The Rising to Make Downtown Freehold Concert Series History

The Rising, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, has been selected to be the first and only tribute band to play in the Boss’ hometown at this week’s Downtown Freehold Thursday Concert Series.

Being Bruce’s hometown, you would think that during the past twelve years of Downtown Freehold's Thursday Concert Series that at least one Bruce Springsteen tribute band would have made it onto the Concert Series Stage in front of . However, none have passed the scrutiny that you would expect from the Downtown Freehold organizers, until now.

The Rising has been chosen to be the first and only tribute band to play Downtown Freehold Thursday Concert Series. There was no plan or submission to play the Concert Series, in fact totally random factors, such as the Mayor’s Ball in Asbury Park, a sound check at The Wonder Bar, and Lisa Schofield, a Downtown Freehold public relations person, were the catalysts for this event.

On September 10, 2011, The Mayor’s Ball was held at the Asbury Park Convention Center, located in this case conveniently across the street from The Wonder Bar. Lisa Schofield was attending the Mayor’s Ball.

“I was heading to my car after the cocktail hour of the Asbury Park Mayor's Ball, had to head out somewhere else I heard what I thought was a jukebox and said to myself, 'Self, go in and enjoy some Springsteen'. So, I did. The rest is future history,” said Schofield.  

What Schofield heard was no jukebox, but a sound- check by The Rising. She put band leader Tom Vitorino in touch with Rich Gatto, CEO of Downtown Freehold, and the date was set. The Rising now has the distinction of being the first Bruce Springsteen Tribute to play Bruce’s hometown’s Concert Series.

“Needless to say we are truly excited to play Downtown Freehold. Being Bruce’s hometown, this will be a very special show for us, and hopefully for the community. Freehold has a rich 300 plus year old history; was a big part of the American Revolution and the shaping of America, so it truly will be an honor, and fingers crossed we can make this a yearly tour stop”, said Vitorino.

The Rising will make Downtown Freehold history this Thursday, July 19. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and the stage is located at The Hall of Records in Downtown Freehold, NJ. More about The Rising can be seen by visiting www.therising.tv.