Son Jarod puts Clarence Clemons in the spotlight at Wonder Bar Father's Day tribute
It's a big show with a big heart for the Big Man.
Jarod Clemons, the youngest son of the late Clarence Clemons, and J.T. Bowen will take the stage Sunday, June 16, at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, backed by the Late Nights.
The Big Man passed away due to complications of a stroke on June 18, 2011. He was 69. The Clarence Clemons Celebration at the Wonder Bar is part of the North to Shore festival, which is in Asbury Park through Sunday, June 16, before heading to Atlantic City from June 17 to 23, and Newark from June 24 to 30.
“I try to do this show every year in his memory so people don't forget him,” said Jarod of his Father's Day tribute. “I want people to know the person he was and how big his heart and soul were to those around him, and obviously his horn.”
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Jarod's cousin, Jake Clemons, now plays the Big Man's saxophone in concerts with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
“I think he's incredible, and no one else should have gotten that position for sure,” said Jarod of Jake. “I believe it needed to be a Clemons, and I'm glad he's filling the shoes flawlessly. (Jake and Springsteen) gel really well together, and they've bonded over the years, became close, and I just really admire that.”
Jarod is also heartened by the nightly tribute to the his dad, and the late Danny Federici, during the “Tenth Avenue Freeze-out” performance at E Street Band shows.
“It gives me chills every time, honestly,” Jarod said. “It's breathtaking.”
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Bowen first met Clarence Clemons in the early ’60s around the nightclubs of Princess Anne in Maryland. Clemons would play saxophone on the scene when he wasn’t in class or playing football for Maryland State. The two were later in the group the Chosen Few, based on the West Side of Asbury Park.
Bowen sang lead for the Big Man's side project, Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers in the early ’80s. Clemons' hits with the Rockers include “Savin’ Up” and “Woman's Got the Power.” Other hits are “You're a Friend of Mine” with Jackson Browne; “Freeway of Love” with Aretha Franklin; and “The Edge of Glory” with Lady Gaga.
A resolution proclaiming Jan. 11, his birthday, as Clarence Clemons Day in New Jersey was sponsored by former Sen. Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth, and signed by former Gov. Chris Christie in 2014.
Jarod feels the energy from his dad when he's rocking city stages.
“I feel it every time I get up there,” Jarod said. “If it's the Wonder Bar or the Pony, I feel his energy.”
Go: Clarence Clemons Celebration with J.T. Bowen, Jarod Clemons and the Late Nights, with Police Touch Museum, 7 p.m. Sunday, June 16, Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, $20; wonderbarasburypark.com.
Musical Father's Day in the park
Got Father's Day plans?
A Family Festival: Honoring Our Fathers, part of the North to Shore fest, takes place at noon Sunday, June 16, at Springwood Park in Asbury Park.
Dads are in the spotlight, and Zal Walton Jr. and Alexander Simone and the Whodat? Live Crew will take the stage. DJ Faze will be spin the hits and there will be free food, bounce houses, arts and crafts, roller skating, father-and-son basketball and more.
"We will be honoring the fathers in the community," said Walton via email.
The day is presented by St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church and the United Fellowship Manna Food Pantry, both of Asbury Park. The 2024 edition of the North to Shore is supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Go: A Family Festival: Honoring Our Fathers, noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 16, Springwood Park, 126 Atkins Ave., Asbury Park, free; northtoshore.com.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Clarence Clemons is in spotlight at Wonder Bar on Father's Day
