Songwriters by the Sea, a series co-hosted by Joe D’Urso and Joe Rapolla, began as intimate, casual coffeehouse jam sessions in and around Asbury Park and has since evolved into a regional and even national show attracting the participation of many of the most revered singers and songwriters on the scene today — from Joe Grushecky and Garland Jeffreys to David Johansen, Marshall Crenshaw and Alison Moorer. 

Along the way, D’Urso (frontman of the band Stone Caravan and board member of WHY Hunger and Light Of Day) and Rapolla (a veteran music industry exec who’s gained an international following as a solo performer and fronting his band the Perfect Square) have fine-tuned the concept of a circle of artists, trading favorite songs and illuminating backstories behind their most personal works, into a vehicle that brings out the best in the assembled talent.

Whether the venue is a club, a historic theater or a campus performing arts center, Songwriters by the Sea has been known to turn any space into an intimate house party atmosphere; a gathering of friends and a place where something akin to magic often takes hold.

Songwriters By The Sea shows have become a regular addition to Light Of Day events, which has shows in 13 countries including their flagship festival in Asbury Park, NJ each January, that Bruce Springsteen has performed at frequently.