Arts & Entertainment
NJ Music Icons To Be Inducted Into Basie Center Walk Of Fame
The performers will be the newest inductees of the Walk of Fame, with an induction ceremony set to take place this summer.
RED BANK, NJ — A set of music icons with roots in the Garden State are set to be the next inductees of the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame.
On Friday at 12 p.m., Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama will be inducted during a special ceremony outside the historic theater in Red Bank.
The ceremony will take place ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday. Dramarama, also performing at the concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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Tickets for Saturday’s concert are available at parkstage.org.
Launched during the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration, the Walk of Fame honors artists who have performed at the Basie Center, made an "indelible impact on culture," and whose contributions reflect the enduring power of the arts, officials said.
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Permanent keystones along Monmouth Street celebrate performers whose artistry has helped define the Basie Center’s first century while inspiring generations of audiences and artists.
“The Walk of Fame celebrates artists whose performances have become part of the Basie Center’s story and whose influence continues to resonate far beyond our stages,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
“Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Dramarama have each had an important impact on music and culture,” Philipson continued. “We’re proud to recognize their extraordinary contributions by welcoming them onto the Basie Center Walk of Fame and then celebrating with an incredible concert at ParkStage on Saturday.”
For more than five decades, The B-52s have been one of popular music’s most distinctive and influential bands.
Their unmistakable blend of new wave, rock and pop produced enduring hits including “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack” and “Roam,” helping the band sell over 20 million records worldwide while earning multiple Grammy Award nominations.
Alongside their musical achievements, Pierson and Schneider also share deep New Jersey roots.
“I am so pleased and surprised by this honor from the Count Basie Center For The Arts,” Schneider said. “I grew up in Oceanport, my father worked at the Red Bank Register, and I went to many shows at the theatre in the 60’s with my best friend Adrian.”
Schneider went on to say that it was “always a thrill” for him when he performed in New Jersey, and that his mother was treated like a celebrity whenever the band played at the Count Basie Theatre in particular.
“At one show I remember her saying to me, ‘Freddy, people want me to sign autographs!’” Schneider said. “Anyway, this is truly a highlight for me, and I am so happy I’ll be there in person along with my fellow New Jersey bandmate, Kate Pierson.”
Similar to Schneider, Pierson also grew up in the Garden State, adding that “with all the incredible music that has come from New Jersey, maybe it should be known as the Rock Garden State.”
“Along with Count Basie, Bruce Springsteen, Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Queen Latifah, and so many more greats all have New Jersey roots,” Pierson said. “Fred and I are so thrilled to be honored by the Count Basie Center For The Arts and included in such august company.”
“I grew up in Weehawken and Rutherford, but I also spent summers on my aunt and uncle’s farm in Blairstown and at my grandmother’s house near Lake Erskine,” she continued. “So my New Jersey was city energy, farms, countryside, lakes, and beaches — not always what people expect. Rock on, New Jersey. I’m proud to be from here!”
In addition to Schneider and Pierson, the Basie Center will also welcome Dramarama to its Walk of Fame during the ParkStage concert on Saturday, where the band will be presented with its commemorative Walk of Fame plaque.
Formed in Wayne, Dramarama has spent nearly five decades building a devoted following with its unmistakable sound and energetic live performances.
The band’s influence continues to resonate with audiences across generations, making it a fitting addition to the Basie Center’s Walk of Fame, officials said.
“It’s a magnificent honor to be inducted into the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame, though we must admit, we’re a bit stunned,” said John Easdale, lead vocalist and founding member of Dramarama. “We’re just guys from the Garden State who’ve known each other since we were kids, who are amazed that after almost five decades we still get to make music together, and who are so immensely grateful to the countless and varied artists and institutions – like the Basie Center – that inspire, encourage and help kids from anywhere, even Wayne, New Jersey, feel like we have a place in the Arts.”
“Thank you to anyone who has ever listened to Dramarama, whether you liked us or not,” Easdale continued. “We appreciate that you took the time to give us a chance.”
These new inductees will join William "Count" Basie, Jon Bon Jovi, the Smithereens and Darlene Love on the Walk of Fame.
- Read More: NJ Rock Band, Singer To Be Inducted Into Count Basie Center Walk Of Fame
- Read More: NJ Rock Star To Be Inducted Into Count Basie Center Walk Of Fame
To learn more about the Basie Center Walk of Fame, you can click here.
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is located at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank.
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