For the first time ever, New Jersey welcomes the North2Shore Festival, a statewide celebration of music and the arts, presented by the NJ Performing Arts Center. This month-long extravaganza features the best in rising talent as well as some of the greatest names in comedy, music, film and technology. The festival kicks off in Atlantic City from June 4 to 11 before moving onto Asbury Park (June 14 to 18) and Newark (June 21 to 25) and offers community, laughter and the chance to engage in interactive, quizzical and conversational exhibits.
“We LIVE, We LIT, We OUTSIDE,” Atlantic City mayor Marty Small Sr. posted on social media, about “the festival only Jersey could handle,” according to the North2Shore website.
Dance, sing and vibe to headlining performances by Jay Wheeler, Anthony Krizan, Remember Jones, Low Cut Connie, Miss Cantaloupe + Molly Ringworm and Colbie Caillat and multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actor Gavin DeGraw at some of AC’s most popular venues, including the Adrian Philips Theater at Boardwalk Hall, which has housed numerous music legends throughout the decades. But first, get your groove on to hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s at the Opening Night Dance Party at the Anchor Rock Club, featuring tribute band Joe McGinty and The Loser’s Lounge.
Who doesn’t love a movie night? Watch free beach screenings of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Top Gun: Maverick” by Montclair Film Festival at Chicken Bone Beach. Need a laugh instead? Check out the Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour, featuring Loni Love, Nene Leakes, Jess Hilarious, B. Simone and Jackie Fabulous at the popular Adrian Philips Theater.
Don’t forget to make your way over to the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, located in the heart of the city, for string lights, courtyard dining and craft beer while you jam out to tribute bands for the Allman Brothers and Bob Weird, soul and rock group Amanda and Teddy Duo and a soulful appearance by Anthony Krizan from Spin Doctors. Or try your luck with Quizzo, a free-to-enter game of trivia where participants have the chance to compete alone or with a group for cash prizes and gift cards.
Hungry? Kelsey’s Supper Club, known for mouthwatering comfort food like chicken and waffles, will play a starring role at North2Shore. And AC’s favorite purveyors of authentic Mexican cuisine, El Charro, will get your feet moving with DJs spinning on June 9, 10 and 11.
Technology and health buffs alike, stop by the Whole Health Pavilion event at the Stockton AC Campus for the latest developments in health, wellness and biotechnology. The day-long exhibit (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) features interactive health demonstrations, important discussions on mental and physical health, panels on whole food health and more.
If it’s the arts that speak to you most, a day of creativity and relaxing might just be the perfect way to spend your time. Engage in live drawing, art film screenings, spoken word events, workshops and more at the Union Hall Arts.
Whichever events appeal to you most, just be sure not to miss the festival that’s “too big for one city” and “too big for one weekend,” according to the North2Shore website.
For event updates, announcements and more, sign up for the North2Shore newsletter (link located at the bottom of their website) and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Presented by njpac, North2Shore wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the festival’s producing partners. They are Newark International Film Festival, TechUnited New Jersey, Montclair Film, MediaSense, Live Nation, Madison Marquette, SJ Presents, Platinum Productions and Music Plus Co. Sponsors include PSE&G, NJM Insurance Group, RWJ Barnabas Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, VisitNJ.org and Outfront Media.
