NRG, which traces its roots as a Jersey Shore band back to 1982, will perform for the final time when Downtown Freehold presents its Thursdays Rock! concert series from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Monmouth County Hall of Records Plaza, Main Street, Freehold Borough.
In its heyday, NRG played shows at the Tradewinds, the Stone Pony, the Chatterbox, the Royal Manor and the Playpen. Two original members, drummer Mark Orlandini of Franklin Park and vocalist Lee Ottman of Freehold Township, remain in the lineup.
Orlandini and Ottman are joined in NRG by keyboard player Tony Defabritus of Freehold, who has been in the band for 15 years; bassist Steve Carafello of Denville, who joined in 2013; and guitarist John Albino of Hazlet, who has rejoined NRG for the band’s farewell show. Albino was in the band from 1985-88.
Ottman said NRG has performed at Downtown Freehold’s Thursdays Rock! series for the past six years and said the members chose the venue for their final performance.
Asked why NRG is ending its 36-year run now, Ottman said, “It’s time. We all have different things going on in our lives, different careers, families, etc., and also, my trio Acoustic NRG plays close to 100 gigs a year and that really sustains me musically, and really leaves me very little time for anything else, and most importantly, I love it!”
On Aug. 9, NRG will be playing the 1980s music they played in the Jersey Shore clubs, as well as a few songs the members love, Ottman said.
Acoustic NRG will play in between the two electric band sets, and there will be a few musical guests stopping by to join in on the music.
