Alexander Simone, grandson of Nina Simone, delivers message of unity on new 'Even Now'

There are many things that drive us apart.

But there are even more things that bring us together. That's the word from Asbury Park music man Alexander Simone and Whodat? on their uplifting new single “Even Now.”

“'Even Now' represents that moment of standing next to your brother and sister, Black, white, whatever their creed, vaxxed, unvaccinated or whatever your beliefs are, standing together and saying that at the end of the day we're all in the same boat,” Simone said.

It's a message of atonement.

“We've all lost people due to this pandemic, dying in these crazy times,” Simone said. “We all have these losses in common but even now God is with us ... Keep the faith, this (blank) will change. Trust in the higher power, whether you believe in God or not.”

Believe in the bond even though there seems to constantly be a maul in the wedge that divides.

“We're all in standstill right now,” Simone said. "It's become an us and them type of thing ... "

The Simone-penned “Even Now” was recorded at Telegraph Hill Records in Asbury Park. Simone, Jules Drucker and Joseph Pomarico are the producers. The track soars with Simone's crushed velvet vocals, angelic harmonies and a hard-won optimism.

The guys will play it during their set on Saturday, Feb. 5, the annual “What a Wonderful Year” shows at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. The shows, also Friday, Feb. 4, were postponed from late December due to the COVID spike.

Des & the Swagmatics and the Shady Street Show Band, Dentist, Mercury Brothers, Natalie Farrell, Fake Pockets, Taylor Tote, Chill Smith, Heather Hills, S0ulfood and Dano play on Friday; the Foes of Fern, Jarod Clemons & the Late Nights, the Extensions, Flexiglass, 8DayzStr8, Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise, Renee Maskin, Jeff Linden, and Dracula Kitty join Simone and Whodat? on Saturday.

A portion of the proceeds will support the Asbury Park African-American Music Project, and Asbury Park Dinner Table.

Upcoming for Simone and crew is a show Feb. 12 at the city's Langosta Lounge, an “Even Now” video shoot and more. In September, 35,000 saw him help Pearl Jam sing “My City of Ruins” at the Sea Hear Now festival in the beach in Asbury Park.

And yes, he's a Simone. His mom is noted singer Lisa Simone, and his grandmother is icon Nina Simone.

“We serious about this thing,” Simone said. “One thing I took from my grandmother is an artist's true mission is to reflect the signs of the times. Man, that's all is it right now. We're going to make you dance later.”

What a Wonderful Year, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 5, Wonder Bar, 1213 N. Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. $17 in advance, $22 at the door, $30 two-day discounted tickets (must show proof of vaccination or negative test). wonderbarasburypark.com.

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Euro hard rock

Where have all the hard rock bands gone?

A lot of them are in Europe, and a big arena tour is bringing two to our area. Ghost, from Sweden, and Volbeat, from Denmark, are coming through with shows Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Prudential Center in Newark, and Saturday, Feb. 12, at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden.

Ghost, fronted by the masked Tobias Forge, has more of a goth rock sound; Volbeat delivers melodic hard rock. Volbeat drummer Jon Larsen tested positive for COVID, so the band dropped out of the tour's Idaho show on Jan. 28. Slayer's Jon Dette is now filling in until Larsen can return.

Speaking of masks, attendees in Newark will have to wear one at the show unless eating or drinking, and show proof of vaccination. In Camden, fans will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Ghost, Volbeat and Twin Temple, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark. $59.50 and up. www.prucenter.com.

QXT's Masquerade

Down the street from the Prudential Center, the Masquerade Mask-off dance contest, for the most creative COVID mask, at QXT's will take place Saturday, Feb. 5. The event was snowed out last weekend. Visit wwwqxtsnightclub.com for more info.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Alexander Simone, grandson of Nina Simone, delivers message of unity