Fourth Wave Fest Brings Music and Community Together in Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK, NJ (March 20th, 2026) — Fourth Wave Fest returned to House of Independents for its third annual celebration of women in music, welcoming over 250 attendees for a full day of live performances, family activities, and community programming benefiting 180 Turning Lives Around. The festival was created by musician Carlotta Schmidt and produced with co-producer and emcee Heather Bedenko, who guided the day’s programming and helped bring the vision to life.

The all-women-led lineup featured headliner Dana Fuchs, along with Carlotta Schmidt and the Bold, Erene, Kat Rivers & the Second Sight, Layonne Holmes, and The Outcrops.

Highlights from the day included:

• Layonne Holmes, Erene, and Kat Rivers joining Carlotta Schmidt and her band for a powerful performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”

• A family sing-along of “This Little Light of Mine,” led by Layonne Holmes and Cassidy Rain from The Outcrops

The festival welcomed Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, who addressed attendees. Speakers from 180 Turning Lives Around also took the stage, including CEO Liz Graham. Nicole Dorrity, Program Manager of JBJ Soul Kitchen, delivered remarks highlighting the organization’s mission and its collaboration with 180. JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit community restaurant established by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

During the event, Nicole Dorrity and Jaimee Katz Sussner, a member of the law firm Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., were honored as Fourth Wave Fest Hall of Fame inductees.

Community partners played a central role in the festival, providing volunteers, donations, and outreach. These included Garden State Equality, the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park, the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, JBJ Soul Kitchen, the Vin Gopal Civic Association, and WAGE International.

Twenty Asbury Park businesses and twenty-nine businesses overall donated door prizes, and sponsors ensured performers were compensated. The festival’s largest donor was Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., a supporter for all three years of Fourth Wave Fest, with additional contributions from Starfield Companies and Advocare Beyond Pediatrics, as well as members of the 180 Turning Lives Around Board of Trustees.

Family-friendly activities included an arts-and-crafts table hosted by 180’s Amanda's Easel, where children created projects and colored pages celebrating influential women in music in honor of Women’s History Month. Festival slides and video presentations highlighted Lilith Fair, the inspiration behind the event, and 180’s programs and services, including behind-the-scenes looks at the Safe House, the annual Holiday Boutique, and the 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline. Breathwork facilitator, Jackie Bilancia, led a wellness session for attendees.

Through music, family activities, and community engagement, Fourth Wave Fest created a welcoming, all-ages celebration of women performers, honoring Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of 180 staff and volunteers, and raising awareness for the missions of 180 Turning Lives Around and JBJ Soul Kitchen.
For more information, visit https://www.fourthwavefest.org/.