Stone Pony Day celebrates legendary Asbury Park club's 50th anniversary

Feb. 8 was proclaimed Stone Pony Day as Asbury Park Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, members of the city council and more were on hand Thursday to celebrate the legendary venue's 50th anniversary.

The Pony was opened by former owner Jack Roig on Feb. 8, 1974.

“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,” said Pony general manager Caroline O'Toole from the stage a few minutes after 5 p.m.

City councilperson Eileen Chapman read the city's proclamation from the club's stage.

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“Whereas the Stone Pony, nestled in the heart of Asbury Park, has been a beacon of musical history for half a century,” read 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.”

Chapman is a former general manager of the Pony and a member of the Save the Stone Pony grassroots group in the early 2000s, when redevelopment threated the future of the club.

“That went international,” said Chapman of Save the Stone Pony. “We had people from all around the world send letters and pleas for this place to remain open and not be taken away in the redevelopment plan, and I think that saved the Stone Pony. It's so meaningful to have this venue here in Asbury Park.

"I came here to Asbury Park in 1974 so I was here when it opened, and I don't think any of us anticipated that 50 years later we'd still be standing here in the Stone Pony.”

Remarks from U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone for the Congressional Record were also read from the stage.

“(The Stone Pony) has supported local charities and philanthropic efforts throughout its history, hosting benefit concerts for hunger initiatives, local youth programs, Parkinson's disease research, and music education, among others,” said the Democrat who represents New Jersey's 6th District.

As the remarks and proclamations were being delivered, generations of Pony faithful were coming into the club to attend an anniversary kickoff event hosted by O'Toole and Roig. Long-time Pony DJ Lee Mrowicki played music, starting with a tape of the famous 1976 Memorial Day concert by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes that helped build the venue's legacy.

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Outside were the remnants of a classic car show and video projections of Bruce Springsteen, a Pony in stride. Bands who have played there were shown on the exterior walls by the city's LMD Studios and Luminous Abstracts.

Later on stage, O'Toole and Roig toasted those in attendance, and all who have come through over the last five decades.

“I always joke if I could have made a living here, I never would have left. I love this place,” said Freehold's Steven Serebnick, a floorman at the Pony in the late '80s and early '90s. “Fifty years, it's a landmark. A great place for music, for friends. I've seen people here tonight I haven't seen for 30 years.”

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University is hosting “Celebrating the Stone Pony Anniversary: Spotlighting 50 Legendary Years of Music Memories” on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the club. Roig and more will participate on multiple panels starting at 1 p.m.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, who were formed at the Pony in 1974, will play anniversary shows on Feb. 16 and 17. Anniversary events will take place through the year, Pony management said.

Visit stoneponyonline.com for more information.

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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 Day in Asbury Park celebrates 50th anniversary