First, a big thank you for all of you who brought goods and donated money to Asbury Park’s Haitian Relief effort last weekend. A group of us met at Langosta Lounge on Tuesday to discuss what we can do to continue our support of all those in need and all those who are stepping up to help. We all agreed that there will be no quick fixes in Haiti and that outreach support will be needed for many years to come. We all “bought in.” Our next coordinated relief efforts will be comingled with our monthly First Saturday event on Feb. 6th. This will be a wonderful evening to celebrate our city and support all the wonderful reasons we are back. New Jersey Natural Gas and Pepsi have both offered very generous matching dollars for any funds we raise that evening. Many of our stores and restaurants will be offering specials that will also support AP’s Haitian Relief. Stay tuned! Only in Asbury Park!
Friday night, ArtsCAP presents The Big Lebowski Bowling Tournament, Film and Fundraiser at Asbury Lanes. Form your own team (four to a team). The competition starts at 8 PM and the screening will begin at 10 PM. Go to the back of your closet and dust off that classic bowling shirt. Special prizes! Not to be missed. Only in Asbury Park!
This weekend also features the WRAT 2010 MENS EXPO in Convention Hall. The festivities run 1 to 6 PM and the event is open to all ages. Included are a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, World Class Pool Champion – Jennifer Barretta, a Lingerie Show, Beer Garden, Playboy playmate Dr. Victoria Zdrok, Penthouse Pet of the Month – Ryan Keely, and 2010 Rat Rock Girl Mallory. Admission is free. Only in Asbury Park!
Come a bit early and check out yours truly at the Asbury Park Rotary’s Polar Plunge on the 5th Avenue Beach right next to Convention Hall. This is a second year event that is growing and promises to be one of the great Jersey Shore plunges. Tom Gilmour will be there in orange trunks teamed up with Jeffrey Basset last year’s video star. Just to make things interesting the forecast includes snow. So, Only in Asbury Park!
Watermark will host their First Annual Grammy Awards Party on Sunday, January 31st at 8 PM.
Asbury Park Dance and Yoga has added a new Beginner Adult Modern Dance Class on Thursday nights at 8 PM. Go to
or call 732.927.4417 to find out about all their offerings. First Class Free. Only in Asbury Park!
The Monmouth Ocean Development Council announced that Marilyn Schlossbach, owner/operator of Langosta Lounge, will receive the prestigious Community Service Award as part of the Silver Gull Awards Dinner on May 6, 2010. HUGE!
I serve on the Board of Directors of the newly formed Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau whose mission is to promote all the great places and things in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This past week, Bob Hilton was appointed the Executive Director of JSCVB. Bob is an excellent choice to lead this new tourism organization. He is part owner/operator of the Sixth Avenue House Bed & Breakfast located at 305 Sixth Ave. here in Asbury Park and brings extensive experience in the hospitality and lodging industry. You will be hearing a lot more about JSCVB and Bob in the very near future, so Stay Tuned! Congratulations Bob! Also, HUGE!
Also This Weekend:
Thurs. Jan. 28th: The Mayor’s Players at The Lounge at Synaxis 6-9 PM.
The Horseboy at The Showroom – 9 PM. 732.502.0472 (part of Dinner and a Movie – Dinner at Plan B 7 PM and Movie at 9 PM).
Arms & Sleepers, Rose and The Barnstormers at Asbury Lanes – 8 PM.
Trippin’ on Nothing – The Saint – 8 PM.
ShoreAlternative.com presents Face The Sun at Langosta Lounge – 9 PM.
Fri. Jan. 29th: Kinred Soul at The Saint – 8 PM.
Layonne Holmes & Gerard Carboy Quartet performing Grand Ladies of Jazz at McLoone’s Supper Club – 8 PM.
Quincy Mumford at Old Man Rafferty’s – 9:30 to 11:30 PM.
Sat. Jan. 30th: AP Rotary Polar Plunge – 11:00 at Fifth Avenue Beach.
The Break Contest at Stone Pony - all ages at noon.
Grand Alto CD release party at The Saint – 8 PM.
Dangerous (Metal Michael Jackson Tribute Band) Asbury Lanes – 8 PM.
Old #7 at Brickwall.
Sun. Jan. 31st: The Break Contest at the Stone Pony – noon – all ages
Hot Buttered Soul with DJ Jim at Synaxis 4 PM.
Bob Egan at Hotel Tides – 408 Seventh Ave. 5 PM.
Mon. Feb. 1st: Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis – 9 PM to 1 AM.
Tues. Feb. 2nd: Those Darlins – The Wonder Bar.
Be Idle, Watch Idol – American Idol live audio throughout the bar at Brickwall.
Just a friendly reminder that paid parking down by the ocean is back in effect and being enforced.
The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its new breakfast informational meeting “Eggs and Issues” this Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, at the Culinary Education Center at the AP High School. This month, Police Chief Mark Kinmon will be the guest speaker. These events sell out, so you will need a reservation. Call Cindi at 732.775.7676. One great breakfast!
Last night, at the very end of a very long day, my boss and City Manger, Terry Reidy called me into his office to discuss a number of city issues. We are often “two ships passing in the night” and frequently need to take a timeout to catch up. After we got the business out of the way, he shared some insights into discussions that are taking place with the continuing development in the city. “Why do you think people are going to move to Asbury Park” he asked? I think there are many wonderful reasons and that is the real attraction to the city. My reason was simple, the people. There are so many cool people here in the city. All shapes, sizes, colors and preferences. I get this great vibe from just being with them. The city is small enough that you can actually get to know them and befriend them. I know of no other place like it. It’s the people! Only in Asbury Park!
Wishes for a great weekend,
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times
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.
