There’s a heartbeat to Asbury Park that’s impossible to ignore — a rhythm that pulses through the boardwalk, seeps out of barroom stages, and lives in the souls of the musicians who make it one of the most iconic music towns in America. And if you’ve spent any time in the local scene, chances are you’ve felt the influence of Sandy Mack.
Now, the life and legacy of this Jersey Shore music staple is hitting the big screen. The Sandy Mack Experience, a new documentary directed by Sarah Ann McCuiston and Henry Donohue Frost, will premiere at the New Jersey International Film Festival, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the man who has helped keep Asbury Park’s music culture vibrant and alive for decades.
Sandy Mack isn’t your average musician — and this isn’t your average music doc. This film dives deep into the soulful, spontaneous, and utterly electric spirit of a man who doesn’t just play music — he creates community through it. Known for organizing open jams that have become sacred rituals for local players, Sandy has cultivated a space where artists of all backgrounds and styles come together to collaborate, improvise, and just play.
The documentary tells more than just Sandy’s story — it’s a love letter to the Asbury scene itself. Through behind-the-scenes footage, emotional interviews, and, of course, unforgettable live moments, The Sandy Mack Experience captures what makes this corner of New Jersey so unique. It’s about more than chords and melodies; it’s about connection, history, and the cultural fabric that makes Asbury Park a destination for music lovers far and wide.
Sarah Ann McCuiston — Sandy’s daughter — brings a personal lens to the project, crafting a narrative that’s as intimate as it is informative. Alongside co-director Henry Donohue Frost, she helps the audience see not just the man on the stage, but the father, the friend, and the quiet force behind the scenes that has made so many musical moments possible.
Whether you’ve seen Sandy live a hundred times or are just discovering his story, this documentary is a must-watch. It’s also a chance to celebrate New Jersey’s ongoing legacy as a hotbed for talent, soul, and raw artistic energy.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind premiere at the New Jersey International Film Festival — and if you’re curious about where to catch more live sounds across the state, check out Explore New Jersey’s music guide. You’ll find everything from local legends to rising stars performing in venues large and small, from Asbury to Atlantic City and everywhere in between.
Because in Jersey, music isn’t just background noise — it’s part of who we are.