Stone Pony celebrates 50th anniversary with big summer concert schedule

The Stone Pony has a big reason to celebrate this summer: The legendary Asbury Park music venue turned 50 in February.

“On this day 50 years ago, a gentleman named Jack Roig opened the doors to his new club, and at that time he had no idea he was opening up a landmark piece of music history,” Pony general manager Caroline O'Toole said from the club's stage on Feb. 8.

To commemorate the anniversary, the city proclaimed Feb. 8 Stone Pony Day in Asbury Park.

“Whereas The Stone Pony, nestled in the heart of Asbury Park, has been a beacon of musical history for half a century,” states the proclamation, as read that day by councilperson Eileen Chapman. “With unwavering support from artists and fans, it has become the cradle of rock 'n' roll legends, providing countless unforgettable moments, and drawing diverse talent and a loyal fanbase to its intimate beachside setting.”

This summer's lineup, featuring shows inside the club and on the Stone Pony Summer Stage, looks back on its heritage and forward, too. Pride Weekend features two shows with Fletcher & Friends on June 1 and June 2, and the North to Shore festival in mid-June includes shows by Gary Clark Jr., Band of Horses, Lake Street Drive, and Shadow of the City featuring Bleachers.

“For 50 years, the Stone Pony has been an essential part of the soundtrack of summer for so many who reside or visit Asbury Park,” O'Toole said in a statement. “We are so excited for our upcoming 50th anniversary summer celebration with so many wonderful artists who will join us (for) some incredible nights of live music under the stars."

The season's food and beverage lineup includes the Windmill with the Jersey Shore’s famous hot dogs and cheese fries; Rocco’s Pizza; Bubbakoos, and a new smoothie station with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

More: Here's the untold story of the Stone Pony, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024

Stone Pony Summer Stage lineup:

• The Solid Pink Disco with Trixie and DJ Mateo Segade, May 30

• Dreamland Pride in Asbury Park party with Purple Disco Machine, May 31

• Fletcher and Friends, June 1 and 2

• North to Shore festival with Gary Clark Jr., June 12

• North to Shore festival with Band of Horses, June 13

• North to Shore festival with Lake Street Drive, June 14

• North to Shore festival with Shadow of the City featuring Bleachers and more, June 15

• T-Pain's  Mansion in Wiscansin Party, June 21

• Jake Owen, June 22

• Orville Peck with Goldie Boutilier, June 29

• Moe.’s Best 4th Ever with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Neighbor, July 4

• Railroad Earth with Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, July 5

• Jamey Johnson, July 10

• The Used and Story of the Year, July 12

• O.A.R., Fitz and the Tantrums, and DJ Logic, July 19

• Bouncing Souls Stoked for Summer, July 20

• Dark Star Orchestra, July 21

• Two Door Cinema Club, July 26

• Iration and Pepper, Aug. 2

• The Struts and Barns Courtney, Aug. 3

• Sad Summer Festival with Mayday Parade, The Maine, The Wonder Years, We The Kings and more, Aug. 4

• Gaslight Anthem, Aug. 16

• Whisky Myers, Aug. 21

• Something Corporate, Aug. 23

• New Found Glory, Aug. 24

• Sublime with Rome Farewell Tour, Aug. 25

• Almost Queen, Aug. 30

• Waxahatchee with Snail Mail and Tim Heidecker, Sept. 1

• Dashboard Confessional and Boys Like Girls, Sept. 10

• Justin Moore & Randy Houser: The Country Round Here Tonight Tour, Sept. 27.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Stone Pony celebrates 50th anniversary with summer concerts