Last month, Asbury Park held its musical celebration known as Sea Hear Now. Headlining on Saturday the 14th was Noah Kahan. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were the main focus on Sunday. 

Many people from the South community either attended or worked at the festival. Mrs. Haar, a teacher at High School South, worked as a bartender and cocktail server alongside friends and her daughter. “We worked in the VIP Platinum viewing lounge which was elevated three flights above the main surf stage. The view was fantastic as we were able to see and hear the entire show up close and personal,” Haar remarked. By the end of those two days, Mrs. Haar had worked a total of 28 hours, walking 26 miles. She said that the hard work was completely worth it; she got to be surrounded by kind people and got to watch the show when they were finished working by 10pm. The tiring job paid off in the end when she had a memorable weekend, and her daughter was able to take a trip to Spain with the money she made. 

As for those who were at the event solely to take in the view and music, everyone I spoke with had an overall positive experience. One friend really enjoyed watching Kool and The Gang live since it was their first time seeing them perform. While this person wasn’t in the VIP section, they still felt a “great energy” throughout the entire festival. Junior Julia A was also there to watch the musicians, with Noah Kahan being her favorite. Multiple sources explained that the event was very crowded; however, they still found it incredibly enjoyable. 

In life nothing is perfect, but it’s important to focus on the brighter side. You only live once and what will you remember more? Spending a night doing nothing, or getting to watch one of your favorite musicians, on the beach, surrounded by friends and family? Personally, I’d choose the latter.