The 10th annual Bamboozle music festival was a great start to my summer. Just a few months ago Jon Bon Jovi said "heaven looks a lot like New Jersey." Well, for me and other concert-lovers out there on the beaches of Asbury, New Jersey sure did feel like heaven. Bamboozle, the three-day music festival, took over the Jersey Shore on May 18, 19 and 20. Over 50 different artists performed each day on seven different stages. The three-day music extravaganza was filled with sun, devoted fans and many talented people.
There was tons of hype around the event when they announced that New Jersey's own Bon Jovi was going to perform. Bon Jovi rocked the stage for two hours and had the crowd going crazy. "We have nothing to prove," said Bon Jovi. The band seemed very excited to be playing the main stage in Asbury and performed all their hits, including "It's My Life" and "Runaway." I've seen Bon Jovi several times and the band never disappoints. They put on a great show and it was a night I will never forget.
Not only was there a lot going on up on stage, but was also a lot of action in the audience -- two of the Jonas Brothers were in town! Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and his wife Danielle Delesea were there supporting Danielle's brother, Mikey Delesea. Maybe they were filming for their new reality show, Married To Jonas, airing in August on the E! Network.
While I was walking around Sunday I got the chance to meet Ryan Cabrera! I was so excited to finally see him in person. I had been waiting for months to finally see one of my favorite bands, The Maine, for the first time ever. They sounded awesome and put on a great show. I later on saw the lead singer, John O'Callaghan, walking around and I got to say hello. Trace Cyrus was also meeting fans at his table, along with Jac Vanek -- they were both selling their new merchandise.
My favorite performances of the weekend included the All-American Rejects, The Maine, DJ Pauly D, Skrillex, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Boys Like Girls, Marianas Trench, and Never Shout Never. I never stopped smiling throughout the entire weekend. Bamboozle is something I look forward to every year and it is always such a fun time. Christopher Drew really summed up the weekend when he turned to the crowd and said, "We are in heaven on Earth right now, Bamboozle." Bamboozle 2012 was something I will never forget.
Check out this video I recorded of the Foo Fighters performing at Bamboozle!