Bruce Springsteen Performs at ‘Music America’ Concert Ahead of New Center’s Opening

Bruce Springsteen took the stage at the “Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us” concert on June 5, 2026, marking the second and final night of a two-day celebration of American music history. The event, held at the OceanFirst Bank Center in Monmouth, New Jersey, served as a prelude to the grand opening of the newly renamed Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on June 13, 2026. The concert featured a star-studded lineup, including Kenny Chesney, Rosanne Cash, Shemekia Copeland, and Public Enemy, who performed landmark songs spanning blues, folk, rock, and hip-hop.

What Was the ‘Music America’ Concert About?

The “Music America” event was designed to honor 250 years of American music, showcasing tributes to icons like Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, and Woody Guthrie, alongside contemporary artists such as Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. The concert also highlighted the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music’s expanded mission to preserve Springsteen’s legacy while celebrating the diversity of American music. “Music America: The Songs That Shaped Us is a journey through American music history,” said Robert Santelli, executive director of the Springsteen Center and the concert’s executive producer.

Who Performed at the Event?

The second night of the concert featured performances by Jimmie Vaughan, Mavis Staples, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, and Gary Clark Jr., among others. Staples performed The Band’s “The Weight,” while Bon Jovi covered Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Sheryl Crow sang Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces” and Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” Springsteen, who had previously performed on the first night, joined forces with Kenny Chesney for a rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” a song he described as “the greatest folk song ever written about our beautiful country.”

How Did Springsteen Engage With the Audience?

Springsteen’s performance emphasized the enduring relevance of American music. He opened the second night with a duet with Rosanne Cash on “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos),” a Woody Guthrie song he hadn’t performed live since 1996. “This is a song of Woody’s that could have been written yesterday,” he told the crowd, referencing ongoing social issues. Later, he performed Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” with Sheryl Crow and Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Farther Up the Road” with Gary Clark Jr. Springsteen also covered Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” and Dennis Linde’s “Burning Love,” showcasing his versatility as a performer.

What’s Next for the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music?

The newly renamed center, previously known as the Bruce Springsteen Archives, will open to the public on June 13, 2026. The facility aims to preserve Springsteen’s legacy while highlighting the broader tapestry of American music. The “Music America” concert served as a precursor to this milestone, celebrating the intersection of Springsteen’s work and the nation’s musical heritage. “This is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together,” Santelli said, emphasizing the center’s role in fostering dialogue through art.