Rock! Joshua Van Ness and Friends at The Saint in Asbury Park NJ

Jersey rock mainstay Joshua Van Ness performs at The Saint, celebrating the release of his new record, DNA. Formerly a member of bands including Souls’ Release, The Crayons, Van Ness, and Brother Jenkins, Joshua put together a supergroup of local rockers to accompany him at this event: Jonathan Andrew (Mike Ferraro and The Young Republicans, formerly of Souls’ Release), Joe Beninati (Dacks, Almost Lucile, Alison Cipris and many others), Eric Blakenship (formerly of Brother Jenkins and The Original Swingers), and Marty O’Kane (Spiraling, April Smith & The Big Picture Show).

Jonathan Andrew (my awesome husband) performs his song “Me and Someone Else” with Joshua Van Ness and Friends at the DNA record release party at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ.

Formerly a member of Souls’ Release with Joshua, Jonathan played bass on many of DNA’s tracks. Jonathan’s current projects include What’s Yours Is Mine, the newest release by Mike Ferraro and the Young Republicans, and Arrivals and Departures, his solo debut.

Marty O’Kane joined Joshua Van Ness onstage for the release of DNA, Van Ness’ debut solo album.

I first saw Spiraling (then dubbed You Were Spiraling) open up for They Might Be Giants at The Tradewinds in the late 90s.

From www.spiraling.net

“Spiraling’s own history begins in the waning days of the twentieth century, when Tom Brislin, keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter, joined up with bassist Bob Hart to form You Were Spiraling. After releasing a self-produced eponymous debut, the group caught the attention of They Might Be Giants’ John Flansburgh, who released the band’s next effort, The Hello CD, under the imprint of his Hello Recording Club. After touring the world as a keyboardist for both Meat Loaf and Yes, Brislin revamped his original band concept, dropped two syllables, and added two new members: guitarist Marty O’Kane and drummer Paul Wells. As Spiraling, this lineup toured in support of a number of marquee bands, including OK Go, Live, They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes, Hot Hot Heat, and many more. The group has also toured Japan as both the opener and backing band for Atlantic recording artist Marion Raven, and, more recently, backed up pop legend Deborah Harry on her 2007 American tour.”

Former Brother Jenkins members Eric Blankenship, Billy Brucker, and Joshua Van Ness reunite for the first time in over a decade on stage as part of Van Ness’ record release party at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ.