Oceanport, New Jersey will host the state’s first drive-in concert since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic at Monmouth Park Racetrack on July 11th. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, a well-known local act, will be the first band to play a non-virtual concert in the state since March.
“The Asbury Jukes and I are so excited that we can play this first of its kind live concert and help get New Jersey started on a quick and healthy return to normal,” frontman “Southside” Johnny said in a statement on the event’s website. He continued, “Why sit at home when ‘We’re Havin’ A Party,’ drive-in style? We’ll safely see everyone on July 11th.”
This announcement shines a light at the end of New Jersey’s proverbial quarantine tunnel, as live music has been impossible to come by since the novel coronavirus spread across the country earlier this year. While New Jersey is not the first state to host drive-in concerts, this event will be much larger than others, such as Spafford‘s show in Arizona last week (5/24) or the tour Marc Rebillet scheduled for this summer.
According to the event website, the Monmouth Park Racetrack will accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles, with a maximum of four occupants in each car. The venue will space vehicles nine feet apart, allowing patrons to leave their cars only for restroom use. Furthermore, the event will not serve alcohol, however, information regarding concessions will arrive at a later date.
While the bill advertises just Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, there is some speculation that The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, might make an appearance. Not only does Springsteen have a history of showing up at random New Jersey venued, but he also played with Southside Johnny just last year. He has also been quite busy during quarantine, raising money through the Jersey 4 Jersey campaign as well as sitting-in virtually with the Dropkick Murphys during their Streaming Outta Fenway show this past weekend.
Tickets for the New Jersey drive-in concert are on sale now, starting at $150 per vehicle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
