Pops Donates $151K For Music Pier Upgrades In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Music Pier is getting a facelift. Ocean City Council unanimously approved a resolution to accept a $151,000 gift from the Friends of the Ocean City Pops for improvements to the Music Pier at its meeting on Thursday, June 8, at City Hall. Friends of the Ocean City Pops Executive Board Chairman Jon Batastini presented the gift to council.

The funds will be used to install a pair of 120-inch screen on either side of the stage. High definition video projectors will be installed in the back, along with two 90-inch screens for people sitting in the back of the auditorium. Two remote controlled video cameras and a handheld camera will capture the action on stage.

“This will enhance the programs and performances,” Batastini said.

The Music Pier was initially dedicated on July 4, 1929. In the early days, it hosted two Municipal Orchestra performances a day, seven days a week, according to the city’s website.

It has had major lighting and audio renovations over the years, and the stage has been redesigned and enlarged. In 1993, air conditioning was installed in the theater, capping the recent interior renovations.

In addition to performances by the Ocean City Pops, the venue hosts soloists and a great variety of other shows from stand up comedy to musicals. The Miss New Jersey pageant is held every year in Ocean City, and returns to the Music Pier this weekend.

Dave Mason will perform at the Music Pier on Monday, June 19, and is just one of a number of big names that will perform at the Music Pier this summer.

Vanessa Williams will perform with the Ocean City Pops kick off their annual summer series on June 25.

See related: Broadway Star To Help OCTC Kick Off 10th Season At Ocean City Music Pier

“Two years ago, I was critical of how the Music Pier was being used,” Ocean City Councilman Michael DeVlieger said, noting they had to figure out a way to draw more people. “I am in awe of this effort. I love it.”

He called the effort unselfish because although the Pops will benefit, other organizations that use the Music Pier will also benefit. Batastini told council the equipment can be used for all performances on the Music Pier, not just those involving the Ocean City Pops.

The city will now go out to bid for the installation of the equipment. This is necessary because the Friends of the Ocean City Pops are providing the funding, but not the system itself. If the bid is less than $151,000, whatever is left over will be returned to the Friends of the Ocean City Pops.

“The Pops will help come up with the specs,” Ocean City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said. “They will be involved every step of the way.”

For more on the Ocean City Pops, click here.