How a year off stage fuels N.J. artists’ battle for better pay
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Natalie Newbold, frontwoman of the popular Asbury Park band Well Wisher, is among local artists reconsidering what their talent is worth. (Courtesy of Well Wisher)
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To some New Jersey musicians, it’s viewed as a bargaining chip. To others, it’s a damaging secret.
Before the pandemic, very few local players were willing to reveal what they were paid to perform at the state’s bars, clubs and theaters, fearing their handful of cash could be undercut even further by a competing band.
Asbury Band Aid: virtual concert to benefit Jersey Shore musicians to stream next week
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Online concert to benefit Jersey Shore musicians
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Asbury Band Aid and more: The five big Jersey shows of the week
Now get ready for Asbury Band Aid.
Asbury Band Aid, which streams at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, has more than 25 local acts, one TV star (Jill Hennessy) and Gov. Phil Murphy.
The show is organized by the city s Stone Pony and state Sen. Vin Gopal’s Civic Association, and will stream live on AsburyBandAid.com.
“Asbury Park is home to an incredible art community economically impacted by the mandated shutdown,” said Gopal in a statement. “As the artists work to overcome the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, we want to provide short-term relief to help meet their financial challenges. I look forward to watching my favorite bands play once again at the Stone Pony Summer Stage when it is safe.”
Virtual concert planned to benefit local musicians
One of the main things Asbury Park is known for is its thriving music scene. But the pandemic slammed the door shut on live performances, leaving a lot of local musicians with no work.
To help address their plight, the legendary Stone Pony, along with the Vin Gopal Civic Association, are putting on a digital fundraiser called Band Aid on April 20 to “keep the music playing.”
The event will feature dozens of Jersey Shore bands:
Anthony Krizan
Brian Kirk
Splintered Sunlight
The B Street Band with Brian Kirk
The Nerds
All donations/proceeds will go to local artists of the struggling music scene.