Club Bené Shows & Performers

Morgan Memories – Club Bené Shows & Performers

Club Bené Stationary

Club Bené Stationary from 1973.

I sometimes wonder if Mr. Joseph Beninato, the owner and creator of Morgan’s Club Bené, could have ever conceived of just how meaningful and beloved his little piece of Broadway would be years after its last patron visited?  Mr. Beninato’s dream of converting his 12 year old 14-lane bowling alley into a theater showing Broadway shows debuted on October 8, 1968 with the opening of the 1959 stage musical “Gypsy” staring Carol Bruce in the lead role of Gypsy Rose Lee.  “Gypsy” was based on the memoirs of Lee in a book by Arthur Laurents (West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles), with music by Jule Styne (Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, Funny Girl, etc.), and lyrics by the now legendary Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, many others).

I encountered references to Club Bené while reading the autobiographies of Regis Philbin and John Travolta.  In its heyday, Club Bené hosted many big name artists of their time though it was likely not large enough to be able to afford names on the level of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Marquee Signs for Club Bené

Nighttime Marquee Signs for Club Bené taken by Morgan Resident Camille Thomas. Image Courtesy of Camille Thomas.

It is always interesting is to hear someone mention who they saw performing at Club Bené.  It was always exciting for me in my time in Morgan to see who was on the marquee while making the jug handle around the building to go home.  I have never seen a compiled list of performers who performed in or shows which were performed at Club Bené or its successor Krome.  Probably the majority of bookings were made by Patrick Schiavino, who did the bookings for 20 years starting some time in the very early 1980s. Over the years, I had been collecting such a list and published it on this page.  Following this page’s initial publication, I received very welcome feedback from this web site’s readers who generously provided me with the names of additional performers which I have added.  As I receive more updates, I’ll eventually add them to this page.  While what we have thus far may not be complete, indeed we may never be able to see a complete list, it certainly is extensive.  I believe it is the most extensive list of Club Bene/Chrome performers available anywhere.

If you have some more to add, please make a comment below.

Watch for the upcoming Morgan-NJ.org page about the history of Joe’s Kozy Bar, Kozy Lanes and Club Bené.

To see more topics about Morgan and the surrounding area, scroll to the top of this page and click on any of the links.

Club Bené Menu

Menu from the April 22, 1973 Nancy Wilson Performance at Club Bené.

Shows:

  • Gypsy with Carol Bruce – Opened 10/8/68
  • Carnival with Eileen Fulton – Opened 11/5/68
  • Neu Dimensions Las Vegas Revue – Opened 12/3/68
  • The Owl and the Pussycat with Sonny Fox and Luba Lisa – Opened 1/3/69
  • Goodbye Charlie with Fannie Flagg – Opened 2/4/69
  • The Fantastiks with James Pritchett – Opened 3/4/69
  • A Girl Could Get Lucky with Rosemary Prinz – Opened 4/8/69
  • Never Too Late with Margaret Truman – 5/69
  • West Side Story – Opened 6/3/69
  • The Pajama Game – Opened 7/1/69
  • How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying – 8/69
  • Mame with Jan Lawrence & Brian O’Mahoney – 1971
  • “Li’l Abner” – Spring 1972
  • Finian’s Rainbow – March 1974
  • South Pacific – 1974
  • West Side Story – September 1974
  • Funny Girl with Nancy Grennan Hillner – circa 1974/75
  • Mame with Nancy Grennan Hillner – circa 1974/75
  • Little Shop of Horrors with Ellen Greene
  • Once Upon a Mattress
  • Promises Promises
  • Puss n Boots – Matinee
  • Wizard of Oz – Matinee
Don Imus at Club Bené

The Tradition of Taking a Photo of Mary Beninato with Club Bené Performers!
Left to Right: Founder and Owner of Club Bené, Mr. Thomas Beninato, Don Imus, Mrs. Mary Beninato. Image Courtesy of Donna Andrejewski.

Performers Identified via Various Sources:

  • Ace Frehley
  • Adrian Belew – a handful of dates between 1989 and 1994 (one with the Psychodots as both his opener and backing band)
  • Air Supply
  • Al Dimeola
  • Al Martino
  • Al Stewart
  • Alan Holdsworth
  • Alex Buignon
  • Alvin Lee with Ten Years After – 1999
  • America – 7/25/98
  • American Angel
  • Angela Bofill
  • Annie Haslam
  • Anvil – circa 1988-89
  • Bachman Turner Overdrive
  • BB and the Stingers
  • Beatlemania
  • Beaver Brown Band
  • Bernie Mack
  • Big El (Elvis impersonator)
  • Billy Cobham
  • BioHazard – 1990s
  • Blackfoot
  • Blue Oyster Cult
  • Bobby Caldwell
  • Bobcat Goldthwait
  • BoltActionBelief – Feb 1995 & 1996
  • Bon Jovi – John Bongiovi Band (performed ‘Runaway’)
  • Bonnie Raitt
  • Boris the Spider Johnny Twinkle Thunderfingers
  • Brand X
  • Brian McNight
  • Brian Setzer Orchestra
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Bruce Cockburn
  • California Guitar Trio
  • Candy Dulfar
  • Carl and Company – 1977/1978
  • Carl Perkins – 1989
  • Carmine Appice
  • Charlie Callas – 1980s
  • Charlie Daniels
  • Chicago
  • China White
  • Chris Tucker
  • Cindy Garvey
  • Converge n Acacia Strain
  • Corbett Monica – 1980’s
  • Cult Jam
  • Damian Calcagne Band (DCB)
  • Danny Bonaduce & David Cassidy
  • Dave Davies – 12/6/97, 6/3/98
  • Dave Koz – circa 1993
  • Dave Mason – early to mid-80’s
  • David Allen Coe
  • David Benoit
  • David Brenner
  • David Bronberg
  • David Byrne – 10/14/97
  • David Cassidy – 9/15/91
  • David Crosby – early 80’s
  • David Sanborn – circa 1994
  • David Torn with Bill Bruford, Mick Karn, and Michael White as his backing band – Late 1987
  • Dead Milkmen – 1989 or 1990
  • Del Amitri – 1995
  • Devo – 11/19/88
  • Dick Dale
  • Dion
  • Dixie Dregs – 2/20/92, 10/9/92, 12/9/94
  • Dizzy Gillespie – 1980s
  • Don Imus
  • Don Mclean
  • Don Williams
  • Donnie & Marie Osmond
  • Doors Tribute
  • Dottie West
  • Dream Theater
  • Eddie Fisher – circa 1980
  • Eddie Money – 1994
  • Eddie Rabbit
  • Edgar Winter
  • Electric Light Orchestra
  • Enzo Stuarti – 1980’s
  • Eric Benet
  • Eric Burden (from the Animals)
  • Etta James
  • Etown
  • Fates Warning – 8/7/97, 12/10/97
  • Fattburger – early 1990s
  • Fishbone – Sometime in the late 80’s?
  • Foghat – 12/7/94
  • Four Tops
  • Frank Gorshin
  • Frankie Avalon
  • Frankie Laine
  • Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
  • Fred Wesley
  • From Autumn to Ashes
  • From Good Homes – 8/3/95
  • Gato Barbieri
  • Gentlemen Prefer Blonds with Jane Mansfield(?) – late 60s (?)
  • George Carlin – 1985 & Sometime between 1999 – 2002?
  • George Jones
  • Gerald Albright – early 1990s
  • Gilbert Gottfried
  • Glen Burtnik
  • Graham Parker
  • Great White
  • Howard Stern
  • Infinite Touch
  • Iron Butterfly
  • Jack Bruce Band – 2/8/90
  • Jackie the Joke Man
  • Jan and Dean – circa 1983
  • Jason Bonham – circa 1995
  • Jay & the Americans – early 80s
  • Jay Leno
  • Jean Luc Ponty
  • Jeff Dunham
  • Jeff Healy
  • Jefferson Starship – 11/10/95, 8/13/96
  • Jeffrey Gaines – 11/1/99
  • Jerry Lee Lewis – mid-1980’s
  • Jerry Reed
  • Jerry Vale
Jesse Blue at Club Bené

Jesse Blue Opening for Marshall Tucker at Club Bené on June 20, 1998. Image Courtesy of VictorNegron.com. http://www.victornegron.com/

  • Jesse Blue – 6/20/98
  • JetBoy
  • Jill Sobule (opened for Warren Zevon and did a killer duet on ‘Jackson’) – 3/18/2000
  • Jimi Jamison
  • Jimmy Rosselli
  • Joan Jett
  • Joe Grushecki with Max Weinberg on drums
  • Joe Lynn Turner performed with Leslie West
  • Joe Pico
  • Joe Piscopo
  • Joey Heatherton – 1980’s
  • John Alexander (Magician)
  • John Cafferty
  • John Cake and Chris Sledding – circa 1985
  • John Cale with Chris Spedding – 6/12/87
  • John Dalby (aka Dr. Dirty)
  • John Eddie (opened for Joe Grushecky)
  • John Entwistle (of The Who) – 2/1/96,  6/17/98
  • John McLaughlin
  • John Pizzarelli
  • John Prine
  • John Travolta (In autobiography)
  • John Valby
  • Johnny Lee
  • Johnny Maestro
  • Johnny Winter – 1996
  • Jon Paris – 1996
  • Jorma
  • Junkhead – 3/18/93
  • Kako Matsui
  • Kansas
  • Kenny Rankin
  • Kevyn Lattau – early 1990s
  • King Diamond
  • Kix
  • Kris Kristofferson
  • Larry Carlton
  • Larry Coreyell
  • Laura Nyro
  • Lee Rittenour
  • Leo Kottke
  • Leon Redbone
  • Leon Russell
  • Leslie West Band – 12/12/86
  • Leslie West Mountain
  • Lesser Children
  • Levon Helm
  • Lionel (radio satirist)
  • Lisa Lisa
  • Little Feat’s – 11/21/98
  • Living Colour
  • London Lady
  • Loretta Hagen
  • Lou Rawls
  • Loudon Wainwright III
  • Manowar
  • Marillion
  • Marillion – 9/13/97
  • Marshall Crenshaw
  • Marshall Tucker
  • Marshall Tucker Band – 6/20/98
  • Marty Balin (Starship)
  • Marty Stuart
  • Marvin Hamlish
  • Mass Psychosis – 1993
  • Max Creek – 2/9/90
  • Maynard Ferguson – 11/80 & 10/93
  • Meatloaf
  • Merle Haggard – 4/1/95
  • Michael Hedges (Guitarist)
  • Mick Taylor
  • Midnight Rain – 2/16/08
  • Mighty Mighty Bosstones
  • Mike Dalton Band
  • Miki Howard
  • Milton Berle
  • Mindless Self Indulgence
  • Morbid Angel – 1990s
  • Morton Downey, Jr. – 1988
  • Motorhead – 1989
  • Mr. Big
  • Mr. Reality
  • Musicuciron
  • Najee
Nancy Wilson at Club Bené

1973 Club Bené Advertisement for Nancy Wilson.

  • Nancy Wilson – 4/22/73
  • Neville Brothers
  • Nils Lofgren
  • Nipsey Russel
  • Non Fiction
  • Norman Brown (Jazz Guitarist)
  • NRBQ
  • Nuclear Assault – 12/23/88
  • Oingo Boingo – Late 80s/early 90s
  • Outline
  • Overkill
  • Pat Cooper
  • Pauly Shore
  • Peter Himmelman
  • Peter White
  • Peter Wolf
  • Phil Perry
  • Phish – 10/7/90
  • Phoebe Snow
  • Phyllis Hyman
  • Physical Reality (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band)
  • Pig Vomit
  • Poco
  • Psycho78 – 1993
  • Rancid
  • Randy Levine (Comedian)
  • Ray Charles – 1972 or 73
  • Redd Foxx
  • Regina Bell
  • Regis Philbin (In autobiography)
  • Renaissance
  • Richard Elliott
  • Richard Lewis – 1980s
  • Richard Manuel (soon thereafter, Richard hung himself)
  • Rick Braun
  • Rick Danko
  • Rick Nelson
  • Rick Wakeman
  • Rightious Brothers
  • Ripping Corpse
  • Robert Fripp
  • Robin Trower
  • Rodney Dangerfield
  • Roger McGuinn
  • Ronnie Montrose with Allan Holdsworth – circa 1988 / 89
  • Rory Gallagher
  • Rosanne Cash
  • Roy Buchanan
  • Roy Orbison
  • Royal Scam Steely Dan Tribute
  • Rudess/Morgenstein Project – 4/25/97
  • Run DMC
  • Rx bandits
  • Salt-N-Pepa – 3/20/99
  • Sarah McLachlan – 8/28/92
  • Savage Choir – 4/18/90
  • Savatage
  • Scatterbrain – circa 1991
  • Shock Control
  • Sid Caesar
  • Sister Machine Gun – 5/8/97
  • Skid Row
Smothers Brothers at Club Bené

Smothers Brothers and Mrs. Beninato at Club Bené.
Left to Right: Dick Smothers, Mary Beninato, Tom Smothers. Image Courtesy of Donna Andrejewski.

  • Smothers Brothers
  • Soft Parade
  • Soft White Under Belly
  • Soupy Sales & Tiny Tim – 1970s
  • Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
  • Spyro Gyra
  • Squeeze (Really Difford & Tillbrook acoustic)
  • Stanley Clark – 1984
  • Stanley Jordan – Jan 30, 1988
  • Stephen Pisani
  • Steve Howe
  • Steve Morse Band – 8/22/81, 6/11/89, 10/21/89, 8/13/93, 3/5/94, 11/17/95, 4/25/97, 4/25/98, 10/8/99
  • Stuff
  • Suicide Machines
  • Switchblade Symphony & Front Line Assembly – 1998
  • Tanya Tucker – 5/1/83
  • Taylor Dayne
  • Teena Marie
  • Temptations
  • Testament and Possessed
  • The Fixx
  • The Hooters
  • The Leslie West Group including Tim Bogert and Joe Franco – 7/16/88
  • The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute band) – late 80’s
  • The Outlaws
  • The Radiators – 3/27/92
  • The Ramones
  • The Rippingtons
  • The Shondells
  • The Stylistics
  • The Tubes
  • The Ventures
  • The Wailers
  • The Weepers (opened for Steve Morse) – circa 1997
  • Tiny Tim
  • Tito Puentes
  • Tom Jones
  • Tom-Tom Club show
  • Tommy James
  • Tower of Power
  • Triage – 1995-96
  • Trixter – March 31, 1995
  • Tunabase – 1/3/86, 11/26/86, 6/12/92, 9/26/92
  • Twisted Sister
  • Uncle Floyd – 10/98 & 1970s
  • VAST
  • Vic Damone – 1980’s
  • Vinnie Moore – Apr 25, 1990
  • Vision Purple – 11/18/90
  • Vito & the Salutations – early 1980s
  • Warrant
  • Warren Zevon – 3/18/2000
  • When They All Fell
  • White Lion
  • Willie Nelson
  • Xenon – 1989
  • Zebra – At least 5-6 times over a period of 5 years in the late 1980s including 1988

Originally posted on December 10, 2014.  Last updated on March 12, 2022.

226 thoughts on “Club Bené Shows & Performers”

  1. Diane

    My first show was at Club Bene. I saw Scatterbrain, I believe it was 1991. I have many great memories from seeing bands play there. Two bands not mentioned on your list are Mr. Reality and Trixter. My husbands bands also played many shows there.

    Reply ↓
    2. Steve

      My First Job in 1985-86, SOOOOOOO MANNNNY DISHES to wash and meals to prep. Hard work, but Great memories 🙂

      Reply ↓
  6. Teri Humcke Burglund

    Went there in the 50’s when it was Kozy’s. Had the best pizza around. My dad insisted if we were having pizza it had to be Kozy’s even though it was not the closest, just the best.

    Reply ↓
  8. Michael mauro

    I opened the show for Imus, in between shows we went to my house and he drank Heineken sitting on the small nursery school chair! Great guy!

    Reply ↓
    1. Angelo

      one of your records made it into our collection at home. Did you ever play The Forge in Woodbridge? My old man was friends with the manager back then. I think it came from there.

      Reply ↓
  10. Michael Beninato

    It was amazing dome of the shows we saw there. Hard to believe the way it went down so rapidly after Uncle Joe passed away. He was a one of a kind man for sure. Our family really enjoyed summer there in the back pool section. the entire family would go every weekend. Swim and eat. It kept us together now were all over the place in different places.

    Reply ↓
  13. Roy Bill

    I was in a local band called Blue Satin and played many partie and weddings at the Club Bene. One night, on one of our breaks, I went into the main room and saw Meatloaf performing. What great memories we have from the Club Bene!

    Reply ↓
  14. James Makowski

    I remember attending numerous great shows at Club Bene. Some of the shows/performances I attended not on the list (and I’m sure I’ll recall more in the future) include Peter White, Don Mclean, Kako Matsui, Michael Hedges, Gram Parker, BB and the Stingers, Big El (Elvis impersonator), Joe Grushecky and Leon Russell.
    Thanks for all the great times and memories !
    Jim Makowski

    Reply ↓
  16. Scott DeSimone

    You can add Leon Russell, Norman Brown (Jazz Guitarist), Tommy James & The Shondells, The Rippingtons and Dick Dale

    Reply ↓
  17. Don Fruehwirth

    you need to add blue oyster cult- i saw them there on new years eve but i can quiet remember the exact year–also need to add blackfoot too – i saw many rock shows there over the years

    Reply ↓
  18. Darrell Larsen

    It was very sad to see it go. Grew up in the neighborhood and spent a lot of good times with friends enjoying the pizza and buffet.

    Reply ↓
    1. Larry Kosinar

      My mom, Marion, worked as a costumer and stage guard dog during the 80’s and into the 90’s she even had a bit part in one of the shows.
      Had just droven past the location and the empty lot still has the shadow of what once was.

      Reply ↓
  20. jerry

    WOW, what memories with HOWARD Stern and his giant plastic vagina to REGIS and Joy Philbin with the blue haired old ladies swooning over him at the place in mid 80’s…………….. acts that will-never be repeated or equaled ………………… .EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply ↓
  21. Christopher Pasternak

    lots of wonderful jazz shows we saw there, we saw Al Dimeola, John McLaughlin, Larry Coreyell, David Benoit, Billy Cobham

    Reply ↓
  22. Erina

    My mom worked at Club Bene playing piano at intermission during the dinner theatre. She played with no shoes and was billed as “Barefoot Mona”. I was a kid at the time but it had to be late sixties or seventies. I’m not sure if you had Robert Klein on the list but I was recently at my friends going through her parents scrap albums and saw the flyer with him on it. They must have been big fans because anytime he came local (Metuchen Forum) they went to see him.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      I would be interested in seeing a scanned copy of the Robert Klein flyer and would consider posting it on the web site and giving you and your friend credit.

      Reply ↓
  23. Mike M

    I started working as a dish washer in the dungeon at age fifteen. I probably seen about 1000 to 2000 shows. BUT you forgot MudBox who graced the stage more than ten times. Let’s not forget Darren’s band Elysium or the awesome Systematic. Although Manowar was my first show, I never missed a show a week minimum. Usually Thursday’s for local bands. Miss and love the joint!!!!

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Thanks, Mike. As people identify acts which are missing, I’ll add them to the list and at some point make an update to the web site. Do you have any memorabilia from your time there that we could post images of on the web site?

      Reply ↓
  26. GregBito

    I remember seeing John Prine there in the early 1970’s. One of my favorite shows/performers and made a big impression on me. Do you remember what dates he played there?

    Reply ↓
  27. Jan Lawrence

    I had the lead role of Mame in that show at the Club Bene in 1971, I think it was…..I was not “famous” enough to make your list. Always a wonderful memory of that place, that great cast, and Joe as the Director. Joe asked me to play Mame when he met me as I attended a performance of the previous show. John Travolta was in that one, playing the geeky brother…cute, even then. The experience of playing Mame was one of my personal favorite gigs of all time. The personnel of the place was always very nice to us. Several of the people in that show went on to do more great things in the business. Sad to think that the place is gone.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Hi Jan, I’ll add you next time I update the list. Thanks for letting us know. I agree that it is a bummer that the place is gone.

      Reply ↓
  28. Brian O'Mahoney

    Thanks for reminding me how great that place was. I performed, as a child and teen in several productions at Club Benè Dinner Theater as well as many “Kiddie Shows” as we called their weekend matinees. A family friend was musical director for one of their productions and they needed a kid who could sing. My first show was Mame in, I think 1969. I knew Joe and his two sons and daughter. (I had a crush on Donna Beninato, but she had a terrible crush on 19 year old Johnny Travolta.) Joe always fed the cast at the buffet, a real perk for starving actors. John’s sister Annie Travolta was in High Button Shoes with me. I played Michael Banks when Kathel Carlson and Jimmy Brennan starred in Mary Poppins. London Lee was the weekend lounge performer back then.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Hi Brian – I can add your name next time I update the page. Were High Button Shoes and Mary Poppins performed at Club Bene? If so, do you know what years? Was London Lee the performer at Club Bene? Per chance to you have any programs which I can scan?

      Reply ↓
      1. Mike and Sandy Rath

        I hope you haven’t missed Southside and the Jukes. Still going strong at 70. Playing in California this past July.

        Reply ↓
        2. Lin Scrattish

          Jerry Lee Lewis, mid 1980’s. This dinner
          theatre in the middle of nowhere. I
          came over from Manhattan. Magical
          evening. Amazing legacy.

          Reply ↓
  29. Jonathan Miele

    My name is Jonathan Miele and I performed in several shows at Club Bene. My 1st show was High Button Shoes in the fall of 1971 and I played Uncle Henry. Brian this is incredible! Other shows I did at Club Bene are Showboat, Where’s Charlie, Lil’ Abner, Brigadoon, A Christmas Carol (Children’s Show.) I know there is one or two more shows that I did there but can’t recall them; I will write again once my memory kicks in. The last time I was at Club Bene was when I choreographed Finnian’s Rainbow in 1972. Linda MacArthur, who was in all of those shows, have been married for 41 years now. Linda played the lead role in Sweet Charity in 1972. We loved Mr. and Mrs. Beninato! Linda and I were very touched when they came to see us on Broadway in Lorilei. Mrs. Beninato cried….they were just like parents coming to see their children….they were proud of us. I will ever be grateful for Joe Hayes and the Beninato’s for hiring me; I landed my first show there exactly one week after arriving in NYC. I would love to connect with others that Linda and I worked with at our beloved Club Bene. I am pretty sure that I have a program of High Button Shoes but that is it. If anyone has any pictures or other keepsakes I would love to connect with you.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Thanks for your stories! I’ll update the web site at some point and include your info.

      Reply ↓
    2. Gail Pearson

      Johnny. Gail Pearson, here. i have wondered about you and Linda. Lil Abner, Brigadoon, Showboat(remember Jim Swanson) and only two black actors in cast, so we chorus people did “smudge face”), ,Kiss Me Kate, Flower Drum Song( (no Asians in cast, as I recall), Promises Promises. Unsinkable Molly Brow was first job in NYC. Jimmy Brennen choreographed and Kathel Carlson was Molly. They were not, yet, married. I did nine shows in all. Missing two, here. Gotta find old resume.
      Incidentally, where are you and Linda? I am in LA.

      Reply ↓
  31. PB

    How much personal dust and detail you want? I was a theater stage crew apprentice at the dinner theater, summer of ’73. Odds and ends of circumstances and recollection beyond play titles would be fun to share but a heavy text dose for this space.

    Reply ↓
  34. Marilyn Rix

    please is there any way to find out what years Jerry Reed performed at the club I really would appreciate it if you would be able to let me know

    Reply ↓
  40. Judith Felix

    Hi love this list.. few additions though… my husband Dave went there a lot in the late eighties and early nineties…please add Peter Wolf and Jimi Jamison

    Reply ↓
  41. Gail Pearson

    John Miele Gail Pearson, here. i have wondered about you and Linda. Lil Abner, Brigadoon, Showboat(remember Jim Swanson) and only two black actors in cast, so we chorus people did “smudge face”), ,Kiss Me Kate, Flower Drum Song( (no Asians in cast, as I recall), Promises Promises. Unsinkable Molly Brow was first job in NYC. Jimmy Brennen choreographed and Kathel Carlson was Molly. They were not, yet, married. I did nine shows in all. Missing two, here. Gotta find old resume.
    Incidentally, where are you and Linda? I am in LA

    Reply ↓
  42. Maureen

    B.J. Thomas (“Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “Hooked on a Feeling.”)
    I worked for the Daily Journal in Elizabeth and the promoter (don’t know his name) would offer us phone interviews with the performers in the days leading up to their show at Club Bene. That would have been about 1983. The woman who replaced me on the “R&R” section got to interview Donny Osmond and I was very jealous.

    Reply ↓
  44. Jim Lander

    Wow, what memories i had of that place. First of all, my grandmother lived in one of the attached apartments when i was a young kid. Then in the early 90s, i was the singer of the band Shock Control. The guitarist and i still talk about club Bene being our favorite place to play. We opened for Peter Wolf there, and played with many great local bands. Alexs’ Treat, China White, just to name a few that aren’t on the list. That place just felt so awesome to be at. Thanks for the post and bringing back such truly fantastic memories.

    Reply ↓
  48. Ruth

    My niece Margie played there many years as the house band but they changed their name so many times I don’t know if they appeared their as the ventures ,holiday,vespers or some other name.

    Reply ↓
  50. Bob N

    I worked in the kitchen during high school from 1979 to1983, bartended from 1990 to 2000 . My favorite show at the club was the electric light Orchestra

    Reply ↓
  53. Tony Brigante

    Hello…

    Can you please add Red Bank, NJ’s own, BoltActionBelief (one word) to the list? They were a great, local hard rock band! They played Club Bene’ in Feb. 1995 and then again in 1996.

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply ↓
  54. WALLACE AND IDA MYERS

    HELLO,MY WIFE AND I AGREED THAT THE NIGHT WE SAW PAT COOPER PERFORM WAS THE GREATEST FOR US!WE ARE BOTH GRATEFUL FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF ANOTHER TIME IN OUR LIVES THAT WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO ENJOY!

    Reply ↓
  55. Bill

    Hey there!

    I have a few questions about the Trixter show. According to my notes, they played there on March 31, 1995, but I’d like to know if tickets were sold for this show or if we paid at the door.

    Also, which room were we in? It was my first and only time to Club Bene and I’m trying to piece together the evening for some friends that were with me. Any information would be helpful, even old flyers, newspaper ads, menus, etc. Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  58. Jim Brochu

    I stumbled over this thread and so happy I did I appeared in several productions there in 1969 and 1970 and I adored Joe Beninato, a sweet generous man, and the whole family. Joe Hayes produced the shows I was in – Oklahoma, Sweet Charity, the Razz-Ma-Tazz review and then cast Joe’s production o Bye, Bye Birdie where I gave John Travolta his first job. Many legendary Broadway names came out of there, including conductor Larry Blank, director Jimmy Brennan and Broadway star Jeanne Lehman – all who are still friends to this day. It was a great training ground for young actors and I still think about Club Bene, Joe and Mary, as one of my fondest memories.

    Reply ↓
  59. Rich

    I remember seeing Phish there in 1990. Small crowd for their 1st NJ appearance. We traveled from MA down to Closter,NJ to see family and then traveled down to South Amboy with a car full to see Mike and his band. For some reason I remember a red curtain open to reveal the band who had already started playing. I believe some band equipment was stolen that night. Marley mustn’t have been in charge for security that night.

    Reply ↓
  60. Nancy Cunningham

    My girlfriends and I use to hit Club Bene and other places on Rt 35. There was Brothers 3 and The Bedroom to name a couple. We’d hit a dinner on the way home.
    I worked at C R Bard and I became friends
    with Donna Bene. I think she lived in Scotch Plains or Fanwood. Donna was a pretty girl and very nice.

    Reply ↓
  61. John Sr Mull

    I lived in Old Bridge in the 80s and saw Mick Taylor at Club Bene. Also went to the Edgar Winter/ Leon Russell show but they are already on the list.

    Reply ↓
          1. Lisa Beninato

            Yes, Joe Beninato was my grandfather – I am his oldest sons daughter.- You probably know my dad – Joe Beninato Jr. aka Kozy

  64. Sam Foster

    Thanks for this list! It helps keep so many good memories alive. I haven’t lived in the area for ages, but I was heartbroken when I read that Club Bene was no more.

    Please add the following artists:

    Annie Haslam
    Stanley Jordan: 1/30/88
    Vinnie Moore: 4/25/90

    Reply ↓
  66. Paul Seitz

    is it possible that I saw Fishbone at the club? All I remember is that it was a dinner theatre somewhere south of Somerset county and it would have been in the late 80’s.

    Reply ↓
    2. gene

      I was at that Crosby show. Opened with a song he claims he wrote in the limo on the way to the gig. Busted in Texas in his dressing room later the same week.

      And where is the Levon show?

      Reply ↓
  74. John Bartlinski

    Steve Forbert played there many times, always a great show!
    George Carlin was there yearly for many years. Around 1980-81 he did a 3 or 4 night stint there. I gave him the t shirt that he wears on the What am I Doing in New Jersey Album. He saw me wearing one on Thursday, and said he liked it.
    When a group of us from the Morgan Fire Company went on Saturday, I gave him the #hirt! He came to the firehouse with us after the show!
    Oh the memories

    Reply ↓
    1. Lin Scrattish

      Jerry Lee Lewis, mid 1980’s. This dinner
      theatre in the middle of nowhere. I
      came over from Manhattan. Magical
      evening. Amazing legacy.

      Reply ↓
  75. Dave Ciullo

    My wife and I saw many great shows there. Here are some more bands that are not on your list: Roseanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Squeeze (Really Difford & Tillbrook acoustic) with Hammell On Trial, NIls Lofgren, NRBQ, Rory Gallagher, Peter Himmelman, Jill Sobule (opened for Warren Zevon and did a killer duet on ‘Jackson’, and John Eddie (opened for Joe Grushecky. Also in the late ’90s there was a separate room called ‘The Leopard Lounge’ that featured a number of neo-swing band, some of which played in the main room.

    Reply ↓
  76. David Varnum

    The production of “Li’l Abner” in the spring of 1972 was my first professional acting gig. I played Senator Phogbound. One night, I slid downstage on my knees (very close to a table of guests) and made a gesture that caused the audience to howl with laughter! At the time, I actually didn’t know the meaning of the gesture: It was an upward thrust of my fist and right arm, checked by a horizontal left arm. This, of course, meant “F___ You!” I was totally embarrassed when told of this later, but—-It was SO funny!

    Reply ↓
  77. Paul Galiszewski

    Legendary, the 90s band ,China White, i was the drummer, we had one of our first shows there. We had our first video filmed there, had our first CD release party there, ooened up for Warrant, Widowmaker, Slaughter, Raindance, amongst the numerous times we headlined there.

    Reply ↓
  79. gene

    At the Levon show, some kid right up front kept yelling “Play some f**king The Band!!” and finally Levon cajoled the kid into coming up and singing lead on a song. Name a song, Levon said, and the kid shouted enthusiastically “Cripple Creek!” So they go into the intro, and…crickets. Doesn’t know a single word of the first verse, only the refrain. But he stayed up there like a champ and every time the chorus came around he was all in…”UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK….!!! ” priceless.

    Reply ↓
  80. Paul Riggio

    I was one of the NYC musicians who played a few shows at the Club Bene in the 1980s: Joey Heatherton, Corbett Monica, Enzo Stuarti and Vic Damone (I think you have Vic on your list.) I hope this helps to know.

    Reply ↓
  81. Connie Ascone

    I saw Dave Koz probably around 1993 when he was promoting his 2nd CD “Lucky Man”.
    Also, David Sanborn was there. I’m guessing about 1994 when released “The Best of David Sanborn”.
    I have a lot of good memories going to Club Bene with my daughter. We loved contemporary jazz and it was great being with other people who enjoyed it as much as we did.
    My daughter is 44 now and still my concert buddy!

    Reply ↓
  82. frank balasko

    dont know the dates but levon helm,richard manuel and rick danko played together.Soon after richard hung himself.

    Reply ↓
  84. Michael Schwartz

    Back in the early 80’s, there was a weekend multi-band showcase concert at a club near the Jersey shore. It had something to do with the WAPP New York Rocks album. I attended it after spending the day at Raceway Park in Englishtown. I recall that one of the acts was the John Bongiovi Band performing ‘Runaway’. I remember that during a band change the club had a lightshow in the ceiling and they played YYZ by Rush over the PA.

    Someone at the Quora forum suggested that it was Club Bene. Looking at this site, and a map, I think that they might be correct. I would love to know the exact date, and possibly see photos. Thanks.

    Reply ↓
  85. PM

    I think I saw Zebra there at least 5-6 times over a period of 5 years in the late 80’s! And of course the legendary Blue Oyster Cult! It was always a cool vibe.

    Reply ↓
  86. Tim

    Last band listed is Zebra with a question mark for 1988. That is absolutely correct! I was there. Great show they did a Zep song for the encore which I can’t remember

    Reply ↓
  88. Jon Wilson

    I was fortunate to have worked there from 1994 to 2000. We also got married there. Donna and Buzzy made the wedding special. Most of my wife’s family including my brother and cousin worked there. We often talk about it. On top of all the shows I saw Eric Burden from the animals and Pauly Shore. We miss the place dearly.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Thanks. The site has been updated – thanks to you! If you have any stories you would like to share, please let us know.

      Reply ↓
      1. Nancy Grennan Hillner

        I appeared at Club Bene in March of 1974, as Sharon in Finian’s Rainbow. The next show at Bene was South Pacific, followed by 3 shows in the summer. In September, the show was West Side Story. My turn as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl came next, followed by my chance to play Mame in Mame. I was honored to be given the opportunities that came with working at this wonderful place.
        I loved working at Bene, I loved Joe Beninato and his family, and remember my time there with great fondness.

        Reply ↓
        1. morgannjadmin Post author

          That’s awesome! I added your info to the site. Do you have any programs from those shows that I can scan and eventually add to the site?

          Reply ↓
  89. Paul

    Besides the acts listed, I saw David Torn there late in 1987 (with Bill Bruford, Mick Karn, and Michael White as his backing band). Adrian Belew also played a handful of dates between 1989 and 1994 (one with the Psychodots as both his opener and backing band). Ronnie Montrose with Allan Holdsworth, circa 1988 – 89, too.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Now he is on “Curb your Enthusiasm” Thank you for your info – it has been added to the site!

      Reply ↓
  91. Eric Thiessen

    Artist: The Leslie West Group including Tim Bogert and Joe Franco
    Date: 1988-07-16
    Location: South Amboy, NJ
    Venue: Club Bene

    Reply ↓
  92. Silvio Guzzo

    Max Weinberg played drums at one of Joe Grushecki’s shows, I used to go backstage to meet the performers at all the shows I went to ( one of my good friends worked security there so he always brought me backstage)

    Reply ↓
  94. Preston Chauncy

    I’m now 64 and I can remember the great shows at the club, where else could you get dinner and a show for $25. The owner were people who showed that it was not all about the money. Today there are still great shows to be found but at a exorbitant price. The days of dinner and show for $25 is so long gone. Think God I got to experience the artist’s become of Club Bene! The Greatest of all times. Preston Chauncy

    Reply ↓
  95. MRJ

    My partner is from South Amboy and his hardcore bands played there as well: Lesser Children and When They All Fell.

    Reply ↓
  98. Doug Sulpy

    “John Cake and Chris Sledding – circa 1985”

    That’s John Cale and Chris Spedding. Or, rather, John Cale with Chris Spedding because Chris came along unannounced and accompanied John on guitar.
    This was on June 12th, 1987.

    Reply ↓
  99. BT

    I remember walking in and seeing Brian Setzer and his orchestra filling up a large part of the room, and feeling my hair blow back when the brass kicked in. My ears are still ringing, and I can’t wipe the smile off of my face…

    Reply ↓
  101. Maureen Klos

    We attended the dinner show when Dion and I think Tony Bennett were performing. Can you give me the date ? It was either December 1978 or 1988. It was for one of my milestone birthdays. Thanks so much! We enjoyed the show so much!@

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Sorry, the only info we have is what is on the site. We depend on readers to help fill in the blanks.

      Reply ↓
  102. Eric Halstead

    Hi All … Went to many shows at Club Bene! The intimacy of the ballroom/theatre was awesome, unfortunately you just can’t find that anywhere anymore! My favorite show there was Meat Loaf, He put on a phenomenal show! What great memories…. count me in as another that was very sad to see it go! Some more nostalgic pics would be great! ” Rip – Marvin Lee Aday “

    Reply ↓
  103. Richard j keough

    I ate veal Marsala and was ordering heineken s and a bottle of champagne watching eddie money ten feet away live concert they don’t have those great thing anymore thank for the great memories

    Reply ↓
  105. Audrey Mosello

    I worked there in the 80’s. Met my husband there. He played with Maynard Ferguson. It was November 1980.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Maynard was my favorite! I saw your husband (Joe Mosello – trumpet spectacular) playing with Maynard at other venues during that time. Awesome!

      Reply ↓
  106. CL

    Please add Dizzy Gillespie to the list. My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing him and many others perform in the 80s. Wonderful memories of a great venue!

    Reply ↓
  107. Suzi

    I have a memory of auditioning for Annie in the early 80’s but didn’t see that listed on this site. Did that show ever run at Club Bene?

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      Hi Suzi, I don’t know if Annie ever ran. Perhaps some readers of this will know? There isn’t any place that I am aware of, other than this crowd-sourced page, to find such information.

      Reply ↓
  108. Lynn Loy

    There was a time when there was Country and Western music there in the 1970’s I believe. I have 2 signed albums which used to be sold and signed by the artist after the show. They are Webb Pierce and Ferlin Husky. Now you can add those people to your list. Vern you are the best for writing all this information about Morgan and South Amboy. I met you years ago at the Sayreville Senior Center where you gave a presentation. Thanks again!

    Ps I also gave you information about the Warner Power Station years ago.

    Reply ↓
  109. Mary Lang Mindas

    No one has mentioned the kiddie shows on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. My theater company, Calliope Theater Company, was Club Bene’s house Company for 15 years. I started working there in around 1984. The place was packed with children 4 days a month. They were given a hot dog, soda, and ice cream for $5. I produced, directed, and wrote the music for many of them. Club Bene was like my second home.

    Reply ↓
    1. morgannjadmin Post author

      That’s awesome. If you want to scan them (or I can scan them for you), I could update and include the images in the article.

      Reply ↓
  111. Ian Zukswert

    This was sad reading about the loss of Club Bene but in New Jersey it is a regular occurrence having places of interest and legend torn down to make room for strip malls, fast food restaurants and other useless junk. I used to live in Morris County and now am upstate New York, for better or worse. My only venture to the wonderful Club Bene was is 1986 to see Janis Ian and rented a car from Rent-A-Wreck to get there. It is not a favorite drive as it is highways all the way but the music, venue and memories will never be forgotten. I think I still have a flyer that included Eddie Rabbitt and Renaissance from around that time. R.I.P. Club Bene and Eddie Rabbitt.

    Reply ↓
  112. Kevin Karajz

    I got to see Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock (still have a treasured autographed album from that night!!!) & George Carlin at Club Bene’, just to name a few. The thrill of seeing some of the people I idolized up close just 25 minutes from my house was an incredibke rush to me! Some of my best memories as a young man growing up in Central Jersey – I’ll never see another place like it in my lifetime..

    Reply ↓
  113. Ron Ghilino

    I just posted a tribute to Club Bene on my Twitter site @BestSongIHeard and believe me it was genuine. I loved going to Club Bene. I lived in Perth Amboy and I considered it the best venue in the area by a long shot. It provided a chance to see some of the greatest rock artists in a small setting where they could really let their hair down.

    Reply ↓
  114. Jim Agostine

    I’ve been trying to piece together a date for a George Carlin show and wanted to see if anyone could help. I saw him perform at Club Bene in roughly 1987 or 88 and I haven’t been able to track down the exact date. Is anyone familiar with that performance?

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *