The legendary Chubby Checker will help Ocean City celebrate New Year’s Eve with performances on the Ocean City Music Pier as part of the family-friendly 2018 First Night festivities.
Checker first performed “The Twist” on “American Bandstand” in 1960, and dancing has never been the same. The rock ‘n’ roll icon has sold 250 million records and toured continuously in his career of six decades. Checker will be part of a spectacular lineup of more than 75 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during the alcohol-free celebration on Dec. 31, 2017.
All-inclusive admission buttons – good for entry to every venue throughout the night – are on sale now for a discounted $15. Visit firstnightocnj.com to purchase them online, or stop by Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway or the City Hall Welcome Center at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. Anybody interested in helping out with the event can download the First Night volunteer form online.
Checker was born in South Carolina but grew up in Philadelphia, and became a local celebrity with his impressions of Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley at Tony Anastazi’s Produce Store on South Street. The Philly boy became a star with a string of hit singles in the 1960s that included “Pony Time,” “The Mess Around,” “Limbo Rock” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Last summer, he released “Knock Down the Walls,” which made it to No. 1 on Billboard’s dance music chart.
Checker will perform shows at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the Music Pier, before fireworks cap off the evening’s entertainment and welcome the year 2018.