The summer wind....

The soft scent of salty air drifted through the air this Labor Day weekend in Monmouth county and throughout New Jersey. For some, it marks the end of summer...for others, like Cha Cha, it's the start of "local summer." The sweet spot from September through October when most tourists have returned home, school starts and people are too busy to hit the beach on the weekends.

One of my favorite places to visit off season and peak season is The Seafarer in Highlands. The Seafarer opened in 2017 on the water facing Sandy Hook. It features a water-front beach bar, a sandy floor, a food truck and live music. It's very low-key, chill type of vibe. In the cooler months before it closes for the season, you can sit by a firepit while catching some tunes. I've spent more days and nights here than I care to admit, but I can't help myself. It's a great place. I've been around Monmouth County long enough to remember that The Clam Hut resided here first and I used to catch live music there. Unfortunately, if I recall correctly, The Clam Hut was a casualty of Hurrican Sandy in 2012.

Usually, you can catch an acoustic act at The Seafarer but sometimes a full 5-piece (or more) bands hit the deck - a newer addition in the last few years. But one musician made their debut in a BIG way this past Labor Day weekend. Remember Jones did a pop-up surprise show at The Seafarer on Sunday. If you don't know who Remember Jones is, you better check yo self. Remember Jones, a NJ native, has been described many times as a "soul sensation." But he's so much more - singer, entertainer, band leader, showman and wildly popular. He doesn't just sing some songs - he and his band put on an electrifying show. He gives 1970s Elton John vibes with his colorful wardrobe and oversized glasses. I'm here for it

I have been dying to see Remember Jones but the timing is never right. The stars aligned this weekend. He brought his full band - horn section and all - to The Seafarer. As I sauntered my way through the crazy busy crowd at Seafarer (I had to park about four blocks away), it wasn't Remember Jones I saw first. It was the glow and sparkle of bright orange sequined platform heels. As I looked up, I was pleasantly surprised to see the beautiful and insanely talented JaQuita May performing alongside Remember Jones. Talk about a two for one treat. I've been a fan of JaQuita May for many years when I first saw her performing with Brian Kirk and the Jirks and then saw her perform in Summer of Love. Her and Jones pair perfectly to create magic on stage backed by a full band.

I was able to catch most of the first set and caught videos of Don't Stop Me Now and I Love You Always and Forever (over at Instagram) but it was just too crowded to get close again unfortunately. The set list is widely varied and appeals to everyone who wants to get up and dance. This was such an awesome way to catch him up close (even if for just one song) at The Seafarer. I can't wait to see Remember Jones (and JaQuita) again. All I can say is wow. I LOVED IT.

You can catch Remember Jones at his upcoming Bat Out of Hell Live shows coming up in October in South Orange and Red Bank. Buy soon - it WILL sell out.