The Stone Pony has earned its place in history as a world-renowned music venue. Established in 1974, it has hosted a wide variety of local acts and well-known national performers. If you are traveling to Asbury Park, New Jersey, it’s worth your time to check the event schedule and visit this iconic destination.
History of the Stone Pony
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes brought The Stone Pony to the national spotlight in 1976 when their concert was broadcast throughout the East and West Coasts on Memorial Day. Guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, members of the E Street Band, Ronny Spector, and Lee Dursely brought The Jukes, Asbury Park, and The Stone Pony to the national spotlight. Springsteen’s rendition of “Having a Party” has become the unofficial theme song for the historic venue.
The Stone Pony has secured its place in the music industry. As the club’s veteran DJ Lee Mrowicki explains (2001), “In order to play at The Pony, you have to have a certain level of talent…No matter how much talent you’ve got, you have to be recognized by an audience and have people that support you.”
The Stone Pony has hosted rockers, party bands, soul singers, blues bands, reggae performers, country music bands, and everyone in between. Bruce Springsteen became a frequent local performer, joining friends and the E Street Band on stage to attract fans from around the world. Performers at The Stone Pony include the following:
- Elvis Costello
- The Ramones
- Blondie
- Meatloaf
- Joan Jett
- KISS
- Hootie and the Blowfish
- Jon Bon Jovi
- Weezer
- Maroon Five
- Jimmy Eat World
- Panic at the Disco
- The Jonas Brothers
- Snoop Dogg
- And many more
Upcoming Acts
The Stone Pony has a jam-packed calendar of events, including performances from newly-discovered and well-known performers from all music genres. Check out some of the club’s upcoming events below.
- Sunday, August 28: Lauv: All 4 Nothing
- Friday, September 2: Almost Queen
- Saturday, September 3: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
- Wednesday, September 7: Morgan Evans
What to Know Before You Visit
Admission
The Stone Pony has a huge backyard, taking up the size of an entire city block since 2009. This expansive outdoor area allows plenty of seaside seating for Summer Stage events. The Stone Pony is a general admission venue, so you will want to arrive early. They have first-come-first-serve bar stools throughout. Otherwise, it’s standing room only. All ages are welcome to attend unless otherwise noted, and everyone attending the venue needs their own ticket. You can purchase tickets at The Stone Pony Box Office, Ticketmaster, or Blackbird Presents on Cookman Avenue. Tickets are sold at the door until the event is sold out.
Parking
Paid parking is available by paying a meter or downloading the Asbury Park Parking app. A few paid parking lots are located on Fourth, Second, and Lake Avenues. Car service or public transport is a great way to avoid the challenges of summer parking in the New Jersey shore area.
Food and Drink
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Food service is available until the headliner takes the stage, and drinks are available at several bars throughout the venue. The legal alcohol consumption age is 21, and an ID is required to purchase alcoholic drinks.
Take a Piece of the Pony Home
The Stone Pony has a range of merchandise available. There is a variety of clothing in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes and styles. The Stone Pony logo looks great on hats, mugs, bumper stickers, and more. You can order directly from The Stone Pony website if you want to get your hands on some swag now.
Visit Asbury Park, New Jersey
The Stone Pony is located at 913 Ocean Ave. in beautiful Asbury Park, New Jersey. There are many ways to extend your stay if you are coming to the New Jersey Shore to enjoy a live performance. Asbury Park offers antique hunting, boutique shopping, award-winning dining, endless boardwalks, and the chance to soak in the oceanside beaches and surf. Visitors of The Stone Pony can receive a 20% discount at The Pony’s partner hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Neptune. If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the Jersey Shore with the top-down in a rugged Jeep, visit the number one volume Jeep dealer at the Jersey Shore, The Jeep Store in Ocean Township.
*Featured Image – The Stone Pony by Rick Harris is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0.
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