Weekly news, art, music, movies, and more from the City of Asbury Park, New Jersey.

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35 New Jersey bands you need to listen to in 2017 (stacked with Asbury talent, of course!) [NJ.com]


Asbury Park boardwalk reinvented through retail. [Philly.com]

Shout-out to Interwoven, one of Monmouth County's chicest shore shopping spots. [AP Press]

Junction Hall collaboration cements future growth between Second Life Bikes, Cowerks, and Interfaith Neighbors. [AP Sun]

Nation-wide movement comes to Asbury Park on Saturday: Women's March Asbury Park started by four local women [AP Sun] Women's March on Asbury Park a "sister march" to events in Washington DC and nation-wide on Saturday. [NJ.com] Info on routes and road closures for the Women's March Asbury Park [AP Sun]

the Asbury Hotel opens outdoor ice skating rink this weekend. [AP Press] [AP Sun]

Bash and Pop with Tommy Stinson at the Saint [Ap Sun]

Recapping the Light of Day Winterfest: Bruce doesn't have to show for Light of Day to keep on rocking [NJ.com], Light of Day Winterfest drew big crowds and shared a message of hope and music. [AP Press] Going Underground during Light of Day Weekend [AP Press]

Asbury Park Beefest brings beer back to the boards. [AP Press]

Who'll be walking the red carpet at the NJ Hall of of Fame awards in May? [AP Press]

E Street bassist Gary Tallent makes a date with the Stone Pony in May. [AP Press]

New Jersey musicians band together to "Rock Against Hate" [AP Sun]

The Asbury Park Historical Society presents their annual reorganization meeting, membership drive, and presentation honoring photographer Milton Edelmen on Thursday, January 19. Now 94 years old, Edelmen has chronicled the changing faces and fortunes of Asbury Park and the surrounding towns for decades, and the presentation will cover his work as well as his life and career. The meeting starts at 7 pm and refreshments will be served. More info here. 

Environmental Shade Tree Commission Inauguration Greening

The Environmental Shade Tree Commission hosts a special inauguration greening on Friday January 20 at 11:45 am at the Asbury Park Transportation Center. Help the commission bring some growing love to the Rose Garden and Rain Garden around the Transportation Center, and channel your energies into a socially constructive and positive way. Limited supplies will be provided by the ESTC, if you have sharp pruners or heavy gloves please bring them along. Sign up for future ESTC projects here . 

Do you have something to say? Take the stage and take your chance at the TEDxNavesink Open Mic on Friday January 20 at the Paramount Theater, at 6:30 pm. Part of the TED family of talks, TEDxNavesink is guided by the theme of "Identity" for the May 20 2017 event, encompassing all the possibile interpretations of that theme and what it means. Already scheduled for the talk are former Governor Jim McGreevey and Beatles aficionado Ken Womack. More info and registration here. 


The Asbury Hotel celebrates its new ice skating rink with a grand opening on Saturday January 21, from noon to 8 pm. Strap on some skates, enjoy snacks and hot cocoa (with spiking options available), and hourly raffles from 2 pm to 6 pm for free skate sessions through the end of the season in March. Raffle tickets are $2 each, three for $5, or 10 for $10. DJ Mike Merrell spins skate-worthy tunes from 3 pm to 6 pm. Entry to the rin kis $8, skate rental is $4. More info here . 

Part of a nation-wide community of marches, the Women's March Asbury Park begins on Saturday, January 21.  at 11:45 am. The march is for a message of unification and equality, and emphasizing the importance of women's rights and all the many causes and goals that intersect with those rights. The march starts at the intersection of Emory and Lake Avenue. More info here. 

Loteria Night at the Bond Street Complex

The Bond Street Complex hosts a Loteria Night, the Mexican card game of chance and beautiful iconography. The game night is Wednesday January 25 at 7 pm, more info here. 

Roast of Christie Girlington at Georgie's

Georgie's presents the  comedy roast of Christy Girlington , Miss Georgie's herself and one of Asbury's most infamous queens! The roast is hosted by Lady Marisa, with special guests Pissi Myles and Lea Sky, and special guest speaker Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. It'll be all tea, all shade, and all for a good cause: funds go to Garden State Equality. The fun starts on Friday January 20 at 10 pm, seating is limited and a donation of $5 is suggested. More info  here . 

The Haus of Mimosa Brunch Spectacula r returns to the Asbury Hotel on Sunday January 22, starring Anita Buffem and Gina Marie Mittale. Enjoy a brunch feast, live music, improv comedy, and a chance for you to win eternal glory in a lip sync battle. Kudos for Haus of Mimosa is as bottomless as a brunch beverage, including raves from CBS NY, Time out NY, the New York daily News, Gay City News, Zagat, Odyssey Magazine, and B-tcheswhobrunch.com. The brunch runs from 11 am to 2 pm, more info here . 

Haus of Mimosa Brunch Spectacular at the Asbury Hotel

the HAGS comedy show returns to the Saint on Tuesday January 24, hosted by Joe McAndrew and JC Hendricks. The lineup of funny people includes Taj Osorio, Mike Abrusci, Dan Farley, Dave Lipton, Tim Donovan, and Alex Nichol. Plus music by special guest Renee Maskin of Lowlight. Doors open at 7:30pm, cover is $5. More info here. 

Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations hosts paint and sips and open studios for any level of artistic talent and ambition, but mostly for those who want to make a little art and have a lot of fun! On Sunday January 22 some by for a paint and sip with the Asbury Park Carousel as its subject, so you can take the iconic Asbury architecture home with you! The session starts at 3:30 pm and is $38 per seat. See their full schedule and list of themed paint and sips and special events here .  

Lot of stress out there in this world of ours, so swing by the Kula Cafe on Monday January 23 for a stress-releasing Mindful Meditation Monday. Focused on relaxation, stillness, and breathing, the session will help you cope with stress and anxiety, and learn more about the benefits of regular meditation. The free program starts at 5:30 pm, more info here. 

Enjoy some spirits with your spirits! The Haunted Pub Tour returns on Thursday January 19 to the food and drinkeries of Asbury Park, this time for a special Boardwalk edition! Take the guided indoor tour through Asbury Park's dark and deadly past, relax inside some of the city's most historic and reportedly haunted locations, and enjoy a beverage or two! The tour is led by Paranormal Books and Curiosities, so they know from haunted. The tour leaves from the Casino building at 7 pm and is $20 per person (food and drink not included). Space is limited, so RSVP ASAP. More info here. 

Porta presents Pizza Saves Day on Friday January 20. Starting at noon, you can pay what you want for the Special PS Pie, with 100% of the proceeds going to the David Lynch Foundation and spreading Transcendental Meditation to children. Hug it out, kick it out, or instagram it out with the "big love balls," and add your name and what you're thankful for to the gratitude door, which will be permanently installed in Porta. A guided meditation starts at 5:30 pm. More info here. 

The Asbury Festhall and Biergarten hosts their kickoff for Asbury Beerfest on Friday, January 27 with a pig roast buffet starting at 6 pm. Otter Creek Brewing Company brewmaster Mike Gerhart will speak at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, more info here. 
 
Heaven Gallery : "and then the wind came..." a photographic manifestation of color, form, and motion by Sori Gottdenker. Opening on January 13, with a meet the artist reception on January 27 from 5 pm to 7 pm. More info  here .

Chris Lopa at the Hotel Tides

Hotel Tides: "employee showcase," a group exhibition by the multi-talented in-house artists at the Tides, including Chris Lopa, Myke Karlowski, Hannah Connors, and Joy Vay. The opening reception is January 20 from 7 pm to 9 pm, and the exhibit runs through February 19. More info here. 

Parlor Gallery: "Wooden Walls Art" see more from the incredible artists behind the Wooden Walls Public Art Project on the Asbury Park Boardwalk (and see them from the warmth of inside the gallery) with this group exhibit. Includes art by Rubin 415, Mike Shine, Porkchop, RC Hagans, Danny Clinch, Bradley Hoffer, Dylan Egon, Michela Martello, Lauren Napolitano, James Vance, and Pau Quintanajornet. The exhibit runs through February 12. More info here. 

The Asbury Hotel: "Transparent," an exhibit of photography by the legendary Danny Clinch. More info here. 

Lion at the ShowRoom

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (after the death of his brother, a lonely man must return to his remote childhood home to care for his teenaged nephew and confront his past)
LION (a 5-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta and is adopted by an Australian family. 20 years later, he returns to try and find his family)
NERUDA (beloved poet Pablo Neruda plays a cat-and-mouse game with a police detective, turning the struggle for his own freedom in post-WWII Chile into a symbol of his own liberation and reinvention)

THURSDAY JANUARY 19
Langosta Lounge: Joe Parello of Deal Casino, with friends. (9pm)
The Saint: Cadillac Plan, a three-piece rock band presenting beloved covers and original jams. (7:30pm, $8)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth open mic, with host Alex Hoteck. (8pm, free)

FRIDAY JANUARY 20
The Saint: Bash and Pop, featuring Tommy Stinson from the Replacements and Guns n Roses. Joined by the So So Glos. (7:30pm, $15/$18)
The Stone Pony: Led Zeppelin tribute Black Dog, joined by Black Brant and Slapjack. (7pm, $12/$15)
Wonder Bar: the Penque-Diomede Band, with Ronnie Penque of NRPS and Mark Diomede of Juggling Suns joining forces for a two-set show. Joined by Neil Young tribute band Decade. (7:30pm, $8)
Langosta Lounge: Steve Reily and the Rain Band. (9pm)

SATURDAY JANUARY 21
The Saint: The Marcus King Band (7:30pm, SOLD OUT)
The Stone Pony: classic hard rock and metal by the Dark Sky Choir, joined by Broken Past, Metal Life Crisis, High Octane, and the Riffs. (7pm, $12/$15)
Wonder Bar: Into Another, with Supertouch and High Disciple. (7pm, $16/$18)
Langosta Lounge: an evening with Dark City Strings (9pm)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: Gallagher's Guest House with Mohican (9pm)
The Asbury Hotel: the Constant (8pm)

SUNDAY JANUARY 22
The Saint: make your music video debut and enjoy a great concert at the same time, when Colossal Street Jam invites everyone to be an audience member in the video shoot for their single "Won't Last This Way." In addition to the song of the hour, they'll play many other cuts off their new album. (8pm, free)
The Stone Pony: the Stone Pony's local band competition Rock to the Top, with Prince and Beggar, the Happy Fits, Straightfacedjake, Triple Goddess, Ace Summers, When in Doubt, 4:44, Wet Metal, and Acrylic Tide. (1:30pm, $10/$12)
Langosta Lounge: opera with Jennifer Rositano (1pm)

Kino Kimino at the Saint

MONDAY JANUARY 23
The Saint: Kino Kimino, bringing whimsical quirkiness and weird feisty angst to shoegaze and punk. Joined by Fruit and Flowers, Lunch Ladies, and EVL MOMMZ. (7:30pm, $5)
The Asbury Hotel: the Bob Egan open mic piano party (7pm, free)

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25
The Saint: a rocking night with the mercury Bothers, Splenderson featuring Joey Henderson, Rachel Ana Dobken, the Double Negatives, and more. (7:30pm, $5)
Wonder Bar: Spafford, an electric blend of rock, funk, dance, and light. Joined by Newton Crosby. (7:30pm, $10)
The Asbury Hotel: the Brothers Baird and the Puppy Wheel of Wonder, for a night of music, drinks, intrigue, and maybe a Clue!esque murder mystery hunt. (9pm)

THURSDAY JANUARY 26
The Saint: Hear Me Roar, a women artists showcase, featuring Fortune Yeller, Andrea Morgan, Jane, Little Vicious, and more. (7:30pm)
Langosta Lounge: Joe Parello of Deal Casino, with friends. (9pm)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: a punk night with Dark Blue and No Parole (8pm)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth open mic hosted by Alex Hoteck. (8pm)

FRIDAY JANUARY 27
The Saint: Overmind, Andy Box, Eastbourne, and Random Test. (7pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: Grateful Dead tribute band Splintered Sunlight, with a two-set show of the Dead tunes you know and love. Joined by No Phizz and Baron Praxis. (7pm, $14/$16)
Wonder Bar: Bobby Bandiera (8pm, $12)
Langosta Lounge: Waiting on Mongo with Downstream (9pm)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: Barbarians and Matt Scuteri and the Jive Stewards (9pm)
House of Independents: the Lakehouse Big Gig, a three-day festival extravaganza full of all the musical talent at Lakehouse Music Academy. (6pm, free)
The Asbury Hotel: a late-night session with Regina Sayles. (11pm, free)
Bond Street Complex: Yawn Mower, Prehistoric Forest, Creamer (3pm)
Silverball Pinball Museum: Jon Caspi and the First Gun (9pm)

House of Independents : live out your frontman fantasy with Live Band Karaoke on January 19, in front of the Golden Boyz starting at 8 pm. On January 20, recapture that summer feeling with the All American Luau Dance Party, with tunes spun by DJ Funsize. Doors open at 9 pm. Both nights are free. 90's by Nature Dance Party returns on January 21 at 9 pm, come dressed in your best day-glo and glow in the dark duds for the Black Light Edition of the month's best 90's party. 


Georgie's: "the Gay 'Cheers' of Asbury Park," with pool, beer pong, Go-Go boys, karaoke extravaganzas on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Lady Marisa's Glitter and Glam show every Thursday, twice weekly free food buffet, Ladies Nights the first Friday of every month, Sunday Funday football drink specials and buffet, and special events every night of the week.

Paradise :  Nightschool on January 25 is Retro Night, with music by Steven Jay. The club's two dance floors and lounge include new wave/Brit pop/dark wave Night School on Wednesday, Flawless Fridays hosted by Miss Paradise Jolina Jasmine, Country Line Dancing Saturdays, Thursday night karaoke, and more events every night of the week. 

The Asbury Hotel: Enjoy DJs spinning tunes every weekend, Tea Dances, Sunday Night Trivia hosted by Gentleman Jim Norton, Monday Drag Queen Karaoke hosted by Pissi Myles, Revolutions at the Asbury on Tuesday Nights with secret drink menus and favorite local DJs, and more. 

The deals are flying up all over Asbury Park's incredible variety of unique and fabulous retail. See what's marked down post-holiday, get a sneak peak at what's hitting the shelves for Spring (still so far away, but hey, you can look), and treat yourself a little heading into this New Year. Everyone should make it a resolution to support Asbury Park's incredible independent businesses!


Library Board of Trustees: Wednesday January 25, 9 am

City Council: Wednesday January 25, 6 pm

Miss a meeting? Catch up with the City on  APTV .
Join the APTV  mailing list !

Cheers to beer! The Asbury Park Beerfest returns on January 28 and 29, more info here. 

The QFest LGBTQ Film Festival returns in April, the only LGTBQ film festival in New Jersey. The festival is currently accepting submissions. More info here. 

Asbury Park's Master Plan is getting a review and an update! The document guides the planning for Asbury's future, setting guidelines for the direction of change, progress, and development in Asbury Park. The Master Plan will be in effect for ten years. Just consider how much has changed in Asbury Park since 2007, and think about where the city could be by 2027. The community is invited to share their input -- what you like in Asbury, what you don't like in Asbury, what you want to see in this Master Plan -- on February 9 at 5 pm at Trinity Church, and on February 21 at 5 pm in the Asbury Park Senior Center. 


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