We knew it was going to rain sooner or later, so here we have it. Good news is my direct contact with the weather gurus reveals this is going to be one great beach weekend. Joe Bongiovanni, who manages our wonderful beach, forecasts big surf for Sunday. Diva Dodgeball on the beach on Saturday and the “She Rox” Triathlon on Sunday. Always a good time when thousands of women arrive in the city! So, enough of this wet stuff, let’s get this weekend started! I’m putting the roof down. Only in Asbury Park!
One of my favorite jazz musicians, Dave Valentin will be at Chico’s House of Jazz this Saturday with shows at 8 & 10 pm. Three years ago, Valentin performed in the Asbury Park Jazz Festival and rocked the Park! Add it to your list.
Heaven Art & Antiques, 721 Cookman Avenue, is hosting their opening of “Smallworks” on Saturday night, August 28th from 7 to 10 pm. The exhibit features 21 artists. This is a must stop for your Saturday evening.
Last chance to catch Revision Theatre’s premiere production of The Bikinis. This show has been getting good reviews from all the critics. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 pm. After the show, take your ticket stub and get 10% off at Langosta Lounge, Pop’s Garage, Dauphin Grille or Trinity and The Pope. Go to
for info.
We have so many great restaurants that some fly under the radar, but the Sunday NY Times last week did a great feature on one we all know just as Laila’s. Laila’s Latin Infused Cuisine is located at 808 Fifth Avenue and owners Wanda Lamboy and Diane Contreras have created a tropical experience you don’t want to miss. It’s BYOB and now, you better call ahead 732.988.8806. Huge!
ALSO THIS WEEKEND:
Thursday, August 26
Farmers’ Market at First & Ocean, 4 to 7 pm
Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar 5 to 10 pm
George Wirth at Twisted Tree Cafe, 6:30 pm
Asbury Park Municipal Band at boardwalk and Fifth Ave., 7-8:30 pm
Film: Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child at the Showroom, 7 pm
Film: Wall E on the beach in front of Langosta Lounge, boardwalk & Second Ave., 7:30 pm, presented by the Asbury Park Film Initiative
Random Test at Aqua, Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, 7:30 pm
Devil’s Holiday, From the Ground at The Stone Pony, 7:30 pm, all ages
Psychedilphia, Kagero at The Saint, 8 pm
Ladies Night at Chico’s House of Jazz featuring the Dimension Band
Film: Mid-August Lunch at the Showroom, 9 pm
Friday, August 27
Jenny Woods at Twisted Tree Cafe, 7 pm
Splintered Sunlight, Toms River Music Jamcamp at The Stone Pony, 7:30 pm, all ages
Mindi Abair at Chico’s House of Jazz, 631 Lake Ave., 8 & 10 pm
Play: Reasons to be Pretty at the Showroom, 8 pm
Hammel on Trial, Tara Elliot & the Red Velvets, Spanking Charlene, Black Vinyl Radio at Asbury Lanes, 8 pm
The Black Clouds, Never Say Never at The Saint, 8 pm
Ex-Parte & One Punch Nelson at the Wonder Bar, 8 pm
Stewart Lewis at Georgie’s, 10 pm
Justa Lilbit at Brickwall, 10 pm
Saturday, August 28
Asbury Park UEZ Farmers’ Market at Sunset & Main, 8 am-1 pm
Rob Dye and Melissa Chill at the Beach Bar, Convention Hall south promenade, 2-5 pm
Twisted Tree Cafe presents Jeff & Elaine at 4:30 pm, Matt Kay at 5:30 pm, & DC Fisher at 7 pm
Play: Reasons to be Pretty at the Showroom, 7 pm
Skid Row, Frankenstein 3000, Scarlet Carson at The Stone Pony, 7:30 pm, all ages
Dave Valentin at Chico’s House of Jazz, 631 Lake Ave., 7:30 & 9:30 pm
Roller Derby featuring Jersey Shore Roller Girls in Convention Hall at 7 pm
Big Light, American Babies at The Saint, 8 pm
Improv Comedy Jam at the Showroom, 10 pm
Old No. 7 at Brickwall, 10 pm
DJ James Anthony at Paradise, 10 pm to 3 am
Sunday, August 29
Twisted Tree Café presents Cat Cosentino at 1 pm & Gil Velazquez at 4 pm
Jerseyshows.com All Ages Matinee Jersey Showdown featuring Statelman, Now Or Never, To Kill A Coward, Zach Witter, These Sightless Eyes at The Saint, 1 pm
Shep Pettibone’s Tea Dance at Paradise, 4 to 8 pm
Acoustic Sundays with Gerry at Brickwall, 4 pm
Decaying States, War Plan Red, Asphalt Green at The Stone Pony, 4 pm, all ages
Film: Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child at the Showroom, 6 pm
Jerseyshows.com Jersey Showdown featuring Recreate the Panic, End of an Era, Last Red Ember at The Saint, 7 pm
Film: Cropsey at the Showroom, 8 pm
Monday, August 30
Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at Synaxis, 9 pm
ON THE RADAR:
Sept. 3rd: Mayor’s Chill-Out Series featuring Brett Colby and Company
Sept. 4th: First Saturday
Paramount Sessions
Sept. 5th: Beach Fireworks
Sept. 11 & 12th: Oysterfest
Sept. 18 & 19th: YOGA Festival by the Sea
Sept. 25th: Boardwalk Relay Against Hunger
Sept: 25 & 26th: Asbury Park Arts Festival
Patti and I plan on attending the AP Chamber of Commerce’s networking event tonight at AQUA in the Grand Arcade. Always a good time and always lots of good connections.
Tonight’s showing of the movie “Jean Michel Basquiat – The Radiant Child” at The showroom will include an exhibit of original art works byHaitian Artist Jonas Exume.
The NY York Times reported last week on Tuesday, August 17th a great story about Robin Parness Lipton’s efforts to bring the New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art to Asbury Park. She hopes to locate it on the oceanfront. What a welcome addition it would be to our arts community. In addition, it would provide a year round destination that would attract thousands, who in turn would support our boardwalk businesses. Stay tuned!
Patti and I also plan on lots of beach time this weekend mixed with some shopping and great dining. Only in Asbury Park!
Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend,
Tom Gilmour
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.
