Famed New York-based a capella group the Persuasions

SOMERS POINT, N.J. — Due to inclement weather, the Friday, July 20, Somers Point Beach Concert Series performance of legendary New York-based a capella group the Persuasions, with special guests The Shakes, has been moved from William Morrow Beach in Somers Point to the Elks Lodge at 1815 Somers Point-Mays Landing Rd. in Egg Harbor Township.

The concert’s starting time remains the same at 6:45 pm, with the Persuasions opening the show. Hot dogs, hamburgers and clams will be available. There is a bar available so please, no coolers. There are limited chairs so consider bringing your own chair.

Click here to read Atlantic City Weekly editor Jeff Schwachter’s interview with founding member and 69-year-old vocalist and song connoisseur Jimmy Hayes of the Persuasions. Click here to see the entire schedule of the 20th annual Somers Point Beach Concert Series.

The photo at left truly encompasses the magic and the ambiance of the wonderful weekly experiences enjoyed during the Somers Point Beach Concert Series, held every Friday night all summer long at the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point.

Here southern New Jersey guitar virtuoso Billy Walton jams alongside his two daughters (one of whom is keeping the beat with a tambourine) as Joe Prinzo — the road manager for Southside Johnny’s Jukes, for whom Walton plays lead guitar when not performing solo or with his own band — looks on while backing up Billy on rhythm guitar.

The shot, taken July 15 by Atlantic City Weekly’s Rich Kohler, sort of encapsulates what the Friday night Beach Concert Series is all about — top-shelf entertainment, enjoying quality time with the family, and celebrating summer in a southern New Jersey shore town deeply entrenched in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

To learn more about the Beach Concert Series, go here, e-mail Carmen Marotta at TonyMarto@AOL.com  or call (609) 457-1316 or 653-6069.

Due to the impending inclement weather, Jim Morris and the Big Bamboo Band (above) will not be performing at the William Morrow Municipal Beach Park in Somers Point as expected tonight, Friday, July 8, as part of the Somers Point Beach Concert Series.

But don’t fret, Parrot Heads! Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro, nearby at 908 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, has graciously offered to host the event indoors. The show starts 7pm, and features the Caribbean Steel drums and Key West Caribbean melodies of this popular, Jimmy Buffet-like ensemble. See them below.

Reggae power trio the Kinsey Report kicks off the Somers Point Beach Concert Series on Friday, June 17.

SOMERS POINT, N.J. — Another sensational Somers Point Beach Concert Series starts Friday night, June 17, and is free to the public. The concerts take place on select Fridays starting 7pm at the William Morrow Beach on Bay Avenue in Somert Point.

Kicking off the series, and back by popular demand, is the Kinsey Report — a reggae trio fronted by Donald Kinsey, who produced albums with genre legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh in Jamaica. The Kinsey Report performs a blend of Caribbean funk, reggae, R&B and Chicago blues.

On July 1, event organizer Tony Mart’s Presents brings back the ever-popular local dance-party band Jeremiah-Hunter, and rounding out July are the Bob Campanell Band on July 4 and the Billy Walton Band on July 15. August is jam-packed with sensational artists, beginning with New Orleans legend Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone and special guest Susan Cowsill on Aug. 5.

For more, click here.

Due to the approach of Hurricane Earl, the Somers Point Beach Concert featuring a tribute by Franny Smith and the Atlantic City Band (pictured) to the Mummers, New Orleans Dixieland and the Great American Songbook has been moved to Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro, located at 908 Shore Road (formerly Mac’s Restaurant) in Somers Point.

Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, prior to the 7pm performance. Limited seating will be available, but beach chairs and coolers will not be permitted. Beverages will be available for sale.

The previously scheduled Tony Mart Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion “After the Beach”  event with Jill West & Blues Attack will be held as scheduled at approximately 9:15pm at Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro following the Franny Smith beach concert.

For more information contact the CER office at 927-2053  ext. 3101, Carmen and Nancy Marotta at 653 -6069 or 457-1316, or Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro at 927-2759 or 927-2300.