Austin Bogues , @AustinBogues
ASBURY PARK - Robyn Sherer is a devoted Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fan. Her childhood bedroom was decorated with Springsteen posters, and she keeps a couple of images for fun where she's photoshopped in with the band.
MORE: A trip down E Street at the Asbury Park Music and Film Fest
So she was pretty excited to hear Springsteen's long-time drummer Max Weinberg speak at the House of Independents during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival Saturday. She even got to ask him a question when his interview with Bob Santelli concluded and the discussion was opened to the audience.
"I just want to know what your favorite song to play is," she asked? Weinberg listed several, including the classic "Candy's Room."
The rainy weather Saturday didn't keep the crowds away from the festival Saturday. People lined up to see workshops, exhibits and film premiere in the Shore town during one of its biggest attractions for the year.
One of the attendees was Barry Rebo, 68, who lives in New York City, but said he used to visit the Jersey Shore frequently during the 60s. He said he was amazed at the change in the city.
"It's just damn impressive," Rebo, who works as a filmmaker, said. Rebo went Saturday afternoon to the Dylan Archives II presentation, chronicling rare performances of Bob Dylan.
"It's thrilling to see how the city has come back," he said, referring to Asbury Park.
City Councilwoman Eileen Chapman said the festival provided an economic boost to the city, before the start of the traditional summer tourist season.
"We're very excited to have the festival here," said City Councilwoman Eileen Chapman. "We've had over 15,000 people come to our city for the weekend's activities, to enjoy our restaurants and shops. It's exciting to be doing this at this time of year when it benefits downtown retail establishments."
Chapman said Friday night when Bruce Springsteen jammed with Southside Johnny, Stevie Van Zandt, and others at the Paramount Theatre was a special moment. "It was an amazing night," Chapman said.
Max Kyrillos, 17, of Middletown, was among those who waited in line for photos with Weinberg at a VIP reception before his interview at the House of Independents. "He's such a nice guy. It makes you feel like you know him," he said.
The festival concludes on Sunday.
Austin Bogues 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com
APMFF: Stevie Van Zandt talks new album, Asbury Park