Rock Royalty Ignites New Jersey Stage: Springsteen, Bon Jovi Mark Historic Opening of American Music Center
A star-studded lineup including Bruce Springsteen and a triumphant Jon Bon Jovi lit up Monmouth University for the Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us concerts, celebrating the grand opening of the new **Bruce Springsteen Center for...
Bruce Springsteen performs on stage in New York. Daniel Zuchnik/Variety
Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, recently played host to a historic gathering of musical titans, as the Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us concerts celebrated the imminent opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. The two-night series, a cornerstone event for the new center, featured an impressive roster of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Public Enemy, Little Steven Van Zandt, Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, and David Sancious.
The second night, held on Friday, June 5, proved particularly memorable, highlighted by Jon Bon Jovi's first public vocal performance in his home state of New Jersey since 2018. This marked a significant return for the iconic frontman, who had stepped back from touring due to vocal cord issues.
The evening kicked off with Bruce Springsteen himself, delivering a roaring rendition of Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock," swiftly followed by "Burning Love." He was backed by the formidable Disciples of Soul, under the expert direction of Marc Ribler.
Then came Bon Jovi, taking the stage to perform Chuck Berry's seminal "Johnny B. Goode." The performance was not only a triumphant personal moment but also a poignant cultural statement, as a speaker from the stage acknowledged Berry as rock's true king, whose racial background historically limited his widespread recognition compared to Elvis.
The concert journeyed through the diverse soundscapes of American music. Jackson Browne represented the soulful singer-songwriter era of the 1970s with his resonant "For America."
Legendary crooner Dion, at 86 years old, captivated the audience with "The Wanderer" and a stirring rendition of "Abraham, Martin and John." Mavis Staples brought the activist spirit of the 1960s to life with her powerful take on The Band's "The Weight."
The night reached an electrifying climax as Public Enemy closed out their segment with the anthemic "Fight the Power," a reminder of music's enduring role in social commentary.
The evening concluded with a series of group performances, including "Further On Down the Road," "Raise Your Hand," and "I Don't Want to Go Home." Springsteen then brought the house down with a solo, heartfelt rendition of "Land of Hope and Dreams."
Thursday's opening night, which explored American music up to World War II, also boasted an impressive lineup. Performers included Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Rosanne Cash, Dropkick Murphys, Keb’ Mo’, Brian Fallon, Tony Trischka, Sister Sadie, Shemekia Copeland, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, and Valerie June.
The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music is set to officially open its doors to the public on June 13. This impressive 30,000-square-foot facility at Monmouth University will feature multiple exhibit spaces, state-of-the-art archives, a 250-seat Dolby soundstage, and over a dozen interactive experiences. It aims to spotlight both Springsteen's unparalleled career and the broader, vital history of American music. More information can be found at springsteencenter.com.
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