The weekends just keep getting better. Patti and enjoyed another weekend full of great music at the jazz anthology listening party, the jazz mass at St. Augustine’s, the Ray Charles “Roots, Rock & Ray” event at The ShowRoom and wrapped it up with the Blues Generation show featuring three generations of AP musicians at The Wonder Bar. Also had a great brunch at Old Man Rafferty’s. the event to honor and support our friends in Japan was a great success. Can we top that?
Yes, this weekend the Garden State Film Festival comes to Asbury Park and it will be bigger and cooler than ever! Besides all the great films, the festival will be honoring Meridian’s John Lloyd, Lainie Kazan, NFL Films Steve Sabol, and Clarence Clemons. I don’t have enough room to share all that’s happening, so head to www.gsff.org to get all the details and schedule. Action!
And of course lots and lots of music. Friday night, take in a special 30th anniversary concert celebrating the release of “The Sounds of Asbury Park” album at the Wonder Bar. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 8pm. The concert will feature Boccigalupe & The Bad Boys, Lance Larson and the Lord Gunner, Ken Viola, Sonny Kenn and other special guests. This promises to be one of those magical musical nights. Check out the Rock & Roll Tour at 11:30 am, Saturday morning, April 2nd. Meet on the boardwalk right at the Casino building by the First Ave. Pavilion, $10. Then Saturday afternoon, head over to Atonement Lutheran Church, 308 First Ave, to meet author Daniel Wolff (4th of July, Asbury Park) who will moderate with guests, Southside Johnny Lyon, Billy Brown, Bobby Thomas and others, on soul, rhythm & blues and the history of race and music in Asbury Park. On Saturday night, the Wonder Bar will host a once-in-a lifetime concert with Asbury Park’s own Nicky Addeo, with the Night Owl Band & Vocal Group featuring many well-known performers from the city’s 1960s Westside music scene. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 8 pm. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance on-line at www.aphistoricalsociety.org or at the AP Historical Society’s museum at the Shoppes at the Arcade, 658 Cookman. Call 732.774.4590 for details.
And to put some extra frosting on the cake, it’s First Saturday, our monthly celebration of all the great things happening in the city. It’s Ticket To Ride with the return of the trolley. Check out all the Visit & Win locations. Live music on the Press Plaza Main Stage featuring Steve Riley and the One Way Ticket. Festivities start at 6 pm and there is free parking in the Bangs Avenue Garage courtesy of Taka Restaurant.
And tonight, Thursday we have two great choices: Legendary artist John Cohen will be screening his latest documentary, “Roscoe Holcomb: From Daisy Kentucky” and performing a set of old time music with The Dust Busters at The ShowRoom at 7 pm. Also, Coastal Habitat for Humanity will be hosting a fundraiser. “Play to Build,” at the Silverball Pinball Museum in the 3rd Avenue Pavilion on the boardwalk from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.coastalhabitat.org/silverball or purchase at the ReStore @ 3rd & Memorial.
Call 732.974.2422 for info. Thursdays!
And don’t forget NJ’s Top Ten Beaches survey. Go to www.njtoptenbeaches.org to vote. Last year, Asbury Park was ranked #4. We need your help to let everyone know, we have one of the best beaches on the Jersey Shore. Do it!
A Celebration of Broadway staring Marcy DeGonge Manfredi and special guest Patrick A Hearn will take place at McLoone’s Supper Club on Sunday, April 3rd at 7 pm. Tickets $20 call 732.233.2460 or email kbmcmahon@optonline.net for res.
Hot Sand, named one of the Best Kids’ Destination by New Jersey Monthly, is running their special Easter Egg glass blowing and launching new spring classes. Check out www.HotSandAP.com .
Featured Photographer Daniel P. Falvo solo show “Nature’s Palette” will exhibit his photographs at Gallery 13 in the Shoppes In The Arcade, 658 Cookman Ave. with a special opening, Saturday, April 2nd from 6 to 10 pm.
And Helen Chantal-Pike’s new book “Asbury Park Where Music Lives” will be available at most events, at Asbury Galleria and Heaven Art & Antiques, and on-line at www.AsburyParkMusic.org . This one-of-a-kind book is a collection of essays written by and about musicians from various backgrounds and genres who have a deep connection to AP. The book sells for $10 and all proceeds go to the Asbury Park Musical Heritage initiative.
This is a weekend where Asbury Park redefines HUGE! Great films “Where Music Lives.” Only in Asbury Park!
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.
