Summer & the City
Do you know how long I’ve heard AC residents say that there weren’t enough options for Music and Art in the Community, outside the casinos? Practically, my whole life…
That is no longer the case….
I’ve been telling folks for the last few years that there’s a budding community of artists and musicians thriving right here in our own little backyard. The problem is that when you’re a “local,” you tend to take these things for granted. Has the issue been that in the past, there haven’t been enough offerings for residents outside of the casinos, or that residents just don’t come out to support? You’ll get different answers depending on who you ask. But in either case, part of what we do here at Harmonious Flame is to promote local talent and opportunities right here in our own hometown.
Make no mistake, within these 48 Blocks are a Rich and Diverse Musical history…..One that existed long before the first casino ever set foot in Atlantic City. And while, the casinos bring a multitude of opportunities and revenue to our area, there are so many other opportunities (and hopefully more to come) to see and experience dynamic live music, without paying $100 a ticket.
Here are just a sample of offerings that are coming to our city this summer. Everything listed here is FREE of charge. As the season progresses, and more info becomes available, the list will be updated accordingly:
48 Blocks
Speaking of 48 Blocks, to kick off the summer, there is the 48 Blocks Festival, going on all over town this coming weekend. 48 Events in 48 hours- starting with a Kick-Off Party @ Bourre, Friday June 21st @ 6pm, and live music and activities going on clear through Saturday and Sunday. For a complete list, go to: https://www.48blocksac.com/event
North Beach Block Party
Have you heard the word? From Tennessee Ave, heading up to the Inlet is being re-branded as “North Beach.” To kick off the official rebranding, neighborhood businesses are partnering up bring a Block Party (June 20th) and subsequent project called, “Music Row Mondays” (starting June 24th). For more info, and schedule details, go to: https://steelpier.com/2019/06/06/atlantic-city-entertainment-establishments-partner-to-brand-district-as-north-beach-atlantic-city/
Gardner’s Basin Concert Series
When in AC, go where the locals go! If you’ve been in the area for a decent amount of time, then you surely remember the concerts that the city used to hold in the Gardner’s Basin section of the Inlet. Well after a few years, those concerts are now BACK with a vengeance! If you’re an old head like myself, you’ll especially appreciate hearing artists such as Howard Hewett, The Delfonics, and Full Force, to name a few. Concerts will be held on the following Saturdays: June 22nd, July 20th, and August 17th. While you’re there be sure to check out the Fish Heads Food Truck, a true AC gem, and one of the most official spots for Slammin’ Soul Food! Be sure to tell them, Harmonious Flame sent you! For more info, go to: https://www.atlanticcitynj.com/events/gardners-basin-concerts.aspx
Live @ 5 Concert Series
Head to the Tanger Outlets to catch “Live at 5,” a brand new, exciting concert series coming to the area, produced by AC’s very own Marsolluna + Co. (Shout Out!) Shows will be held Thursdays from 5-7pm, throughout the months of July and August. For more info, go to: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/atlanticcity/events/july
AC Boardwalk Concert Series
609 Event Productions is back at it again, bringing dynamic entertainment to Kennedy Plaza, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the months of July, August, and early September. With a variety of genres and acts performing, there’s a little something for everyone. For a complete list of offerings, go to: https://acboardwalkconcerts.com/
Broadway on the Boardwalk
Are you a fan of Broadway Show Tunes (This Girl!)? Or did you ever wish you could attend a Broadway show, but can’t afford the expensive travel or tickets? No worries….It’s handled! This summer, we’re bringing the stage to you! The casts of some of Broadway’s hottest musicals will be on hand, performing hits from their respective shows. Every Monday evening at Kennedy Plaza. For more info, go to: https://www.atlanticcitynj.com/events/broadwayontheboardwalk.aspx
Tribute Tuesdays
Are you a fan of Billy Joel (Yup!), Earth, Wind and Fire? (Hell Yea!) Bon Jovi? (I’m a Jersey girl, what chu’ think?). Then you’re gonna love Tribute Tuesdays, from 7pm-10pm throughout July, August, and early September. Tribute bands are performing hits from some of your favorite acts. For a complete lineup, go to: https://www.atlanticcitynj.com/events/tribute-tuesdays.aspx
Mardi Gras AC
Are you a lover of R&B, Funk, The Blues, Classic Rock? Tony Mart Presents is bringing all that NOLA vibe and flavor to Kennedy Plaza with Mardi Gras AC, a 12-date concert series highlighting the sounds of The Big Easy. Wednesdays at 7pm from June 19th to September 4th. For more details, go to: http://tonymart.com/live-events.htm
Date Night Idea/Free Tip: Once you’ve worked up an appetite from dancing to NOLA inspired tunes, head over to New York Avenue and visit Bourre for some authentic Cajun BBQ cuisine. We “Ga-Raun-Tee!”
Jazz on the Beach
Jazz Heads Unite! Don’t worry we’ve got something for you too. For over 20 years, the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation has been bringing the best in Live Jazz to Kennedy Plaza. This year is no different. Thursdays from 7pm-10pm, from June 27th- August 29th. The lineup will of course feature local artists, as well as headlining musicians. For a complete list of acts, go to: https://www.atlanticcitynj.com/events/jazz-on-beach.aspx
Date Night Idea/Free Tip: To make a complete night of it, go see Live @ 5 at Tanger Outlets from 5-7pm, then walk a few blocks up to the boardwalk, and over to Kennedy Plaza to get to Jazz on the Beach. 5 hours of music, free of charge….You’re Welcome!
Also, don’t forget to stop by these local vendors for More Music, Food, and Fun. A complete list of their music schedules are found in the links below:
Tennessee Ave Beer Hall- https://www.tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com/music-schedule
Bourre- https://bourreatlanticcity.com/events/
Kelsey's- https://www.kelseysac.com/artist-den
Whew….What a list! But whateeever you do, don’t say you weren’t informed! Don’t believe the hype and bad press, the arts scene is THRIVING here in AC, and is only getting better by the year! #DoAC
