Beach Concert, Ocean Rituals Herald Summer At Jersey Shore

The concert Friday will be accompanied by quirky rituals in which mayors in various beach towns “unlock” the ocean for the season, and businesspeople in Ocean City march into the water in full boardroom regalia, clutching briefcases, of course.

Michaels will be on the Seaside Heights beach bright and early Friday morning, playing hits from the hair metal band Poison.

In Atlantic City, Mayor Don Guardian will ceremonially unlock the ocean to start the summer tourism season.

State tourism officials say advance bookings for this summer are strong across the state, helped by low gasoline prices.