ROCKFEST Moves Festival to Monmouth Park

Besides owning a tech company and playing guitar in a classic rock band, Colts Neck resident Steve Warendorf is also the man responsible for starting Rockfest in 2008.

“I wanted to have my family and friends for a picnic and play some music with the band and others,” Warendorf noted. “To say the concert has grown since would be a gross understatement.”

Warendorf, who owns See Hear Tech and plays guitar for local band Moroccan Sheepherders, recalls that the first Rockfest only hosted 50 attendees. Now, the event has surpassed expectations and has taken on a life of its own with over 1,000 folks attending last year’s event in Colts Neck. Because of this growth, Steve decided to move the event to Monmouth Park Racetrack this year.

“We really needed a larger space so we decided to change up the location,” he explained. “Since there is no horse racing in September, the track was looking to have music so it was the perfect fit.”

Rockfest 2018 will feature 20 different bands playing on two stages in front of the grandstand at Monmouth Park. Some of the top-billed performers include: Brian Kirk and the Jirks, Moroccan Sheepherders, Random Test, and The Matt O’Ree Band.

The event provides a great way for Monmouth County residents to spend time with family and friends as well as support a diverse roster of local entertainers. In addition to music, there will be plenty of food and craft vendors. Warendorf encourages attendees to visit his favorite vendor, Brookie’s Baby Berry Hats, owned by his mother.

Rockfest is scheduled for Saturday, September 22. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and the event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There will be free parking at the event and kids 4 to 12 are $10 at gate, kids under 4 are free. Tickets are online for pre-sale at MonmouthPark.com or Sheepherders. com/rockfest, for $20 online or $25 at the gate. For the full line-up of the bands, visit here.