an outdoor festival. Our hats are off to our sponsors, vendors, artists, security and medical professionals, volunters and fans who took one day away from the crazy world which we live to enjoy a great day listening to music and leaving their worries home for the nine hours + of peace, music and some inclement weather. In the true spirit of Woodstock we did it.

The Countdown

2009-06-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun. tomorrow when we awake it will be the day for this years Southern Shore Music Festival. advance sales ended at 11 p.m. our bed n breakFEST package was a great success. volunteers, performers, vendors are ready and waiting for you. Children 12 n under are free as is on site parking. for those of you coming Saturday our admission price is 35 per person for nine hours of music, eight artists and much more. It has been a long day and Saturday will be another. good nite and we look forward to seeing you at Carmel Green for a great day back in the Garden (State).

TOMORROW

2009-06-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe but tomorrow it will be Saturday, June 20 and we will gather on Carmel Green for this years' Southern Shore Music Festival. Artists, vendors, volunteers, facility preperation personnel and suppliers are ready now its your turn. Today is your last chance to save $ 10 per ticket so we encourage you to visit our web site at www.southernshoremusicfestival.com before the end of today. All tickets at the gate will be $ 35 for nine hours of great music featuirng a diverse lineup of arrtists featuring Arlo Guthrie, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Hoots & Hellmouth, Bonerama, Eilen Jewell, 61 North, Nora Whittaker, and Nik Everett. In addition to the music there will be vendors offering hand made crafts, home made food, free activities for the children, classic cars, the Across the Universe Pychedelic Bus and more.

Thursday

2009-06-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

As a new blogger i have been surprised to find people reading my words. I guess I better be more careful with what I say. Anyway its Thursday am and we are moving forward getting ready for a great festival this Saturday. The program books are done and look great (thanks to everyone involved). We can't wait to pickup the official souvenir t shirts and hats, we anticipate a sellout with them (thanks again to everyone involved). Our production team is set and ready to go and as always we look forward to working with Steve, Albie, King and their respective crew. Last night promoted fest at the Tacony Palmyra with Nik Everett concert in Vineland at the Fuelhouse. Both performers played great to a sold out crowd which was a benefit for the United Way. We look forward to 3rd Friday in Millville as we continue to spread the word. Everyone is also reminded that we are no longer accepting vendor applications and our hotel package along with advance tickets must be purchased by Friday. Day of show tickets will be $ 35 so save $ and purchase them now.

Tuesday Night in New Orleans

2009-06-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Heard Ivan Neville and his band Dumpstaphunk in downtown Wilmington as part of their annual Jazz Festival last night. Saw some old and made some new friends as I was talking up this Saturday's festival. Hearing Ivan and band just made more excited about the great brass funk rock band Bonerama who perform at 2:15 p.m. at our festival. This is one of the most unique bands from New Orleans and their front line of four trombones and a tuba only add to the element of surprise awaiting the listener. Today crews are sprucing up the grounds of Carmel Green and we are getting those supplies ready. In between waiting for our program book and festival merchandise (very colorful t shirts and hats). Tonight Nik Everett will be part of a very special sold out show at the Fuel House in Vineland which will benefit the United Way. Nik has been very helpful promoting our festival - last Tuesday he was part of our Broadway preview concert in New York City and this Friday he will be in the studio of WVUD in Newark Delaware speaking with and performing on Scott Birney's Roots Show.

TUESDAY AM

2009-06-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

We are in the home stretch for this Saturday's festival. Creating lists, checking them twice and then crossing them off makes this an interesting experience. We have a great group of volunteers who have signed up for the day and most of them rarely see much of the music as they are busy helping things run smoothly of which we are extremely grateful. We are also thankful to have such great support from our sponsors, marketing partners and hosts. We are busy doing our part so we can be prepared for you the fan. We encourage you to save money and buy your tickets in advance since Saturday they will cost $ 10 more per person. Also remember that children 12 and under are admitted free, plenty of free on site parking, and a variety of free things to see and enjoy such as the Across the Universe pychedelic bus, classic cars from the 50's-70's, moon bounce, face painting, magic balloonist and more.

Monday Morning

2009-06-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is it as the 3rd edition of the Southern Shore Music Festival takes place on Carmel Green at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds in Millville, New Jersey. Today begins the final countdown as we check, review and make new lists of things to do.Scheduling our great team of volunteers, working with the media with stories, interviews, and ticket giveaways, finalizing and readying supplies, reviewing production details with our great sound, backline and stage crew personnel, preparing facilities, reviewing performer schedules and their indivdual logistics and needs, and there is much more but we all look forward to Saturday when our great performers take the stage.

ALMOST HERE.....

2009-06-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe its almost June 20. Tomorrow (Monday) is your last chance to purchase the best deal around our Bed & BreakFEST package. For $ 99 you receive one night lodging for two at the Ramada Inn in Vineland, Sunday Morning Breakfast and two tickets to the festival. This is a great deal and we appreciate everyone who helped put this together. If you rather not spend the night but just enjoy a great day outdoors advance tickets are $ 25 and you must purchase them by Friday. All tickets sold day of festival will be $ 35 no exceptions. Also children 12 & under will be admitted free. All parking is on site and also free.

FRIDAY MORNING

2009-06-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Summer will be here soon, in fact it arrives next Saturday, June 20 during the summer solstice as we gather on Carmel Green for this years' Southern Shore Music Festival. Details details details its a never ending issue especially when dealing with multiple artists, vendors, media, volunteers, and my personal favorite ( fill in the blank ). Yesterday was another long day completing various tasks and finding more new ones ahead. Some good news yesterday happily picked up some new sponsorship revenue which is always appreciated. The festival volunteers have also been calling and get ready to pitch in as needed too make it a great day and many of them also renew friendships made at past festivals here and around the region. Anyway its back to work its another new day.

Late Wednesday

2009-06-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on as Saturday June 20 is rapidly approaching. Another busy day working with many to finalize details for the big day. A few more free attractions will be announced later this week. Everyone has been busy passing out flyers and posters. Crews started setting up Carmel Green fencing and volunteers are being scheduled. Vendors have been notified of their acceptance. The bed and breakFEST packages are limited and will be gone soon. General admission tickets are now on sale $ 10 less then the day of show price Tuesdays NYC festival preview concert was very entertaining and everyone did a great job. Newspaper and radio interviews are being conducted and a variety of promotional tickets are being given away on the web and or on radio. Just a part of the many details involved with producing a festival.

Today we Made It On Broadway

2009-06-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today we made it on Broadway as the Southern Shore Music Festival presented a preview. We heard some great music from Patty Blee, Scott Birney & Steve Hobson, Adrien Reju and Nik Everett. Each artist performed some of their own music and joined together to end the concert with with some great sing along songs. We were joined at the Jersey Shore Store by storyteller Melinda Weber and Mackie our tall host. It may have been a rainy day with lighting bolts added here and there but we still had some interested folks stop by enjoy the music, learn about the festival and New Jersey vacation options as well as sample some salt water taffy.

Tomorrow Tomorrow

2009-06-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will be singing in New York City on Broadway and I never thought I would make it there especially as part of a performance. The good news for those who stop by, the singing and playing will be coming from Nik Everett, Patty Blee, Adrien Reju, Scott Birney and Steve Hobson. All of this takes place starting at 12 noon at the Jersey Shore Store, 813 Broadway between 11th & 12th. This morning as I'm enjoying another cup of coffee, music is in the air with the sound of birds singing. Yesterday it was a great day listening to the performers at the Appel Farm benefit concert. Saw and spoke with many of the volunteers, performers, concert guests and organizers. The volunteers are dedicated to their work and they help with many of the summer festivals in the region and will once again be part of our SSMF. Brian of the 61 North band was busy working yesterday but Saturday June 20 he will ready to play with his great band 61 North. Guess its time go, get back to the work at hand, tying down loose ends. June 20 is fast approaching. Hope to see you on Carmel Green.

Now There are 2 Weeks

2009-06-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

Woke up early hearing the birds singing outside which is only fitting to all of the great music I heard that took place Saturday with some of our performers at this years' SSMF on June 20 and or our Tuesday Preview Concert in New York City.Earlier in the day spoke with Ryan and Brian of 61 North and left them promo material for the fest as they were gearing up for their Downtown Newark Street Party. The buzz continues to grow about this exciting young electric blues band based out of Southern New Jersey. Later on Saturday night caught the sold out show of Nik Everett with his band at the Kennett Flash in Pa.. Nik will perform Tuesday in NYC and again at the fest. He has continued to write and perform excellent music throughout his career and last night's show was a great sampling of his work including his latest from the Asbury Park film documentary. Late Saturday deciding to stop by the East End Cafe and catch the full Sin City Band who had the house a rockin. Band members Scott Birney and Steve Hobson will be joining us in NYC Tuesday and have been part of the SSMF since its beginning. As I was enjoying the great music, I also was able to talk up the festival and place some more posters and or hand out flyers. Today is another day of live music and more promotional opportunities.

WVUD Ticket Giveaway

2009-06-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Had a great time with Scott Birney on WVUD radio this am in Delaware. Had a lot of interest in our festival and in fact gave away a few pairs of tickets and our lucky winners were David Chandler of Newark, De., John Holton of Elkton, Md. and John Morganstern of Charlestown, Md.. It was great oportunity to play some music including cuts by Bonerama, Nik Everett andGrace Potter and the Nocturnals. For those who didn't win tickets, Scott will be given away more duing his Friday Roots show (June 12 & 19). He also will have a special guest performing on the 19th with Nik Everett. Also this Saturday as part of Downtown Newark Delaware Night, 61 North will be performing.

Free Ticket Alert

2009-06-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Been a long day and part of it I was busy working on selecting artists to play on my one hour guest dj slot with WVUD radio roots show host Scott Birney this Friday am. During my personal dream hour I will play some of my current favorite songs and coincidentally a few of them will be artists touring this summer and a few are performing at this years SSMF. In addition to playing some great music, we will discuss some details about this years festival as well as this upcoming Tuesday's New York City preview festival show. Listeners will also be able to win tickets to the festival, so tune in WVUD 91.3 FM.

Free Concert in NYC

2009-06-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

New York, New York - Been busy today on the phone and computer working with one of this years' festival artists Nik Everett finalizing our NYC pre-SSMF event at 813 Broadway at the Jersey Shore Store. We have some great artists who agreed to join us and be part of our festival on the road. This free concert starts at 12 noon and will include performances from Brigantine New Jersey native Patty Blee, from the first State Scott Birney and Steve Hobson, Manhattan resident by way of Philadelphia Adrien Reju and Nik Everett folk/pop singer who recently co-wrote the music score for a documentary film about Asbury Park. So stop by and hear some great original music, win free tickets, and learn about all of the great things about this years

June 20 festival.

One week for Broadway

2009-06-02T05:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a busy day working on the various details involved with the SSMF. Next Tuesday, June 9, we will present and host a free 12 noon festival preview concert on Broadway. One of our festival performers Nik Everett will be part of the concert and will be joined by a variety of performers from the tri-state area. Complete details to be announced. Saturday June 20 is fast approaching and we are busy working with our volunteers and sponsor support staff to ready everything that is needed to make this years festival the best too date. This will be another week of spreading the word and reminding people to save money by buying their tickets in advance. Our program book is being completed, souvenir tshirts and hats ordered, sound and backline equipment is all set, security and medical teams reaady to go, volunteers are being confirmed and scheduled, and facilities and grounds are being readied and there is more to go but the end results makes it all worth it.

Monday Morning

2009-06-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe in just 20 DAYS we will be gathering on Carmel Green for this years festival. Anyway i need to hit the road and its not even 7 a.m. with a day full of meetings, supplier visits, flyer/poster distribution and roadside phone calls to continue finalizing details for the fest. When i return i will have a bit more too say. Till then help spread the word, volunteer, become a sponsor, rent a craft vendor space but all and all have a safe and great day.

A Day at WXPN

2009-05-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Spent a great day at WXPN seeing old friends and discussing our festival with some of the people who help make the station one of the best of its kind in the country, people like (Roger LaMay, Ali Castellini, Debby Zeitz, Michaela Majoun). Ran into Robert Berliner of Hoots & Hellmouth and manager Biff Kennedy who are excited about performing on Carmel Green. Many of the station's volunteers who annually make the journey to our festival and many other events in the region also love the lineup and look forward to spending a day in the Garden (State). Every artist in this years' lineup had fans today. The Philadelphia/South Jersey/Delaware areas will be well represented by Nik Everett, 61 North, Nora Whittaker and Hoots & Hellmouth. Rising star Eilen Jewell had her share of admirers as well and some of the national radio folks in town for their conference said her CD is one of the best released on her label. The funky rock brass band Bonerama from New Orleans have a great reputation for their creative sound. Generating a great buzz is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals who have been the hit of many festivals across the country and even greater things are predicted for this band when their new Fall CD is released produced by T Bone Burnett. There is no one like 1960' s Folk Troubador Arlo Guthrie who always tells a great story between his own songs or those written by his father Woody or friend Steve Goodman. As you can tell it was a great day as the countdown has begun for Saturday, June 20.

Friday

2009-05-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Up early and working on more issues as the countdown begins to June 20. Off this am to Philadelphia to drop off more promotional materials to our radio station partner WXPN and other locations. In between coordinating interview requests for the media, still fine tuning schedule and performers for our New York City concert Tuesday, June 9 on Broadway at the Jersey Shore Store, working with our many volunteers and partners on multiple tasks such as our program book, souvenir shirts and hats, advancing various details with our artists, and with our production team. Anyway guess i should take a break from the blog and hit the streets.

Up and Down

2009-05-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

Up and Down are the best three words to describe yesterday. Some confusion and other reasons have forced a few changes so there is a slight delay in announcing plans for NYC on June 9. Also playing phone tag with the news media and the waiting game for answers from potential sponsors and others. Yesterday was busy day dropping off more poster and flyers and more. Also working on our souvenir t shirt and hats for the fest and yes they will be colorful. Hard to believe that next Monday is June 1 so the final countdown is truly on.

Four Short Weeks to Go.

2009-05-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on to tie down all loose ends to be ready for everyone on Saturday June 20 when we gather together on Carmel Green to enjoy the summer solstice and a great day of music with friends and family. We have all of our performers in place as well as our food vendors. However we do have room for some created souls who would like to rent space and sell their home made wares. We will again have some free activities for children to enjoy throughout the day. A few more confirmations and hopefully by days end we will announce the lineup for our New York City Jersey Shore Store scheduled for Tuesday June 9. As always organizing a festival presents a few bumps along the way but to quote an old friend, the late Rev. Matt Brown "Everything Will Be All Right". Coincidentally the Rev. performed at a few our festivals through the years and always brought the house down with his stirring voice. Anyway back to the present Memorial Day Weekend has come to an end and the month of June is around the corner and the area festival scene kicks into high gear. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, marketing and host partners we are able to make the Southern Shore Music Festival an affordable experience. As always children 12 and under are admitted free accompanied by an adult. On site parking is free and also handicap accessible. Advance tickets are $ 25 and even less if you are a member of WXPN or hold a Jersey Arts card. On the day of the festival all tickets are $ 35 and remember to bring cash for admission and to pay for any craft, food or artist merchandise you choose to purchase.

It's The Weekend

2009-05-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

The first summer kickoff is this Memorial Day Weekend, the next one just around the corner is Saturday, June 20. We have a great lineup for this years' festival and we have now expanded it with our pre-fest concert which will be held in the city that never sleeps (new york, new york). This special SSMF preview concert will feature a variety of performers and some with very familiar names. This special event on Tuesday, June 9 will consist of a lunchtime concert 12 noon - 2 p.m. and an after work concert between 4-6 p.m.. The lineup will be announced Tuesday so still tune to the Bob Blog. The location 813 Broadway between 11th & 12th at the Jersey Shore Store.

FEST AROUND THE CORNER

2009-05-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend almost here. Five weeks to go for this years gathering on Carmel Green. Today was another busy day and it still is not over. Details are being worked out for our SSMF Road Trip to the Big Apple on Tuesday, June 9. NYC will be treated by some friends of the fest performing and there will be ticket giveaways including a Bed & BreakFEST package. Complete details will be released after the weekend. It was a busy day working the phones with current and potential sponsors (always room for more), artist management (must have those stage plots), volunteers (without them where would we be), suppliers (promo materials and more). Look for some great t-shirts at this years festival sporting our logo along with merchandise from our various artists. We also working on some new activities for the children who come to the festival and best of all they will be free of charge thanks in part to our sponsors. Anyway its getting late so I guess its time for Bob's Blog to say goodbye for now.

SATURDAY JUNE 20 MORE THAN A FESTIVAL....IT'S A MOVEMENT

2009-05-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

In five weeks, we will gather on Carmel Green to celebrate the summer solstice and enjoy this year's rendition of the Southern Shore Music Festival. Eight great acts will share the stage and perform continuous music starting at 11 a.m. and go non-stop to 8 p.m.. Nik Everett will start things off and we look forward to hearing this 20 year veteran on the music scene, whom just completed co-writing the music for the new documentary of Asbury Park which I watched last night on PBS. Nik always keeps everyone informed through his emails and facebook comments and we are sure he will keep you posted. Our second artist for the day will be 61 North who in a very short time have developed a great following in the Southern New Jersey/Delaware region. The band are high energy and have been busy promoting the festival at their live gigs and in fact are busy selling festival tickets to their fans. Philadelphia based performer Nora Whittaker who opened for the Boss last Fall in Philadelphia on the Parkway will perform with her band and will demonstrate her blue-eyed soul style of music. Eilen Jewell has been delighting audiences up and down the east coast and her country laced blues-infused music has been compared to Lucinda Williams. This Boston based artist is touring behind her latest cd release "Sea of Tears". Fifth on stage at this years festival will be the taste of New Orleans that has become a signature of both the Bridgeton Folk Festival and the Southern Shore Music Festival. The rock oriented brass funk band Bonerama is guaranteed to have the audience up and dancing during their high energy set. Hoots & Hellmouth will be fresh off their end of May CD release party and hear why their material has been described as New Music for Old Souls. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals grew up in the roots of rock and roll the old fashion way and their brand of organic American rock n roll music has been wowing audiences throughout the country. Look for them to rev up the crowd like they did at Wiggins Park at the XPN festival. What a great way to end this years' festival which falls on the summer solstice during the 40th anniversary summer of Woodstock, then with 1960's folk troubador the legendary Arlo Guthrie. His music helped spark a movement and he is a not to be missed. It has been a long time since he performed outside in Southern New Jersey so don't miss this event of the summer

Good Morning America

2009-05-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

Woke up singing the great song City of New Orleans written by the late Steve Goodman and performed and associated with Arlo Guthrie. Guess its only fitting to end a 2 day birthday celebration reflecting. Steve Goodman headlined the first Bridgeton Folk Festival in 1984 and Arlo performed there in the past as well. Now its time to look forward to this years Southern Shore Music Festival which Arlo headlines. So now we have five weeks to go and many details to finalize to produce a festival and provide a great experience for all of our volunteers, performers, vendors and most of all our guests.

6 weeks and counting

2009-05-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Up early must have more issues to resolve for this years' southern shore music festival. 6 weeks to go so its time for those who wish to be a vendor (craft or food) to sign up. All performers are set and excited to play for this years' audience. One of our committee members met with our host site to discuss some facility updates to complement those made last year. Details are being worked out for our upcoming NYC promotion in cooperation with New Jersey Travel & Tourism scheduled for Tuesday June 9 when will stage a mini-indoor festival preview. We are working with our great host radio station WXPN and began ticket giveaways yesterday including a bed and breakFEST package. Another great marketing partner is the Jersey Arts Program and they will begin making their annoucements shortly. Yesterday was a busy day and there are more to come but its always worth on festival day.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

As everyone enjoys today's Mother's Day celebration, remember its not to early to think of the month of June and Father's Day. This is an easy day to remember since it falls one day after the annual Southern Shore Music Festival. So there's still time to remember Mom and also Dad by buying tickets today for the June 20 event of the summer season.

on broadway

2009-05-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

new york new york will are coming to you soon. that's right the southern shore music festival will be in town soon to give you a preview of this years' festival.

Stay Tuned !

2009-05-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

In addition to this years June 20 Southern Shore Music Festival we plan a few surprises along the way. Some of our performers and others who are friends of the fest may appear soon in your town spreading the news of the fest so stay tuned.

ARLO & PETE

2009-05-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Arlo Guthrie looked and sounded great last night at Pete Seeger's 90th birthday party at the garden and now i can't wait to see him close this years' Southern Shore Music Festival. MSG was a great indoor musical party for Pete and it was great to see so many people and enjoy so many creative musicians. The musicians that will gather on Carmel Green on June 20 are a diverse creative group of performers and they will put on one great show. So go to our web site and click on the links to each great artist and get a musical sample of what you will hear live in june.

MAY DAY

2009-05-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

yes its May Day which means June 20 is not that far away. i can't believe that we will be gathering on carmel green for a great day of music. make sure to check our website and the artist links and give a listen to the great music you will hear live on saturday june 2o. i cannot wait to see which artist blows you away with their performance or which one you will hear for the first time and you will walk away and say Wow !

bed and breakFEST

2009-04-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

great news for everyone for a price less than a room we now have teamed up with the ramada inn of vineland to offer one night's lodging (friday or saturday), two breakfasts and two tickets for a day on the green. all for the low low price of $ 99. go to our website www.southernshoremusicfestival while supplies last.

GET ON BOARD THE BUS

2009-04-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Bus will travel "Across the Universe" (yes that bus) and will be arriving at Carmel Green for this years' June 20 festival. Enjoy your return back to the garden and celebrate the magic of Woodstock. This is the same bus that you saw in the movie and you will get the opportunity to see up it close and personal.

2009-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been extremely busy working hard to make this years the best festival too date. In spite of the economy the decision was made to proceed. Yes its hard to raise sponsorship fees, sell ad book space and most important of all sell tickets. But we will continue to work to make it a great day on Carmel Green for all who attend, volunteer and or participate.

2009 Line-Up

2009-04-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 20 join us on Carmel Green for this years' Southern Shore Music Festival featuring performances from Arlo Guthrie, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Bonerama, Hoots & Hellmouth, Eileen Jewell, Nora Whittaker, 61 North and Nik Everett. For complete details visit www.southernshoremusicfestival.com