The Asbury Park Music Awards make a triumphant return!
Beloved celebration of heralded music scene returns after a seven-year hiatus

The highly revered Asbury Park Music Awards are back, reigniting a long-standing tradition of celebrating the original artists who keep Asbury Park’s legendary music scene alive. The 2025 Awards will take place Fri., Feb. 20 at The Stone Pony.

Now presented by the Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF), the awards were originally founded in 1993 by Scott Stamper of the iconic venue The Saint and Peter Mantas, entertainment director of the former Langosta Lounge, and ran annually through 2018. Known as “the Heart of the Asbury Music Scene,” The Saint closed in 2022, and Stamper has now passed the torch to APMF with his full support.

The 2025 Asbury Park Music Awards will feature 31 categories, including New Music of the Year, Artist of the Year, Musician of the Year, and several Genre-Based Performer of the Year categories. In addition, four special awards will recognize standout music released during the event’s “gap years” from 2019 through 2024.

Nominations are open through Nov. 16, with finalists selected by a committee of local music community members. In January, a series of showcase events will highlight nominated artists across Asbury Park venues. Final voting will combine input from the judging committee, fans, and fellow musicians, culminating in the announcement of winners at the Feb. 20 awards show.

Produced by the Asbury Park Music Foundation, proceeds from the event will support APMF’s mission to provide life-changing music education to under-resourced youth.

Tickets: $25 in advance plus applicable surcharges, $30 at the door

Door 7:00, Show 7:30 to 11:30