Stockton plans to rock the Boardwalk this summer
Jun, 24-2009 2:06 pm
OCEAN CITY – The Stockton Performing Arts Center will head to the shore again this summer, presenting eight concerts in the eighth annual “Stockton Goes to the Beach Summer Concert Series” at the Ocean City Music Pier.
The concerts will feature everything from classic rock, hard rock, Christian rock, ‘60’s rock and country.
Show times start at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj.us or by calling 525-9300.
The entertainment starts on July 6, with Over the Rainbow. This is not a Judy Garland Tribute Band! Over The Rainbow features rock legends from the band RAINBOW!, including Joe Lynn Turner, Tony Carey, Bobby Rondinelli and Greg Smith united with a second generation Blackmore- Jurgen (J.R.) Blackmore. Rainbow scored hits with “Since You Been Gone,” “Stone Cold,” “Street of Dreams” and “All Night Long.
On July 13, it’s Dickey Betts & Great Southern. Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, is credited with being one of the most influential guitar players of all time. Betts wrote and sang the group's biggest hit, "Ramblin' Man." Having helped define the genre, Dickey Betts & Great Southern continue to tour and break new ground in the grand tradition of great Southern Rock. Betts also wrote “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Revival” and “Jessica.”
On July 20, aficionados of the '60s pop classics have cause to rejoice with Gary Lewis & The Playboys. One of the most successful musical groups of the sixties, the group scored Billboard hits with: “This Diamond Ring,” “Count Me In,” “Save Your Heart For Me,” “Everybody Loves A Clown” and “She’s Just My Style.”
Stockton Goes to the Beach features country music pioneer Hal Ketchum on July 27. Ketchum has distinguished himself as a hit maker with 15 top-ten singles and five million albums sold. He is considered one of the most engaging performers on the American live music circuit. Ketchum forged his own singular presence in popular music thanks to such qualities as his vibrant talent and creativity, artistic integrity and natural soulfulness.
On Aug. 3, the summer fun continues with Rare Earth. Out of the nine albums released by Rare Earth, two have gone double platinum: “Get Ready” and “Rare Earth in Concert;” one platinum: “One World;” and three gold: “Ecology,” “Willie Remembers” and “Ma.” The band boasts several million-selling singles that include: “Get Ready,” “Hey Big Brother,” “Losing You,” “Born to Wander,” and “I Just Want to Celebrate.” The group tours Europe annually to rave reviews.
Gary Puckett brings his classic hits to the Music Pier on Aug. 10. Gary Puckett and the Union Gap was one of the most successful musical groups of the sixties. Puckett's unmistakable signature voice has garnered six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits with the following titles: "Young Girl," "Woman, Woman," "Lady Willpower," "Over You," "This Girl is a Woman Now," "Keep the Customer Satisfied," "Don’t Give Into Him" and "Home."
On Aug. 17, hard rock hits the boards with Dokken. Formed in 1978, Dokken has accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Their hits include: “In My Dreams,” “The Hunter,” “It's Not Love,” “Burning Like a Flame,” “Heaven Sent” and “Kiss of Death.” Dokken is comprised of founder Don Dokken on vocals, John Levin on lead guitars, Barry Sparks on bass, and “Wild” Mick Brown on drums.
On Aug. 24, Kutless winds up the last show for the season. Kutless is a Christian hard rock/alternative rock band that formed in 2000. To date they have a total of six albums including their latest, “To Know That You're Alive” and their CD Live From Portland. They have over 1.4 million albums sold with Christian chart-topping hits “Your Touch,” “Run” and “Strong Tower.” The band members are Jon Micah Sumrall - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano; James Mead - lead guitar, backing vocals; Dave Luetkenhoelter - bass; Jeffrey Gilbert - drums and Nick De Partee - guitar, backing vocals.
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.
