Sea Isle Summer Entertainment Sizzles

By MADDY VITALE Sea Isle City is more than making up for lost time with a summer lineup that will give vacationers all the excitement, family-friendly activities and top entertainment in one shore town. “As you can see, we have a terrific lineup,” Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said Thursday. “We are very excited about this year’s concert series, which will include a number of well-respected bands that we have had in past years and new ones.” Sea Isle’s free “Concerts Under the Stars” take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays at Excursion Park, June 26 to Sept. 4, featuring a different tribute band each week. Chicago 9 is a new act in the lineup and will perform this Saturday. An Elton John tribute band is also a new addition for a July 31 show. “From all reports, they are just wonderful,” Custer noted of the new bands. Among the highlights this summer are Family Fun Nights on Mondays at Excursion Park from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 28 to Aug. 30. The Farmers Market showcases fresh produce and an array of crafts for a family-friendly outing. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City) This free children’s event combines a Character Show, DJ Dance Party and other activities with different characters featured each week, Custer said. Sea Isle's summer entertainment lineup has come roaring back to life after the pandemic forced the cancellation of many of the events last year. “We have a lot of good stuff planned,” Custer said. “We have a terrific lineup of family movies. Last year, the movies and the Farmers Market were the only events we could have.” The Farmers Market is a major draw each year and offers shoppers Jersey fresh veggies, fruits, homemade jams, sauces, baked goods, crafts and more. The market is held on Tuesdays at Excursion Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 7. Free Family “Movies Under the Stars” are offered on Wednesday nights at Excursion Park from July 7 to Sept. 1, beginning at dusk. A different family-friendly movie will be shown each week. For those who would like to get out onto the beach to discover some hidden treasures, learn about marine and wildlife, and enjoy the scenery, the Guided Beachcomber Tours begin on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. on the 29th Street Beach (June 29 to Sept. 7) and Thursday mornings at Townsends Inlet Waterfront Park (July 1 to Sept. 2). The free events offer families an hour of educational walks along the beach. Beachcombing tours provide a way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the ecosystem. There is also an exciting activity that brings teens and members of the Sea Isle Police Department together for some friendly competition. Acoustic Open Mic Nights for ages 14-20 runs from July 8 to Aug. 19 on Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Excursion Park. During the free program, kids can enjoy karaoke, corn-hole, and pick-up volleyball games with the Police Department. Gift cards will be given to the best performers and corn-hole players. Here is the schedule of performers for the free “Concerts Under the Stars.” June 26: Chicago 9 (Chicago Tribute). July 3: Lights-Out (Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute). July 10: Separate Ways (Journey Tribute). July 17: Real Diamond (Neil Diamond Tribute). July 24: Kick It Out (Heart Tribute). July 31: Elton John Tribute. August 7: Seven Bridges (Eagles Tribute). August 14: Countdown to Ecstasy (Steely Dan Tribute). August 21: Classic Stones Glimmer Twins (Rolling Stones Tribute). August 28: Motor City Revue (Motown Tribute). September 4: Jesse Garron (Elvis Tribute). All events are weather permitting. Spectators are reminded to bring folding chairs and/or beach blankets to recline on the lawn at Excursion Park during movies and concerts. “We always tell the people to go to the visitor’s website where there is a link for weekly events that lists all of the movies, concerts and other events,” Custer said. For more information about these and other events taking place in Sea Isle City, go to www.VISITSICNJ.com or phone the Sea Isle City Tourism Office at 609-263-8687. Elvis tribute performer Jesse Garron will entertain the crowd on Sept. 4. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle)