The 2025 lineup for Asbury Park’s Sea.Hear.Now music festival consisted of many nostalgic acts such as Sublime, Lenny Kravitz, and ZZ Top. But nostalgia wasn’t just in the performer this year, with Neal Francis performing on the festival’s Surf Stage on the second day. With his shaggy haircut and 70s shades, Francis transported the audience back to an era he was not even alive for.

The New Jersey-born artist performed a seven-song setlist during his 45-minute set, which included some of his bigger songs, such as “Changes” and “Need You Again.” Some lesser-known songs, such as “150 More Times” and “Can’t Get Enough,” saw stage time as well, all creating a 60s ambiance for newer and hardcore fans. 

The 60s jam-band and R&B set relaxed the audience and caused a gentle, groovy viewing in the scolding sun of the Asbury Park beaches. It was a moment of respite at the festival, recalling the easy, exploratory spirit of Trey Anastasio’s set the year prior. It served as a break in this intense rock for the fans of Blink-182 that were waiting at the barricade for the band to come on the same stage hours later. The stretched-out jams kept the audience engaged, with even the most casual listeners bobbing their heads to the beat.

Franics impressed the crowd with his vocals and instrumental talents throughout the whole show, especially during “BNYLV” when he dazzled the audience by playing his synth piano and acoustic piano at the same time. If this set proved anything, it’s that Francis is a natural talent. Between his musical ability and crystal clear voice that sounded straight off his records, Francis was sure to gain more fans during his performance. 

He closed with “150 More Times,” a groove-heavy finish that left the crowd clapping and moving along, even if they hadn’t known his music before. By the time the last notes faded, it felt like Francis had carved out his own pocket of the festival, one that was timeless.

Hours after Francis’s set was over, he continued to make appearances at the festival in the Clinch Tent, a tent in the center of the festival dedicated to artwork made by the performing acts, to talk to the audience for a brief time. Francis contributed two pieces to the festival that he explained were in response to overpacked airports and his history as an architecture student in school. Although Francis did not perform in the tent, he still engaged with the audience through conversation and even went into the crowd after to meet and talk with fans.

Sea.Hear.Now never disappoints for fans of music new and old, and Francis’ set was proof of that balance. Blending retro grooves with modern charm, he offered a refreshing break in a weekend packed with heavy rock. Even after his final note, Francis had proven to festivalgoers why he earned his place on this years iconic lineup.

Photos taken by Taylor Memoli