Songwriters by the Sea

Songwriters by the Sea started in Asbury Park at a coffee shop in 2008, with a tip jar passed around. Since then, it’s grown to a ticketed event, but with an informal vibe. Top name performers play alongside local favorites. It was founded by singer/songwriters Joe D’Urso and Joe Rapolla. Rapolla is also a former music industry executive, and the chair of Monmouth University’s Music & Theatre Arts Department. Producer Susan Wallner spoke to Rapolla about the history of this ongoing series after the March 2020 Songwriters by the Sea concert was canceled. While not making up for the loss of live music, Rapolla created a new Songwriters by the Sea playlist on Spotify, featuring recordings by every performer who’s played since 2008.