The Stone Pony Commemorates 50 Year Anniversary with “Stone Pony Day” and Other Events

The Stone Pony, an iconic venue and cornerstone of musical history, proudly announced its 50th-anniversary celebration. In honor of this monumental milestone, the New Jersey State Legislature, Monmouth County, and the City of Asbury Park united to proclaim Feb. 8 as “Stone Pony Day.”

The Stone Pony Summer Stage. Photo by Michael Dinger.

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, one of the world’s best-known music venues, opened its doors on Feb. 8, 1974, in a building that formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. Founders John P. “Jack” Roig and Robert “Butch” Pielka first met while working in a club on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, and the rest was history, Locals like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steve Van Zandt helped put the venue on the map, while today’s top artists and rising stars continue building a musical legacy. Artists that have graced the stage include Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Green Day, Oasis, No Doubt, blink-182, The Band, Iggy Pop, AFI, Warren Zevon, Joan Osborne, Luke Combs, Weezer, The 1975, Bleachers, and many more.

Outside of the Stone Pony, photo by Tony Cenciola.

On Thursday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m., the venue will kick off a yearlong celebration with two weeks of special events, beginning with the proclamation ceremony that features distinguished local dignitaries. Following the proclamation the public celebration “Cheers to 50!” starts at 7 p.m. Original owner Jack Roig and General Manager Caroline O’Toole will raise a toast to 50 years of music and memories, accompanied by the Pony’s original house DJ, Lee Mrowicki, spinning the greatest hits.

On Feb. 9, Asbury Park’s The Parlor Mob is reuniting for a special show at 7 p.m. The celebration continues on Feb. 10 with an event presented by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, titled “Celebrating The Stone Pony Anniversary: Spotlighting 50 Legendary Years of Music Memories.” The event features Stone Pony founder Jack Roig, legendary musicians, impresarios, and other influential figures sharing intimate stories and memories.

Photo by Michael Dinger.

Feb. 16 and 17 hosts special shows by the Jukes, led by the charismatic Southside Johnny. They have graced the Stone Pony’s stage numerous times throughout its 50 years, leaving a mark on its rich musical history. From energetic live performances to the creation of timeless anthems, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have been integral to The Stone Pony’s narrative, embodying the spirit and soul of the vibrant music scene.

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