Ever wonder how a pop punk band gets its start? Joey CXP is right there, defining himself with his immensely talented band and original take on a well-traveled music genre. Currently promoting his latest single "prettiest girl in town" and EP "CANDY CRUSH", the band is getting ready to hit the road and do their first tour in Canada starting May 16!

During our podcast, Joey and the band discussed how they met, their beginnings, aspirations, and their excitement about touring outside the country. And they showed their impressive musical chops when they played three acoustic songs in the AP Vibes Studio.

Cutting their teeth in the New Brunswick, NJ, basement scene, Joey CXP is expanding upon the pop punk genre, gaining experience and, most importantly, gaining admirers.

https://www.joeycxp.com

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

One of the coolest perks of having a podcast? Getting to chat with awesome people! We had a fantastic digital sit-down with Above the Moon, where we dove into their music, their journey, and all the exciting things happening in their world right now. They're bursting with new tunes that you absolutely won’t want to miss!

Their latest project, There Is No Arrival Vol. 1 and 2, is a collection of songs written over the last two years that explore the idea of living in the here and now—because that’s all we really have. Volume 1 recently dropped on March 27 which can be heard here. The entire project is completely DIY. The band wrote, recorded, and produced all music at their home base, Bottle Hill Recording, in Madison, NJ.

They also shared some great band stories, showcasing a friendship that’s just as vibrant as their music. Tune in to meet Kate Griffin (vocals, guitar), Kyle Griffin (bass), Shawn Murphy (guitar) and John Gramuglia (drums) of Above The Moon!

https://www.facebook.com/abovethemoonband

https://www.instagram.com/abovethemoonmusic/

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Doug and Diane recently got to fulfill their dream of interviewing a legendary musician as they sat down and chatted with Burton Cummings … vocalist, keyboardist, and primary songwriter for the chart-topping ’60s/’70s rock band – The Guess Who! A gifted and prolific songwriter and musician, Cummings crafted massive hit singles like "American Woman," "These Eyes," "Laughing," and many more—songs that have stood the test of time and continue to resonate across generations.

Cummings embarked on a very fruitful solo career following his tenure with the band and is now currently on his solo 60th Anniversary Hits Tour. The tour started last year and will span a large portion of 2025 – stopping in Red Bank, NJ on March 18th at the Basie Center for the Arts.

With over thirty (30) – yes, you heard that correctly – thirty albums and dozens of Top 10 hits, we realized immediately that Burton is living his absolute best life and has no intention of slowing down. Filled with joy from playing with his band of 20+ years and by the positive reactions he receives daily from his fans, the Canadian musician promises there is much more music to come.

During our podcast, we learned about Burton’s childhood; the many iconic musicians he’s met and played with; his songwriting methods; and even some advice he has for vocalists about keeping their voices in tip-top shape.

You will NOT be disappointed if you tune in and listen to this gem of a conversation where you’ll hear super interesting stories and nuggets of information about this iconic frontman and solo artist. You will also be left with a smile on your face because of the pure joy Burton exudes, which we found to be thoroughly contagious!

Join us on March 18th as we soak up the talent and energy of Burton Cummings at the Count Basie Center for the Arts! Tickets can be found here!

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we sit down with Surfing for Daisy, the Asbury Park-based Alt. Folk Rock band making waves with their heartfelt songwriting and rich instrumentation.

The band—Nick Francis (vocals/guitar), Mike Bernabei (guitar), Steven Filippone (drums/percussion), Cam Seidel (bass), Dan DiSantis (guitar/vocals), and Katie McCarty (keys/vocals)—shares the story of how they came together, the journey behind their recently released debut album, Surfing for Daisy, and the meanings woven into their songs. We also dive into how they’ve consistently been building their fan community, and their upcoming Spring Tour.

Surfing for Daisy also performed an incredible acoustic session live in the APV Studio which you’ll be able to enjoy as well! Tune in for an inside look at the creative process and beautiful music of one of Asbury Park’s most exciting rising bands!

https://www.surfingfordaisy.com/home

Music Recorded & Mixed by Doug Dresher

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Doug & Diane recently had the opportunity to chat with George Marriner Maull (Founder & Artistic Director of The Discovery Orchestra) and Vocalist Cheryl Warfield (Founder of Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble or MORE) about their upcoming concert, Discover Angelitos Negros (Little Black Angels). Maull and Warfield – along with Composer & Pianist Patricio Molina – will present this special Black History Month concert at 3pm on Sunday, February 23rd at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey.

During our conversation we touched upon the importance of bringing classical and operatic music into the spotlight and connecting new audiences to these genres through the innovative and immersive techniques spearheaded by their respective organizations. Maull’s and Warfield’s passion for music is contagious and their drive to make it accessible and more familiar is brilliant. We learned all about their musical backgrounds and experiences which have led them both to their careers.

Angelitos Negros is a concert series launched in 2021 by MORE Opera to collectively serve Black and Latino communities severely impacted by the pandemic. The program was based on a poignant moment in the 1948 Mexican film of the same name in which a young child asks why there are no paintings by the great masters of Black angels. An acclaimed second iteration of Angelitos Negros was presented in December 2023, with composer-pianist Patricio Molina as musical director. The upcoming concert will feature a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson song known today as the Black National Anthem, in honor of its 125th anniversary; and a Discovery Concert exploration of “Hay una Antilla en Medio del Mar Caribe,” the traditional Dominican poem set to music, arranged by Molina.

TDO is known for its teaching Discovery Concerts™ — musical performances featuring an interactive exploration segment that helps participants focus on specific details of the work — on stage and on the small screen. The Orchestra also presents community engagement programs in collaboration with its educational partners for underserved audiences in six New Jersey counties.

Discover Angelitos Negros is free with registration at https://discoveryorchestra.org/angelitos-negros/. Groups wishing to attend should contact TDO Executive Director Rick Kaller at rick@discoveryorchestra.org. The concert snow date is Sunday, March 2 (at 3 p.m.)

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

One hour just didn’t seem long enough to chat with accomplished drummer, touring musician, author, teacher, percussion coach and session player - Rich Scannella. A friend of Diane’s from their high school band and orchestra ... they recently re-connected at Musikfest where Rich was performing with the band Tonic.

During our conversation, Rich shared stories, advice, and lessons he learned from his experiences and journey as a full-time musician. The list of bands he’s played with is long and distinguished but if we must name just a few, how about Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Tonic, Brian Fallon, Nicole Atkins, Gary US Bonds, Debbie Harry, John Eddie, and so many more! Rich has toured all over the world, played the biggest stages, worked with dozens of famous producers, teaches at Rider University, and wrote a book called Ghost Notes which takes a deep dive into the many behind-the-scenes' stories he has!

When you listen to this podcast you’ll realize that the key to Rich Scannella’s continued success is built upon more than just his amazing talent. He credits the genuine habits of hard work, punctuality, being a consummate professional, and adapting to each situation as fundamental to making his mark on the industry. He is truly a chameleon who adapts and applies himself to any situation, and all musicians would benefit greatly from listening to his perspective and insight!

Rich will be on tour in January with Tonic playing on the Rock Boat out of Miami to South America. He'll also be playing the Montage Mountainfest Outdoor Winter Music Festival on Saturday March 1st with Better Than Ezra. Summer dates will be announced soon.

Follow Rich at www.richscannella.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Today, we met Cindy Stagoff (of Outpost in the Burbs and NJArts.net), who is producing a fundraiser for Outpost in the Burbs.

Lenny Kaye & Friends / Tammy Faye Starlite (co-bill)
Fundraiser for NJArts.net held in partnership with Outpost in the Burbs
Saturday, DECEMBER 14
7:30 Doors | 8:00 Show CLICK HERE

Cindy brought co-headliner Tammy Faye Starlite to discuss NJArts.net and Outpost in the Burbs. We also talked about Tammy's growing fame and her very interesting performances!

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Fantastic Cat is an indie rock band known for its dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics. The band's sound often blends elements of folk and pop, creating a laid-back vibe that's both catchy and thoughtful.

Fantastic Cat is a collaborative project between singer/songwriters Don DiLego, Anthony D'Amato, Brian Dunne, and Hollis Brown frontman Mike Montali.

They are fun, the music is melodic, and the kids will also enjoy this!

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.