The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University is proud to announce a multi-act, two-night concert event celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Called Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us, the concerts will take place on June 4 and 5 at the OceanFirst Bank Center on the Monmouth campus, just prior to the grand opening of the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on June 13. This will be a major contribution to the national commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial and the cornerstone of the Springsteen Center’s grand opening celebrations.
Among the artists scheduled to perform over the two nights are Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Kenny Chesney, Gary Clark Jr., Dion, Dropkick Murphys, Shemekia Copeland, Valerie June, Keb’ Mo’, Nils Lofgren, Darlene Love, Public Enemy, David Sancious, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Trischka and Sister Sadie, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, Stevie Van Zandt, and Jimmie Vaughan. The Disciples of Soul will serve as the house band.
Each artist will perform landmark songs from American music history. Blues, bluegrass, rock, hip-hop, folk, jazz, country, and gospel are among the genres that will be represented. Narration will precede each performance, giving context to the artist, song, and genre celebrated. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us is a journey through American music history,” said Robert Santelli, executive director of the Springsteen Center and the concerts’ executive producer. “The concerts reflect everything the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music stands for: the power of music to bring people together, the rich and diverse treasury of American music as a mirror of our national culture, and the inspiration to think about our shared history in these divisive times.”
The concerts are a continuation of the Springsteen Center’s celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, which began in 2024 with the launch of the traveling exhibition, Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History. Music America is currently on display at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame in Boston.
“We’re honored to bring together some of the most celebrated performers of our time for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Eileen Chapman, director of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. “By uniting these artists on one stage, we’re creating an unforgettable experience that honors our past while inspiring the next generation who will shape our future.”
Frequently Asked Questions for Music America Concerts on June 4 & 5, 2026
TICKET INFORMATION:
I purchased tickets to Music America; where can I find them?
Do I need to arrive with my guests?
Yes. You and your guests will need to arrive and enter together.
Where do I enter the OceanFirst Bank Center?
The Main Entrance will be located just beyond the University’s large bronze hawk statue. There is a no-reentry policy.
I purchased a suite or am attending as a Suite holder’s guest. Where do I enter the OceanFirst Bank Center and how do I obtain my ticket?
If a current Suite purchaser or guest of a Suite purchaser, you will be you will be instructed to enter through the Suite/3rd Floor/ADA Entrance. Please follow the signs when approaching the OceanFirst Bank Center, which will lead you to the building’s Fitness Center entryway. Please bring your ID to retrieve your ticket and suite credential. This entrance will be open beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Where is the ADA Entrance?
If you purchased an ADA seat, you will be instructed to enter through the Suite/3rd Floor/ADA Entrance. Please follow the signs when approaching the OceanFirst Bank Center, which will lead you to the building’s Fitness Center entryway. This entrance will be open beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Where is the Box Office/Will Call located?
All purchased tickets should have a digital ticket for entry. However, if due to a special circumstance, you were previously instructed to retrieve your tickets as a printed ticket at Will Call, you can do so when doors open at the Box Office Will Call located to the right of the OceanFirst Bank Center’s Main Entrance. Please be prepared to show your ID for retrieval.
Can I receive a Ticket Refund or Exchange?
Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable, and non-exchangeable. I have additional ticket questions and/or concerns. Who do I contact? The Box Office staff can be reached at 732-263-6889. Call volume is currently high, so please expect a delay.
TRANSPORTATION/ARRIVAL/PARKING
What time do the doors open?
Where is the OceanFirst Bank Center located?
The OceanFirst Bank Center is located on the campus of Monmouth University. Please follow Concert Parking signs as you approach Monmouth University. Please utilize address: 100 Larchwood Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764.
Where do I park?
Utilize Monmouth University’s Larchwood Avenue entrance and park in the Main Campus Lot at: 100 Larchwood Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. On-street parking is prohibited.
Will I have to pay for parking?
Parking is free. Please bring your ID to retrieve your ticket and suite credential. This entrance will be open beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Am I allowed to tailgate in the parking lots?
No. Tailgating is strictly prohibited.
Is there public transportation nearby?
The closest NJ Transit Station is located at 320 3rd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740. The Long Branch Train Station follows the North Jersey Coast Line, and is located nearly 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) from the campus. There is a taxicab dispatch office at the train station for easy transportation to campus.
SECURITY/PROHIBITED ITEMS
What items can I bring into the OceanFirst Bank Center?
Purse and Bag Policy:
Clear bags must be exactly 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. Non-clear clutches are strictly capped at 4.5" x 6.5". All bags will be checked prior to entry.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: backpacks/bags; beverages; food; alcohol; drugs; smoking materials; cameras; video equipment; recording equipment; sharp or dangerous items (weapons, knives, spiked items, chains, fireworks, and mace); umbrellas; laser pointers; and skateboards.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I go outside and re-enter?
Are handicap accommodations available?
Yes. If you purchased an ADA seat, you will be instructed to enter through the Suite/3rd Floor/ADA Entrance. A companion ticket would have needed to be purchased in advance as well. Please follow the signs when approaching the OceanFirst Bank Center, which will lead you to the building’s Fitness Center entryway. This entrance will be open beginning at 6:30 p.m. Elevators are located in the southwest corner of the building.
Are ATM machines available?
No, there are no ATMs available in the OceanFirst Bank Center.
Food and Beverage
Snacks and drinks will be sold at concession areas located inside the OceanFirst Bank Center. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Debit and credit (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at the two main concession stands, but not at satellite kiosks. In order to be prepared, please bring multiple forms of payment including cash.
Alcohol Management
There will be a beer garden located on the second floor of the OceanFirst Bank Center. Alcohol cannot be consumed outside of this designated area. All guests will be required to show a valid photo ID to purchase alcohol. Management reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.
Children
Everyone who attends a show must have a ticket. We do not recommend bringing infants to performances. Strollers may not be brought in to the seating area of the venue.
First Aid
Medical staff will be on-site and prepared for any medical issues that arises.
Where can I pick-up lost and found items?
You can check with the Monmouth University Police Department (MUPD) Dispatch Desk at 732-571-4444 (extension 4444 from an on-campus telephone) to ask if your missing item has been found. You may claim recovered items at MUPD Headquarters with appropriate identification.
