SoundPress.net Feature Article: Asbury Park Clearwater Festival 2003

ASBURY PARK CLEARWATER FESTIVAL 2003
You Don't Know What You Got 'Til It's Gone
A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch

Back in the 1970's, Joni Mitchell wrote in her classic song Yellow Taxi, "don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till its gone." Her song and message is just as relevant today and was the directive of the 2003 Clearwater Festival held at Sunset Park in Asbury Park, New Jersey on August 16 & 17, 2003. The central theme of the Clearwater Festival was protecting our natural resources with the primary focus on clean water. For 28 years, the hard work and dedication of numerous volunteers and musicians have promoted the importance of maintaining water quality and the destructive impacts of pollution. The festival was also a rally for environmental organizations to band together. Many groups have different passions and concerns but real power comes when these fervent people work collectively for the greater good of Mother Earth.

Boccigalupe and Steel Mill Retro rocked!!!

Ann Roemmele, the president of the Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater states that the main objective of the festival and of the organization is to "educate and promote energy conservation and encourage others to protect the environment, emphasizing that if we don't protect what we have it will be gone." Clearwater started over 30 years ago in response to contamination of the Hudson River. Pete Seeger a musician along with other concerned citizens built a replica of a 19^th century sloop and sailed it along the Hudson River. They docked at towns along the waterway to raise public awareness about pollution and encourage activism. To this day Clearwater continues to educate the populace about pollution hazards. Besides festivals and education activities from the boat the organization hosts clean-ups, watches and green programs for school-aged children.

Walter Cronkite on the Clearwater Organization.

Clearwater is a annual event that celebrates arts, environmentalism and music. On the afternoon of Saturday, August 16, Jason Shain took the main stage to play an acoustic set. He was followed by Rod Picott who showcased new songs from his recent release 'Stray Dogs'. Virago, a female duo, played an eclectic mix of world material. The headliners of the day was New Jersey rockers, The Nerds, who are well known for their energizing covers. They had the crowd on their feet singing and dancing to such favorites as Mrs. Robinson, I Love Rock and Roll, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, and an American Pie montage that included Touch Me.

Steve Forbert played before the largest audience of the weekend!

Sunday afternoon, we arrived as One Spirit took the stage. The group was an all female drum core that included the members of Virago. Their native beats and positive energy attracted many spirited dancers. They were followed by Steel Mill Retro, a four piece band that combined classic rock jams with a dash of physchadelic. They played a compelling set including a riveting version of The Wind and the Rain. Steel Mill Retro is comprised of members of Boccigalupe and The Badboys and original E Street drummer, Vinny Lopez. Together, they perform many of the forgotten and lengthy Springsteen narratives from the 60's and early 70's.

Some of the children's art on display at Clearwater 2003.

Following was Steve Forbert, who was warmly received by the audience. Afterwards, he spent time meeting and greeting his fans. Forbert's set included Starstruck, Romeo's Song and quite appropriately A Good Planet is Hard to Find. Steve was is prime voice and his acoustic guitar and harp were first rate. Next, Asbury Park's Boccigalupe and The Bad Boys took the stage. The band combines the sound of classic rock with horns and Bocci's fabulous B3. They played song's from their latest release It's My Time Now as well as crowd pleasing covers. The audience was highly impressed with the band's passion, enthusiasm and musicianship.

Folk singer Jason Shain.

In addition to the main stage there was the Circle Of Song stage set up at the other end of the tree lined park. The Circle featured music workshops including humorous tunes from other nations conducted by Rik Palieri. Rik has traveled around the world learning and incorporating various world music styles into his own unique blend of folk rock. Rik has been involved in the festival since its start and is close to Pete Seeger – one of its founders.

A hybrid car on display - fuel efficient and quiet!

Various local and national environmental groups were at the Clearwater Festival plugging sustainability, clean air, clean water and environmental education. The Sierra Club was promoting solar energy, wind power and hybrid cars. Their volunteer, who has owned a hybrid car for a number of years, had his vehicle on had for people to see. He is pleased with its performance and of course the cleaner gas mileage can't be beat. Another volunteer had recently retrofitted his home with solar panels and was advising people about the tax breaks and incentives that come with converting to more environmentally friendly homes and vehicles.

Vinny Lopez and Billy Walton of Steel Mill Retro!

Representatives from parks, gardening clubs and lobbying groups were available to discuss local issues, wildlife, recreation, sustainable development and environmental protection. Almost three dozen environmental organizations were present — many from the Monmouth County area.

Gary Wien - author of the "Beyond the Palace" book about Asbury Park music.

The festival also had a number of green product venders such as E&M Gold Beekeepers, crafters and energy consultants. Guayaki was introducing festival goers to Yerba, a tea harvested from South American rain forests, using sustainable methods. Free samples were available along with a strong emphasis on environmental impacts on both a local and global level. This tea is naturally nutritious.

The Rod Picott band came all the way from Nashville, TN!

Besides food and environmentally friendly products, local author Gary Wien was on hand. Gary recently released Beyond the Palace, a comprehensive look at the music scene of Asbury Park. His book spans the late 60's into the present. His well researched book includes interviews and information about nationally known artists such as Springsteen and Southside as well as respected local bands better known in the Jersey shore region. A portion of Gary's sales will go to the JerseyJams Funds, which assists local children impacted by terrorism.

Promoting the all natural Guayaki beverage from the rain forest!

The Clearwater Festival had activities for the kids. Throughtout the two-day event various entertainers at the solar powered Family Stage kept children amused. Highlights included dance, puppets, musicians, storytellers and Eco-man. A craft tent was set up for the children's enjoyment. A contest of art work from local students featured insightful colorful posters on green issues, expressed the concerns that the younger generation has regarding the state of the earth. The Clearwater Festival is a family oriented event celebrating music, the arts, education and environmental activism.

An important secondary theme of the festival was the revitalization and rebuilding of Asbury Park. The fact that the event took place in this city, which has fallen on hard times, shows a commitment to rebuilding communities. Many of the musicians who are from the region pointed out the improvements and growth taking place throughout the area.

Asbury Park was founded in 1871, since then it has had a long tradition of being a fun seaside resort town. In the late sixties and early seventies Asbury Park was the heart of a vibrant music scene. Major acts such as The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Who played at Convention Hall. The Upstage on Cookman Street was a springboard for many such as Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and other great local musicians. Unrest within the city lead to a decline but a new century has risen on Asbury Park. A major movement by city officials, local residents and businessmen are revitalizing the city. Noticeable changes are apparent throughout the area. Now open are sophisticated shops such as Allen & Suzi's who have a sister store in Manhattan. They sell a unique blend of designer clothes both new and vintage. DdK'Sense has natural bath and body products as well as therapeutic and chair massage. There are other unique boutiques to explore downtown and more are coming. New restaurants are emerging in the downtown district. Kweevak's current favorite is Sonny's Southern Cuisine. They serve delicious, affordable food with a smile. The boardwalk has been repaired and old buildings are being painted. People are returning to the beach. Long-time residents and local business people are excited and enthusiastic with the positive changes taking place in the community. More renovations are scheduled throughout the city. The future of Asbury Park looks bright as she regains her glory days of her past with a modern makeover.

Preservation, conservation and revitalization were some of the many important issues addressed at the 28^th annual Clearwater Festival. Dedicated volunteers and musicians clearly sent out the message that if we do not protect our valuable natural resources today they will be gone. Thanks to the commitment of countless volunteers and artists the Clearwater Festival was a success and brought people together for the common cause of protecting the environment.

The Nerds brought their entertaining and diverse musical talents to the show!

(Originally Published on August 18, 2003)

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