The Boss Surprises Jersey Crowd Saturday Night at the Stony Pony

It brought back memories of my days as a student at Hightstown High School in the early eighties.

On many Friday afternoons, the whispers would make their way to everyone in the school.

"Somebody said they heard a rumor that Bruce Springsteen was going to play a surprise concert at the Stone Pony tomorrow night."

Needless to say, virtually none of us were old enough to visit the rock club, yet everybody declared they were going.

That was about 44 years ago, and here we are all those years later, talking about Bruce Springsteen surprising the crowd at The Stone Pony, but jumping on stage and playing to a boisterous crowd.

The Stone Pony is celebrating its 50th year in Asbury Park.

It's a feat for any business to last that long, but for a business that lives and dies by public trends, it's truly remarkable.

The Sea Hear Now Festival drew huge crowds to its annual concert.

This was the sixth year the Festival was held, and it was arguably the best yet.

The line-up featured some great performers, but the biggest name at the concert was the Hometown Hero, Bruce Springsteen.

People paid big bucks to see the Boss on Sunday night, and they weren't let down.

However, there's a crowd that chose to party at The Stone Pony on Saturday night, and they paid considerably less, and were treated to some up close and personal time with the Boss.

Bruce joined Tangiers Blues Band, with Danny Clinch, and Robert Randolph along with Jake Clemons of The E Street Band.

The boys belted out a set that included Boom Boom, Lucille, and Down the Road a Piece, accompanied by The Ocean Avenue Stompers on horns.

The love affair between Bruce and New Jersey never seems to get old.  Bruce looked relaxed and fit and seemed right at home.

It was as if Bruce came to hang with some friends, and was really enjoying himself.

Here I am back where it all started — how does that happen?  Happy 50th anniversary Stone Pony — you made it! It's a miracle you're still here but I'm glad you are. Love to everybody!

This was one of those special nights.  Those who were there left with great memories.

Those that weren't, will probably tell you they were.