SOMERS POINT — Somers Point celebrated the return of its beach concert series and its newfound standing as the Best Outdoor Concert Series in America on June 9 with a performance by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band.
Presented by the city and its Beach Concert Committee, the Somers Points Concerts on the Beach series, now in its 30th year, earned the honor via a USA Today poll.
Cafferty of course played “On the Dark Side,” the theme song to “Eddie and the Cruisers,” the 1983 film set and partially filmed in Somers Point — where the fictitious band gets its start at Tony Mart’s nightclub, a real-life legendary rock ’n’ roll hot spot in the 1960s, ’70s and early ’80s.
“With ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’ recording artists John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band blasting off the season and a living legend of New Orleans rhythm and blues/funk, Cyril Neville, from The Neville Brothers and The Meters, performing the finale of the season, this concert season will be worthy of its status as winner of the USA Today contest,” said promoter Carmen Marotta.
On June 8, City Council honored Marotta and his wife, Nancy, as well as the Beach Concert Committee for their efforts to continue to keep the series a popular event and draw for visitors.
The committee consists of the Marottas, who operate concert promoter Tony Marts Presents, John Loreaux, Moe Archambault, Linda Bader-Archambault, Dawn Collins, Cheryl Kerschner and Andy Malson.
Mayor Jack Glasser called the concert series “one of the best things to happens to Somers Point.”
“Every year, people come from miles and miles around just for these beach concerts to hear some of the best music you’re going to hear anywhere,” Glasser said. “Thank you for everything you do and let the good times roll.”
Councilman Rich DePamphilis called the USA Today recognition “a well-deserved honor.”
Councilman Mike Owen, perhaps getting a little jab in at the older set, said he was in high school when Tony Marts was winding down and then “things started heating up down on the beach.”
Councilman Howard Dill noted 30 years is a big commitment.
“You put Somers Point on the map for a lot of positive reasons,” Dill said. “You do a fantastic job year in and year out and are a special couple.”
Councilman Joe McCarrie thanked Marotta for his efforts but noted it is Nancy Marotta who is the “brains of the organization.”
Councilwoman Karen Bruno said the concerts have meant a lot to families over the years, while Councilman Sean McGuigan said the public “sees the benefit of your hard work every Friday night.”
“We appreciate everything that you do,” City Council President Janice Johnston said.
Coming Up
The summer concert lineup consists of Curtis Salgado on June 16, The Tony Mart All Stars on June 23, Martin Barre’s Musical History of Jethro Tull on June 30, The Billy Walton Band on July 4, Mardi Gras in July starring James Andrews, The Weeklings on July 14, The Dane Anthony Band on July 21, Gary US Bonds and the Roadhouse Rockers on July 28, Stanley Jordan on Aug. 4, Terrence Simien & the Zydeco Experience on Aug. 11, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers on Aug. 18, Tom Hambridge & the Rattle Snakes on Aug. 25, Red on Sept. 1 and Cyril Neville with Omari Neville and the Fuel on Sept. 8.
Other special events include the Jersey Gumbo Cook-off and Mardi Gras Festival on July 10 at The Point, the site of the former Tony Marts at 988 Bay Ave.