Seven-fifteen saw co-founder Taylor and me power walking through the streets of Asbury Park on July 26, trying to reach Asbury Lanes at a “fashionably late” time.
Having thought the show started at 7 p.m., we were pleasantly surprised to notice our mistake at not being 30 minutes late, but rather two minutes early. Definitely fashionable, definitely not late. A chat with a security guard who could’ve passed for an aunt with her personable way of checking bags for weapons greeted us, and thus, our night at the Lanes began.
At first, only a sparse crowd, primarily forty- and fifty-somethings, dusted the main floor—a confusing sight considering that the doors had already been open for thirty minutes. Taylor and I were the youngest ones there, save for one family’s children and the performers themselves. The energy in the venue, though, was buzzing, drinks flowing, and bodies swaying. By the time the third act, Erik Mason and his band, took the stage, the floor filled out to be a sizable audience, complete with a merch table that bustled in between and during the sets.
Nestled on the sidelines at the unused bar, we watched the show begin with Beach Daze, an aptly named, drummer-led band from Brick, New Jersey. Anthony Gualano, the drummer in question, sang lead on a majority of songs from the back center of the stage, with some songs sung by guitarist CJ Castaneda.
Though the music induced polite headbopping and foot tapping, Gualano’s presence in the background dampened much of the typical excitement that accompanies live music. Performance charisma like Gualano’s should be front and center, literally, and not tucked away behind the other supporting members of the band.
Following Beach Daze, Jersey-native Jake Thistle set up the stage and began his set with “The City Whispers,” his latest release from this past June. The next forty minutes or so of his set, complete with an insanely appropriate Bruce Springsteen cover, demonstrated that Thistle isn’t only comfortable in front of an audience; he thrives. Between rocking out with his guitarist, Johnny Kasun, or standing solo, Thistle demonstrated both musical talent and vocal dexterity. This chemistry between the band members themselves was also palpable, felt by the audience members dancing in the crowd. All in all, Thistle’s set was polished and not representative of an artist who hasn’t made it big yet. There’s no doubt that it’s in his future.
Lastly, Erik Mason and his 7-piece band (including himself on keys) assembled on stage. By now, the crowd thickened considerably, a tangible flutter of anticipation in the air. Audience members whooped and cheered, responding to Mason’s typical performer greetings and interludes. Country influenced, Mason had his fans singing along the whole time.
New Jersey has never been a stranger to rising local artists, and Asbury Lanes proved that again Saturday night. The lineup saw nothing but talent and names that will no doubt be the next Springsteen, Jonas Brothers, or My Chemical Romance sometime soon.
Cover image taken from Facebook/Asbury Lanes
Leave a comment