Pop and Freestyle Icon Brenda K. Starr Brings Chart-Topping Hits to Asbury Park
GRAMMY®-nominated artist Brenda K. Starr will bring her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to Asbury Park’s House of Independents on June 21, 2025, as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. Beginning at 8 PM, this performance offers fans a rare opportunity to experience live renditions of her chart-topping hits, including the #1 pop ballad “I Still Believe” and dance floor classic “What You See is What You Get.”
With a career spanning multiple decades and musical genres including pop, freestyle, salsa, and Latin music, Starr has established herself as a versatile performer with cross-cultural appeal. Her appearance at the North to Shore Festival highlights the event’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical traditions while celebrating artists with enduring impact on American popular music.

Freestyle Legend Brings Multiple Musical Traditions
Brenda K. Starr rose to prominence in the 1980s as one of the defining voices of the freestyle music movement that emerged from New York City’s diverse dance club scene. Her distinctive vocal style and emotionally resonant performances helped establish freestyle as a significant genre that blended electronic dance music with elements of R&B, Latin rhythms, and pop sensibilities, according to New Jersey Stage.
Her 1987 single “I Still Believe” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and later gained renewed attention when covered by Mariah Carey, who had previously worked as Starr’s backup singer early in her career. The dance-oriented “What You See is What You Get” established Starr as a versatile performer capable of excelling in both emotional ballads and uptempo club anthems.
Beyond her freestyle and pop success, Starr has built a significant career in Latin music, recording multiple Spanish-language albums that earned her Latin Billboard Awards and critical acclaim. This musical evolution reflects her Puerto Rican heritage and demonstrates her ability to authentically navigate multiple musical traditions throughout her career.
New York Native with Puerto Rican Roots
Born and raised in New York City with Puerto Rican heritage, Starr’s musical journey began at just eight years old. Her background embodies the cultural fusion that characterized the freestyle music scene, which emerged from the multicultural neighborhoods of New York and drew heavily from both mainstream American pop and Latin musical traditions.
“From her early days singing in stairwells to her rise as a chart-topping artist, Brenda has captivated audiences worldwide,” notes the event description, highlighting her journey from local performer to international recording artist. This narrative of artistic development resonates with the North to Shore Festival’s emphasis on highlighting diverse paths to creative achievement.
Starr’s bilingual and bicultural identity has allowed her to build bridges across different musical communities throughout her career. Her collaborations with Latin music stars like Victor Manuelle and Tito Nieves further demonstrate her versatility and her significance within multiple musical traditions, according to Patch.
Intimate Venue Creates Special Experience
The House of Independents, located at 572 Cookman Avenue in downtown Asbury Park, provides an ideal setting for experiencing Starr’s dynamic performance style up close. With a capacity of approximately 500, this venue offers an intimate atmosphere that allows for meaningful connection between performer and audience while maintaining a vibrant concert environment.
Since opening in 2015, the House of Independents has established itself as a significant venue in Asbury Park’s thriving music scene, hosting both emerging artists and established performers across multiple genres. Its location in the heart of the city’s downtown arts district places it within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, and other cultural attractions, creating opportunities for a complete evening experience.
The venue’s role in the North to Shore Festival continues Asbury Park’s long tradition as a music destination. Along with other iconic spaces like The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, and Asbury Lanes, the House of Independents helps maintain the city’s reputation as a vital center for live music on the Jersey Shore, as noted by The Montclair Girl in their coverage of festival venues.
Performance Promises Range of Material
Starr’s Asbury Park performance is expected to span the breadth of her career, including her greatest hits, Latin classics, and selections from more recent releases. This comprehensive approach will provide longtime fans with the nostalgic experience of hearing familiar favorites while introducing newer material that demonstrates her continuing artistic evolution.
As a performer known for her energetic stage presence and powerful vocal delivery, Starr creates concert experiences that balance emotional ballads with uptempo dance numbers. This dynamic approach ensures audience engagement throughout the performance while showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and entertainer.
The opportunity to hear Starr’s signature songs performed live offers particular value for fans of 1980s freestyle music, a genre that helped define the sound of urban radio and dance clubs during that era. Her performance provides both nostalgia for those who experienced this music during its initial popularity and discovery for younger audiences interested in the development of electronic dance music and Latin pop.

Part of Diverse Festival Programming
Brenda K. Starr’s performance represents one highlight in the extensive musical lineup scheduled for Asbury Park during the North to Shore Festival. Running from June 14-29, 2025, the Asbury Park programming includes performances by a diverse array of artists across multiple venues throughout the city.
Now in its third year, the Prudential North to Shore Festival has quickly established itself as New Jersey’s largest summer arts celebration, with programming spread across Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark. Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the festival aims to showcase New Jersey’s diverse creative communities while stimulating local economies.
According to festival organizers, the event has brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and drawn over 500,000 attendees to more than 650 shows since its inception in 2023. This growth demonstrates both public enthusiasm for the programming and the festival’s effectiveness in highlighting New Jersey’s cultural resources.
Tickets for Brenda K. Starr at House of Independents are currently available through the venue’s website and box office. Music enthusiasts are encouraged to secure tickets in advance for this opportunity to experience a legendary performer in an intimate setting during one of New Jersey’s premier cultural events.