A Night of Love Songs and Ghost Stories with Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band
Shot and Written by Michael Campanile
June 17, 2026
Shot and Written by Michael Campanile
June 17, 2026
It has been six years since Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band released Nightbird Hotel. Six loooooooooong, strange years. But if you asked them, the magic that happened at The Stone Pony a few weeks back was well worth the wait.
If you are not familiar with this Jersey Shore band, then you have been missing out. The rock and roll foursome includes Dee DiMeola on guitar, TJ Haefner on bass, Rich Seyffart behind the drums, and of course, Connor Bracken up front as their ringleader. They have a raw sound and an electric stage show that puts them near the top of our ridiculously talented music scene.
Last month’s show celebrated the release of their latest album, Love Songs and Ghost Stories. In my opinion, this is their strongest effort yet. A continuation of the Nightbird Hotel universe, Connor’s complex storytelling makes the record feel like a collection of songs in an ongoing anthology. Having dropped singles like “Shine As One”, “Root”, and “Signs” over the past few years, this new album was eagerly anticipated by their dedicated fans.
Connor has been thrilled with the reactions so far. “I didn't realize how big our audience was until I released it all as a record. I've been getting such a great response back, and from people who I could tell genuinely listened to it. It’s been a shock that they are picking up on a lot of the things I was hiding in there…like someone might find them 100 years from now and find it interesting.”
The show itself was a high-energy performance that the band is known for. Connor’s unique vocals were on point (even with a broken nose) and he showed why he is one of the top frontmen in the Asbury Park scene. Dee and TJ were excellent as usual, Rich unleashed his inner Animal behind the kit, and having Kuz on keyboard was a nice touch. The openers did a great job too, with International Superstar Robin and Des & The Swagmatics setting the stage perfectly. And the crowd loved every minute of it.
Credit the band for keeping the ticket price under $20, which they felt was something their fans deserved given with how crazy the world has been of late. They also made sure the bar was stocked with Twin Lights Brewing’s Mother Leeds Red Irish Ale, a collaboration between the two (now in its fifth year) that raises money for The Project Matters.
This night may have been a long time coming, but seeing one of my favorite local acts on this legendary stage just felt right. When asked about how it felt to finally play this show at The Pony, Connor’s answer was simple, “It was fucking great!”
Yes, yes it was.
In addition to working on their next album, the band will be playing the Good Things Are Happening Fest held at the historic Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA, on September 12. Then on October 8 they make their return to New York City at Berlin. In the meantime, you can grab a copy of Love Songs and Ghost Stories here, or listen to it wherever you stream your music.
One more thing, Ronnie said you should call 201-777-1866 if you feel you are worthy.
Coverage from May 15, 2026 at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. All photos are © Michael Campanile Photography and cannot be used without permission.