Rockit Academy musicians recently participated in a special Juneteenth celebration, opening for the Asbury Park African-American Music Project (AP-AMP) presentation of “Springwood Avenue Sounds.” The event, held at Blackbird Community Gardens as part of the North to Shore Festival, highlighted the powerful connection of bridging generations through music.
Rockit Academy executive director, Bruce Gallipani, expressed immense honor at being invited by AP-AMP to open the event and contribute to Asbury Park’s vibrant African American live music scene, “It’s great seeing our students out in the community learning about Asbury Park’s musical heritage. What’s better than fostering community through ilve music performance?” The students’ community service experience extended beyond their performance, as most stayed to enjoy the captivating saxophone of Reggie Harris and the vibrant sounds of Gregg “Toogie” Bouie & Friends. During sound check, they had the unique opportunity to hear first hand stories from AP-AMP legacy musicians – “living treasures” who once filled Springwood Avenue with rhythm and soul. This intimate gathering shared tales of resilience and celebration that have profoundly shaped Asbury Park’s identity. Through “Springwood Avenue Sounds,” the Asbury Park African-American Music Project crafted not just a performance, but an immersive journey through time, where every note honored the past and inspired the future of the city’s rich musical heritage.
