We had a chance to catch up with Mike Noordzy from Mothguts and Cody McCorry from We Used to Cut the Grass to talk about this upcoming show. The two of them collaborated on two sound pieces that set the tone for our discussion. While what they performed is not what they will be playing at the show, Mike and Cody are two truly inspired and creative people who represent the best of Asbury Park!

https://apboardwalk.com/news/events/mothguts-we-used-to-cut-the-grass/

MOTHGUTS

Mothguts is a New Jersey–based instrumental quartet known for smashing together the worlds of death metal, free jazz, grunge, grindcore, noise, and sludge into a relentless sonic assault. Founded in 2005, the band has carved out a reputation for fearless experimentation, chaotic energy, and a sound that refuses to be contained by genre.

The lineup features Mike Noordzy on bass, Ben Ross on drums, Anthony Ware on alto saxophone, and Chris Welcome on guitar. Together, they’ve cultivated a brutal yet boundary-defying aesthetic, marked by blistering improvisation and crushing heaviness.

Now celebrating their 20th anniversary, Mothguts remains a singular force in the underground, revered for their uncompromising creativity and blistering live shows. Two decades in, the band continues to blur boundaries and challenge listeners with music that is as punishing as it is visionary.

WE USED TO CUT THE GRASS

We Used to Cut the Grass is a shapeshifting experimental ensemble led by composer/bassist Cody McCorry, most frequently appearing as a 10-piece band known for heavy brass and two tightly synchronized drum kits. Heavily inspired by the likes of Frank Zappa, John Zorn and Sun Ra, the band has roots in the blurred zone between progressive rock and jazz fusion, but has since stretched further into post-rock and experimental endeavors, reaching from orchestral/chamber works to absurdist sound collage. The group’s sophomore album, “We Used to Cut the Grass #2,” is the follow up to their similarly self-titled album released in 2022. It has been described by math rock periodical Fecking Bahamas as “a much needed joyride.” On the album and its composer, Prog Critique has this to say: “I don’t know if he’s a genius or a brilliant madman… [the album] surprises, it disorients, as much as it captivates… have we ever seen a band cover such a rich palette?”

MONO MEANS ONE

Mono Means One is a psychedelic prog trio and the brainchild of bassist and composer John Ferrara, best known as the bass player and co-founder of the acclaimed world fusion band “Consider the Source.” Mono Means One’s sound contains melancholic melodies, rich sonic textures with Drum ‘N’ Bass grooves and Mathrock sensibilities. Half composed and half improvised, the music is often dark, with moments of calm serenity and other times heavy, oscillating between chill grooves to almost unbearable intensity. Originally composed entirely on the bass guitar, John paired up with Rob Madore (Drums) and Isaac Young (Keys) to add intensely nuanced beats with futuristic colorful sonic textures. All three members produce a sound that is powerful and unique all to their own.

Ferrara has been dubbed the “Unsung Genius” of bass tapping by bass sensation Charles Berthoud, is a teacher at Scotts Bass Lessons, and has been featured in Bass Magazine, NoTreble, Bass Musician magazine among many other publications.

Doors 7:00 PM
Show 8:00 PM

21+ admitted

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

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Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Lightning in a Bottle – A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes is a raw, intimate, and unfiltered photographic chronicle of one of New Jersey’s most beloved underground venues. Shot over 11 years by photographer Mike McLaughlin, the book captures the heart and soul of Asbury Lanes, in the heart of Asbury Park—a vintage bowling alley turned DIY music venue—before its redevelopment in 2015.

We had the opportunity to talk long-distance with Mike McLaughlin, a fantastic photographer with a catalog of images documenting "The Old" Asbury Lanes. Home to the party faithful and wayward souls, Asbury Lanes was, for a time, the coolest place to both play and spectate. Asbury Park's version of Max's Kansas City and CBGBs, The Lanes was a safe place for those who needed safe spaces to dance, sing, and create.

Mike talked about his start in photography and his time at Asbury Lanes. And like everything else in life, he talked about when it was time to move on, and somehow land in Italy.

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

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Erik Mason and his band brought “coastal soft rock” to life in this episode—cinematic indie with ‘70s roots and a hint of pink-sky Americana. We dug into the stories behind his songwriting, from the timeless influence of Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, and Neil Young to the way Jersey Shore places and people have shaped his band’s music.

With his latest EP Butterfly Effects, Erik explores how small choices and fleeting moments can set entire stories in motion. It follows his 2021 album The Tide—together showing a songwriter who’s both reflective and refreshingly grounded in authenticity.

One of the highlights was an incredible in-studio acoustic session—warm harmonies, tasteful piano, and reimagined, stripped-down versions that let the lyrics breathe. Tune in to this engaging episode to catch the acoustic performance and learn all about the Erik Mason Band.

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

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Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Our conversation with Monte Maybe flowed like one of her songs — intimate, energetic, and full of heart. Monte’s storytelling blends pop, folk, and country influences, grounded in her New Jersey roots, and you can hear it all over her 2025 debut album Jersey Devil — a record that stakes her claim in the NJ soundscape.

We dove deep into how she crafts songs from real-life experiences, how the New Jersey music scene shaped her voice, and how her live performances bring an intensity and connection that go beyond just singing on stage. Between reflections on Jersey Devil, the craft of songwriting, and the raw energy she brings at shows and her acoustic at our studio, this episode gives listeners a full portrait of Monte ... songwriter, performer, and rising star!

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Our conversation with Connor Bracken, frontman and guitarist of Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, was as electric as one of his live shows. We dug into the nuts and bolts of the music industry—what it really takes for a band to not just survive, but grow and thrive.

Connor spoke about his bandmates—drummer Rich Seyffart, guitarist Dee DiMeola, and bassist TJ Haefner—and how their shared dedication fuels everything they do. Their most recent EP, Don’t You Dare, captures the band’s raw sound and commitment to honest, hard-hitting rock. Connor’s songwriting process is rooted in feel and authenticity, focusing on what moves him in the moment rather than following formulas or trends.

Many of their albums are also released as live recordings, a reflection of how powerfully their energy translates from stage to record. With a collective drive that’s all-in and a work ethic forged on the Jersey Shore and beyond, this episode captures what it means to achieve success the honest way: through grit, teamwork, and an unshakable love for rock ’n’ roll.

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

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Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Jon Caspi and the First Gun have been gracing the Asbury Park (and local area) with their homegrown rock and roll. The band, made of the nicest fellows, came into the Asbury Park Vibes studio for an intimate three-song set. They also stuck around to chat about their new EP, AIRPORT PLAZA.

Caspi has been a longstanding figure in the NJ indie, singer/songwriter, alternative, and punk scenes. In the late 80s, he fronted the new wave band Bouncing Off Bob, which charted on the national college radio CMJ Top 100. He started as a solo artist in the early 2000s with the release of three albums, which received national radio play, and one was converted into a musical theater production with sold-out shows. His song This Town, about the town of Keyport, NJ, became a town “hit,” resulting in the local diner naming a sandwich after him, called “The Caspi Special.”

A compelling live artist and storyteller, Caspi, performs both with band and solo acoustic and has shared the stage with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, The Psychedelic Furs, The Gaslight Anthem, Glenn Tillbrook (Squeeze), The Smithereens, ~X~, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, The Dickies, Adolescents, The Wallflowers, The Alarm, & many more.

Please join Jon Caspi (vocals), Doug Lane (bass), Jimmie Mizell (drums), Pete Jager (guitar), and Bob Bailey-Lemansky (keys) as they talk about their new music and what it is like to be a band of such close friends.

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Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

We were already looking forward to our sit-down with The Band Palm, but the episode turned out to be so much more than we imagined. Their stripped-down acoustic performance was absolutely brilliant, setting the stage for a conversation that was equal parts engrossing, funny, and deeply introspective.

From stories about cool great-grandmothers, grandmothers and parents ... to the many interpretations of their band name, to the raw honesty of their lyricism and the undeniable synergy between members, every moment felt fresh and genuine. The chemistry in the room made it one of those interviews where you wish the mics could stay on for hours longer.

If you love music that sparks conversation as much as it entertains with beautiful melodies and catchy choruses, then this episode with The Band Palm is one you won’t want to miss.

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Burn in Tweed (Ronny Day - Guitar/Vox, Shane Dillon - Drums, Rebeca "Bexx" Qualls - Bass/B-Vox) is a new band with a very familiar face up front. The band, heavy with purpose, is locked in Ronny's introspective and narrative lyrics.

Ronny Day is an old-school throwback from the punk heyday of Long Branch and The Brighton Bar. Most would know Ronny from starting the moshpit. Now he has finally taken his place on the stage - and although you won't find me in the mosh pit (any more), I'm right there in spirit!

Here, Ronny talks about the band, how it came to be, and where he feels it could go. Additionally, we get a little peek into Ronny's stories of his many treks across North America.

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Asbury Park Vibes Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.