“10 East Main Street, this is how I do on the beat. … Using these words ‘cause they’re reppin’ … I’m spitting here and representing.”
So sang GShaw The Garden State Great, the lead singer of CMJ Jazz Band, which performed at the gazebo on East Main Street as part of Freehold Borough Art Council’s (FBAC) PorchFest on May 18.
Giving a shout-out to Metropolitan Café, some of his friends in the audience, and people lined up against the buildings and along the sidewalk, GShaw certainly represented the theme of the day with his hyperlocal rhymes: connecting local musicians with local residents while supporting local businesses.
FBAC PorchFest is best described as a backyard party with friends – but instead, you’re out on the front lawn with strangers, who may in fact soon become friends. The premise is simple: homeowners and business owners set up their front porch or grass area for a community concert. From noon to 6 p.m., residents, passersby and music lovers were encouraged to pick up a schedule from the Hall of Records Plaza (where a great vendor market showcased local businesses like Cream Ridge Winery and The Juice House) and walk to various addresses throughout the borough.
With a lawn chair, camera and possibly drink in hand, fans of all ages listened as amateur and professional singers took to the “stages” – whether that be a setup in front of a church, a makeshift platform between two tree trunks, or the steps outside of the American Legion Hall. Sunday, May 18 was a beautiful, dry day, with lots of sun and lots of shade, providing a perfect concert experience for anyone wandering through town – either by foot or via this year’s trolley shuttle.
The neighborhoods of the borough came alive with all genres of music during the third annual music celebration. There were 46 musical acts who performed at 29 different locations throughout the downtown and surrounding streets.
CMJ Jazz Band members – GShaw plus Coo Moe Jhee on bass, Joe Lisa on guitar and Bill Bang on drums – sang other jazzy, blues and R&B hits outside of Metro Café, Federici’s and Court Jester Saloon & Eatery.
In front of a beautiful Victorian home at 97 West Main Street, not only did Audition play a set earlier in the afternoon, but they returned to the porch for an encore hours later – continuing their pop-rock music until 6 p.m. The men played “Wish You Were Here” by Incubus, “Inside Out” by Eve 6 and “Santeria” by Sublime for everyone from a baby in a stroller to adults in their 40s rocking out to the 2000s hits. People took over the sidewalk in front of the house as well as across the street, giving it a stadium-like feel, as the voices traveled across Route 537. After a few songs the band called a young girl up on stage to join them for a set – depicting the inclusivity of the day, and how music transcends generations.
And a man, just with a microphone and a guitar, sang to a small crowd gathered on the steps of the Legion Hall.
There was an added element to some of the performances: bands could enter a contest to play a Thursday’s Rock Summer Concert Series show or Fall Concert Series show in 2026. Listeners who picked up a map were able to vote for their favorites. This year’s contenders are Audition, Bad Gunther, Breaktime, End of Sin, Generations, Prodigal Sons, Snail Race and Too Cool to Bluff. The results were not known as of press time.
FBAC and Downtown Freehold offer other opportunities for the community to come together and listen to local bands while enjoying warm summer evenings. Other upcoming events include open mic nights and a songwriting competition.
The Thursdays Rock Summer Concert Series takes place on Thursdays from June 5 to August 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at The Hall of Records. There could be 2,000 people lining East Main Street with their lawn chairs or dining outside at the myriad restaurants in the borough, able to hear the music from across the street.
Bands for 2025 include N&D Electric Duo, Austin City Nights, Rockit Fish, Mission Dance, The Eddie Testa Band, Joe Baracata Band, Black Dog, Midnight Rock Show, Eddie Money Tribute Band, Winslow, Van Halen Tribute Band and Turnstyles.
Independence Day Weekend unveils the summer season for music, with Funky Fridays Gazebo Concerts starting on July 4, with WCT Band, Rich Boland, Bobby Valli (the brother of “Jersey Boy” Frankie Valli), Dynamic Duo, Chuck Lambert Band, WCT, CMJ Jazz Band, Pam McCoy and Lawrence Duo on the weekly schedule. Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m., July 4 to September 26.
Saturday Serenade Gazebo Concerts start on July 5; the lineup from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays from July 5 to September 27, is Pennington Station, Sam Levine, Rich Boland, Cliff Smith and Charlie Hassell, Tom & Kelly Silver & Gold, DJ Joe Kahwaty Karaoke, Peanut Butter Bridges Duo, Gene Walk and Dynamic Duo.
FBAC Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series kicks off from 7 to 9 p.m. July 6 with Chuck Lambert Band followed by weeks with Billy J. Brown & Jennifer Jordan, Vel Johnson and Kelli Sanders, Fast Forward, Joe Lisa Trio, Pat Guadagno and Richard Blackwell, Lousy Neighbors, Rogues on the Run and CMJ Jazz Band.
It’s a great reason to dine outdoors along Main Street, meet up with friends for a drink, or take a stroll around the borough during sunset.
PorchFest was held by the FBAC in association with DowntownFreehold.com. For more information on PorchFest or any events hosted by the FBAC or Downtown Freehold, visit downtownfreehold.com or freeholdborougharts.org. Both organizations are independent 501(c) non-profits and rely on donations from the community. To share an idea, volunteer or become a member, email happenings@downtownfreehold.com.
