September 9th – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM – JFK Park
Jersey Shore Rock and Soul Guitar Hero Billy Walton and his band are set to headline the Annual Somers Point Good Old Days Festival. Billy Walton is an accomplished guitar master from the vibrant New Jersey Shore music scene. He earned his stripes in the rock and roll trenches, playing lead guitar for many years with Jersey icon, Southside Johnny. He has also shared the stage with music legends; Little Steven, Gary US Bonds and Steven Tyler, to name a few.
The Billy Walton Band grew out of this rich musical heritage, and found its groove when Billy connected with bassist William Paris. With the addition of Tom Petraccaro on sax, Eric Safka on Hammond B3, Bruce Krywinski Jr on trumpet, and Shane Luckenbough; the band has truly hit its stride. Plus, the arrival of vocalist extraordinaire Destinee Monroe has brought the band to a whole new level. Their efforts met with immediate interest from the fertile British Blues scene, leading to multiple successful tours across Europe and eastern United States. They have a solid, dedicated fan base which is growing quickly. In addition to blues rock fans, the jam band scene has also embraced the band – hungry for their high energy live shows.
Joining the line up with Billy Walton are The Tony Mart All-Stars who will present the “Music that made Tony Marts Famous” and in their second set, “Eagles Country: Tribute to The Eagles.” This promises to be a great show that all will enjoy.
Also scheduled to appear is local favorite The Notion, playing the favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today. This band, a newcomer to the festival, has been entertaining crowds across South Jersey for the last several years. They are sure to be a favorite of the festival crowd.
In addition to all the wonderful music, there will be antique cars on display, children’s entertainment including carnival games, a face painter, inflatables, a magician, karate demonstrations, more than 20 vendors and community groups, and food and treats including hot dogs and hamburgers, fresh from the grill.
Back again this year at the festival is Circle Liquor’s Wine Garden and Tastings with 3 premium international wines available by the glass and tasting flights. Plus, the Beer Garden, always a crowd favorite, will be back.
As the presenting sponsor, the Somers Point Historical Society is ensuring this forty plus year Somers Point tradition will continue. The Festival’s Organizing Committee has been working tirelessly to make sure everything is ready for Saturday, September 9th at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
Back this year after a forced hiatus due to the Pandemic is the 5k walk/run through the beautiful golf course neighborhood of Somers Point. Previously known as the Run for Bud, it has been rebranded as the “Run to Remember.” The run is in honor of all the First Responders that were lost on 9/11. Somers Point does not and will not forget. Presented by Shore True Value Hardware, the race is great for all levels of ability and ages. Participants are encouraged to carry or wear items that salute our first responders and members of our military services. All proceeds from the festival and the run will support the Somers Point Historical Society, which will provide scholarships and other education opportunities for local students.
Established in 1987, the Historical Society’s goal is to preserve local history, past and present, as well as the historical structures in Somers Point. The Society has been very successful in their mission, saving Old City Hall while assisting in rehabilitating it into the Somers Point Branch of the Atlantic County Library. Also, the group was instrumental in funding and applying for National Historic Recognition for the Bay Front Historic District, offering support to the homes of the district in hopes of preserving them.
Free shuttle service will again be available from free parking location throughout the town, at Jordan Road School, Dawes Avenue School, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, and Fire House #1 on Bethel Road.
Check www.SPGOODOLDDAYS.com for updates. For more information on sponsorship and vendor opportunities email seantmcg@comcast.net or call 609-402-5062.