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About Boardwalk Shows
Since the summer of 2016, Bryan Woolbert has been performing as a freelance keyboard player and vocalist on the Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk. In 2024, he added an LED lightshow to transform his performances into modern concert-styled shows. Though he is immensely grateful for all monetary tips and donations that he receives, Woolbert's primary motivation for performing on the OCNJ boardwalk stems from his love for the Ocean City community at large. As a licensed boardwalk entertainer, Woolbert complies with all of the laws and ordinances of Ocean City, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. WHEN does Bryan Woolbert perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
NEW: During the summer season, Bryan Woolbert typically performs on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights, weather permitting. Due to his schedule and/or weather-related cancellations/postponements, he may occasionally perform on some Saturday or Monday nights. Performances take place between 7:00 & 10:00 PM (per city ordinance) and usually last about 2 hours. A performance may start late or end early due to rapidly changing weather conditions. During the "off-season" (outside of the summer season), Bryan Woolbert may occasionally perform on other days and at different times. Join Bryan Woolbert's Official Fan Club to stay up to date on when he performs!
2. WHERE does Bryan Woolbert perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
The exact location changes with each performance. Like all other licensed boardwalk entertainers, Bryan Woolbert must wait on line at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center until entertainers are checked in on a first come, first serve basis at 6:00 PM. At check-in, each entertainer selects from a list of designated performance locations and signs their name next to one that has not yet been chosen for that night. After signing in, Woolbert and his assistants will move to the performance location and begin setting up equipment.
3. Can I get notified about when and where Bryan Woolbert performs on the Ocean City NJ Boardwalk?
Yes! To get direct notifications, join Bryan Woolbert's Official Fan Club. There is a Messenger group chat under Communities > Bryan Woolbert's Official Fan Club specifically dedicated to boardwalk performances. Be sure to enable notifications using the bell icon at the top right. Posts will also be published to the group on Facebook. Bryan also announces every boardwalk performance on his Instagram shortly before he begins performing.
4. If it rains, will Bryan Woolbert still perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
No! Bryan Woolbert needs electrical equipment in order to perform on the boardwalk. If there is a chance of rain or severe weather that is 60% or higher in Ocean City, New Jersey on any given date, Bryan Woolbert will either postpone or cancel a boardwalk performance. Bryan Woolbert will also postpone or cancel a performance if the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ocean City, New Jersey is 100 or higher on any given date in order to protect his voice. Any postponements or cancellations of boardwalk performances will be announced in his Official Fan Club.
5. Why is Bryan Woolbert NOT allowed to use a microphone when performing on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk?
Per city ordinance, boardwalk entertainers in Ocean City, New Jersey are not permitted to use amplification of any kind EXCEPT for "sound from electronic instruments (such as a keyboard)". To read the full city ordinance, click here.
6. Is Bryan Woolbert being paid to perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
Currently: No. Although there has been some discussion of potential employment as a boardwalk performer, Bryan Woolbert is currently a licensed freelance musician only on the OCNJ boardwalk. This means that voluntary donations or "tips" from the community are the only payment that he receives for his boardwalk performances. For updates on the employment matter and subsequent schedule changes that could result, stay tuned to his Official Fan Club.
7. Can I book Bryan Woolbert to perform for my event or for a recurring gig?
Absolutely! Check out the Booking pages for more details!
8. Why does Bryan Woolbert perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk as a freelance musician but charge fees for his other live performances?
Bryan Woolbert is a professional pianist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and live sound engineer. As such, he charges regular fees for all of his services. To learn more, check out the Booking pages. By contrast, Bryan Woolbert voluntarily performs on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk in order to give his gift of music specifically to the community of Ocean City and all those who visit the island during the summer out of love and kindness.
9. How are the funds donated to Bryan Woolbert at Ocean City, NJ boardwalk performances used?
Funds received at Bryan Woolbert's boardwalk performances are used for such things as:
- Costs of Boardwalk Performances:
- A percentage of all funds from each boardwalk performance are given to his assistants for their transportation, setup and breakdown efforts.
- Gas and Other Transportation Costs, Parking, and Meals/Snacks for Woolbert and his assistants
- Boardwalk Entertainer Permit: $200 is paid to the City of Ocean City each year to obtain Bryan Woolbert's boardwalk entertainer permit.
- Giving Back to the Businesses of Ocean City:
- Bryan Woolbert makes a conscious effort to purchase items from many of the shops on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk each summer using the proceeds from his boardwalk performances in order to help them be more successful and to show respect, love and kindness for their crucial contributions to the community as a whole.
- Advancing Bryan Woolbert's career in music and technology. This may include but is not limited to:
- Purchases of new music equipment for boardwalk and other live performances.
- Purchases of new audio production equipment and software to be used for his future music releases and for his clients' projects.
- Maintenance costs of his music career, including those for this website, audio production software subscriptions, music equipment warranty and repair costs, and more.
- And more.
10. May I take photos and videos at Bryan Woolbert's Ocean City, NJ boardwalk performances?
Yes! In fact, Bryan Woolbert encourages the activity! Bryan Woolbert is also willing to take photos with you, your friends and your family on the performance bench. Just ask him AFTER he finishes a song! Bryan Woolbert asks that you share all of these photos and videos in his Official Fan Club to show your support and raise awareness for his music on social media. You can also tag him with photos and videos on his Instagram.
11. May I interview Bryan Woolbert for an article, radio broadcast, TV airing, or other press release?
Absolutely! Just ask Bryan to do an interview BEFORE or AFTER a boardwalk performance. Alternatively, you can contact him to schedule the interview for another time. You can also find lots of helpful press resources here.
12. Can I also perform on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
Yes! You can obtain a boardwalk entertainer permit by following these instructions.
13. Can I perform with Bryan Woolbert on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk?
No. Bryan Woolbert is licensed as a solo keyboardist and vocalist boardwalk entertainer only. However, Bryan Woolbert is open to many other collaborative opportunities. Contact Bryan Woolbert for more details. Additionally, you can obtain a permit for a band or performance group using the same application for all boardwalk entertainers. More details on this can be found here.
14. I have a question that isn't listed here. What do I do?
If you have a question for Bryan Woolbert specifically, Contact Bryan Woolbert.
If you have a question about the Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk Entertainers Program, check out the details here.
If you have a question about the Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk Entertainers Program, check out the details here.