SEA.HEAR.NOW CONTINUES TO UNITE MUSIC LOVERS IN EXCITING FOURTH YEAR
Words & Photos by Kenny Bieber
September 27, 2022


Quickly becoming a premiere tradition for the late summer, Asbury’s own music festival Sea.Hear.Now returned once again for it’s fourth year boasting a well-rounded and dynamic lineup of all-star talent while audiences gathered for an ideal day at the beach. Both days had enough local and national talent to satisfy music lovers and introduced some noteworthy talent to audiences as well.
DAY ONE






DENTIST
ALY & AJ
ANNIE DiRUSSO
Dentist: Local AP surf and indie rock band Dentist, who’ve long been considered mainstays, opened the festival at the sand stage with a rousing and energetic set reminding audiences of their everlasting appeal.
Aly and AJ: Indie rock duo Aly and AJ graced the surf stage with a soulful and captivating set that showcased their dynamic sound, strong songwriting and tight harmonies along with their organic connection to to an eager audience of fans.
Annie DiRusso- indie rock artist Annie DiRusso gave a heartfelt and powerful set that showcased her unique backing band and distinct sound over at the park stage. Her set was one of the most welcome and refreshing surprises of Day 1






PEACH PIT
BOY GEORGE
THE BACKSEAT LOVERS
Peach Pit: Fans lined up at the sand stage to embrace the smooth and hypnotic sounds of indie rock band Peach Pit whose mix of vibrant rock and soulful melodies resonated greatly with an eager audience
Boy George and Culture Club: One of the absolute highlights of Day 1 was Boy George’s exhilarating and high energy performance. Backed by a stellar backing band and with a setlist full of hits, Boy George didn’t miss a beat and completely won the crowd at the surf stage over. A true delight and one of the festival’s most joyous sets.
The Backseat Lovers: One of this year’s most breakout bands had a truly captivating set at the sand stage which showcased their emotional songwriting and dynamic stage presence. Full of energy and intimacy, The Backseat Lovers proved worth the hype and delivered a truly resonating and memorable live experience.




GARY CLARK, JR.
FLETCHER
Gary Clark, Jr.: One of music’s most notable musicians and a true powerhouse performer, Gary Clark Jr dominated the surf stage with an artful and accomplished performance that proved his musicianship and craft are truly top of the line and not to be missed.
Fletcher: NJ breakout pop artist Fletcher had a truly dazzling and rapturous set at the sand stage to an eager audience. With her vibrant stage presence and impeccable performance, Fletcher’s set highlighted her tremendous appeal and potential while winning over several fans in the process.
Stevie Nicks: The Queen of indie rock songwriting arguably, not much can be said that hasn’t already but Nick’s truly immersive set showcased her wide range of hits and proved her endurance and musicianship are here to stay. A truly magical and masterful live experience if there ever was one.
DAY TWO






THE VANSADERS
CIMAFUNK
SHAKEY GRAVES
The Vansaders: NJ punk rock band The Vansaders have long been local favorites and their vital opening set at the park stage perfectly proved why. Frontman Doug Zambon and company brought out several locals early to a consummate set of pure rock and roll. A great dose of local representation that showcased one of the area’s best and brightest up and coming talent.
Cimafunk: A dose of funk in the morning can do wonders and funk outfit Cimafunk pulled out all the stops in a truly infectious and exuberant set that had the crowd moving. A truly delightful set that was a pleasant surprise.
Shakey Graves: Indie rock band Shakey Graves delivered a moody yet engaging set that highlighted his complex songwriting and stage presence and his highly talented backing band. One of the festivals’ most unique and captivating performances and truly memorable in its execution.






WET LEG
IDLES
CAGE THE ELEPHANT
Wet Leg: One of the hottest indie bands right now, UK’s Wet Leg had the crowd going and delivered a set full of their boisterous and vibrant energy along with ripping through highlights such as “Chaise Lounge” and “Wet Dream”. A truly joyous and exhilarating set that more than proved the hype and acclaim of this promising and original act.
Idles: One of the rawest and most uncompromising sets of the entire festival, Idles delivered a robust and powerhouse performance full of crowdsurfing and high-intensity as frontman Jeffery Talbot delivered a captivating performance. The crowd responded in suit and the band delivered a truly incredible and game changing live experience that really resonated with audiences.
Cage The Elephant- One of the most purely exciting and breathtaking sets of the festival was none other than indie rock stalwarts Cage The Elephant. Frontman Matt Schultz’s tremendously physical performance was a marvel to witness and the band tore through their stacked setlist with sheer intensity and abandon. Cage have long received acclaim for their incredible live shows and this was thankfully no exception.




COURTNEY BARNETT
GREEN DAY
Courtney Barnett: Indie rock artist Courtney Barnett serenaded the sand stage right before Green Day took over the beach. Her introspective yet emotional set was a refreshing change of pace and truly rewarding in its nuance. Barnett is a consummate songwriter and performer and managed to resonate greatly with audiences.
Green Day: One of the most iconic acts of all time naturally delivered a truly all-star live experience. Frontman Billy Joe Armstrong pulled out all the stops and the band powered through a stacked setlist of classics and top notch covers that proved why they’re one of today’s most celebrated acts. A truly all star experience and an incredible closure to the festival.


DAY ONE PHOTO GALLERIES


DAY TWO PHOTO GALLERIES
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Kenny Bieber is a local music journalist and photographer who also highly values a good pun, quality milkshake and swears he doesn’t have too many records. He’s generally just happy to be here.