Tony Marts - 30 Years Gone but the Music Carries On

Tony Marts - 30 Years Gone - But the Music Goes On 

A note from Carmen & Nancy Marotta 

Believe it or not, it’s been 30 years since the legendary Rock 'n Roll nightclub of Somers Point, Tony Mart’s, closed its doors on Bay Ave.  As Tony Mart music fans know, the excitement of live Jersey Shore Rock 'n Roll lives on; and this season, for the first time in 30 years, Tony Mart’s will bring this legacy back to the Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk with a series of live Saturday night Rock 'n Roll concerts recalling those "Wild Summer Nights" when so many Ocean City visitors headed to the sweaty, pulsating dance floor packed with partiers at the world famous rock 'n roll club.

The first show on May 26th will be a tribute to the most popular horn band of the '70’s at Tony Mart’s, Chicago, performed by the 9 piece show band, Sounds of Society.  This powerhouse showband features a "Chicago" style horn section and searing lead guitar in a two hour tribute to the greatest hits of one of the all time most popular Rock 'n Roll Big Bands.

On June 23rd the "Tony Mart Rock 'n Roll Reunion Party" will feature hot emerging Jersey Shore Rock Star, Billy Walton, from Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes.  Billy will perform with his own phenomenal band and special guest, Arthur Migiliazza opening the show with New Orleans sounds of Fats Domino, Professor Longhair and other classics before joining the Billy Walton Band to perform it’s tribute to Jersey Shore Rock 'n Roll artists including Bruce Springsteen and the music of "Eddie and the Cruisers" the classic Rock 'n Roll movie filmed in Ocean City and Tony Mart’s 30 years ago!

On August 18th "The Music That Made Tony Mart’s Famous" will showcase a sizzling series of famous songs in an exciting dance party celebration of the stars that played at Tony Mart’s from the '50’s to the '80’s including Billy Haley and His Comets, Conway Twitty, Duane Eddie, Joey Dee and the Starlighters, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Levon Helm and The Band and original soundtrack songs from Eddie and the Cruisers.  In addition to the biggest hits of these artists, the show includes songs from Ray Charles, Cream, Springsteen, Dylan and more of the great sounds celebrated for 38 years at Tony Marts.  The show features the Tony Mart Allstar Band with Dr. Bobby Fingers, Bob Campanell, Howard Isaacson, Danny Eyer, Rich Kurtz and Jimmy "Old School" Glenn from the Hawkins Road Band.  This should not be missed!

Seating for all the Saturday night shows will be a General Admission/Open Seating with  doors opening at 7PM and shows beginning at 8PM.  $20 tickets are available at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office or by calling (609)525-9248 or 525-9300.  For more information contactTonymarto@aol.com or go to WWW.TONYMART.COM.

Be part of this historic series as Tony Marts will "Let the Good Times Roll" for the first time ever on the Ocean City Boardwalk this summer!

TONY MART’S CONGRADULATES JUMPIN’ JOHNNY SANSONE, CURTIS SALGADO, TERRY HANCK AND DAVID MAXWELL ON 2012 BLUES MUSIC AWARDS

Please join us in celebrating the Blues Music Awards given to 4 international recording artists who have recently performed for Tony Mart’s and/or the Somers Point Beach Concerts.  On May 10th, the Blues Foundation gave prestigious blues music awards for Song of the Year to our good friend, Johnny Sansone, best Soul Blues Male Artist to the great Curtis Salgado, Best Instrumentalist to friend and world class saxophone player, Terry Hanck and the Best Acoustic Album of the Year to the phenomenal Blues and Boogie Woogie Piano Master, David Maxwell all of whom performed in the last year at one of our shows!

To help us celebrate, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone will return to the area to perform and party with all of his friends at a show to be scheduled in late August.

The next Tony Mart show will be the last “Concert at the Café” this Friday, May 18th when the talented“Hawkins Road Trio” features “Ernie T” Trionfo, Brian “The Voice” Conover and Jimmy “Old School” Glenn performing from 7 to 10PM.  Please reserve seats as soon as possible as this will be a repeat performance by popular demand (609-653-6069 or Tonymarto@aol.com).  Friends and fans are also invited to celebrate the birthday of Chef Richard Spurlock, a long time friend and member of the Tony Mart Team at the Café this Friday.

On Saturday, May 26th Tony Mart’s celebrates the legacy of Jersey Shore Rock ‘n Roll at the Ocean City Music Pier for the first time ever.  The new series, “Rockin’ the OC Music Pier” will begin with a performance by the 9 piece Sounds of Society Show Band performing a 2 hour tribute to the music of Chicago, one of the most popular Rock ‘n Roll Big Bands in the history of Tony Mart’s.  Go towww.TONYMART.COM for the details of other shows on June 23rd and August 18th as Tony Mart’s will Let the Good Times Roll!  Live!  Saturday Nights at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Nancy Marotta
tonymarto@aol.com

Billy Walton Band from UK to Somers Point

The Billy Walton Band, seen here performing at the Regal Theater in Evesham, Englandin England earlier this year, are a native Jersey Shore band that has developed a good following on the other side of the pond. 

Many thanks for the photos by Ian Cameron

Billy will do double duty at the Trop this coming weekend (May 26) when the Billy Walton Band opens for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and then he plays lead guitar with the Jukes, a double dynamite show.

They also play on accassion, at Tara's in Cookstown, in the Jersey Pines, Breezes in New Gretna and Sweetwater Casino, and will play their annual concert on the Somers Point Beach this year as well as dozens of other gigs at the Shore this summer. 

Photos compliments of bass player William Paris

Latest email:

We want to thank everyone who was so supportive and helpful during our recent UK tour.  17 shows in 19 days was a lot of fun.  We made alot of new friends.  We'll be seeing everyone again.  Major news coming overseas!

Now our gigs are coming in.  Summers right around the corner.  Just picked up a gig in AC at the Trop opening for Southside Johnny!  Billy will lead his band AND play with the Jukes!  See you soon.  Also, don't forget to order our new cd, Crank It Up!

May

18  Cabana's, Cape May NJ

19  Curran's, Palmyra, NJ

24  Breeze's, New Grertna, NJ

26  Tropicana, AC, NJ w/ Southside Johnny

27  Sweetwater Casino, Sweetwater, NJ

31  Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA w/ smokin Brit blues guitarist Matt Schofield!!

Always double check our site & the venue site to confirm!!!!

Thanks - Billy, William, Taz, & Johnny 

Grahame Rhodes wrote:

Billy Walton Band – Crank It Up!

http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com/index.php/2012/04/26/review-billy-walton-band-crank-it-up/

(Mystic Records: MYS CD 208)

From Asbury Park, New Jersey, the Billy Walton Band have been regular visitors to the UK since 2007, and initially toured on the back of their excellent “Neon City” debut album, which blended a hard rock style with some classic home area soul influences from the great Southside Johnny, with whom Billy Walton currently holds down the much-coveted guitar ‘seat’.

This, the band’s third album, following “Live At The Stone Pony”, is again on the rocky side in places, but still with a few lovely soul-tinged tunes . . . . you don’t ‘sit in’ or play with such legends as Southside Johnny, Bruce Springsteen and Gary US Bonds and not pick up some good habits!

On “Crank It Up!”, apart from Billy Walton on lead guitar and vocals, the band comprises: William Paris (bass), Rich ‘The Taz’ Taskowitz (saxophone) and Johnny D’Angelo (drums) – and what a fine outfit they are. The opening “Deal With The Devil” rides on a nice opening acoustic groove, before giving way to Walton’s gritty vocal and slide guitar and the band kicking in.

The following title cut, “Crank It Up!” is a tough rocker that features Taskowitz’s saxophone, together with some blistering Walton guitar, and at times recalls another of the Jersey Shore’s heroes, Jon Bon Jovi, whom to me, Walton is a lot like vocally at times.

The riffy “Lifeline” has a Stonesy vibe to it with Billy Walton’s choppy guitar work; and next up is the delightful, soulful “The Night The Deal Went Down”, calling up hot summer nights on the Jersey boardwalk, and more great work here from Rich Taskowitz. The soul feel continues on the lovely “Til Tomorrow”, again with a ‘home town’ edge to it and delivered with a fine vocal performance from Walton.

The pace is taken down on “Night Turns Blue”, a ballad of the highest order with some sweet guitar licks and a soaring solo; the funky blues of  “One In A Million” is another highlight, with the saxophone featuring again to fine effect, with Walton’s searing playing. Walton takes us home again on “Summertime Girl”, another tune crafted on the Jersey boardwalk and surely influenced by “The Boss” himself!

The band put the hammer down on the rocking “Hot Blues”, driven by the very good rhythm section of long-time bass player William Paris and in-demand drummer Johnny D’Angelo; with proceedings rounded off with the breakneck rocker, “Black Jack Dealer” . . . with some great piano and also more sterling work from Rich Taskowitz.

Walton is a fine singer and guitarist, with a very capable band, and it’s easy to see how UK audiences have taken to him and the band, and his prowess live has been admirably  captured here in the studio on “Crank It Up!” Definitely an outfit worth checking out, be it live or recorded.

GRAHAME RHODES

2012 Somers Point Beach Concerts

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOMERS POINT BEACH CONCERTS

With the demise of Bay Shores, Tony Marts and other rock and roll night clubs that featured live entertainment, Somers Point  has kept the music tradition going by presenting free community concerts on the beach every Friday night all summer long.

Now in its 20^th year, the 2012 beach concert schedule is better than ever, and includes a good mix of local talent and top flight national recording acts that play a variety of music styles that should please everyone.

Carmen Marotta, son of Tony Marts’ owner Anthony Marotta, and producer for the Beach Concert Committee, said this year’s line is, “Truly Amazing!  It’s unbelievable that a Free Summer Concert Series, in a small town, can present this many international recording artists of headliner stature.”

“We’re doing a lot of extraordinary, exciting things to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this phenomenal concert series with 14 magical shows on the beautiful Somers Point beach,” Marotta said.

The stars this summer include the a cappella Doo Wop vocals of the renown Persuasions, blues rock guitarist Walter Trout, famous recording artists The Commander Cody Band and harmonica virtuoso Rick Estrin and the Nightcats.

On a few nights the audiences will be entertained by more than one act, some of them jamming together, including the Scott Kirby Band - Margaritaville Radio’s most requested artists, with local legend Lew London, the Persuasions and the Shakes, and Dr. Bobby Fingers with Howard Isaacson and the Hawkins Road Band.  

The series will begin on Friday June 15th with the electric violin led roots rock and blues of the Lionel Young Band, a multiple winner of international blues awards.  

On June 22nd the musical stars of HBO’s Treme, funky, trombone led New Orleans band, Bonerama will make their Somers Point debut with their three trombones playing Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers on the Beach.

Classic rocker Bob Campanell will return for his regular July 4th gig with his band that includes local java fueled guitarist Danny Eyer, and two days later on Friday, July 6^th the beach scene will showcase the Jeremiah Hunter Band, a dance party group includes former members of the Soul Survivors (“Expressway to Your Heart”) and Fullhouse, who some will remember from the old nightclub days.       

On Friday, July 6^th the Beach Concert Committee will commemorate the 20th  Anniversary Season by honoring Beach Concert Founder, Nick Regine, with a special, well deserved presentation. Nick, who obtained the commitments from the local businesses to start the beach concert series, also founded the Somers Point Jazz Society, which brings great jazz music to the clubs throughout the winter season.

According to Marotta, “We’re going to celebrate our 20th Anniversary with two special ‘double header’ concerts that will begin at 6:45PM on July 20th and July 27th in the heart of our season.”  

On July 20^th the internationally renown Persuasions will perform a 75 minute a cappella show followed by a good old Somers Point Rock ‘n Roll Dance party with The Shakes, and on July 27th, pianist Dr. Bobby Fingers and Hawkins Road Band perform a jam concert with guest stars Howard Isaacson and Ernie T’ Trionfo.

Except for the 6:45 starts on July 20 and 27, Somers Point Beach Concerts are presented Friday nights from 7 until 9:30PM.

Jersey Shore guitar hero Billy Walton, from South Side Johnny’s Asbury Jukes, will rock Bay Ave on August 10^th, having recently returned from their latest UK tour where they have a strong fan following.

The Midiri Brothers Band will present their world class tribute to Benny Goodman on August 17^th, with special guest banjo virtuoso Franny Smith playing his traditional New Orleans musical celebration.

International blues guitarist Walter Trout will perform August 24^th, while Jill West and Blues Attack will play on August 31^st.

The 2012 Summer Season will close out on September 7^th, Good Old Days Weekend, with a musical blessing from Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys.   

For more info, schedules and links to the website of the performing artists, please refer to SomersPointBeachConcerts.com.  

For Press contact call Carmen Marotta at 609-457-1316.
tonymarto@aol.com

2012 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEACH CONCERTS

June 15^th - THE LIONEL YOUNG BAND

Multi Blues Award Winning Violinist

June 22^nd – BONERAMA

Rockin’ Funky Trombone led Brass Band from New Orleans

June 29^th - THE COMMANDER CODY BAND

Country Swing and Rockin’ Boogie Woogie Recording Stars

July 4^th - THE BOB CAMPANELL BAND FEATURING DANNY EYER

Jersey Shore Rock ‘n Roll Icon with his favorite lead guitarist

July 6^th - JEREMIAH HUNTER BAND

Favorites from The Soul Survivors & Fullhouse

July 13^th - RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS

World Class Jump, Swing Blues Recording Artists

July 20^th - THE PERSUASIONS PLUS THE SHAKES

Legendary Doo Wop Vocal Stars PLUS Motown Party Dance Songs

July 27^th - DR. BOBBY FINGERSBAND PLUS HAWKINS ROAD

Popular Sing-a-long songs PLUS The Best Country Rock

August 3^rd - SCOTT KIRBY WITH LEW LONDON

One of Margaritaville Radio’s most requested Artists

August 10^th - THE BILLY WALTON BAND WITH ARTHUR MIGLIAZZA

Jersey Shore Rock ‘n Roll Hero with New Orleans Piano

August 17^th - THE MIDORI BROTHERS BAND FEATURING FRANNY  SMITH 

Swingin’ Tribute to Benny Goodman & New Orleans Favorites

August 24th - WALTER TROUT

International Rockin’ Blues Guitar Headliner

August 31^st - JILL WEST AND BLUES ATTACK

Western Pennsylvania’s #1 Party Dance Band

September 7th  - REVEREND RAVEN AND THE CHAIN SMOKIN’ ALTAR BOYS

Rockabilly Swing & Roots Rock ‘n Roll

Kenni i Orchestra & Shanken Not Stirred Players

In a benefit concert for the Somers Point Historical Society. 

Kenni I Orchestra & The Shanken Not Stirred Players

Friday, May 11, 2012 7 PM

Mainland Regional HS, Linwood, NJ

Benefit for the Somers Point Historical Society and Gateway Playhouse

$30 in advance $35 at the door

609-927-2900

Kenny i Orchestra in Concert

Hosted by Somers Point Historical Society & Gateway Playhouse

CONCERT includes music from Chicago, Journey, Michael Buble, The Charlie Daniels Band, The William Tell Overture, Theme from The Jetsons, Flight of the Bumble Bee, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, dancers from The Atlantic City Ballet on our Tribute to Dick Clark, a Mothers Day Tribute, Tribute to our Armed Forces, Tribute to Richard Somers, Name That Tune with audience participation and a winning prize, $150.00 Raffle Prize at $5.00 for 3 tickets, 50/50, Restaurant Certificates, etc. Special Guests: The Shaken Not Stirred Players

CONCERT includes music from Chicago, Journey, Michael Buble, The Charlie Daniels Band, The William Tell Overture, Theme from The Jetsons, Flight of the Bumble Bee (Kenny i on Trombone!), Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy featuring The Andrews Sisters, dancers from The Atlantic City Ballet on our Tribute to Dick Clark and American Bandstand, a Mothers Day Tribute, Tribute to our Armed Forces, Tribute to the founder of Somers Point: Richard Somers, Name That Tune with audience participation and a winning prize, as well as a $150.00 Raffle Prize at $5.00 for 3 tickets, 50/50, Restaurant Certificates, etc.

Special Guests: The Shaken Not Stirred Players  doing a 15 minute insert of their top requested Broadway Songs of the last 20 years.

This will be a one-of-a-kind Concert/Variety Show and should not be missed!

This will be a one-of-a-kind Concert/Variety Show and should not be missed!

Tickets may be purchased using Paypal at www.somerspointhistory.org or call 927-2900.  Cash only ticket sales at Gregory's, Carol's Beauty Shop, Shore T.V. Hardware, Phil's Barber Shop, Bayshores II, The Breakfast Shop.