Songwriters by the Sea started in Asbury Park at a coffee shop in 2008, with a tip jar passed around. Since then it’s grown to a ticketed event, but with an informal vibe. Top name performers play alongside local favorites. It was founded by singer/songwriters Joe D’Urso and Joe Rapolla. Rapolla is also a former music industry executive, and the chair of Monmouth University’s Music & Theatre Arts Department. Producer Susan Wallner spoke to Joe Rapolla about the history of this ongoing series after the March 2020 Songwriters by the Sea concert was canceled.

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