Joe Rapolla
Joe Rapolla is a very familiar performing songwriter and rock & roller around the New Jersey Shore. A native to the shore area, Joe has played every noteworthy venue in the Northeast and has shared the stage and worked with some of the biggest acts in music, including Bruce Springsteen. His debut CD entitled "Listen To This" (2000) was very well received locally and internationally. Joe released a limited edition live CD in 2007, entitled, "LIVE At The BITTER END". His songs have been described as "a unique blend of The Beatles, Eagles, and Bruce Springsteen…with some Nashville thrown in there".
Over the past 10 years, Joe also has had success performing across Italy and other European territories. For his Summer 2009 European tour, Joe released a new EP/CD, entitled “Honest…Finally”, which was recorded at Big Kenny’s (of Big & Rich) studio in Nashville with some songs co-written and produced by his friend and Warner Music Chairman, John Esposito. Lady Antebellum producer Paul Worley also played guitar and advised on the recording. In 2014 he released his 3rd studio EP entitled, “Reckless Demos”. Joe’s songs have been recorded by both developing and renowned artists, as well as film soundtracks.
Together with his music series partner, Joe D’Urso, Joe co-hosts a the successful songwriter’s series, “Songwriters By The Sea” which showcases national, regional, local and international artists in an intimate and interactive forum. The series began as intimate, casual coffeehouse jam sessions in and around Asbury Park, NJ and has since evolved into a regional and even national show attracting the participation of many of the most revered singers and songwriters on the scene today — from Joe Grushecky and Garland Jeffreys to Willie Nile, James Maddock, Marshall Crenshaw, Alison Moorer, and David Johansen.
Joe also founded the student run record label, Blue Hawk Records at Monmouth University where Joe is the Chair of the Music & Theater Department and Director of the Music Industry program. Joe has produced dozens of studio releases for the Blue Hawk label and other artists along with and a film soundtrack. Joe regularly collaborates with top writers & artists in NYC & Nashville, and continues to perform locally & abroad.
Joe actively involves himself in charitable causes, organizations and events where his time and music can contribute, including Holiday Express and Light Of Day.
Press
italy · 2017
Latina, Italy · 2016
bologna · 2016
Rimini, Italy · 2013
Songwriters by the sea · 2012
I was so overwhelmed by the electricity and intimacy of this special musical event, that the following words/descriptions you are about to read are designed to make you feel what I felt being there. Of course the words should also move you to find the next ‘Songwriters by the Sea’ yourselves.
Latina, Italy · 2011
Songwriters by the sea · 2010
"We were going to play a lot longer tonight, but Jesse's got great stories," joked Joe Rapolla, who along with Joe D'Urso hosted another brilliant "Songwriters at the Sea" show October 30 at the Strand Theater in Lakewood, NJ.
Songwriters by the sea · 2009
Songwriters By The Sea took a big leap from America's Cup in Asbury Park to the Strand Theatre in Lakewood. Held inside the Theatre's art gallery area, the show featured Willie Nile, Marah, April Smith, and hosts Joe D'Urso and Joe Rapolla.
Video
Songwriters By The Sea, Monmouth University, with Joe Rapolla, Willie Nile and Joe D'Urso. - March 24th, 2018.
Joe Rapolla, Vini Lopez and Dan Amato at The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ - April 13th, 2018
Joe Rapolla opens up for Aztec Two-Step at McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park, New Jersey - December 29th, 2017.
Joe Rapolla & The Backstreets "Mary's Smile" Latina Theatre - December 22nd, 2007.
Joe Rapolla and The Perfect Square at Bar Anticipation, Lake Como, NJ - December 8th, 2012
Joe Rapolla & The Backstreeets "Lisa" December 22nd, 2007.
L'artista statunitense salirà sul palco della Impulse Sound Music School - July 2014.