Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us - A Two-Night Concert Event at the Jersey Shore
A special two-night concert event is scheduled to showcase renowned musicians at the Jersey Shore in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Dubbed "Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us," the concerts will be held on June 4–5 at the OceanFirst Bank Center on the Monmouth University campus in West Long Branch, New Jersey, leading up to the grand opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on June 7.
The star-studded lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Gary Clark Jr., Dion, Dropkick Murphys, Shemekia Copeland, Valerie June, Keb' Mo', Nils Lofgren, Darlene Love, Public Enemy, David Sancious, Tony Trischka, Sister Sadie, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, Stevie Van Zandt, and Jimmie Vaughan. The Disciples of Soul will serve as the house band, with more artists to be announced.
Each performer will present iconic songs from various American music genres, including rock, blues, hip-hop, country, folk, jazz, bluegrass, and gospel. Narration will provide insights into the songs, artists, and their cultural significance, offering a journey through American music history.
Robert Santelli, the executive director of the Springsteen Center and the concerts' executive producer, described the event as a reflection of the power of music to unite people and showcase the diverse American music heritage. The concerts aim to inspire reflection on shared history amidst current societal divisions.
The upcoming concerts are part of the Center's semiquincentennial programming, which commenced in 2024 with the exhibit "Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History" at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame in Boston. The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music will house the Springsteen Archives, preserving a collection of materials related to Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Eileen Chapman, the Center's director, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring together acclaimed artists for this unique event, emphasizing the importance of honoring the past while inspiring future generations who will shape the nation's musical landscape.
For more details, visit springsteencenter.org.