The Dynamic Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones Headline Asbury Lanes As Part of North to Shore
What a difference a year makes. At the last Prudential North to Shore Festival, Emerson Woolf could be found performing on Cookman Ave as part of Asbury Underground. This year’s festival featured the dynamic singer/songwriter headlining Asbury Lanes with her group The Wishbones. This was more than deserved as the band has been one of the rising stars of the Asbury Park music scene since they formed two years ago. And Friday night’s show demonstrated why that’s the case.
Woolf’s style is a combination of Americana and indie pop, and her songs are full of emotion and engaging autobiographical stories (with some lyrics you’d expect in a punk rock song). They kicked their set off with “Somebody Still Loves You Barbara”, which works really well in the leadoff spot, and sounded so damn good ‘til the final note of “Monsoon”. Big things hopefully lie ahead for this talented group of musicians. They head out on tour next month and are currently raising funds for a van so they can do so more often.
The show included two other veterans of the Jersey Shore music scene. Hailing from Bayhead, NJ, singer James Dalton gave an intimate performance by table light, telling stories with his guitar and harmonica. The night kicked off with the excellent debut of the Ryan Gregg Trio playing a set of original material, including songs from Gregg’s debut album Hustling in Place.
Don’t hesitate to see any of these talented artists live if you get a chance. Until then, be sure to check out their work wherever you stream your music.
Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones
James Dalton
Ryan Gregg Trio
Coverage from June 20, 2025 at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ.
All photos are © Michael Campanile Photography and cannot be used without permission.
