New Orleans Meets Jersey Shore at Funk Fest
Soul Project NOLA and The Ocean Avenue Stompers will join forces to bring authentic New Orleans sounds to Asbury Park on June 22, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival. The Funk Fest, hosted at the R Bar on Main Street, promises an afternoon of infectious grooves and virtuosic performances that bridge the musical traditions of the Big Easy and the Jersey Shore.
This cross-regional collaboration showcases two powerhouse ensembles known for their energetic performances and instrumental precision, continuing the festival’s tradition of creating unique musical pairings that might not occur during regular touring seasons.
Crescent City Funk Meets Jersey Shore Swing
Soul Project NOLA arrives in Asbury Park with over two decades of authentic New Orleans funk experience, led by guitarist/vocalist Jon Cristian Duque, who studied under legendary figure Walter “Wolfman” Washington. The ensemble has built an international reputation for their tight rhythm section and precision arrangements, touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
“These musicians represent the living, breathing continuation of New Orleans’ unparalleled musical tradition,” said festival curator Rachel Williams. “Their sound carries forward that distinctive Crescent City groove while remaining thoroughly contemporary in their approach.”
According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, The Ocean Avenue Stompers will provide a perfect regional counterpoint, bringing together elite touring musicians from the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, and New York City scenes. The collective features a rotating cast of more than 50 world-class players, ensuring that each performance represents a unique, once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.
R Bar Creates Intimate Festival Experience
The R Bar, located at 1114 Main Street in Asbury Park, offers an intimate setting that enhances the communal feel essential to both New Orleans and Jersey Shore musical traditions. The venue’s layout allows audiences to experience the performances up close while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that has made it a favorite among local music enthusiasts.
“We selected R Bar specifically because it captures that perfect balance between serious listening room and celebratory social space,” explained festival director Thomas Klein. “It’s exactly the environment where this kind of music thrives—close enough to see every bead of sweat on the performers, but relaxed enough that you can dance when the spirit moves you.”
The venue will offer its regular food and beverage service during the event, with dining reservations available through OpenTable for those planning to enjoy a meal during the performances. A standing room area will also be available for attendees primarily interested in the music rather than dining.
Festival Highlights Cultural Cross-Pollination
The Funk Fest exemplifies the North 2 Shore Festival’s commitment to creating unique musical experiences that might not otherwise occur in the region. The festival, running from June 14-29 across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City, creates opportunities for musicians from different traditions to share stages and explore common musical ground.
“There’s this beautiful historical connection between New Orleans and the Jersey Shore music scenes—both places where diverse traditions came together and created something distinctive and uniquely American,” noted Williams. “This event celebrates that shared heritage while showcasing the incredible contemporary talent keeping these traditions vibrant.”
The collaboration between Soul Project NOLA and The Ocean Avenue Stompers was specifically curated to highlight these connections, according to New Jersey Stage. Festival programming throughout Asbury Park similarly emphasizes regional musical exchanges that create unique experiences for audiences while providing performers with opportunities for creative growth.
Performance Details and Ticket Information
The Funk Fest begins at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, with performances continuing throughout the afternoon. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and directly from R Bar, priced at $15 general admission for standing room and $30 for reserved seating with dining options.
While standing room tickets will be available at the door (space permitting), festival organizers strongly recommend making dining reservations in advance through OpenTable for those planning to eat during the performances. The venue’s central Asbury Park location makes it easily accessible from other festival events occurring throughout the city that weekend.
Additional information about this and other North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which provides comprehensive details about performances across all three host cities during the two-week celebration.
