By Melissa Lawlor

September 16, 2021

Flogging Molly returned to the Stone Pony Summer Stage on their U.S. Co-Headlining Tour with the Violent Femmes.  Special guests included Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Thick. NJ's punk rock community came together for an energetic night of outstanding music, crowd surfing, and some long-awaited camaraderie! 

MELISSA LAWLOR ~ "I was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ surrounded by creativity and the arts. My parents always loved listening to music, so I was exposed to an array of genres from an early age. As my own tastes developed, I found myself drawn to performers who weren’t so mainstream. It was during college, while studying art and photography, that I embraced the punk scene and spent most of my free time “going to shows.” Whether it was in a local VFW Hall, a small club in the tri-state area, or somewhere on Rutgers campus, I was usually there with a camera. I became involved with local bands, working on photo shoots and designing artwork for them. After receiving my BFA in graphic design, I moved in the direction of publishing while always keeping an interest in photography. I currently live in Freehold, NJ and although concert photography still remains my favorite, I also like to incorporate portrait and wildlife work as well. Asbury Park has practically become a second home to me, and to this day you’ll still find me, whether working or in the audience, 'going to shows."