Photo by Alexa Udell - Scooped Up SSF2024

Let’s Start from the Beginning

Picture the summer of 2022, you’re in a band and about to release an album, but how? You could just book a local venue, right? You could also invite a few friends to play with you. But those friends might bring a good amount of friends to enjoy the show, so maybe that small venue isn’t enough. It’s summer time, maybe we could have an outdoor event? And so, Shoreline Summer Fest was born.

On July 30th, 2022, people would gather around a stage as some of CT’s local and finest artists would put together a DIY festival to promote an album release. A future began to form, as this wouldn’t be the last show put on by TJ Redding, now the bassist of Anthms. With a headlining group like “A Will Away” and “The Color Fred,” founded by co-singer Fred Mascherino, why wouldn’t you want to show up and jam out? Right?

Photos By Oddey - Anthms Shoreline summer fest 2024

The Return of 2023

So in 2023, TJ decided to bring back the shoreline experience yet again. He brought back Fred Mascherino and his former band yet again on a single stage festival. Yet again, the festival did well for promoting local
up-and-coming artists. But 2024 would bring some of the biggest changes yet to come, and some new challenges as well.

Summer Shoreline Fest 2024

Chantel Malin catches Alex in the crowd mid set during SSF 2024

As we Enter the 2024 Season

It’s July 20th, 2024. Location: The Beeracks, located in East Haven CT. Shoreline Summer Fest is about to make its return — but this time, bigger, better and more bands. With not one but two stages, and now offering a bigger main stage, the 2024 event brought a bigger crowd, more vendors, and more to see and do.

With 2018 being the last year of (real) Warped Tour, and 2019 being the attempted rise of festivals, 2020 would quickly put a halt to all of what was to come. By 2021, the slow lift of regulations would soon allow people to stand closer than 6 feet. By 2022, rock shows would pick up, and by 2023, an influx of shows appeared out of no where. Bigger festivals arrived and more people had money saved to travel and support bands and music around the world. Of course, in 2024, TJ also drew a huge crowd to yet another DIY show — selling out the festival (and perhaps being over max capacity, from my understanding).

Scooped Up photographed by Bill Cardella at Summer Shoreline 2024

It’s Now 2025

So here we are in 2025: a new location, more bands, and a slightly heavier sound than that of earlier years. From “Young Culture” and “Future Teen” in 2024, to “Capstans” and “Driveways” coming through during their national tour this year, we are now surrounded by some true heavier emo sounds, with a mix of vocal extremes and subtle cleans. This will be one of the biggest shows thrown under the Shoreline name!

What to Expect

With all this being said, let’s gather our anticipation and put together some expectations:

Three water stations are going be available and managed by staff around the clock to make sure everyone stays hydrated.
There will be lots of food and drinks available for purchase, including specialty drinks specifically made for this event, as well as several non-alcoholic options for those who want to stay sober and for the younger attendees.
Most of the 35 or so vendors are going to be accepting electric payments so no need to bring cash, but a 20 might not hurt…
Expect to see a lot of different local vendors from skate shop pop ups, to hand made jewelry, picture the hippest flea market but instead of tent vendors, you might also find full blown local businesses.
Lawn chairs are not allowed, but a small towel or rug is fine if you want to lay out in the sun.
We love us some media coverage! You have until July 1st to apply for a media pass so you can get some content to add to your portfolio.

Always Grounded photographed by Shane Armatino

The only thing left is to enjoy the show! Gain core memories, have fun with friends, and finally, find yourself a new favorite band and watch them grow. Remember this: Shoreline is for you, it’s not just for TJ, for Armada Brewing, or the bands — it’s for you, the fans, the family, the friends. It’s for everyone that loves music and wants to make new friends!!!!