Asbury Park has always had a rhythm all its own—rich in culture, pulsing with history, and never afraid to reinvent itself. Now, one of the city’s most legendary music venues is being brought back to life. The Turf Club, once a cornerstone of Asbury’s jazz and blues scene, is in the middle of a full-scale restoration, with its doors expected to reopen in about a year.
For music lovers, historians, and locals alike, this revival isn’t just about restoring a building—it’s about honoring a legacy and breathing new life into a space that once helped define Asbury Park’s sound.
A Glimpse into the Past
Located on Springwood Avenue—once the heart of Asbury Park’s African American business and cultural district—the Turf Club was more than just a nightclub. It was a musical sanctuary where rising stars and legendary acts alike graced the stage. Throughout the mid-20th century, the club welcomed a steady flow of jazz, blues, and soul artists, becoming a beloved hangout for generations of residents and visitors.
Over time, however, economic shifts and urban redevelopment led to the Turf Club’s decline, and for decades the building stood silent—boarded up, weathered, but never forgotten.
A Restoration with Purpose
Now, thanks to a community-focused revitalization effort, the Turf Club is on its way back. The restoration isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a mission to preserve the cultural fabric of Asbury Park. When the work is complete, the Turf Club will once again serve as a hub for music, art, and local engagement.
Plans include a redesigned performance space, community gathering areas, and flexible programming aimed at celebrating Black history and heritage. It will also serve as a performance and rehearsal venue for up-and-coming local musicians, helping to nurture the next generation of Jersey talent.
A Cultural Comeback for Springwood Avenue
The Turf Club renovation is part of a larger movement to revitalize Springwood Avenue, long known as the soul of Asbury’s West Side. Over the past few years, the neighborhood has seen investments in parks, affordable housing, and public art—all designed to restore vibrancy without erasing the deep-rooted history of the community.
Bringing the Turf Club back is a symbolic and strategic step—one that honors the past while helping shape a more inclusive, creative, and connected future for Asbury Park.
More Than Music: A Space for Community
Once open, the restored Turf Club is expected to host live music, spoken word, community workshops, and special events that highlight the diversity of New Jersey’s creative scene. From jazz nights to youth open mics, the space is being designed with flexibility and community-first thinking.
And with Asbury Park already known as a hotbed for live music—from boardwalk stages to downtown venues—the Turf Club will add another dimension to the city’s growing artistic renaissance.
A Comeback Worth Watching
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a music history buff, or a traveler seeking out New Jersey’s most meaningful places, the reopening of the Turf Club will be a moment worth celebrating. It’s not just a return to form—it’s a return to roots.
Stay connected with Explore New Jersey for updates on the Turf Club’s progress and to discover more inspiring stories of local preservation, arts, and cultural innovation around the state.
👉 Learn more about revitalization projects and historic landmarks across New Jersey at Explore New Jersey – Technology & Business and Explore The Jersey Shore Hub.
