Monmouth Arts has announced that music legend Stevie Van Zandt will present the Lifetime Achievement in Music Award to the incomparable Darlene Love at its upcoming fundraiser, POP! A Night at the Lanes, scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the iconic Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park.
The event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated arts celebrations of the year in New Jersey, bringing together fans, artists, and community leaders for an evening that highlights the enduring power of music and the arts.
Darlene Love, known as one of the most powerful voices of the 1960s and beyond, has been celebrated for her unforgettable hits such as “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Her career has spanned decades, taking her from Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound recordings to Broadway stages and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She remains a cultural icon who continues to influence and inspire new generations of musicians.
Stevie Van Zandt, widely recognized as “Little Steven,” brings his own remarkable legacy to the evening. As a guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, an acclaimed solo artist, an actor, and a tireless advocate for music education, Van Zandt has been instrumental in preserving rock and soul traditions. His longtime collaboration and friendship with Darlene Love makes him the perfect person to present this honor, adding a deeply personal touch to the ceremony.
The gala, hosted at Asbury Lanes, a beloved venue that combines vintage charm with modern performance space, will serve as both a celebration of Darlene Love’s contributions and a fundraiser supporting Monmouth Arts’ mission. Guests can expect live music, art, and community-centered programming that underscores the importance of creative expression in New Jersey.
Events like this highlight New Jersey’s role as a cultural hub, where music legends and community arts organizations come together to celebrate creativity. For those looking to discover more about the state’s thriving cultural and music scene, including programs like those on WEHA Radio that amplify local voices and artists, Explore New Jersey offers additional insights and resources.
POP! A Night at the Lanes is more than a gala—it’s a chance to honor a living legend, celebrate the Garden State’s cultural heritage, and support the next generation of artistic talent. With Stevie Van Zandt and Darlene Love sharing the spotlight, the evening promises to be unforgettable for both longtime fans and new audiences discovering the magic of live music in Asbury Park.
Stevie Van Zandt: New Jersey’s Rock and Roll Ambassador and Tireless Advocate for the Arts
Few figures embody the spirit of New Jersey’s music scene quite like Stevie Van Zandt. Known to fans worldwide as “Little Steven,” Van Zandt has built a career that spans decades and multiple artistic arenas—musician, producer, actor, activist, and educator. From his early days in Asbury Park to the global stages he commands today, his influence on music and culture continues to resonate deeply across the Garden State and beyond.
As a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Van Zandt helped craft the band’s iconic sound, blending rock, soul, and rhythm and blues into performances that defined an era. His signature guitar work and harmonies became essential components of the E Street experience, a sound that captured the heart of New Jersey and spread across the world. Beyond his role with Springsteen, Van Zandt carved out a solo career with his band Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, producing socially conscious rock infused with global influences.
Van Zandt is also a celebrated actor, remembered for his role as Silvio Dante on HBO’s The Sopranos and later in Netflix’s Lilyhammer. These performances expanded his reach far beyond music, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters while still maintaining his rock and roll identity.
Equally important is his work as an advocate for music education. Through his non-profit, the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, and its TeachRock program, Van Zandt has created innovative curriculum tools that bring music history into classrooms across the country. His mission is to keep the arts alive in education, ensuring that students experience the cultural and historical significance of rock, soul, and popular music.
Stevie Van Zandt’s influence extends to radio as well. His internationally syndicated show Little Steven’s Underground Garage champions classic rock and emerging artists, spotlighting music that mainstream stations often overlook. His dedication to amplifying voices in music mirrors the work of stations like New Jersey’s WEHA Radio, which continues to provide a platform for diverse programming and community-driven content.
Darlene Love: The Voice of a Generation and a Beloved Icon in New Jersey’s Music Legacy
Darlene Love stands as one of the most powerful and enduring voices in American music. With a career that spans more than six decades, she has become a cultural touchstone, beloved for her dynamic performances, timeless hits, and remarkable influence on generations of artists who followed in her footsteps. Known for both her commanding stage presence and her unmistakable voice, Love’s impact continues to reverberate strongly across New Jersey, where her career has been celebrated and embraced by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Rising to fame in the 1960s, Love became a central figure in Phil Spector’s legendary “Wall of Sound” recordings, lending her voice to unforgettable tracks like “He’s a Rebel,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” These songs not only captured the energy of an era but also cemented her place in music history as one of the greatest vocalists of her time. Her holiday classic has since become a seasonal anthem, performed annually on national television and cherished by fans around the world.
Over the decades, Love’s artistry has expanded far beyond the recording studio. She has appeared on Broadway, starred in films, and built a reputation as a live performer whose energy and charisma light up any stage she graces. In 2011, her legacy was further recognized with her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a trailblazer who helped shape the sound of modern popular music.
New Jersey has long played a role in honoring Darlene Love’s career. From performances at the Jersey Shore to tributes from fellow artists, the Garden State has embraced her as part of its vibrant musical identity. Stevie Van Zandt, a fellow New Jersey icon and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has been one of her most vocal supporters, frequently collaborating with Love and championing her contributions to rock and soul. Their partnership has brought her music to new audiences and highlighted the importance of her artistry within the state’s cultural landscape.
Beyond the stage, Love’s journey reflects resilience and passion. She has continually reinvented herself, adapting to new generations of listeners while staying true to the soulful sound that made her famous. Her story, including her challenges and triumphs, was also featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which shed light on the vital role of background singers in shaping popular music.
Today, Darlene Love’s influence remains as strong as ever. Her concerts draw fans spanning multiple generations, her recordings are celebrated as classics, and her voice continues to inspire new performers. For New Jersey audiences, she is more than a star—she is part of the state’s rich musical fabric, embodying the spirit of passion, perseverance, and artistry that defines the Garden State’s cultural legacy.
Fans eager to explore more about New Jersey’s vibrant music scene and the platforms that spotlight artists like Darlene Love can learn more through WEHA Radio, which continues to champion diverse voices and celebrate the state’s contributions to the arts.
