Celebrity Sightings: Jonas Brother Is a ‘Sucker’ for LBI

Aug 20, 2023

By Victoria Ford | on August 03, 2023

Jonas at Wally’s in Surf City (Photo by Vanessa Leonard)

New Jersey native Kevin Jonas, of the chart-topping pop trio the Jonas Brothers, has been spotted around some favorite LBI establishments this week.

Among other businesses, Jonas reportedly visited Beach Haven’s Baked on the Beach, The WooHoo ice cream shop and the Show Place Ice Cream Parlour, as well as Spray Beach Bagels in Long Beach Township.

Christa Steiner, who helped facilitate the guitarist’s visit to the Show Place, said Jonas went out of his way to offer to take pictures and make a TikTok with the Show Place staff. In the TikTok, he performed his song “Waffle House” with the ice cream parlor’s musical staff.

Of course, a guitarist touring the Island’s most musical spots is bound to shred at least a little bit. On Saturday, Jonas capped off a dinner at Bird & Betty’s in Beach Haven by joining Philadelphia-based cover band Split Decision on stage, where they were performing that night.

STARSTRUCK: Kevin Jonas (top right) creates a TikTok with Show Place’s singing waitri during his vacation on LBI after completing a long press tour. The star ate well while here! (Source: Facebook)

Together, they played the Jonas Brothers’ hit “Sucker” and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” The performance was a complete surprise, according to Bird & Betty’s manager Lindsee Miller. Laura Hunt, who served the Jonas party at Bird & Betty’s, said it all came together on the fly.

“His bodyguard looked over at me and one of our security guys, and said, ‘Hey, if they know how to play ‘Sucker,’ can you tell them he’ll go play with them?’ And I was like … yeah, I can definitely do that,” Hunt said.

Hunt said the Jonas party was very kind, even aside from the surprise performance.

“They were so easy,” she said. “And he’s a tequila kind of guy, apparently.”

That genuine Jersey spirit seems to be the main takeaway of everyone who met Jonas while he has been on the Island. Gianna Sanzone of Brant Beach, who served him while working at The WooHoo, agreed he was a pleasure to meet.

“Kevin was super down to earth and very nice, coming up to the window with his family and friends,” Sanzone said. “And he was more than happy to take a picture with us!”

Celebrity visits can require a degree of coordination so all guests feel as comfortable as possible and appropriately private, according to Steiner.

“You know, he’s a guy from Jersey just like anybody else, bringing his kids,” she said. “We wanted to make sure it was just a regular visit for him and his family.”

Jonas at The WooHoo (Source: Facebook)

But these visits can also be a great way to emphasize the warm culture of LBI, Steiner said. They remind everyone – from people who encounter celebrities while working on the Island, to casual fans who see mention of LBI on celebrity social media – just how wonderful it is to be here during the summer.

“Coming and posting about the Show Place, or (Jonas) bringing his family just reinforces the fact that we are an LBI staple and that Long Beach Island is a place for families. People who have been here for generations are coming back for generations,” Steiner said. “It just goes to show that places like Show Place and places like LBI impact every area of families, from your neighbor to Kevin Jonas.”

Jonas declined to comment on this story. After finishing a long press tour, he is enjoying a well-deserved vacation on LBI this week.

— Kirsten Garino

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