WAWY Night Two: Asbury Park’s Annual After Party Keeps Community Center Stage

Jan 2

Thanks, WAWY Hosts—Meagg E Moon and Mike Theodore

What a Wonderful Year, better known around town as WAWY, returned to Wonder Bar for its ninth annual run, and Sunday night, December 28th, proved once again why this event has become a cornerstone of the Asbury Park music calendar. Tagged as “Asbury Park’s annual after party,” night two kicked off right at 6:00 pm and never lost momentum, with ten bands rotating seamlessly between the Main Stage and the Showcase Stage inside the longtime venue.

Walking through the doors early, the tone for the night was immediately set. Matt “Fern” Fernicola and Jim Lenskold were among the first familiar faces I ran into, both going out of their way to make sure media, bands, and crew had everything they needed. These are the kinds of details that make WAWY feel less like a festival and more like a family reunion that just happens to be expertly organized. Jim proudly shared that night one had run on time from start to finish, a small detail that speaks volumes when you are hosting twenty acts over two nights.

By the time the first notes rang out, the room was already packed. It did not matter that it was a Sunday night. The crowd was loud, enthusiastic, and full of recognizable faces from every corner of the local scene, whether they were stepping on stage or cheering from the floor. Acts like Des and the Swagmatics, Alexander Simone, Kiaura Rose, Teen Idle, En Delirium, Izzy Miz, Emma Engel, mxtchxll, Leah Voysey, and International Superstar Robin delivered a nonstop celebration of the diversity and depth of Asbury Park talent.

One of the most memorable through lines of the night came courtesy of Joe Pomarico and his now legendary cowbell, popping up for impromptu percussion moments that pushed already energetic songs into full-on communal celebrations. Another standout moment saw Alexander Simone begin with a stripped-down Showcase Stage set that later evolved into a Main Stage mashup with Des and the Swagmatics, once again with Joe Pom adding his unmistakable touch.

Beyond the music, WAWY remains a celebration of everyone who makes this scene thrive. The bands, the organizers, the sponsors, the venue staff, the photographers, and most importantly the audience that shows up all year long. I was even invited on stage for the later toast, a perfect vantage point to capture the true stars of the night, the crowd itself.

Asbury Park Vibes photographer Doug Dresher captured the magic of night one, and his gallery is already live. Night two was a ringing success for the bands, the town, and the charities this event continues to support. Now it is on to 2026. I cannot wait to see what the tenth anniversary of What a Wonderful Year brings next December. Thanks to everyone who made this weekend unforgettable.