ALBERT
MUSIC HALL is the place to go for authentic
bluegrass, country and old time music on the east coast! Located
at 131 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Waretown (Ocean Twp.)
in Ocean County NJ, it's easily accessible via the Garden
State Parkway Exit 69, Route 9 or Route 72. Over the past
30 years, many noted musicians have played with the Pinelands
Cultural Society, from "The Old Home Place" to today's
6,000 hall. Read
the history.Every Saturday night, music rings out
with musicians and singers young and old. It's not to be missed.
(east)
Jim
Albertson is another wonderful singer/songwriter. His
CD, "Down Jersey, Songs and Stories of Southern New Jersey",
includes ballads such as "Captain Kidd", "Molly
Bannon" and Cape May Light", and narratives - "Sammy
Giberson" and The Jersey Devil". Jim retired a few
years ago, but you can still hear his songs: click
here.
I had
the privilege of meeting Merce Ridgway in 1994, at
the First Pine Barrens Jamboree at Wells Mills County Park
in Waretown. He came up from West Virginia to sing his poetry,
and that of his father, Merce Ridgway Sr. He was a quiet man
of few words, but being in his presence was almost magical.Here
he is singing "The
Pine Barrens Song."
Dave
Weber of Forked River, NJ is a talented full-time professional
musician, singer, songwriter, producer and recording artist. He
performs throughout the Jersey shore, Pine Barrens and into Philly,
both solo and with his group, Good Medicine Band. Listen to some
of his music, and you'll understand why he has such a large following.
Take a look at his website,
listen to his music, and read his bio, but be sure to watch his
video of Wells Mills Park in Waretown, set to music composed and
performed by Dave, below.
Jim
Murphy, member of the "Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame."
For
over 40 year, Jim Murphy & The Pine Barons have delighted
thousands of fans in the tri-state area with their unique blend
of Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music. The Pine Barons were
named the "BAND OF THE YEAR" by the National Traditional Music
Association in 1998. In April, 2008, Jim's efforts on behalf of
traditional country music were acknowledged by Rutgers, The State
University, at the annual NJ Folk Festival when Jim was presented
with the "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Sadly, Jim passed
away a few years ago, but his music and his laughter will live
on in our hearts! Listen to his songs here.
Paul
Evans Pedersen is a local musician who has been around a while,
but of late has really come into his own. In 2016, he appeared on
"Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" and has a CD out entitled
"Lines on the Pines." One of my personal favorites is
"Cedar
Water Blues" but he has written several bluesy songs about
the Pines.
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