Asbury Park Hosts SHAKE, RHYTHM N' ROLL MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL, 8/10-14

The Shake Rhythm n' Roll Music and Dance Festival is the premiere year of a five-day festival that aims to recreate and celebrate the early roots of Rock n' Roll with the music and dancing that captures a remarkable time in American creativity and lifestyle. Featuring 10 bands, 20 dance instructors, and numerous performers, the festival takes place in historic Asbury Park, on the picturesque boardwalk, as part of the city's 2011 Musical Heritage Celebration. The Festival features early Roots Rock n' Roll, Jump Blues, Boogie Woogie, Rhythm and Blues, Doo- Wop, Swing, Rockabilly and Latin, and combines the dances that fit the music.

Saturday August 13th at 7:30pm is the main event of the festival, The Shake Rhythm & Roll Showdown - Dance Party and Show at CONVENTION HALL. The headliner is the world famous Stray Cat Lee Rocker. To date, The Stray Cats have sold nearly 10 million albums and garnered 23 gold and platinum certified. Rocker is considered by many to be the greatest upright bassist in Rock n' Roll. The second featured band is Bill Haley Jr. performing the music made famous by his father's band, Bill Haley and The Comets - the first band to bring rock and roll to the US and the world, ("Rock Around the Clock"). Guitarist Bill Turner, who played alongside Bill Haley from 1974 - 1976, will also be part of Bill Haley Jr's backing band. Opening up the evening is Matthew Piazzi & The Debonairs. Mr. Piazzi was a finalist on the hit TV show, "America's Got Talent." In addition to live music, there will be a dance show performed by the world-renowned instructors from the festival's dance camp. Throughout the night, dancers of all styles and levels are invited down onto a dance floor, setup in front of the stage.

Other bands performing throughout the festival include Big Joe & The Dynaflows, Ron Sunshine, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co., Lapis Luna, Boilermakers Jazz Band, Tiki Daddy, Rave On (The Music of Buddy Holly), and Gas House Gorillas. Other live performances include burlesque super-star Angie Pontani and the World Famous Pontani Sisters. For a complete schedule of bands and performances, please visit www.shakerhythmroll.com

A prominent feature of the festival is the five-day dance camp where guests can learn the dances that were a major part of American lifestyle from the 1930's to the 1950's. The dance camp will specialize in the partner dances of these eras including the Bop, Boogie Woogie, Balboa, Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag alongside line dances like The Stroll, The Madison and The Shim Sham. The 20 dance instructors come from all over the US, and are also winners of virtually every major dance competition in their respective styles. Dance tracks are available from absolute beginners, leading all the way up to advanced levels. Dancers can join the dance camp for all five days, individual days or even just the weekend.

Instructors for the dance camp are internationally renowned dancers and teachers, including (in couples): Davis Thurber and Claudia Joyal Laplante, David Frutos and Kim Clever, Adam Speen and Nelle Cherry, Dave Graybill and Eden Atenci, Adam Lee and Elaine Silver, Tony Fraser and Jaime Shannon - plus Joe Palmer, Michele Nardella, Emily Vanston, and Paolo Pasta Lanna. Complete bios are available on the festival website. The festival is also proud to welcome the internationally renowned singer and dancer, Dawn Hampton.
Throughout the festival, music and dance stages will be located on (or right off) the beautiful Asbury Park Boardwalk. The host hotel, and location of the dance camp, will be at the famEd Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel located right off the beach. During the weekend, there will be additional special events including a display of classic cars, evening and late-night dance parties, internationally acclaimed DJs, late night burlesque shows, an old fashioned bathing suit beauty competition and even a classic muscle competition.

The Shake Rhythm & Roll Music and Dance Festival is part of a year-long celebration hosted by The City of Asbury Park called the "2011 Musical Heritage Celebration" that included The Smithsonian Musical Heritage Exhibit: New Harmonies, a traveling exhibition exploring America's musical history. A portion of the Festival proceeds will go to benefit the Asbury Park Heritage Music Foundation.

The Shake Rhythm n' Roll Music & Dance Festival is August 10-14th in Asbury Park, NJ. For tickets, a complete schedule of music and dance events, as well as directions and travel information, please visit www.shakerhythmroll.com