A poster for the “Life & Times of Vini Lopez” exhibit.
At the grand opening of the “Life & Times of Vini Lopez” exhibit, tonight at Where Music Lives Exhibit & Performance Center at 708 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park, Lopez himself, the original drummer of The E Street Band, will appear at a “Meet & Greet” from 7 to 9 p.m.
Last night, at a private party celebrating the opening of the exhibit, Lopez performed a set of first-rate rock and blues with his current band, Dawg Whistle (featuring singer-guitarist Paul Whistler), plus several guests, including singer-guitarist Bobby Bandiera, singer J.T. Carter and saxophonist Tommy LaBella. Others Shore rock scene luminaries in attendance included Carl “Tinker” West, Billy Hector, Stormin’ Norman Seldin and Tony Pallagrosi.
The exhibit, which is on display through June 14, includes photos, videos and memorabilia from Lopez’s musical career before, after and including his stint in the E Street Band. Items on display include his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trophy.
The Where Music Lives gallery, which is run by the Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation, features photos and memorabilia of other Asbury Park musicians as well, and is really worth a visit for anyone with even the slightest interest in the Shore music scene. The venue also features “Improv Jam” comedy nights on Saturdays.
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