Local Rockers Perform on Famous Stage

Local band If All Else Fails got the opportunity of a lifetime over the weekend, opening for popular punk band Dropkick Murphys in a venue where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi got their start.

If All Else Fails—whose members all hail from the area, including three Cinnaminson High School grads ('13)—were called up by The Stone Pony to open for Dropkick Murphys at a show Sunday night, said Yvonne DelBuono, whose son, Peter, plays guitar in the band.

"It was a big deal for them," said DelBuono, who explained the group had previously performed in smaller venues and competitions in front of much smaller crowds, including Cinnafest. There were roughly 5,000 people at Sunday's show at Asbury Park's famed rock 'n' roll club, according to DelBuono.

"They were a little bit nervous," she said. "Who knows who's watching because you're on a national tour."

If All Else Fails were selected to open for Dropkick Murphys because they had previously performed at the Stone Pony for a competition.

The band is comprised of Peter DelBuono (guitar), Brandon Cole (drums), Kevin Dunne (lead singer), John Jarzyk (bass) and Matthew Gilbert (guitar). DelBuono, Cole and Dunne—all 18—all graduated from Cinnaminson High School this year, while Jarzyk and Gilbert are slightly older and hail from nearby communities.

Of their half-hour set, DelBuono—who described herself as "one of their roadies"—said, "They were tight. They were solid. They're getting very polished ... People were very impressed."

DelBuono said the band is currently in the studio working on their first album. They hope the Stone Pony show could be a springboard to greater things.

"It helps ... They don't know where they're headed yet. They're still young," she said.