Somers Point Native Returns To Gateway Playhouse For Fundraiser

SOMERS POINT, NJ — Somers Point native Josh Bassett will return to his hometown stage Aug. 20 for a one-night fundraising concert at Gateway Playhouse, where proceeds from the event will go to the theater.

The show, "Jersey Magick Featuring Bassett," is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Gateway, 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point.

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According to the event announcement, the concert is both a homecoming and a fundraiser tied to Bassett's South Jersey roots. Bassett, who was raised in Somers Point, graduated from Mainland Regional High School and later studied jazz guitar at the University of Miami before pursuing a music career in Los Angeles and spending time creating and recording in Italy.

Throughout his career, Bassett has performed at venues including the Whisky a Go Go, the Viper Room, House of Blues and Rockwood Music Hall, according to the announcement. He has also performed with Steven Tyler and Aerosmith and continues to collaborate with musicians including Leon Hendrix while releasing new material under his solo project.

"Rock music gives people permission to go beyond their limits," Bassett said. "When I'm on stage, I want people to feel free to let go, reconnect with themselves and experience something bigger than everyday life. That's what Jersey Magick is all about."

The announcement said Bassett's Gateway performance will reflect a new chapter in his career after he became a father and overcame a vocal illness that temporarily threatened his music career. The first act will feature his new solo project, with original rock music performed with samplers, sequencers and electronic production. The second act will reunite South Jersey musicians who inspired and performed alongside him during his early years.

Among those expected to join Bassett are bassist Drew Murphy, fellow Mainland Regional High School drumline alumni Joe Mintz and Ken Strazzeri, and members of the South Jersey band Revolver, including Jim Kelley and Steve Kyle. Additional guest performers are expected throughout the evening, according to the announcement.

"Having Josh come home to perform on the Gateway stage feels especially meaningful because we've known each other since our high school days," said Gateway Playhouse Board President Katie Calvi. "To see someone who grew up in this community build a career on legendary stages and then choose to give back by supporting the Gateway says so much about the kind of person he is. Jersey Magick is more than a concert—it's a celebration of our hometown's incredible musical talent, the friendships that shaped us and the importance of keeping the arts thriving for the next generation."

Doors open at 7 p.m. with a pre-show gathering before the concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org. Local businesses including Primo Pizza and Charlie's Bar are supporting the event.