Jillian Ludwig Summer Jam with Dogs in a Pile to honor late Jersey Shore music maker

A Rae of Light will shine at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como on Sunday, July 28.

Dogs in a Pile and Indigo Sky will play in the Rae of Light Foundation Summer Jam, which will celebrate the life of the late Jillian Ludwig of Wall and raise funds for music students in need.

Jillian died Nov. 8, 2023, after being shot by a stray bullet during an afternoon walk in Nashville, where she was studying music at the city's Belmont University. She was 18.

“Dogs in a Pile was one of Jill's all-time favorite local bands,” said dad Matt Ludwig. “She saw them several times here in Jersey, and she actually saw them when they were on tour in Nashville.”

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The Asbury Park jam band has had some pretty high profile gigs as of late, including the Stone Pony Summer Stage, and the Peach at the Beach fest in Atlantic City.

“She was definitely a big fan, and we're honored to have them support the foundation and event,” Ludwig said.

A student and teacher at the Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park, Jillian founded the Play It Forward initiative in the area, which raised funds for music education for area students of need. In December, Matt and his wife, Jessica Ludwig, announced the formation of the Rae of Light Foundation, named for Jillian's middle name.

The foundation, supported by area organizations and Jon Bon Jovi, will provide music scholarships for students and support music related charities in the area.

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A suspect in the shooting, Shaquille Taylor, has been indicted. In April, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to block criminal defendants who are deemed mentally incompetent and unable to stand trial from legally buying or possessing a gun, legislation sparked by Jillian’s death, according to the Tennessean .

Matt and Jessica, and family members, joined a group of Jillian's Belmont classmates in both the House and Senate for the bill vote, while the House also passed a resolution honoring Jillian.

On July 28, there will be food trucks, silent auctions and more at the Bar A all-ages event, which starts at 5 p.m.

Tickets, $25, are available via bar-a.com .

“We're looking forward to a nice summer afternoon outside,” Matt said. “Getting together with people who are supportive of our initiatives and who loved Jill and who are looking forward to hearing some good music because that's what Jill was all about.”

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jillian Ludwig Summer Jam with Dogs in a Pile to honor late Jersey Shore music maker