The legacy of E Street Band saxophonist Clarence “Big Man” Clemons will be celebrated during a pair of concerts that will benefit the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) on Jan. 10-11.
“Winter Bash 2020” will take place at two popular Jersey Shore venues: the Headliner in Neptune and Bar Anticipation in Lake Como.
Clemons, who shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band during thousands of shows across several decades, died in 2011.
Since a state resolution was passed in 2014, Jan. 11 is annually recognized as “Clarence Clemons Day” in New Jersey, honoring the heart, soul and sounds of the legendary figure, according to a press release from Big RoaD, LLC, which is producing the shows.
“Winter Bash 2020” will feature Jake Clemons, who succeeded his late uncle as sax man for the E Street Band, and a gathering of all-star musicians. Also on the bill Jan. 10 is Jarod Clemons (Clarence’s youngest son) and his band, The Late Nights.
The shows will benefit MCSPCA, a nonprofit organization that cares and advocates for the county’s homeless, neglected and abused animals. Sponsors include Big Man’s Brew (a beer line that honors Clemons), Momma Beth’s CBD and Saker ShopRites Inc.
Tickets to “Winter Bash 2020” are $30 for Jan. 10, $25 for Jan. 11, or $40 for a combo ticket for both nights. Tickets may be purchased online at https://bigroad.tickbud.com
The lineup for Jan. 10 at the Headliner (club is open all day, show is from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is as follows: Jake Clemons (full band), Jarod Clemons and the Late Nights, the Bob Polding Band and the Eddie Testa Band (originals set).
Jake Clemons is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has released his sophomore album, “Eyes On The Horizon.” Clemons composed and played a majority of the instruments on the album, including guitar and keyboards.
He said there are several tracks on “Eyes On The Horizon” that hold special significance for him.
“The song ‘Democracy’ has a special meaning to me,” Clemons said. “It speaks to how I was raised and the things I was taught. Are these principles an illusion or something we really have to continue working toward? I relate to that song because it has to do with
me finding my own independence and establishing my own voice.
“I process my life through my music and I hope there’s always growth in whatever I do,” Clemons said. “I definitely feel that with this new album. I took some chances on this record that I didn’t dare do before.”
Joining the lineup is also the Big Man’s youngest son, Jarod Clemons, who said, “My father’s historic presence is always shining on me. Being a part of the ‘Winter Bash’ celebrating his life and legacy is a way to repay him for the talent he passed to me. And playing allows me to share my love for my father and his fans.”
The lineup for Jan. 11 at Bar Anticipation (doors open at 1 p.m., show runs from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is as follows: Guilty Pleasure, Colossal Street Jam, Sandy Mack and Friends, Moroccan Sheepherders, Whiskey Fueled, B Street Band and the Winter Bash All-Star Band featuring Eddie Testa, JoBonanno, Bob Polding, Lisa Sherman, Killer Joe Ferraro, Lance Larson and special guests.
BIG RoaD’s Jesse Warren said, “We are thrilled to be working with Tom Sueta and his Headliner crew and Tom Jannarone and his Bar Anticipation team. These places are both the cream of the crop for a diverse and quality entertainment experience.”
The MCSPCA was founded in 1945 to care for the community’s homeless, neglected and abused animals. The MCSPCA is not affiliated with any other shelter or welfare organization. It is not affiliated with, nor does it receive a majority of its funding from the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, or the Associated Humane Societies Inc., according to the press release.
