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Archive for September, 2009

“BE TRUE” PHOTO EXHIBIT HONORS SPRINGSTEEN’S BIRTHDAY

In Celebs, General Features on September 24, 2009 at 4:04 am

Thirty-nine primarily never-before-seen photographs of Bruce Springsteen at locations around New Jersey are the focus of “Be True”, the rock and roll photography exhibit extended until next Sunday (10/4), that celebrates the music icon.

(PHOTO COURTESY DANNY CLINCH)

(PHOTO COURTESY DANNY CLINCH)

Curated by Tim Donnelly, the intoxicatingly beautiful, seemingly alive images, deep and engaging – most in black and white – were taken by Bruce’s photographer of the past 10 years and friend, Danny Clinch

“We got a call from a London-based gallery asking us to put together an exhibit of Springsteen images,” said Tim, who is also a music journalist, speaking with TheBPlot and The Coaster.  “We looked at each other and said ‘London? ‘This needs to be done in Asbury Park for Bruce’s birthday’.”

Danny, a photo-journalist who has also worked with Pearl Jam and many others, shot the cover for Bruce’s “The Rising,” and “Working on a Dream” and directed Bruce’s “Devils and Dust” music video. 

“The Garden State locations that serve as the inspiration for ‘Be True’ range from Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey horse country, Fort Monmouth, the soon to be demolished Giants Stadium and such iconic Asbury Park locations such as the Stone Pony, Paramount Theater, Convention Hall and the revitalized boardwalk,” said Tim.  “We asked Bruce how he felt if we did this and his response was ‘Go for it’.”

Bruce’s fans are happy to celebrate his birthday with this exhibit in Asbury Park.

“As a fan who sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him on his thirtieth at Madison Square Garden during the ‘No Nukes’ concert, I love the exhibit for its geography and simplicity,” said Janet Manni, Wanamassa resident and broker at Century 21 Coastal Realtors.  “The exhibit sums him up perfectly as a local, down-to-Earth guy and a worldwide legend.”

Just like Bruce, the exhibit is for the people.

“We wanted to be absolutely inclusive – never charging a penny – even when we feature New Jersey performers, as we will this weekend,” said Tim.

“Be True” at the Third Avenue Pavillion on the Boardwalk until next Sunday (10/4).  Friday (9/28) at 8.30 pm, The Roebucks perform.  Saturday (9/29) at 5 pm, Steve Reily, Ocean Grove resident via Dublin, Ireland.  Admission is free. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

9 THINGS YOU (MAYBE) NEVER KNEW ABOUT WANAMASSA

In General Features on September 24, 2009 at 4:00 am

“You live where?  Wana-who?  Wanamassa?  Oh, yeah, that’s a cute area…what’s the story with it?”

Something to that effect is how the conversation usually goes when I tell someone where I live.

A NAME FOR THE MADISON MARQUETTE SOAP OPERA?…UGLY MODELING STORY…PERSCRIPTION FOR PLAY AT MINI-GOLF BENEFIT…GREY GARDENS GUY TO SHOW UP AT THE SHOWROOM…LANDSCAPER CUT FROM PAYROLL…TRUMAN’S BIG ADVENTURE PART DEUX’…& MORE – NOW, IN “YOU SAY WHO”.

I wanted to learn more of the beautiful area’s history and story, so I went right to the experts at the Ocean Township Historical Museum on Deal Road and discovered a ton of fun and interesting trivia…   

1.  In 1687, Gavin Drummond, a Scottish surveyor, purchased the land which is known today as Wanamassa from Lenape Indian Chief Wanamassa for one gun and kettle, five coats and two pounds of “weight” powder. 

Chief Wanamassa believed land was for everyone to use and share and had no idea of Drummond’s plan to populate it.  Eventually, the Lenape Tribe was pushed west.

2.  Ross-Fenton Farm – located across from the Locust Drive area of Asbury Park, in what was the Wanamassa Woods – was owned by former vaudeville performers Charles Ross and Mabel Fenton. 

Because of their entertainment background and the celebrities they attracted, Charles and Mabel created what was

ROSS FENTON FARM POSTCARD

ROSS FENTON FARM POSTCARD

considered a “rocking nightclub” for the time.  Beginning at the club’s opening in the summer of 1889, a motor boat picked guests up at the end of Deal Lake, by the Boardwalk and took the glamorously dressed women and men to the Farm for an evening of fine dining, live music and dancing on an outdoor stage.

The cover charge for the club was $25.  An original menu at the museum revealed a filet mignon dinner was $2.50; cold lobster was $2; shrimp cocktail was $1 and something called “Crab Flake Ross-Fenton” was $1.50.

Wanamassa locals were known to sit on Sunset Bridge or in canoes on Deal Lake and listen to the first-class entertainment.

3.  In 1890, John and Rob Drummond (descendants of Gavin) built a half-mile racetrack in the area now known as Colonial Terrace.  The Monmouth County Fair was held at the track for years.

4.  Until the 1920’s, the custom of dressing young boys in dresses – because it was easier to change their diapers – was common.  A few of the outfits are on display at the museum.   

5.  From approximately 1900 to 1930, the YMCA owned what is known as Wanamassa Point (peninsula in Deal Lake, off of Sunset Avenue), and used it as a camp meeting and revival location.  The “Point” was also home to the YMCA Auditorium, used as a community club for balls and Fireman’s Fairs.  

6.  No commercial district was allowed in Wanamassa until 1920 because residents thought it would hurt the character of the area.

7.  The Wanamassa building boom surged after World War II, when veterans came looking for affordable housing.  Brower Homes was one of the largest builders of Cape Cod-style homes.

8.  During the mid-1900’s, the end of Logan Road, a dirt road at the time, was considered “Lovers Lane”.

9.  The soda fountain at Kuskan Pharmacy, on Wickapecko Drive, was the meeting place of-choice for local youth.

“Every kid in town would ride their bikes to Kuskan’s and stay for hours,” said Barbara Metcalf, Museum volunteer and former Asbury Park Baby Parade Princess.  “That sense of community still remains here today.” 

Many thanks and hugs to all the wonderful volunteers at the Ocean Township Historical Museum, most especially Howard Richmond and Barbara Metcalf. 

The museum is a treasure and delight to visit.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S #1 FEATURES SITE

ARTSCAP’S MINI-GOLF OUTING: PHOTO EXCLUSIVE

In General Features on September 24, 2009 at 3:58 am

ArtsCAP held its first charity golf outing fundraiser on the boardwalk at the Asbury Eighteen miniature golf course Sunday afternoon.

“This was the first time I played golf all summer,” said Joe Guidetti, Asbury Park resident.  “It’s also the most fun I have had all summer.”

Awards and winners of the tournament were “Lowest Score,” Asbury Park Press; “Highest Score,” Asbury Park Housing Authority; “Hole in One,” Fire Chief Kevin Keddy; “Best Cheering Section,” Housing Authority. 

All photos copyright Alan Barnett Photography.

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Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

28+ HOME YARD SALE TO BENEFIT “ELEVENTH HOUR” ANIMAL SHELTER

In General Features, Gifts and Products on September 17, 2009 at 4:04 am

Next Saturday (Sept. 26), Asbury Park will host its first city-wide yard sale benefitting Rescue Ridge animal shelter – an “eleventh hour” shelter taking in many dogs and cats scheduled to be euthanized by other shelters.  TheBPlot has your exclusive first look at the listing of homes participating in the sale. 

“The host sites listed below have signed up to hold a yard sale and have pledged to give at least ten-percent of their gross sales to a unique local animal shelter, Rescue Ridge,” said Sonja O’Brien, tireless organizer of the sale and Asbury Park resident.  “I invite everyone to spend a fun day, shopping at the yard sales and to pick up some treasures for a great cause.”

 … Yard Sale Locations …

West of Railroad Tracks:

2 Sunset (at Comstock), 1404 Fourth Avenue, 1128 First Avenue, 1407 Fourth Avenue (Asbury Park memorabilia), 1104 Fifth Avenue (animal adoption site), 1217 Fourth Avenue, 1106 Fifth Avenue, 914 Central Avenue, 1108 Fourth Avenue, 1035 Summerfield Avenue (mult-host site), 1304 Comstock

East of Railroad Tracks:

409 Second Avenue, 209 Seventh (corner of Webb / multi-host site), 511 Third Avenue, 604 Seventh Avenue, 502 Fourth Avenue, 1407 Park Avenue (off of Sixth Avenue), 709 Fourth Avenue, 706 Eighth Avenue, 306 Fifth Avenue, 708 Eighth Avenue, 502 Sixth Avenue, 907 Emory, 514 Sixth Avenue, 1504 Emory, 705 Sixth Avenue (animal adoption site), 401 Sewall Avenue, 804 Sixth Avenue

So major Asbury Park City-Wide Yard Sale: Saturday, September 26th, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – no early birds.


View Larger Map

To learn more about Rescue Ridge, visit:  www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ220.html.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

“MILLION DOLLAR BILL ASBURY PARK” VIDEO HOTTIES TALK: EXCLUSIVE

In Celebs, General Features on September 17, 2009 at 4:00 am

you tube groupRarely is there feel-goodness, pure joy and wonderful frivolity set to song the way six guys from New York City – one with a home in Asbury Park – did here Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

New Yorkers Adam MacLean, Chris Bush, Chris Lucia, Jeffrey Kummer, Brian Matthew Maloney and John Barbato (Asbury Park homeowner) produced a fun, dancey, sexy, bubblegum-pop and energetically choreographed three-minute summer homage music video with Whitney Houston’s new song “Million Dollar Bill” and are now an unqualified internet sensation – taking Asbury Park with them on their internet whirlwind.      

FORGET MORRO CASTLE, ASBURY’S OWN TITANIC…A KEYLESS PROPRIETOR…OCEAN GROVE SHOP’S HYSTERICAL PHOTO-SHOPPED PHOTO…MONIKER RHYMES WITH ‘RICH’…NASTY ‘NURSE JACKIE’ HABIT…LESBIAN LOVE THROW-DOWN…DIAMONDS ARE A DOGS BEST FRIEND & MORE IN “YOU SAY WHO” RIGHT NOW.

“We saw it was going to be a wet and lazy day so we wanted to create a fun memento in the spirit of the last weekend of the summer in the city that we all think is amazing,” said Adam MacLean. 

Their video, “Million Dollar Bill Asbury Park” was inspired by another gaggle of gays in the Fire Island Pines who produced a summer homage video (“Party in the F.I.P.”) a few weeks ago using Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” which now boasts more than one-million views and counting.

The energy of friendship (most have been friends since high school) and playfulness combined with a hot song and the visual background of Asbury Park’s Fifth Avenue, John’s lakefront porch, the Paradise pool, the boardwalk and the Casino leap through your computer screen while the video plays on. 

It’s the force of Asbury Park at its most festive.

“Each of us took turns choreographing, directing and holding the camera,” said Adam, who, with Brian, is part of a New York City dance company called “From the Desk of Sarah Seely”.  “We were a bunch of producing divas bossing each other around and it came together organically.  We especially love the kite flying in the background when we are on the Boardwalk and the ‘Casino Walk’ we did.”

The guys – each one with a smoking bod – saunter in skimpy box-cut bathing suits and multi-color Wayfarer sunglasses through most of the video.  In a nod to Whitney’s film “The Bodyguard” Adam also wears a white scarf around his head.

“Whitney’s new song was our choice because she is having a comeback (the CD debuted at Number 1 on Monday) and so is Asbury Park,” said Adam, who edited the video for seven hours prior to its debut last Tuesday.  “The boardwalk is the most iconic place in town to us – so we combined two icons: Whitney Houston and Asbury Park and can not believe the response.”

The video – posted last Tuesday - had sixty thousand views on YouTube (as of 6 pm yesterday) and growing. 

Views and comments are from all over the U.S. and internationally, including Spain and England – creating fab grass-roots publicity for Asbury Park.

“The emails from strangers are hysterical,” said Adam.  “Some people want to date us.  Some comment on my freakishly tall height.  Some praise the City and beach – I think the other guys are just too short.  A producer from Wendy Williams Show said they were reviewing it.  A lot say that Jeff is the best dancer and of course, there are some haters out there too.”

Forget the haters and enjoy life.  Oh, and…err…sorry everybody– all the guys are spoken for. 

Watch the music video over and over – it will make you smile.  For great stills from the video click here.

Whitney’s just-released (2 pm yesterday) beautiful “Million Dollar Bill” video below.  It’s beyond wonderful to see her back so strong and looking like a billion dollars.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

“MILLION DOLLAR BILL ASBURY PARK” VIDEO SHOTS

In General Features, Photo Feature on September 17, 2009 at 3:58 am

you tube car

you tube ScreenCap1

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Click here for The Coaster and TheBPlot’s exclusive interview with the six guys who made the video. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

INSPIRED HOME NAMES

In General Features on September 10, 2009 at 4:00 am

As I settled into the area almost five years ago, I noticed some homes proudly touted fun, dramatic and creative monikers.

No one I spoke with knows how the trend began, however it’s a swell idea and adds another layer of charm to our city.   

I spoke with a few Asbury Park homeowners regarding the genesis of their home’s name.  Click here for the exclusive photos. 

Kelshore:

SOAP OPERA-WORTHY SCANDAL AT A BELMAR RESTAURANT… AN ANDERSON COOPER BREAK-UP…HOT TUB LOVE TURBULANCE… ‘POCKET’ GAY ASBURY INTERNET STAR…WHITNEY HOUSTON, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE BLACK CROWS…ALL IN “YOU SAY WHO” THIS WEEK 

“Many of the places I was fond of in Tulsa, Oklahoma growing up, had names, some derived from the owners names or the land,” said Kevin Kelly, Kelshore’s owner.  “In following the history of the Jersey Shore, I learned that property naming in past generations, was not uncommon, so I welcomed the idea to name this huge financial gamble, make it mine, make it last.  

“One of the most spectacular named properties in my youth, is a 27,000 square foot Italian Renaissance Mansion in Tulsa, Philbrook – which, my grandmother served as one of the interior decorators (currently an Art Museum).  Philbrook was owned by the Phillips family – of Phillips 66 Petroleum – and built in the roaring 20’s.  

“The mansion is on a spectacular plot, on a meandering brook, thus named Philbrook.  My home, Kelly on the shore – Kelshore.  Not as euphonious as Philbrook nor grand however a place I hope the family and others enjoy now and after I am gone, with a name that conjures happy memories.”

Casa Blanca:“It is named Casablanca for two reasons,” said Les Phillips, who with his partner Julion St. Croix purchased their home in 2004.  “One was that we planned for the exterior of the home, outside furnishings and flower beds would be white – Casa Blanca (White House).  Also, the Casablanca Lilly is our favorite flower.”

Joya del Mar:

“We named the place ‘Joya del Mar’ (Jewel of the Sea) as a paean to Asbury Park’s moniker ‘Jewel of the Atlantic’ two years ago,” said Robert Calabrese who owns the property with his partner Scott, his business partner Jan and his sister Patti.

Buttercup Manor:

“We heard, six years ago, when we purchased our house, that residents were naming their homes,” said Charlie Maffei, husband of Gary Maffei.  “Since my nickname was ‘Buttercup’, we decided to name our home Buttercup Manor.  The house is now yellow and we usually don’t even have to tell someone our address.  We just tell them Buttercup Manor and they know it’s the yellow house on the corner.” 

Nowanden Manor

“We named our house ‘Nowanden Manor’ because we bought it as a vacation and eventual retirement home, meaning that at this point we are there only now-and-then,” said Brian Kaufman.

Briefly:  Major yard sale alert – Sonja O’Brien is organizing a city-wide yard sale Saturday, Sept. 26, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Rescue Ridge animal shelter (click here for TheBPlot article). 

Sellers who sign-up will be included in the map of sales, permit acquisition and more.  And if you can’t sell…shop!

Email Sonja ASAP for more info: obriensonja@aol.com.   

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: HOMES WITH INSPIRED NAMES

In General Features, Photo Feature on September 10, 2009 at 3:58 am

Photos of some of the great Asbury Park homes named by their owners.  Read TheBPlot’s “Homes with Inspired Names” for the backstory.

KELSHORE

KELSHORE

JOYA DEL MAR

JOYA DEL MAR

CASA BLANCA

CASA BLANCA

BUTTERCUP MANOR

BUTTERCUP MANOR

WHAT ARE THESE HOTTIES SINGING ABOUT?  THE ANSWER IN "YOU SAY WHO" AND AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THEM NEXT WEEK.

WHAT ARE THESE HOTTIES SINGING ABOUT? THE ANSWER IN "YOU SAY WHO" AND AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THEM NEXT WEEK.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

KATHY GRIFFIN’S “BOOK CLUB SELECTION”

In Books, Celebs on September 10, 2009 at 3:58 am

As of Tuesday, with the launch of her first book “Official Book Club Selection” (Ballantine), comic Kathy Griffin can now add the title of “author” to her long list of credits.  The book will absolutely be a best seller – its funny, revealing and dishy.  It took two beach days to read the book because its so damn funny.  Plus, Kathy gives the reader tons of never before seen photos from her personal collection. 

Kathy also strives to educate the reader, explaining, “Only in this book will you learn how the dinner table is the best training ground for a stand-up career…and how speaking your mind can bite you in the ass and buy you a house.”

Even the Table of Contents (below) is revealing…she is taking people down

I met Kathy yeeearrs ago during my time at Howard Stern and again after her show in Morristown, NJ.  (Afterwards, I emailed her agent in California for an autographed photo and never heard back…bitch.) 

Her Morristown show was at the moment when Kathy Lee Gifford and Frank finally spoke with Barbara Walters about Frank’s affair.  Kathy played five minutes of the interview on a huge screen, adding the colorful commentary she’s famous for as Barbara tossed the softball questions.  Hysterical. 

 

She’ll be returning to ”Howard Stern Show” on Sirius, September 9 and “The View” this September 18 (after being banned from the show twice by Barbara Walters personally) – sitting her well-lipoed ass in Elizabeth Hasselback’s chair, while Elizabeth further crowds the Earth’s population with another child. 

  

Foreword: Dear Oprah

Chapter 1: The Littlest Gossip Girl

Chapter 2: Growing Up Griffin

Chapter 3: They Barked, They Laughed

Chapter 4: Kenny

Chapter 5: LA Is My Lady

Chapter 6: To Live and Bomb in LA

Chapter 7: Hot Cup O’ Talk

Chapter 8: I’m a Star! (Okay, A Guest Star)

Chapter 9: Brooke Shields, Don’t Read This

Chapter 10: Talk Shows: Let the Banning Begin

Chapter 11: From Worcester MA to Dick: Stories from the Road

Chapter 12: Nip Fuc###

Chapter 13: Reinventing Myself: I’m Just Like Madonna!

Chapter 14: Reality Check

Chapter 15: My Marriage Begins

Chapter 16: My Marriage Ends

Chapter 17: Fanning Flames in Hollywood, And Yes I Mean Dakota

Chapter 18: A Win, A Loss

Chapter 19: The Wizard of Woz

Chapter 20: Paris Hilton Changed My Life

More at Kathy’s site – KathyGriffin.net

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S #1 FEATURES SITE

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: JOSS AND GAVIN IN ASBURY PARK

In Celebs, Photo Feature on September 3, 2009 at 4:04 am
JOSS AND GAVIN FROLIC IN ASBURY'S SURF

JOSS AND GAVIN FROLIC IN ASBURY'S SURF BEFORE THE BAREFOOT WINE-SPONSORED CONCERT

GAVIN IS EVEN HOTTER IN PERSON

GAVIN IS EVEN HOTTER IN PERSON

GAVIN ROCKS CONVENTION HALL

GAVIN ROCKS CONVENTION HALL

JOSS IS SOOOO SWEET AND SMART

JOSS IS SOOOO SWEET AND SMART

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE

BAREFOOT THROUGH THE BEACHFRONT WITH JOSS STONE

In Celebs, General Features on September 3, 2009 at 4:00 am

Last Saturday, despite Hurricane Danny’s wet efforts, the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Concert – a “thank you” concert for the Surfrider volunteers who spent the soggy day cleaning our beautiful beachfront – blew everyone away with performances by Grammy nominees Joss Stone and Gavin DeGraw (“I Don’t Want to Be”)

Before taking the stage at Convention Hall (my absolute favorite place to see a concert), singer and activist, the beautiful and soulful Joss, took a moment to answer some of my pressing questions.

MEETING IN THE STEAMROOM…WATERMARK’S GREY GARDENS CONNECTION…A NEW GREY GARDENS PRODUCTION…TEX LOGAN, GLORIA GAYNOR, FELIPE ROSE AND…A FLOGGING BUSINESSMAN…ALL IN ‘YOU SAY WHO’ THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

TBP:  It’s so fab to have you in Asbury Park honoring the wonderful volunteers who tidied up our beach on this muggy, rainy day.  Do you have any great beach memories to share?

Joss:  Going to Putsborough (beach in the UK on the coast of North Devon) when I was young with my siblings and good friend Bonnie.  I loved going to the beach then and still do.  

TBP:  How have you seen the loss of Michael Jackson effect the music industry? 

Joss:  It’s affected the music industry as much as when we lost James Brown.  It is very sad but his music still lives on. 

TBP:  What was your fave Michael Jackson Song?

Joss:  All of Michael’s songs are great.

TBP:  I wrote recently that a friend was at Whitney Houston’s listening party for her new CD (see “Whitney’s Back Baby”), where Whitney announced to the audience that if she was not singing again she would “be selling fruit from a stand somewhere in the Caribbean” with her daughter.  Seriously.  If you were not a musician and singer, what would you be doing?

Joss:  I’d be a carpenter, midwife, potter or baker.

TBP:  Interesting.  You are a vegetarian – its one of the things I admire most about you.  Every vegetarian I have met has stunning skin, shiny hair and sparkling eyes, as do you.  Any advice for people considering the vegetarian lifestyle?

Joss:  I would say just stop eating meat…it’s really not that hard.  It’s just food. 

TBP:  You don’t seem like the rock-star Jaegermeister-swilling type of gal.  I envision you delicately holding a glass of sparkling wine.  What type of wine is in your cellar?

Joss:  It depends on what kind of moment it is.  I lean more towards Barefoot Wine’s white wine but then sometimes I like red.  Sometimes, with my friends, we mix the two together and have a rose. 

TBP:  What’s the funniest item in your contract rider?

Joss:  My foot spa – so I can clean my feet after I get off stage.  (Joss is known to perform barefoot…very beachy).

TBP:  My friend Emily Manni just loves you in Showtime’s “The Tudors”, playing the role of Anne of Cleves.  Any scoop?  Jonathan Rhys Meyers is so painfully hot.

Joss:  I’ll be back in “The Tudors” soon.   

TBP:  Busy lady…you have a CD on deck to release, too.

Joss:  Yes, maybe in October is the word I hear, but this could change.

TBP:  You have a huge following in the GLBTI community.  Would you like to say anything to your gays in Asbury Park?

Joss:  Thanks for your support.  Be you – regardless of anyone else.  Just be you. 

TBP:  So well put.  Actually, I think you should put that to song.  Thanks Joss.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S #1 FEATURES SITE

SPRINGSTEEN’S “BORN TO RUN” HOME FOR SALE

In Celebs, General Features on September 3, 2009 at 3:58 am

springsteen photoAs written by David Willis in the Asbury Park Press (9/1/09):

The small house at 7 1/2 West End Court in Long Branch where one-time renter Bruce Springsteen wrote “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road” and other songs on the “Born to Run” album is up for sale for $299,000.

The house came on the market this past weekend, said Susan McLaughlin, an agent with Keller Williams Realty.

The one-level home, built in the traditional southern shotgun-style, is 928 square feet, has high ceilings, two bedrooms, living room, galley kitchen and one bathroom. “It has a sweet front porch, a dear little front porch behind a hedge,” McLaughlin said. There’s also a small private backyard with a patio.

“It has a newer bathroom and it is in essentially the same condition that it was when Bruce lived there in 1974, 1975,” McLaughlin said.

According to “Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore” by Jean Mikle, a reporter at the Asbury Park Press, and Stan Goldstein, an editor at the Star Ledger, Springsteen wrote “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Backstreets” and many other songs on the iconic album at 7 1/2 West End Court.

“During the “Tunnel of Love’ tour (in 1988), Bruce would talk about how he was sitting on the edge of his bed and wrote “Born to Run’ while living here,” the two wrote.

McLaughlin’s phone has been ringing off the hook since it became known that a home with a Springsteen connection was up for sale. “The locals have always known about it,” she said of the home’s lore.

The home’s provenance is important in marketing the house, she said. “As locals and old friends of Bruce, we don’t want to capitalize on that,” McLaughlin said. “We have to make sure it doesn’t turn into a free for all.”

She has received interest from potential buyers and is requiring buyer prequalification before showing it.

“I am going to be very busy over the next couple of days showing it,” McLaughlin said.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT = THE AREA’S MOST-READ FEATURES SITE