On August 27, The Journal was there as some of New Jersey’s biggest names came together to Rock The Farm. The benefit took place at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft and brought music artists, food trucks, and vendors together to support the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation, an organization that addresses prevention, intervention, and recovery from addiction. The CFC Loud N Clear Foundation promotes positive life choices by aiding drug recovery efforts and inspiring a healthy, positive lifestyle.
Rock The Farm boasted three stages: Love Stage, Hope Stage, and Jam Stage. Artists included Trevor Hall, The Matt O’Ree Band, Joshua Mark, Chadwick Stokes, Quincy Mumford, and more. With a long list of vendors and food trucks brought to guests by Spark Market Solutions, there was something for all ages. Passanante’s Home Food Service, Rustica Jewelry, Kay Jay Sports Cards, Hip Klip Chick, The Flying Pie Guy, Jersey Johnny’s Grill, and House of Cupcakes were just a few of the names on the impressive list. Not only did the festival offer food, performances, and a kid zone, but the event brought multiple yoga classes, shakra bowl meditation, and drum circles. There was something on the schedule for every minute of the benefit.
There is nothing better than seeing local performers come out to support an event, especially when they play such a big role in people’s lives. A member of the legendary rock band, Bon Jovi, was among those on hand to support the cause. David Bryan, the keyboard player for Bon Jovi and a successful songwriter, hit the Love Stage with The Matt O’Ree Band on what was a gorgeous Saturday evening. “The amount of deaths due to drugs is overwhelming and awareness is needed. This organization is great,” Bryan said.
Matt O’Ree of The Matt O’Ree Band was a guitarist and backing vocalist on Bon Jovi’s 2015 stadium tour. Since then, he and Bryan have joined forces to create music together. O’Ree’s newest single, “My Everything Is You,” was written and produced by Bryan. The single is the first to be released off of The Matt O’Ree Band’s forthcoming album, “Brotherhood.”
“I met Matt a couple of years ago playing at Jamians in Red Bank. I went onstage and jammed with him,” Bryan explained.
No matter what size the crowd, live music never fails to cast a spell. Most local Bon Jovi fans, when they hear hits such as “Bad Medicine” or “Wanted Dead or Alive” at any given moment, will get the chills. Those were just two of the songs Bryan performed with The Matt O’Ree Band to help Rock The Farm.
“I love to play music and I love Bon Jovi songs. Music is what brings people together, and can and does change the world in many many ways,” Bryan said.
Speaking very highly of Monmouth County in his comments to The Journal, Bryan explained that he and his wife Lexi love to go out, especially when dining at Teak in Red Bank. Staying in touch with local happenings around New Jersey is very important to them.
The Journal is thrilled to have been a part of this life-changing day. More than 30 people were placed into treatment, 20 CFC members joined the program, five new B House sober living residents were housed, and multiple families received resources and support as a result of an extremely successful event that truly Rocked The Farm.
For more information on Rock The Farm and how to donate to the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation, visit www.RockTheFarmNJ.com.
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