FEATURED PHOTO: The people that are making Rockfest at the Track 2019 happen – left to right – Steve Warendorf, Founder and Organizer of Rockfest; Marta Quinn, Director of Fund Development and Community Outreach at HABcore; Dennis Drazin, CEO at Monmouth Park; and Tom Barone, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Monmouth Park | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

The Aquarian Exposition, which later became known as Woodstock, has inspired festivals, movies, and movements in the years since. And sometimes, though often smaller, the gatherings to honor Woodstock have an impact of their own. On Saturday, October 5, at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, just such an event will make it possible for bands to come together to entertain crowds while raising money to house those who are locally homeless.

Rockfest at the Track, Woodstock Edition, is a one-day music festival where some of the best New Jersey original and cover bands will play the music of the Woodstock era as well as their own. There will be a craft beer garden with more than 70 varieties, food and merchandise vendors, and three stages of music. The event benefits HABcore, with pre-sale tickets selling for $25 or $35 at the door.

Now in its 12th year, Rockfest started when a group of about 50 friends gathered in Colts Neck to listen to one of their favorite bands, the Moroccan Sheepherders. The day was important not only as an impetus for the festival, but it was then the Moroccan Sheepherders went from playing all original music to a mix of original and covers. Besides owning See Hear Tech company and playing guitar in the 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,” said Warendorf. “To say the concert has grown since would be a gross understatement.”

The gathering was so popular and fun, Steve decided to do it again the next year. Before long it became a much anticipated “end of summer” concert. In 2018, the festival moved from Colts Neck to Monmouth Park Racetrack in order to allow for more vendors, attendees, and potential growth.

“We are looking forward to once again holding this annual music festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack,” shared Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development, operator of Monmouth Park. “We are proud to partner with the organizers of the event and continue to support the local nonprofit—HABcore.”

Wanting to make sure Rockfest made an impact not only in enjoyment of the music, but helping those in need, Steve chose HABcore as the festival beneficiary.

“We are grateful to the organizers of Rockfest for choosing HABcore as the beneficiary,” said Steve Heisman, HABcore Executive Director. “The timing is particularly opportune as HABcore is in the final stage of funding a housing expansion project in Red Bank. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation awarded us a sizeable grant for the first portion of funding. Combined with other funding sources, this Woodstock-themed concert should allow us to reach our goal.”

HABcore, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation serving Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey. The organization’s mission is to provide permanent housing and individualized support, helping homeless families, veterans, and individuals with special needs move through crisis to stability, giving them the opportunity to improve their lives.

HABcore has grown from housing five people in 1988 to currently housing 300 residents and plans to open more units in the coming year. Providing a clean, safe home and supportive services, HABcore affords a high quality of life and works with peer agencies to help residents rebuild their lives and become more productive members of society.

“Music is for everyone. No matter what type of music you enjoy, music brings us together,” said Marta Quinn, Director of Development and Community Outreach, HABcore. “To share the HABcore story, and to be able to educate thousands of people on how we can help, is truly an honor. The local musicians have embraced HABcore, being able to share their songs and talents is powerful – and supporting those in need gives these musicians a much broader place in the hearts of others. Music does bring us all together. Each one of us has had struggles and by coming together we know we will make a definitive difference.”

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit RockfestAtTheTrack.com.