VICTORY LAP LAUNCH PARTY
This show is a celebration of 17 years as a band and a celebration of our new vinyl release "Victory Lap"
We're also pumped to announce a special collaboration w/ Four City Brewery, The Defending Champions "Victory Lap Pilsner" will be available (in cans) for the first time on 9/27 at the Williams Center bar! The beer cans will feature the artwork from our new vinyl release "Victory Lap". This is a special collaboration featured ONLY AT OUR RELEASE SHOWS so don't miss out and book your tickets now! Pre-sale only $20, night of $25 at the door.

The Defending Champions are: Matt Ryan - Lead Vocals/Trombone, Dean Nevolis - Guitar/Vocals, Matt Schoenebaum - Saxaphones, Jovan Alvarez - Trumpet/Percussion, Eric Swiontkowski Bass/vocals, Jeff Fernandes - Drums/Vocals.

Hailing from the great state of New Jersey, The Defending Champions are a 6-piece original band that’s been playing throughout the tri-state area for over 17 years. We appeal to a wide audience and are best described as a horn-driven, high energy melting pot of American R&B, Rock n’ Roll, Ska and global party music.

Throughout our 17 years we’ve been honored to share the stage with musical acts such as WAR, The Smithereens, Russell Batiste Jr., The Slackers, World Inferno Friendship Society, Mephiskapheles, The Pietasters, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble and many more.

Openers:
Black Flamingos are an instrumental trio from Asbury Park, NJ - featuring Robbie Butkowski on guitar, Declan O’Connell on bass, and Hi-Tide Recordings co-owner Vincent Minervino on drums.

The band has toured extensively, supporting Dick Dale, The Ventures, Los Straitjackets, Messer Chups & more, with festival appearances at The Hukilau, Surf Guitar 101 Convention, & Hi-Tide Summer Holiday.

Widely Grown is an Americana/AltFolk band from Jersey City, New Jersey. Widely Grown released their debut album in the summer of 2022 and toured 9 states to follow. The Widely Grown boys are known for their energetic live performances that contain their unique blend of rock, country, grass and soul. 2023 saw them travelin’ again, performing at the Barefoot Country Music Festival, Maplewoodstock, touring through 6 states and performing for the legendary throw down at Miguels Pizza celebration in Kentucky.

2024 has them releasing NEW MUSIC. an EP recorded live at Thundersound Studios in Kentucky. Mississippi Anna dropped March 8th! This EP takes off where Pickles left off. It’s fun. Doesn’t take itself too seriously. James wrote a batch of tunes that emulate the live energy of their shows currently. Big analog sounds.

The Defending Champions - “Victory Lap Launch Party”

The Defending Champions - “Victory Lap Launch Party”