Theater was clean and well kept. The theater space itself isn't huge but sound for our kids' show…read morewas just fine, and seats didn't feel crowded nor did the kids seem to have visibility issues in adult chairs even when adults were seated in front of them. Staff were organized and friendly. I had my purse searched upon entry; all bags were looked at. My ticket was purchased through Vivid Seats, and apparently they didn't provide me a legit theater-issued QR so I had to visit the box office. They were friendly and promptly issued me printed tickets. Lobby was a con because it's just small and cramped. This old building probably didn't have to house as much food and merch purchasing back in its day but the multiple concession lines were blocking people from just getting to the theater and accessing their seats. They have tons of low quality junk food for sale. The huge group sitting next to us had chicken fingers, fries, a ketchup smell that wouldn't go away... it was honestly ridiculous the food they allow in people's laps just to turn profits. I was surprised these people were buying full huge meals (that had to cost $40+ each for junk) at 3:30pm to hold it in their laps for a 1.75h kids' show. Whatever. Point is, if you haven't eaten and want to pay $40 for crap that will linger in your body, you will not go hungry here. Clean bathrooms were the right size to allow a packed house to process themselves in the 20min intermission timeframe. This includes the ladies room, which always takes longer, and it was for a kids' show, which adds even more time. I recommend pairing your visit with the Rutgers Zimmerli Art Museum if you have time. They are open until 6pm most nights.

Great night at THE State Theatre! I won tickets for a Ladies Night concert with Raheem DeVaughn and…read moreEric Benét, orchestra level, row P, seats 109/110. Perfect view of the stage, but I don't think it really matters much where you are seated due to the design of the auditorium. The opener was a rising singer/songwriter named Aniyyah, born and raised in New Jersey. Aniyyah's DJ had some technical issues loading her music at the start of her set, but wow, she has a voice on her. She, along with Raheem DeVaughn and Eric made for a fantastic show. They are all extremely talented vocalists, but Raheem DeVaughn without a doubt stole the show with his stage presence. Eric Benét however truly surprised me. His voice is absolutely incredible live. The State Theatre did a major renovation back in 2020 and the interior was previously renovated in 2004. It's as if we have a piece of Broadway right in the middle of New Brunswick, New Jersey. I felt like I stepped right into the 1920s with their vintage design and architecture. The acoustics inside the theatre are phenomenal. I'm not sure if it was my seating, but the sound was so crisp and well balanced. I can understand why any artist would choose this theatre as their preferred venue to perform in. One important note is their designated passageway to the closest parking deck which would otherwise be a long walk in the freezing cold. We were able to use the enclosed heated hallway as a shortcut which leads directly from the garage to the State Theatre located on Livingston Ave. We almost walked right past the entrance to the passageway, so I wanted to make sure I shared it with anyone who has read this far into my review : ) It's been many years since I've come to see a show here, and I had an enjoyable experience. I look forward to checking out any of their other events in the near future.

Went there the other day to see Rock of Ages. Love the theater. Small, comfortable seats and you…read morecan see from any location. The acoustics were very good, especially with a live band. Not too loud! Staff very receptive. They now have a concession where you can get cold drinks, hot coffee, popcorn and candy. All in all, a very nice experience.

As a supporter of the arts I traveled almost 3 hours to see the incredible production of Evita…read moreyesterday. I bought 3 tickets however one friend couldn't make it. When I went to the admin desk ..and explained I had a no show, before I could finish my sentence the woman barked NO REFUNDS! I was going to offer my ticket back to house in the event the show sold out (which it didn't - but should have). It felt insulting and unappreciative. Learn to listen before you speak.

Came here for dinner they were having. Location has a small parking lot directly across the street…read moreand street parking. Nice bar to hang out have a drink and watch a game. Also had a foosball table! Drinks were really good and so was the sangria. If in the area it won't disappoint to stop by for a drink!

This is an awesome local spot to come for drinks or to attend some of the events they host here…read more This place is newly renovated and is nicely decorated now. They serve bar food here so you can grab a bite to eat while your watching the game or hanging out. We came here to attend a "murder mystery dinner" and we had a great time. All you can eat food (which was delicious) and all you can drink wine was included in the price of the ticket. The bartenders here are really nice and the drinks are reasonably priced. Good service all around. I would definitely recommend giving this place a try.

The Secret Behind the Magic of The Stone Pony is Community…read more There is something about The Stone Pony that goes beyond music. What made the venue legendary was never the walls, the bar, or even the stage lights. It was the community. In the 1970s and 1980s, Asbury Park became a kind of laboratory for musicians. Night after night, artists gathered in clubs along the Jersey Shore to play, experiment, collaborate, and refine their craft in front of real audiences. The Stone Pony became one of the central meeting points for this growing creative ecosystem. Musicians sat in with each other's bands, traded ideas, tested new songs, and sometimes performed several nights a week. Instead of guarding their talent, they shared it. Instead of competing, they elevated one another. Out of that environment emerged artists who would later become internationally known, including Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steven Van Zandt. They were shaped by thousands of hours playing together in small rooms filled with passionate listeners. The sound that developed in Asbury Park reflected this collaboration. It blended rock, soul, rhythm and blues, and big-band horn arrangements into what many came to call the Jersey Shore sound. Part of what made this ecosystem so special was the geography. Within just a few walkable blocks were other gathering places where musicians and fans flowed throughout the night, including Asbury Lanes, Tim McLoone's Supper Club, and the legendary Wonder Bar, all just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and the Asbury Park boardwalk. Music, ocean air, and a close-knit creative community blended together in a vibrant hub where musicians could play one venue and then wander down the block to hear another band. My curiosity about this history grew from a personal place. Over the past year my son, Chris Renner, a young guitar player who has only been playing for two years, has had the opportunity to perform rock cover songs on stages throughout Asbury Park. Chris's playing has reminded many listeners of the legendary precision and melodic passion of Randy Rhoads. His style focuses on melodic solos and phrasing influenced by classical music rather than typical head-banging metal. Because of the NJ music community, Chris has already had the opportunity to perform as lead guitarist on stages including The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes, Tim McLoone's, Wonder Bar, and even the Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Show at the Cutting Room in Manhattan. Watching him step onto those stages sparked a deeper interest in the story behind the NJ music scene and the culture that continues to nurture musicians today. One of the most interesting aspects of the Asbury Park scene is how cover music and original music live side by side. Many bands begin by performing well-known songs while gradually introducing their own material. The cover band scene plays an important role. It allows musicians to build stage experience, connect with audiences, and become part of the local circuit. Those shared songs create a common language between bands and fans and foster a welcoming camaraderie. Something even more inspiring has been happening recently. Several of Chris's friends from the local music community have begun forming their own original bands and performing their own songs. Chris loves supporting them, showing up to their shows and cheering them on as they cheer him. This is how music scenes grow. Musicians celebrate the music that inspired them, refine their skills through live performance, collaborate with other players, and eventually discover their own voice. Even today the Stone Pony carries that legacy. Musicians still show up, plug in, and play. Fans still crowd close to the stage the way they did decades ago. Great cultural movements rarely begin in boardrooms or corporate offices. They begin in communities, in small venues, shared stages, and the willingness of people to create together. The Stone Pony and the Asbury Park music community are proof that when talent, opportunity, and collaboration come together in one place, something extraordinary can happen. Joanna Renner NJ Realtor | Life Coach Proud Mom of Musician Chris Renner 646-296-6864

Just stopped in here briefly to look around while a show was going on. Definitely a bucket list…read moreplace to visit if you're going to be in the area considering all the amazing musicians that have been here over the years.

I came here for a Tedx Asbury Park rehearsal. I wasn't aware of how beautiful this theater is. The…read moreseats are also very comfy because they slightly recline. The staff was nice and accommodating. This seems to be a great place for a plethora of theater related events.

I saw Renaissance here back in the 80's and a bunch of other bands in between. It's still a pretty…read moregood venue to see live music. Cosmetically the Paramount needs a lot of work. The crumbling interior is in dire need of a face lift, but after nearly 90 years that's to be expected. We happened to see Beth Hart and Kenny Wayne Sheppard on a summer's week night. The sound was OK but not great. The ushers were very nice and the seats are in decent shape. Despite the interior, it's still a good place to see live music at the Jersey shore.

One of the best concert venues I've ever been to. It was easy getting into the shows even though it…read morewas packed. There are great vendors in here for food and merch. Got to see the Gaslight Anthem here twice. Once in the spring of 2013 after Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey shore and once in 2018 during their '59 Sound 10 year reunion tour.

Being an avid music fan from New Jersey, one might assume that I had been to the Stone Pony or its…read moreSummer Stage by this point, but, you would have assumed incorrectly. Well, until recently at least. My friend, who had been there many times, and I just happened to go to a sold out show, arriving halfway through the set of the second of three bands. When we arrived, the crowd was already at least 50 rows deep from the massive stage, but, despite its size, we could barely see the musicians. In addition, the sound was very spotty. The Summer Stage was actually a parking lot that was fenced in and repurposed for seasonal performances, so it was not really a true venue, but, still, it was completely uncomfortable, which hampered my experience. Scattered around the edges of the lot were food and beverage stations, as well as merch tables, but they were nearly impossible to reach. There were also no screens on the side of the stage to offer a visual alternative. Speaking of displays, there were also no televisions inside the Stone Pony, where my friend and I went to escape the crowds in between bands two and three. The place was much smaller than I had expected with a large stage and bar, but not a ton of viewing room. At least the inside bar was readily accessible, so we grabbed some drinks and headed back to see the final band. However, we did not even make it to the end of the concert, because it was just too crowded and distracting. I would not rush back here to see a show, especially if it was for a sold-out performance.

Get away from your TV and enjoy a competitive sport, live and up close…read more There are different types of cars that race around this 1/3 mile banked oval track. The crowd is friendly, the food is typical fare: Hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, fries, soda, etc...CASH ONLY but they have an ATM ($3.99 fee for me the other night.) I believe they have demolition derbies here (I've only seen them on TV when I was a kid and several cars back into each other (not fast) and the last car that can move on its own wins). You can bring your own beer cooler in but must sit in a certain area. There are family sections where no alcohol is allowed. There is a senior citizen discount. The times I have gone, they have official start is about 7PM, but I think you can get in much earlier, depending upon the event...different cars run at different times. The announcers are informative (over the PA system). I went because I have lived around here all my life and the last 16 years can hear the cars in the summer from my house. I had to try once, and I have gone three times this summer. Parking is free. Keep a jacket in the car, because sometimes the temperature drops a bit when twilight deepens, depending on the season. I'll be back.

I've been here for the Formula Drift events a few times. The seating is nothing spectacular because…read moreyour view of the race track is limited to one side. It's a typical oval track with seating along one side of the track. So imagine this: 0| 0 = track | = bleachers The food stands are nothing special, imagine backyard burgers, hot dogs and your typical soda, gatorade, bottled water. The neighborhood is an industrial town so there's not much in terms of restaurants. If you do come here for an event, remember to pack a sandwich or tailgate yourself a little party. :)

I have nothing negative to say about it. Fun times! Good variety of artists. Loved the NJ Lotto…read moretruck.

Good job improving the event again. Sure there will be complaining but I see some positive changes…read morewith the entry... sound... food... and rest rooms. Today will be legendary and looking forward to 2025 PS; Security and Safety doing a great job