As the sun dipped below the horizon, outside Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant in Ship Bottom on a recent Friday night a line of eager fans snaked down the street an hour before the band was set to perform, filling the air with laughter and vibrant conversation.

Inside the bar, glasses clinked and bartenders hustled to keep up with the thirsty crowd. The dance floor was already a sea of bodies, fighting for a good spot as they waited for the main event.