The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, celebrated its upcoming public opening with a cornerstone event: the "Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us" concert series. Held over two nights this week, these star-studded performances at Monmouth University showcased a diverse array of artists paying tribute to American music history, culminating in the center's official public debut on June 13.

The second night of the series on Friday, June 5, proved particularly memorable, marking Jon Bon Jovi’s first public vocal performance in his home state of New Jersey since 2018. Bon Jovi, who had previously stepped back from touring due to vocal cord issues, took to the stage to perform Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” a significant moment ahead of his full band’s upcoming nine-show residency at Madison Square Garden next month. Bruce Springsteen himself opened Friday’s show with powerful renditions of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” and “Burning Love,” backed by the Disciples of Soul under music director Marc Ribler.

The evening continued to trace the rich tapestry of American music through various eras. Jackson Browne represented the 1970s singer-songwriter era with his song “For America,” while the legendary 86-year-old Dion delivered moving performances of “The Wanderer” and “Abraham, Martin and John.” Mavis Staples evoked the activist sounds of the 1960s with her rendition of The Band’s “The Weight.” Santelli also provided a pointed historical note from the stage regarding Chuck Berry's legacy. Public Enemy closed their segment with the impactful “Fight the Power.” The night concluded with a series of group performances, including “Further On Down the Road,” “Raise Your Hand,” and “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” before Springsteen delivered a solo finale with “Land of Hope and Dreams.”

Thursday’s opening night of the concert series focused on American music up to World War II. This inaugural evening featured a similarly impressive lineup, including Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Rosanne Cash, Dropkick Murphys, Keb’ Mo’, Brian Fallon, Tony Trischka, Sister Sadie, Shemekia Copeland, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, and Valerie June, among others, further solidifying the event's commitment to showcasing the breadth of American musical heritage.

The new 30,000-square-foot Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University, set to officially open on June 13, is designed to be a comprehensive hub for music education and appreciation. It will feature multiple exhibit spaces, state-of-the-art archives for preserving musical history, a 250-seat Dolby soundstage for performances and educational events, and over a dozen interactive experiences. These interactive elements will spotlight both Springsteen’s iconic career and the broader historical narrative of American music, offering visitors an immersive and educational journey. More information about the center is available at springsteencenter.com.