Arts & Entertainment
Asbury Fever Shows Jersey Pride at Frank Sinatra Park
New Jersey band performs Jersey shore classics at Hoboken Italian Festival.
New Jersey's Asbury Fever entertained an energetic crowd at the 84th annual Hoboken Italian Festival. On a stage set up in Frank Sinatra Park, the 10-piece band performed over 20 hits, including Jersey staples made famous by acts like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, among others.
Complete with saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion, the group was reminiscent to Springsteen's powerful E Street Band. With strong vocals by lead singer Brad Hobicorn, Asbury Fever had Hobokenites singing and clapping along.
"Good evening Hoboken," said Hobicorn. "You guys ready to party Jersey-style tonight? If you haven't guessed it by now, we have an Asbury Park theme. Maybe we'll mix it up a little bit, but that's what we do."
Find out what's happening in Hobokenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hobicorn's attire – blue jeans and a black button-down – and his shouting "one, two, three, four" before each track and jumping off the stage from time to time to sing to fans in the crowd, evoked the Springsteen concert experience. With soulful saxophone interludes by Dan Cipriano and fitting trumpet and trombone provided by Andrew Lyman and Joe McDonough, the band satisfied those at the festival who stopped to watch.
Also, since the concert was on the eve of the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Hobicorn dedicated "My City of Ruins" to "all our fallen brothers and sisters." A moving performance overlooking New York City's skyline, the slower track hushed the crowd.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"She's the One" followed suit with a spot-on keyboard intro from Chad Goldfarb, while Hobicorn sang with rock urgency.
After a slew of Springsteen hits, it was time to switch gears to another Jersey boy. "Any of you guys fans of Jon?" Hobicorn asked the crowd. Alternating vocals between Hobicorn and Gladys Bryant, the track "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was a welcome addition to the set list.
The band also showcased its versatility when it covered the Rolling Stones' "Happy" and Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds." They also played Neil Diamond's infamous "Sweet Caroline."
While more than 20 songs were played during the set, it was evident that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is the biggest inspiration behind Asbury Fever. Formed in 2002, the band is known for their Jersey shore influences. An energetic way to end the night, Asbury Fever demonstrated the passion and mystique of New Jersey's music scene.