February marks the 38th anniversary of the Stone Pony’s opening.  The Pony will be celebrating all weekend.  Friday night the B Street Band will present “Tribute to the Boss” and will include special guests The Upstage Jam Band featuring Sonny Kenn, Vini Lopez, Joe Petillo, Ricky DeSarno and Gene Boccia.  The Bobby Bandiera Band will lead the celebration Saturday night with special guests, Outside The Box.   Only in Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

Last night, Mayor Ed Johnson welcomed a crowd of over 1,200 to the grand opening gala for “From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen” at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.  This exhibit is on loan from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.  It was very very cool!  The exhibit will officially open this Friday, Feb. 17th and run through Sept. 3rd.  Even in Philadelphia, it’s Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council has announced that the Garden State Film Festival will be the recipient the 2012 Silver Gull Award for Tourism Achievement.  This is so exciting since it is also the 10th anniversary of the festival’s start in Asbury Park.  I vividly remember Diane Raver, the founder and Executive Director, coming to my office and telling me she was starting a film festival in Asbury Park.  The city immediately “bought in” and is so proud to continue to host what has grown into a nationally recognized festival.  The award will be presented to Diane at the 47th Annual Silver Gull Awards on May 3, 2012.  It you are interested in attending go to www.modc.com or call MODC at 732.751.8696 for reservations.  Action!

I was walking down the 700 block of Cookman Avenue on Monday, and noticed construction has started on the new home for The ShowRoom, Asbury Park’s very cool indie cinema and entertainment space.  The new location is right across the street from The ShowRoom’s current site at 708 Cookman Avenue.  Next week in partnership with Brookdale Community College, The ShowRoom will be launching “Passport Cinema:  Dinner and a Movie,” a community-driven partnership offering free movie nights to students and local residents.  The first free movie screening, “Italian for Beginners,” is scheduled for Monday, February27th.  The Culinary Education Center, near the Asbury Park High School on Drury lane, will offer a prix-fixe dinner starting at 5:30 pm.    Stay tuned!

I hope you all caught Madonna’s halftime show during the historic Giants’ Super Bowl win.  The show opened with Vogue which was written and produced by Shep Pettibone, the owner and operator of The Paradise Club.  The show closed with Like A Prayer, which was also produced by Shep.  Very very cool!  Only in Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

Did you miss the AP business workshops last fall? Join the entrepreneurs that are making their dreams of being a business owner come true?  If you are a current or aspiring entrepreneur, you will be interested in a series of workshops being offered in Asbury Park. The next workshop is “Financing a Small Business” and is scheduled for this Thursday, February 16th.  The workshop descriptions and registration information can be found at: http://www.mosbdc.com/ifnba.  Make your AP dreams a reality.  Register for a workshop.

And the week of romance continues . . . . . . The 5th Annual Senior Valentine Party will be held this Saturday, February 18th from 12 noon to 3 pm at the AP Transportation Center.  For more information call Denise Brown at 732.502.5730.

Hope to see you at the AP Chamber of Commerce’s unique take on “social networking” at the Bradley Bowling and Recreation Center next Wednesday, Feb.22nd.  We continue to raise the bar for business card exchanges/networking events.  We would love to have you join us.  Call our Executive Director, Jackie Pappas to make a reservation at 732.775.7676.  Why not step it up and become a member!  Only in Asbury Park!

The Soul Crusiers are at the Wonder Bar Friday night!

Local surfer, fisherman, and photographer, Don Mclain will be exhibiting his photographs at the Wonder Bar from 1 to 5 pm this Sunday, February 19th.

Good friend and great musician, Carl Gentry, will be at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club next Friday, February 24th.  He will be presenting “The Byrds & Beyond.”
Not to be missed!

Tonight it’s off to the Mayor’s Bowl at Asbury Lanes.  This is one of those unique Asbury Park events that can only happen here.  The festivities start at 6 pm.  You can still sign up to go.  Call the Contact the Shore Institute of Contemporary Arts (S.I.C.A.) at 732.483.4641.  Dress is “Leisurely Lebowski.” Only in Asbury Park!

Hope to see you in the park!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and safe weekend,

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce, Economic Development, and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce and Economic Development for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for special events and film permitting.

Next Thursday, Feb. 16th is the Mayor’s Bowl, that’s correct Bowl not Ball, at Asbury Lanes, 209 4th Avenue, starting at 6 pm.  The event is a benefit to support the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA).  If you didn’t attend last year, you really missed one of Asbury Park’s great events.  Dress is “Leisurely Lebowski” so you know this event is full of fun.  Consider forming a team or just show up.  $25 gets you in the door and includes a bowling pass, bowling shoes (that’s why I’m going), beverages and light fare by Snack World of Asbury Park.  There will be plenty of awards and prizes.  For more information visit www.sica.org or call 732.483.4641

Madison Marquette and Live Nation have teamed up to open the Bamboozle Bodega in the Grand Arcade.  It’s a very cool shop and you will be able to purchase your festival passes, official t-shirts and merchandise.  They will be hosting live performances and a Thursday night lecture series, starting this Thursday at 8 pm.  For more information go to:  www.apboardwalk.com/events.  Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

John  Eddie will be releasing his first new offering in nine years, “Same Old Brand New Me” at the Stone Pony on Saturday, Feb. 11th.  Doors open at 730 pm.

This Friday, Feb. 10th marks the next edition of The Masters of Music Series and  features Darlene Love at McLoone’s Supper Club.  From her early career working with Phil Spector to her recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Darlene Love has been entertaining for over 50 years.  Her hits include such classics as “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “He’s A Rebel,” and “Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry.”  Doors open at 6 pm for dinner and drinks and the show starts at 8 pm.  for reservations visit www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or call 732.774.1400.  Only in Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties has launched a community development initiative to attract volunteers to mentor youth:  Goal is “100 Mentors in 100 Days.”  For additional information or to become a volunteer mentor call William Salcedo, Executive Director of BBBS at 732.544.2224 ext. 329.

And how about those Giants!  This guy of “little faith,” I wrote them off in mid-season.  The amazing thing about their season was they were able to come back and play so well throughout the playoffs and win the Super Bowl!  If you want to keep the memory alive, the Asbury Park Press and Gannett has published a commemorative hardcover book:  “Return To Glory, The Giants  Run for the Super Bowl.”  The photos look amazing and it is definitely a keeper.  Go to NJPress.NYGiantsWin.com to order online and save $10.  Big Blue!  HUGE!

The City Council has instituted FREE Park citywide every Wednesday!

NJ Sea Grant Consortium hosted a Coastal Issues Caucus in Asbury Park on Tuesday.  A very productive roundtable discussion evolved sharing concerns about what is and what isn’t happening with our coastal water ways.  Sea Grant will be running a survey in conjunction with their annual Top Ten NJ Beaches survey starting later this month.  Stay tuned!

Tuesday its Valentine’s Day.  Create a Valentine memory with your special someone in Asbury Park.  No better place to fall in love.  Only in Asbury Park!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and safe weekend,

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce, Economic Development, and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce and Economic Development for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for special events and film permitting.

We had a great dinner last Saturday night at Laila’s with new friends and new residents Gail and Roy Helfrick.  One of AP’s great dining secrets.
It’s Black History Month and that means it’s time for the Annual Asbury Park High School Art Show which will be on display for the entire month in the City Hall Lobby.   This is always an amazing exhibit created by very talented APHS students.   Under the direction of Jean Johnson, the Visual Art Teacher at APHS, this year’s exhibit is the best ever.  Join our students in a visual celebration of Black History Month.  Only in Asbury Park!

The Asbury Park Little League’s 8th Annual Pancake Breakfast takes place this Saturday, Feb. 4th from 8 am to 12 noon at the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, 600 Monroe Avenue.  This is another of Asbury Park’s great traditions.  $8 for Adults and $4 for kids (3 to 12).  This is a fundraiser and opportunity to register for this great program.  Support our kids!

A new shop Eyes of the World has opened in the Shoppes at the Arcade, 658 Cookman Avenue.  The retail shop offers Fair Trade items from around the world supporting third world village arts, unusual imports, local artists, and a focus as well on reuse, repurposed and recycled items.  Check them out!  Shop Local!  Shop the Park!

Last Saturday’s Asbury Park Rotary Polar Plunge was a great success.  The weather was the best (warmest) we’ve had in last four years. $14,000 was raised to support the Rotary Eye Rescue Program.  A HUGE special thanks to Tim McLoone and the staff at McLoone’s Asbury Grille who opened early and provided breakfast.  Also, a big salute to Traudy Grande who organized the event and all the volunteers who supported the plunge.  Only in Asbury Park!

Hard to believe but it’s the first Saturday of February so it’s AP’s monthly First Saturday celebration in the city of all the great things always going on.  The shops stay open late, there’s a free trolley and of course great music.  This month’s theme “Show Some Love” is our primer for Valentine’s Day.  Come down and join us all and all those visitors who have fallen in love with the city by the sea Where Music Lives!

James McCartney, son of Paul, will be performing at the Wonder Bar on Friday night.  Doors open at 8 pm.  Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

Some interesting activity going on down at Convention Hall.

Wednesday morning during coffee, the most beautiful rainbow appeared in my backyard , arched over the house and landed in Deal Lake. It remained radiant for over 15 minutes.  It was the widest rainbow I have ever seen.  It was amazing! Brilliant!  Only in Asbury Park!

And it’s Super Bowl weekend!  There is no better place to watch “The Game” than in Asbury Park.  Just like trying to decide what great AP restaurant you want to eat in, it will be just as difficult to decide where you want to watch the game.  Most of our bars and restaurants are running specials for “The Big One’ so you can’t go wrong.  Go Giants!

Asbury Park is always open – all year round!  It’s another great party weekend in Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and safe weekend,

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce, Economic Development, and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce and Economic Development for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for special events and film permitting.

Last night was the monthly Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce business networking event and it was held at the fabulous Hotel Tides.  I love this Chamber because it’s like no other I have ever been associated with.  We work hard but we like to have fun.  It’s always a great networking time.  And the Hotel Tides!  This is a venue that often flies under the radar.  Frankly, it’s one of the coolest secrets in the city.

Tonight, we are heading over to the Stone Pony for the Kick Cancer Overboard benefit.  Kick Cancer Overboard is a non-profit whose mission is to give away free cruises to people affected by cancer.  Information Overload, Fourth Period and Pawnshop Majestic will provide the music. Great cause, great music, and of course a great venue!  $20 admission.  Hope to see you there!  Only in Asbury Park!

And another great cause in the Park:  This Saturday is the Rotary Club of Asbury Park’s 4th Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 28th at 11 am on the 5th Avenue beach just south of Convention Hall.  Registration starts at 9:30 am in McLoone’s Asbury Grille (thank you Tim).  I participated the last two years but since I have a blister on my right pinky, I have procured a doctor’s note and am forced to be a spectator.  This is one of Asbury Park’s great events.  Rumor has it, there will be a group of  “Polar Divas” this year.  The event is a fundraiser to benefit the Rotary Eye Rescue project.   Weather gurus are predicting a mild sunny day.  Be there!

This Friday, January 27th, McLoone’s Supper Club & Sammy Boyd Productions’ Masters of Music Series is bringing Lesley “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To” Gore to Asbury Park.  This is a really a very cool format for a show.  Come early for dinner at 6 pm or just for the show at 8 pm.  Lesley will perform and Tim McLoone will emcee an audience question and answer session.  The evening provides a chance to hear the stories behind the music first hand.  Gore is also known for her hits “You Don’t Own Me,” “Judy’s Turn To Cry” and “Sunshine, Lollipops, & Rainbows.”  For reservations visit www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or call 732.774.1400.  Only in Asbury Park Where Music Lives!

And speaking of music, there is a great film currently being shown at The ShowRoom.  Sing Your Song is an up close look at American great, Harry Belafonte.  Told from Harry’s point of view, the film charts his life from a boy born in New York and raised in Jamaica, who returns to Harlem in his early teens where he discovers the American Negro Theater and the magic of performing.  From there, the film follows Belafonte’s rise from the jazz and folk clubs of Greenwich Village and Harlem to his emergence as a star.  Must see!  “Day-O”

And how about those Giants?  So there’s no football this weekend. . . but there is just so much going on.  It’s the endless summer in the Park!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and safe weekend,

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce, Economic Development, and Good Times
If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.
Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce and Economic Development for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for special events and film permitting.

Zumba is coming to the Convention Hall this Saturday, January 21.  Clubs for the Quest is hosting a Zumbathon Charity Event for ALS.  Kass Martin from the Zumba fitness empire will be in the city to lead the event.  Doors open at 10 am and the event runs from 11 am to 12:30 pm.  To register or for more information go to:  www.clubsforthequest.com .  Use promo code:  zumba35 to get the reduced rate.

I left out McLoone’s listings in the event email last night; please forgive me Tim.  The Motor City Revue is in the Supper Club on Friday evening at 8:30 pm.  The Scott Gurney Band  takes the stage at McLoone’s Supper Club on Saturday night at 8:30.  Sunday a special Jazz Brunch Buffet with the Bob Boyd Trio runs from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm (reservations recommended).  Sunday evening Bob Egan hosts his Open Mic Night downstairs in McLoone’s Asbury Grille.
Next Wednesday, January 25th, the AP Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its monthly business card exchange at Hotel Tides, 408 7th Avenue from 6 to 8 pm.

AP ARTS UPDATE: 
The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA) is sponsoring their 6th Annual High Relief, a competition to highlight the finest young sculptors in NJ and is seeking high school students who excel in the three-dimensional arts.  For info go to: www.sica.org
Gallery 13 is now accepting submissions to the Phone-ography Exhibition opening Feb. 4th.  Photographs taken by a cellular device can be emailed to TheGallery13@yahoo.com
SICA and ArtsCAP are soliciting submission for Sculptor 2012, the Urban Sculpture Park that includes parts of Long Branch and Asbury Park
Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Ave. is hosting Local Color
Gallery 13, Suite 5 in The Shoppes in the Arcade, 658 Cookman Ave., is hosting the BDC Bros Photography Show, including work by Tom Gilmour and Nick Stickland.
SICA ‘s The Sum of their Parts exhibit that was profiled in the NY Times continues through Feb. 24th at their new location: 610 Cookman/607 Lake.
AP Chamber of Commerce’s LOVE Launch Party at SICA to unveil the 12 original pieces of art that will be showcased throughout 2012 on the monthly postcard campaign promoting First Saturday Asbury Park takes place tonight from 6 to 8 pm.  Only in Asbury Park!

Also tonight, the AP Historical Society will be holding their Annual membership meeting at the AP Library, First and Grand Avenues at 7 pm.  Tickets for the Society’s 50/50 Raffle will be sold at this meeting and the winner will be selected.  If you want tickets and can not attend simply call 732.988.7915.

Save the Date:  Thursday, February 16th for The Mayor’s Bowl at Asbury Lanes to benefit The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA).  Dress is “Leisurely Lebowski.  Stay tuned!

Then some icing:  the Giants buried the Packers!

So, mother winter apparently has finally arrived.  No better place to warm you heart – Only in Asbury Park!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and safe weekend,

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce, Economic Development, and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce and Economic Development for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for special events and film permitting.