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In this episode of Greetings From the Garden State, Mike Ham visits Georgies Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, to chat with musician and community advocate Rick Barry. Known as the “gay Cheers” of Asbury Park, Georgies is a staple of inclusivity, music, and history, recently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Rick shares stories about the bar’s origins, its importance to the LGBTQ+ community, and his role in preserving its legacy.

Rick also opens up about his music journey, how iconic venues like The Saint shaped his career, and the creative projects he’s spearheading to uplift Asbury Park’s music scene. From original music nights at Georgies to the return of Asbury Underground, this episode is packed with insights into the power of music and community.

Key Topics

• The History of Georgies Bar: Opened in 1999 by George, Rick’s wife’s uncle, as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Georgies Mission: Maintaining a safe haven for everyone, especially young people finding their community.
• Rick’s Music Journey: From early inspirations like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan to his lifelong dedication to songwriting and performance.
• Creative Contributions: Rick’s involvement in initiatives like Asbury Underground and Monday night music showcases at Georgies.
• Balancing Life and Art: How Rick juggles a full-time job, a side hustle, and his passion for music.

Highlights

• Georgies and Pride: The bar’s collaboration with breweries like Wildair for special Pride beers, reflecting its vibrant and supportive ethos.
• The Saint’s Legacy: How this historic Asbury Park venue influenced Rick’s personal and professional life, even after its closure.
• Original Music Mondays: A platform for LGBTQ+ musicians to perform and connect, curated by Sean Start.
• Asbury Underground Revival: A grassroots art and music crawl that Rick is bringing back as part of North to Shore 2024.
• Rick’s Music Projects: A new solo album and a collaborative project, Church and State, slated for release in 2025.

Connect with Rick Barry

• Website: RickBarryMusic.com
• Streaming: Find Rick’s music on Spotify, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.
• Georgies Bar: GeorgiesBarAP.com
• Asbury Underground: Follow on socials for updates about the June 2024 event.

Why Listen?

If you’re passionate about music, community-building, and authentic Jersey stories, this episode is a must-listen. From the enduring legacy of Georgies to Rick’s reflections on creativity and collaboration, this conversation captures the heart and soul of Asbury Park.

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com

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Albert & Whitney CPAs:  awcpasllc.com

Mayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendar

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