Chris Pinnella Brings a Candlelit Orchestra Experience to North to Shore in Asbury Park
Photo by Ian Culley
Chris Pinnella will bring one of North to Shore’s most atmospheric Asbury Park events to the AP Rooftop’s Arthur Pryor Bandshell on Friday, June 19, 2026, with A Candlelit Evening with Chris Pinnella & 12-Piece Orchestra. The outdoor concert - which is sold out - begins at 7 p.m. and will surround Pinnella, his orchestra, and the audience with more than 1,000 flickering candles, creating a dramatic setting for a night of reimagined classics.
Pinnella, a New Jersey native and acclaimed vocalist known for his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has built a reputation for powerful, cinematic performances that blend rock, pop, classical, jazz, and theatrical arrangements. His official bio notes that he has performed with symphony orchestras around the country, led ensembles ranging from 8 to 15 players, toured North America and Europe with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and performed at venues including Birdland, The Rainbow Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, House of Independents, and NJPAC’s Prudential Center.
For his North to Shore performance, Pinnella will be joined by a 12-piece orchestra for a set that transforms familiar songs by artists including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and more. Rather than presenting straightforward covers, the show leans into lush, emotionally driven arrangements designed to reveal new layers in songs audiences already know.
The event will take place at AP Rooftop – Arthur Pryor Bandshell, located at 1200 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park. A full-service bar will be available with wine, beer, and cocktails, along with the AP Rooftop menu for purchase. The concert is general admission, with a limited number of VIP lounge tickets available for premium upfront seating. Guests may bring a cushion, blanket, or stadium chair, but beach chairs and chairs with legs will not be permitted. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, June 22.
Part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival, Pinnella’s candlelit concert adds a sweeping, orchestral moment to Asbury Park’s citywide lineup — one that feels intimate, theatrical, and distinctly suited to a summer night by the ocean.
