The Ocean Avenue Stompers are an Asbury Park-based New Orleans-inspired brass band that brings the funk, the soul and the fun! Led by bandleader Ian Gray on trombone, the massive band will be taking over the stage at R Bar during the first weekend of the North to Shore Festival. So, whether you’re looking for a fun place for brunch, a funky Saturday afternoon session or a Father’s Day like no other, look no further than The Ocean Avenue Stompers at R Bar!

The Stompers got their start as a 6-piece New Orleans second-line brass band in Asbury Park, New Jersey back in 2016. In 2020, the band gained local attention busking thru Asbury Park during the height of the Covid Pandemic, (link video interview of me) parading with instruments thru the streets and giving musicians from the Jersey Shore, New York City, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas opportunities to perform and work again. The positive reinforcement from the community energized the Stompers to continue to organize and grow. Band Leader Ian Gray has engrained himself in New Jersey’s music scene today as a sought-after trombone player, horn arranger, contractor and band leader.