Photos & Story by Chris Spiewak
Music has long been a part of Red Bank’s history and infrastructure, and it grows more popular each and every year.
The annual StreetLife program, initiated in 2001 by the Red Bank RiverCenter organization, showcases local musicians in free, live performances every Saturday night from June through August on the streets of the downtown area. Each musician or group is given a predetermined position in front of a local business where they an perform. The acts are spaced appropriately so as not to interfere with each other’s sound levels.
There are no big stages or fancy sound systems here; these performances are up close and personal, presenting the raw talent of each individual or group. Many different styles of music are presented to entertain different tastes, and most passersby will find a type of music suitable to them.
Don’t be fooled by the term “street performer;” RiverCenter has done its due diligence to select some of the most skilled musicians that Monmouth County has to offer to ensure a rewarding and memorable visit for people of all ages.
In 1991, Red Bank RiverCenter was created to help revitalize the downtown area, which was in need of a morale boost at the time. Several local business leaders worked to establish a Special Improvement District, which would allow the borough to assess a small fee to those commercial property owners in this designated area. These fees would go directly to RiverCenter to support their work to develop and enhance the area, and help Red Bank reestablish itself as a popular cultural center once again.
Progress was initially slow, but the “hustle and bustle” has returned, proving that the RiverCenter program has met its expectations and continues to provide downtown businesses with the special events and exposure needed year after year to help keep Red Bank a popular destination spot.
StreetLife veteran – and one of the hardest working musicians in the area – Don Lee was on hand with The Wag, and local favorite Chuck Lambert has teamed up with Susan Haugenes to form A Cool Blues Duo, and yes, they are as cool as their name would indicate. Gary Nokes was also around with grandson, Damen, on bass guitar, with his mix of soft rock and country, keeping it a family affair. A natural for Red Bank, Clan Suibhne (pronounced ‘Sweeney’) brought its American/Celtic blend of folk music for all to enjoy. Members John Curran and CW Farrell not only authentically look the part, but they sound the part as well.
The ladies of Strumberry Pie made an appearance on Broad Street, and had folks dancing on the sidewalk with their classic rock material. Dee Dee Montanaro and Laura Johnson are as talented vocally as they are on their acoustic guitars.
The Peas & Carrots duo of Lisa Withers and Billy Harkowsky “served up” a wonderful set of popular music with fantastic harmonies, and an amazing acoustic rendition of “Thunder Road” that will satisfy even the staunchest Bruce fan.
The country sounds of Mike Caruso and the Lone Ramblers also were heard drifting through the downtown area, and renowned and multi-talented Christian artist Nancy Scharff entertained the crowd with her songs of inspiration.
Setting up camp in front of the Dublin House in June was the very talented group Kul d’Sack, with members John Leccese, Richard Morris and Jim Willis demonstrating some of the finest harmonies Red Bank has ever heard.
Young musicians were also very well represented. Avery Mandeville was hard at work, with her beautiful, melodic voice certain to advance her career quickly. Greg Roberts, just 18 years old, put down the bass for the evening and gave a strong solo performance on guitar, and was very well received by the crowds.
All of the participating musicians should be commended for their dedication to their music, and for their dedicated effort in this project. It is not always comfortable giving a three-hour outdoor performance in Jersey in the summertime, but these fine people are out there every week, beads of perspiration falling, and smiling all the while.
If you get the chance, stop by and let them know you appreciate the entertainment. These folks are doing it more for the love, than the money!
StreetLife will continue every Saturday in August from 6 to 9 p.m., so please come out and support the local businesses whose hard work and contributions to RiverCenter make this all possible.
Let’s all keep it a happening place, so Red Bank continues to be “A cool little town!”
Visit redbank.com and acoollittletown.com
Chris Spiewak is currently the bassist with Rock/Blues cover band VyntEdge.
