Fading Into Gray: Asbury Park Rocker Jon Caspi Returns to Punk Influenced Roots

ASBURY PARK, NJ, March 03, 2011

In the latter half of the '70s, many rock and roll fans were beginning to think that rock music was losing it's edge; that sense if rebellion which propelled it in the '50s and '60s was giving way to corporate bands, sappy ballads, and even disco. Thankfully, a new variation called punk rock entered the scene to save the day. Decades later, that same spirit of the early days of punk is still going strong, even if many of the artists are fading to gray. The idea of moshing may be long gone for this crowd, but Jon Caspi and The First Gun will prove that the original punk spirit is still alive when they headline a show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ on Saturday, March 5.

Jon Caspi and the First Gun are touring in support of "Strange Situation", the band's latest record which was released last year. Mixing a bit of punk with the pop/rock style Caspi is known for, "Strange Situation" appeared on the Top Ten lists of 2010 by many rock critics. Their set will include a mix of their new songs and popular favorites.

The show also contains appearances by the legendary New Jersey rockers The Trash Mavericks, the Hipshots, PK Lavengood Band, and Prison Bound, a Social Distortion cover band.

Admission is $10. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is for 21 and up only. The Wonder Bar is located at 1213 Ocean Ave in Asbury Park, NJ. For more information visit http://www.wonderbarasburypark.com .

Here's the complete lineup for the night:
8pm The Trash Mavericks http://www.trashmavericks.com/
9pm The Hipshots http://www.thehipshots.com/
10pm Jon Caspi & The First Gun http://www.JonCaspi.com
11:10pm Prison Bound (a social distortion tribute band)
12:10am PK Lavengood Band http://www.myspace.com/guitpk

Jon Caspi & The First Gun share the roots of other Asbury Park, NJ notables such as Bruce Springsteen, the Gaslight Anthem, and The Bouncing Souls. They just released Strange Situation with a sold out multimedia show in an Asbury Park theater in early October, 2010, and appearances on top album of 2010 lists. JC&TFG plan on a vinyl release and to begin touring in 2011.

Lead singer Jon Caspi has been a longstanding figure on the U.S. national college radio scene. His latest project is The First Gun and is a return to his indie/punk roots. His music has charted on CMJ Top 100, and has appeared on TV, MTV, in films, and on stage (in musical theater productions). He has performed with Bruce Springsteen and opened for many international acts. He has been nominated for multiple Asbury Music Awards, has received much critical acclaim, and has even had a sandwich named after him by his hometown diner.