The B-52s’ Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, and Dramarama, will be inducted into the Walk of Fame at The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
B-52s members Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider — who are both New Jersey native — and the Jersey-bred band Dramarama will be inducted into the Walk of Fame at The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Pierson and Schneider will be honored at a ceremony at the Basie, July 10 at noon; that is a day before the concert that The B-52s will headline and Dramarama will open at ParkStage in Freehold, July 11 at 7 p.m. Dramarama will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the concert.
Previous Walk of Fame inductees include the late Count Basie, Jon Bon Jovi, Darlene Love and The Smithereens.
From left, B-52s members Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson.
“I am so pleased and surprised by this honor from the Count Basie Center for the Arts,” said Schneider, in a press release. “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. It was always a thrill for me when I performed in New Jersey and it’s funny, my mother was treated like a celebrity whenever we played at the Count Basie Theatre. At one show I remember her saying to me, ‘Freddy, people want me to sign autographs!’
“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.”
Pierson said: “I grew up in the Garden State — though 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. 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. 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!”
JOHN EASDALE
Dramarama frontman John Easdale 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. 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; we appreciate that you took the time to give us a chance.”
ParkStage is a joint project of The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth County Tourism.
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