Red Bank, New Jersey was alive with music, food, venders, and even a petting zoo for the 9th Annual Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival held on Sunday, September 30, 2018. The weather was perfect for the event and attendance well proved it.
Music, on two stages at the same time, was separated by the huge space of the White Street parking lot from noon to 7:00 pm. While walking between the stages, concert goers could stop to purchase food, drinks, clothing, jewelry, hats, souvenirs, or face painting. There were sponsor giveaways and even free chiropractic adjustments.
Well known local bands kept the crowd in excellent spirits with sets of well over an hour each. On the East Stage was Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, Alan Chez and the Brothers Of Funk Big Band, JoBonnano & the Godsons Of Soul, and Guilty Pleasure. On the West Stage was Pat Roddy Band, Brian Kirk & the Jirks, Marc Ribler & Friends, and The Weeklings.
Making a special guest appearance was folk legend, singer-songwriter Melanie. Accompanied by her son Beau Jarred, a classical/flamenco concert guitarist, a glowing Melanie had the mass assembly completely entranced. She graciously sat for a meet and greet after her performance and never stopped smiling.
Melanie attracted national attention when she stepped onto the stage at Woodstock in the summer of 1969. Her single “Brand New Key,” (the Roller Skate Song) topped the charts in 1971. A few other of her popular songs include “What Have They Done to My Song Ma”, “Ruby Tuesday” and “Candles in the Rain (Lay Down, Lay Down)”
The 9th annual festival was produced by www.rueevents.com
Photos and Review By Rose A. Montana
