Steely Dan tribute band Countdown To Ecstasy performs at Excursion Park in 2022 as part of Sea Isle City's summer concert series. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City)
By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Did you know that Elton John was in Sea Isle City last summer for a concert? Neil Diamond was another performer. Even Elvis was in the building.
Well, that might be stretching the truth a bit. But tribute bands performing the songs of Elton John, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley and other top names of the music industry entertained thousands of spectators during Sea Isle’s free outdoor summer concerts in 2022.
Now, the city is already looking ahead to the summer of 2023 by awarding a $118,000 contract to the concert organizer Go Events of Berlin, N.J., for 11 outdoor shows this coming summer at the Band Shell at Excursion Park.
“They’ve always proven to be very professional. They have a very wide reach in the entertainment industry. It’s wonderful that Go Events can get so many great acts,” city spokeswoman Katherine Custer said of Sea Isle’s concert bookings.
The 2023 Concerts Under the Stars schedule was announced Tuesday. Concerts will be held, weather permitting, every Saturday night at Excursion Park from June 24 to Sept. 2 starting at 7:30 p.m.
Custer said the 2023 lineup features some of the favorite tribute band headliners Sea Isle has had in the past as well as some new acts.
“We’ve been very fortunate to get some very talented performers over the years,” she said.
Some of the bands returning this year include Real Diamond performing the music of Neil Diamond, Yellow Brick Road, a tribute to Elton John, and Elvis performer Jessie Garron.
Among other returning acts are Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Beatlemania Again featuring songs from the Beatles, and Countdown To Ecstasy performing the music of Steely Dan.
Summer concerts typically attract large crowds at the Excursion Park Band Shell. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City)
The Band Shell in Excursion Park opened in 2011 and serves as the city’s entertainment hub. Concerts, dance parties, movies and Family Fun Nights are among the free outdoor shows staged there during the summer.
“We feel that people are very grateful for the city’s free entertainment, such as the concerts on Saturday nights as well as movies and Family Fun Nights,” Custer said.
As part of its contract with Sea Isle, Go Events also provides the bands for the city’s Skimmer Festival held each year in June over Father’s Day weekend and the annual Fall Family Festival in September.
There is bench seating for 100 people at the open-air Band Shell, but the venue also includes an expansive grassy area that allows concertgoers to bring their own chairs and blankets.
“It’s not unusual to have 1,000 to 2,000 people at Excursion Park,” Custer said of the concert crowds.
Back in 2020, the concert series was canceled due to gathering restrictions during the height of the pandemic. It was brought back in 2021 and was as hugely successful as it has been year after year.
“We’re expecting another successful year with our summer season at the Band Shell,” Custer said.
2023 CONCERT LINEUP:
June 24 - Streetlife Serenade (Billy Joel tribute)
July 1 - Chicago 9 (Chicago tribute)
July 8 - Frontiers (Journey tribute)
July 15 - Seven Bridges (Eagles tribute)
