Funk Legend George Clinton Returns to Asbury Park
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton will bring his iconic Parliament Funkadelic collective to The Stone Pony Summer Stage on June 29, 2025, delivering a mind-bending spectacle of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock as the North 2 Shore Festival enters its final weekend. The legendary bandleader, now in his sixth decade of musical innovation, returns to the Jersey Shore with special guests Living Colour.
The outdoor performance promises the full sensory experience that has made P-Funk concerts legendary—theatrical costumes, mind-melting visuals, and Clinton’s carnival-like ensemble delivering non-stop grooves to close out the festival’s Asbury Park programming.
Godfather of Funk Brings Mothership to Jersey Shore
Few musical figures have cast as long a shadow as George Clinton, whose groundbreaking work with Parliament and Funkadelic revolutionized American music through an audacious fusion of soul, rock, and cosmic philosophy. Over five decades, Clinton has amassed more than 40 R&B hit singles, multiple platinum albums, and secured his legacy through induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“George Clinton isn’t just a musician—he’s a cultural institution,” said festival director Maria Sanchez. “His work has influenced everyone from hip-hop pioneers to rock bands to electronic music producers. Having him close out our Asbury Park programming represents exactly what this festival celebrates—musical innovation that transcends boundaries.”
According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, audiences can expect the “sensory overload that is a P-Funk concert,” featuring the outlandish costumes, theatrical elements, and musical excellence that have made Clinton’s performances legendary across multiple generations of music lovers.
Living Colour Adds Rock Firepower to Lineup
Adding to the evening’s musical potency, pioneering rock band Living Colour will perform as special guests. The Grammy-winning group, best known for their breakthrough hit “Cult of Personality,” brings their own boundary-pushing approach to rock that perfectly complements P-Funk’s genre-defying spirit.
“The pairing of George Clinton and Living Colour creates this perfect conversation between funk and rock traditions,” explained Thomas Klein, festival artistic director. “Both acts have challenged musical conventions while creating something that connects deeply with audiences across demographics and generations.”
Living Colour’s inclusion underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing artists who have expanded musical possibilities while maintaining connections to foundational American musical traditions. The band’s virtuosic performances and socially conscious lyrics have earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated following since their formation in the mid-1980s.
Stone Pony Summer Stage Hosts Festival Finale
The Stone Pony Summer Stage, located at 909 Ocean Avenue, provides an ideal outdoor setting for the spectacle of a Parliament Funkadelic performance. With a capacity of 4,500, the venue allows for the full theatrical experience that has become Clinton’s trademark while maintaining the connection to Asbury Park’s storied musical history.
“The Stone Pony stands as this perfect symbol of Asbury Park’s musical heritage, and the Summer Stage allows us to present legendary acts like George Clinton in a way that honors that legacy while accommodating the audience these icons deserve,” said venue manager Robert Thompson.
The outdoor venue has become a cornerstone of Asbury Park’s summer concert season since opening in 2009, hosting major touring acts while maintaining the intimate feel that has characterized the city’s music scene for decades. According to The Jersey Shore Girl, the Stone Pony Summer Stage plays a central role in both the North 2 Shore Festival and the broader summer cultural calendar along the Jersey Shore.
North 2 Shore Festival Celebrates Regional Arts
The Parliament Funkadelic performance represents a fitting conclusion to the festival’s Asbury Park programming, which runs from June 14-29 as part of the broader three-city celebration that includes Newark and Atlantic City. Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the festival aims to spotlight New Jersey’s artistic diversity and cultural significance.
Beyond the marquee performances, the festival’s Community Arts Awards initiative provides funding for local artists and organizations to produce free or low-cost arts events throughout the festival period, ensuring community participation at all levels of programming.
“Having an iconic figure like George Clinton headline our Asbury Park finale speaks to the ambition of this festival,” said festival organizer Samantha Richards. “We’re celebrating both legendary artists who have shaped American culture and the next generation of creators who are building on those foundations.”
Ticket Information and Performance Details
The George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic performance begins at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 29, with doors opening at 4:00 PM. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $45 for general admission to $75 for premium viewing areas.
Festival organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance as the Summer Stage performances frequently sell out, particularly for legendary acts of Clinton’s stature. The venue’s central location on Ocean Avenue provides easy access to Asbury Park’s restaurants, bars, and boardwalk attractions before and after the show.
Additional information about this and other North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about performances across all three host cities during the two-week celebration.
