Grammy Winners Bring Blues-Rock Power to Asbury

Grammy Award-winning sister duo Larkin Poe will bring their explosive blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana to Asbury Lanes on June 22, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival. Rebecca and Megan Lovell, known for their masterful musicianship and soul-stirring harmonies, continue to establish themselves as one of music’s most dynamic live acts with their thunderous performances that honor roots traditions while pushing contemporary boundaries.

The performance, featuring special guest Zach Person, promises an electrifying evening showcasing the sisters’ virtuosic instrumental work—Rebecca’s powerful vocals and slide guitar paired with Megan’s lap steel mastery—that has earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following as modern torchbearers of American roots music.

Sister Duo Blends Musical Heritage with Modern Edge

Descended from Edgar Allan Poe’s cousin (the band’s namesake), Larkin Poe has forged a distinctive musical identity that honors Southern musical traditions while infusing them with contemporary energy and perspective. Their approach transforms traditional blues structures into powerful vehicles for expression that resonate with both purists and new audiences seeking authentic musical experiences.

“What makes Larkin Poe so compelling is how they walk this perfect line between reverence for tradition and fearless innovation,” said festival music director Thomas Klein. “They understand these deep musical roots intimately, but they’re not museum curators—they’re breathing new life and energy into these forms with their own distinct voices.”

According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, the sisters “create an unforgettable concert experience that bridges the gap between raw rock energy and deep-rooted blues tradition.” This balancing act has established them as significant figures in the contemporary roots revival while earning them a Grammy Award and recognition as legitimate heirs to a storied musical lineage.

Instrumental Virtuosity Creates Sonic Power

At the core of Larkin Poe’s appeal is the extraordinary instrumental command that allows two performers to create a sound often compared to much larger ensembles. Rebecca’s slide guitar prowess and Megan’s lap steel mastery represent complementary approaches to stringed instruments that together create a richly textured sonic landscape spanning delicate melodies to driving rock passages.

“These sisters don’t just play their instruments—they unleash them,” noted Sarah Williams, programming director. “Their technical facility is extraordinary, but it’s always in service to emotional expression rather than mere display. They understand that virtuosity only matters when it communicates something meaningful.”

This combination of technical excellence and emotional authenticity creates performances characterized by dynamic range and stylistic versatility. From tender ballads highlighting their sibling harmonies to full-throttle rockers showcasing their instrumental firepower, their sets demonstrate the breadth of possibilities within roots-based music.

Asbury Lanes Provides Intimate Festival Setting

Asbury Lanes, located at 209 4th Avenue, offers an ideal environment for experiencing Larkin Poe’s powerful performance style. The venue’s combination of intimate scale and excellent acoustics ensures that audiences can appreciate both the thunderous moments and subtle nuances of the sisters’ musical approach.

“Asbury Lanes creates this perfect rock club atmosphere with enough space for energy to build but intimate enough that you feel directly connected to the performers,” explained venue manager Robert Thompson. “For artists like Larkin Poe who excel at creating that electric exchange with an audience, it provides exactly the right environment.”

The venue’s unique character as a renovated bowling alley turned music space adds to the distinctive atmosphere, creating a setting that honors Asbury Park’s longstanding tradition as a hub for authentic American music. According to The Jersey Shore Girl, Asbury Lanes has become a centerpiece of the city’s musical renaissance, hosting both established artists and emerging talents in a space that bridges historical character and contemporary amenities.

Modern Torchbearers of Roots Music Tradition

Larkin Poe’s emergence as leading figures in contemporary roots music reflects both their exceptional talents and a broader cultural appreciation for authentic musical expressions that connect to established traditions. As female instrumentalists in genres historically dominated by men, they have helped expand the boundaries of roots music while inspiring a new generation of performers.

“They’re redefining what roots music can be in the 21st century,” said Maria Sanchez, festival director. “By bringing their own perspectives and experiences to these traditional forms, they’re ensuring that this musical lineage continues to evolve rather than becoming fossilized as a historical artifact.”

This approach has garnered them recognition from both peers and predecessors, with artists ranging from Elvis Costello to Keith Urban inviting them to collaborate. According to New Jersey Stage, their performance represents the festival’s commitment to showcasing artists who honor musical traditions while pushing boundaries and expanding audiences.

Ticket Information and Performance Details

Larkin Poe performs at Asbury Lanes at 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, with special guest Zach Person. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and Asbury Lanes box office, with prices ranging from $35 to $45 depending on ticket tier.

The venue offers standing room general admission with limited seating available on a first-come basis. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and early arrival is recommended for those seeking optimal viewing positions. Asbury Lanes’ central location provides easy access to restaurants and other Asbury Park 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.