When we discuss the past, present, and future of the Asbury Park music scene, we rightfully talk about the musicians and the venues that host their performances.
However, we often overlook people who put these shows together. These shows, featuring local, regional, and national acts, come to this city not just from multi-billion-dollar concert conglomerates, but also from everyday people who do it for the love of the game.
Joe Brown of Melting Trends is one of those people. This weekend, Brown presents Melting Waves, a two-day festival at The Asbury Lanes that celebrates the best of the Asbury scene and introduces the scene to their new favorite.
We caught up with Joe Brown to discuss his past, present, and future in the Asbury scene as his first-ever multi-day fest is on the horizon.
Can you talk about how you got into the concert promotion game?
It started at the door of The Saint. I’d just moved up from Florida, I was new to the area, and I was working the door. Scott Stamper noticed me. Partly, he didn’t recognize me as a regular, but he actually wanted to know where I was from. Right away he asked what bands I was listening to back home. Those bands ended up playing The Saint, and that was my first taste of booking: Thomas Wynn and the Believers and The Supervillains. Scott took an interest in a guy he didn’t know, and that opened the door for everything that came after.
Melting Waves is a two-day festival at Asbury Lanes. What was the moment that convinced you that you wanted to do this, and could make it happen?
It was after the Bond Street Block Party in 2025. Running that block party had always been a dream of mine, and when it went well I realized it was time to dream bigger. For me, bigger meant a festival.
Who’s a band on the card that people might not be familiar with that you think will turn heads this weekend?
Honestly, every band on this bill is a head-turner. You WILL walk away with a new favorite band. Come early, stay late.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned during your time running Melting Trends?
I’ve learned that what I’m doing can make a real impact. Some of that is the charity work. Just as much, it’s the income for the people who make every show happen: door staff, sound engineers, the creative folks making my flyers and promo videos, and of course the bands, who all walk away with money from every show. I’m very proud of the income I’ve helped generate for people in a scene that’s near and dear to my heart.
After the festival, what does Melting Trends have on tap that you’re excited for in 2026?
Next on my radar is the 4th annual Noise for Tots Holiday Toy Drive. It supports the Asbury Park Toy Drive, and we’re partnering with Community Karma again on 12/11/26 in the Arcade of Convention Hall
What does 2027 hold for Melting Trends?
In 2027 we’re going to build on this momentum in a way that’s logical and scalable. That might mean fewer shows than in 2026, but bigger ones, plus more mission-driven shows like ROCKTOBERFEAST, the AP Beach Badge Fundraiser and Noise for Tots, and I want to bring more charitable causes into the mix. Maybe 2027 is the year I finally launch my nonprofit idea, the Melting Barriers Music Foundation: melting barriers with the power of music and community.
The Melting Waves Festival presented by Melting Waves is Saturday November 14 and Sunday November 15 at The Asbury Lanes. Click here for tickets.
