Another great weekend that came with a cloud of sadness attached. Although Asbury Park experienced a packed boardwalk and fun beach weekend, we also received news of the passing of one of our favorite sons, Clarence Clemons. The “Big Man”, was truly that: a large influence on the Asbury Park music scene. I have a poster from what I believe was his last solo show in Asbury Park at the Stone Pony on November 29, 2002. I had only been working here for six months and the AP Chamber of Commerce hosted an after party under the stage at the Paramount. So we got to meet Clarence which was very cool. Four months earlier, the city celebrated the release of “The Rising” on NBC’s Today Show in Convention Hall. Clarence’s performance that morning was amazing. In his own quiet way, Clarence made his mark here in Asbury Park and touched millions with his wonderful music. He was HUGE! We miss him. Only Clarence, Only in Asbury Park.
I had a really great Father’s Day in Asbury Park. Patti and I lunched with my three children, Tom, Linnea and Dan, at the Dauphin Grille in the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Great food and wonderful company. I am blessed with an awesome family. Then we headed up to the boardwalk and enjoyed a stroll with hundreds of other proud fathers. Only in Asbury Park!
23rd Annual Asbury Park Jazz Festival takes place this Saturday, June 25th and Sunday June26th. This year’s festival is being produced by Ruthann Harrison and RUE Events. It promises to be two afternoons of great music, food, festivities and community. Check out the line-up:
Saturday: 12:00 pm Full Count Big Band
1:45 pm B.D. Lenz
3:00 pm The New Standard Jazz Quintet featuring Layonne Holmes
5:00 pm Chico Medoza
Sunday: 12:00 pm Funcktion 11
2:00 pm Carrie Jackson and her Jazzin All Star Band
3:45 pm Colie Brice
4:30 pm Chuck Lambert Band
Only in Asbury Park!
Start your Sunday off this weekend with our Gospel Sundays program at the French-Speaking Baptist Union Church featuring Youth and Master Choir at 11 am.
The Asbury Park Historical Society is at it again! Do you want to own a HUGE piece of Asbury Park history? The AP Historical Society is auctioning off an original Metropolitan Hotel sign on eBay. The sign is one of two owned by the society. The sign is 24 ft. long and 21 inches high. If you would like to see an example of the sign, the other one owned by the APHS is on display at the Flying Saucers store in the Shoppes at the Arcade at 658 Cookman Avenue. The Historical Society will provide written proof of provenance with the sale of the sign. Sign must be picked up. All proceeds go to the AP Historical Society. Only in Asbury Park!
Another sign of progress: the city opened an additional bathing beach to accommodate all the admirers of the #1 beach in Monmouth County. It’s the 6th Avenue beach just north of Convention Hall and at the foot of the stairs that lead up to AQUA. HUGE!
Got word from Councilman Bruno yesterday that Asbury Park firefighter Jason Fazio, who was injured in the line of duty earlier this year has returned home. Although Jason still is in recovery, it is a great sign. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. HUGE!
Bulldog Clip Productions in conjunction with Lightly Salted Surf Mercado and Woodshop Skateboards is hosting a release party for Mikey DeTemple’s newest surf film “Sight Sound.” at their offices located at 611 Bangs Avenue on Friday, June 24th at 7 pm. Only in Asbury Park!
Local favorite Matt Wade will be at Langosta Lounge next Wednesday, June 29th at 9 pm.
The official ribbon cutting for the Asbury Park Swan Boats will take place this Saturday at 4 pm at Lake Avenue and Heck Street at Wesley Lake. The pedal boats operate weekdays 11 am till dusk and weekends from 10 am until dusk. No trip to Asbury Park is complete without a swan ride on the lake! Just a heads up the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce has challenged the AP City council to a pedal boats race on Wesley Lake. The event will take place July 25th. Stay tuned!
The Golden Dragons Acrobats present Cirque Ziva at the Parmount Theatre starting tonight with a special benefit for the Boys & Girls Club. The show runs every day except Mondays until July 31st with two shows each day. Only in Asbury Park!
The AP Farmers Market located at Firemans Park on Main Street between Sunset and Fifth Avenues opened last Saturday. It will be open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm until October 29th. Jersey Fresh!
We have a full line-up planned for the July 4th weekend. Make sure a visit to the #1 beach in Monmouth County is in your plans. Asbury Park hosts a wonderful city parade and some of the best fireworks in the state. No better place to spend the 4th of July.
So, I know you have all been waiting for my big announcement that I mentioned last week. Well, Patti and I are moving to Asbury Park! Now, I know, since we spend so much time in the city, most of you think I already live here but we actually live in Fair Haven right next door to Red Bank. We are so excited to be moving to the great city of Asbury Park. We really love the city and are looking forward to becoming resident ambassadors. Stay tuned!
We all celebrated the Summer Solstice on Tuesday. So, let the season begin!
Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend,
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce 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 for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events and film permitting.
