The Haven takes it to the Hook Wednesday evening as part of a freebie triple-header bill of bands on the beach.
While the Sandy Hook peninsula has soldiered on through the worst that time and tide have to offer, sometimes you just have to pull the plug on those electrified events — as with the short-notice cancellation of the Brian Kirk and the Jirks concert originally scheduled for July 9. But when the elements align, there are few summer music presentations that can compete with the free Beach Concert Series hosted by The Sandy Hook Foundation at Beach Area E — and this Wednesday, the producers have lined up a special bill that offers three times the bands, as well as an extra 30 minutes of music.
It all begins at the early start time of 5:30 pm, with a set by the young Asbury Park-based band Harper’s Fellow — a foursome (just off a well-received appearance at the recent Red Bank Rockin’ Country Festival) that puts an engaging tattooed-hipster tint on the new generation of back-to-basics strumming and songcraft.
From there, the RipTide rolls in — as the hardworking acoustic trio (familiar from numerous appearances around Red Bank, Sea Bright, Rumson and Fair Haven) works the unplugged currents of classic, jam and folk rock. Rounding out the program is the Haven, the quintet of Shore bar-band pros who’ve put an aggressively rocking spin on classic covers (and all new originals) — not just on the Hook or in the Haven, but at venues in The Bank, The Bright, and the, uh, ‘Son.
The Summer 2014 Sandy Hook Beach Concert Series continues on July 30 with Motor City Revue; on August 6 with the annual appearance of Pat Guadagno and the Candle Brothers; on August 13 with Jo Bonanno and the Godsons of Soul, and a season-capping August 20 evening with Kirk and the Jirks, rescheduled from July 9. Be sure to take along those beach chairs, blankets and dancing shoes — and remember that beach wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis. In case of severe weather forecast, cancellations are made at 2 pm on the day of the show. Check the website or call (732)291-7733 for information.
