Embury Avenue beach block, Ocean Grove, Saturday, September 26, 2015

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @blogfinger

Crowd begins to show up for the big event. All photos and videos by Paul Goldfinger. ©

There are many unique aspects to life in Ocean Grove, but one of the most amazing is the Annual Embury Avenue Music Bash where bands show up all day long and make music in a tent erected on a Victorian front lawn.   7 groups appeared and performed on a strict schedule, and it all came about like clockwork.

There were 3 big bands and the rest were ensembles that specialized in dixieland, swing, jazz and pop—most often from the Sinatra era. Jimmy Nicoletti, a smooth relaxed baritone, sang some tunes reminiscent of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, including some of the arrangements from that era. Jimmy performed with the Colts Neck Swing Band, a polished throwback to the 1940’s..  (see video on top)  He told me that he wanted to “keep that music alive.”

Other performers included the Bill Henry Trio and Vanguard Jazz Ensemble  (video below) ; The River City Trombone Quartet and CaNTique; The Dixie Six; The Nocturnes Big Band; Mark Cohn, Cid Citarelli and Friends; and John Nobile’s Summer Swing Orchestra.

The music was impressively performed by these groups, and the outdoor venue was marvelous, with the audience changing and evolving as the day went on.  People sat on folding chairs and enjoyed food and drink.  It was like Woodstock only with older music and people.  Nobody took off their shirts, got soaked in the rain, dressed like hippies or smoked dope, but everyone had a great time.  The only drugs at the event included beta blockers and Lipitor.

Chairs are set up all over the block.

I have been to these bashes before, and it always is incredible that such a musical event, free and open to all, could be happening in our town.  This region obviously has a wonderful plethora of great musicians. It is so special. The organizers have to be congratulated for bringing such a unique musical extravaganza to the Grove.

Link to last year’s event, when it rained.  2014 bash