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

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Polar bears aren't just swimmers, they're bikers too! The Asbury Park Complete Street Coalition hosts a polar bike ride on Saturday, February 11. Starting at the Kula Cafe at noon, the short neighborhood ride is open to bikers of all ages and skill levels. The ride ends back at Kula with hot chocolate for all. More info here


Convention Hall gets a retro overhaul, transforming into Roller Hall on Valentine's Weekend. The classic building goes back to 1978, with a dynamite roller disco full of flash and flamboyance. Each sweet spin session lasts an hour and fifteen minutes, and includes roller skating, food, drinks, music, and games. BYO skates are encouraged. Roller Hall is open on February 11 from 2 pm to 1 am and February 12 from 10 am to 9 pm. Admission starts at $5 for morning and afternoon sessions and $15 for night sessions. More info here

Love isn't a competitive sport, but maybe that's just because you haven't been in training enough. The Asbury Festhall and Biergarten presents a Liebes Lauf Valentine's Day Couples Run, a literally "attached at the hip" 5k. Participants will also enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and a chocolate cake, and proceeds go to the West Belmar Elementary School. The race starts at noon on Sunday, February 12, and registration is $50 per couple. More info here


Come out with your partner for Valentine's Day couples testing at the Prevention Resource Network on Tuesday, February 14. Knowing your status and sexual health isn't just romantic, it isn't just sexy, it isn't just an act of trust to share with your partner. It's all of those things! And really it's an important and essential part of respecting yourself, and respecting your partner (or partners).  The HIV testing is free, confidential, and fast, so you can go right on out to your romantic evening plans! It's also available all day, from 9 am to 6:30 pm. More info here

Asbury Park's Master Plan is getting a review and an update! Last updated in 2006, the document guides the planning for Asbury's future, setting guidelines for the direction of change, progress, and development in Asbury Park over the next ten years. 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 21 at 5 pm in the Asbury Park Senior Center. The February 9 meeting is CANCELLED due to weather. More info here

This is one way to get over your fear of clowns! Paradise hosts JoJo's 6th annual Big Top Stripper Circus on Friday February 10. It's all the fun and three-ring insanity of the circus, with a steamy not-for-all-ages twist. Hosted by Pissi Myles and with tunes spun by DJ James Anthony from 10 pm to 2 pm. More info here

Get your live look at the WWE's ultimate fan favorites and rising stars at  WWE: NXT Live , at Convention Hall on Friday, February 10. The live-action show inc ludes champions like Roman Reigns, the Miz, Charlotte, and Samoa Joe. Doors open at 4 pm and the show starts at 6 pm, tickets are $54. More info  here

The NJ Burlesque Showcase at the Asbury Hotel

The producers of the NJ Burlesque Festival bring you the NJ Burlesque Showcase on February 11 from 7 pm to 11 pm for a special Valentine's Day show. The lineup includes classic burlesque, neo-burlesque, boylesque, comedy, circus, drag, sideshow, audience games, and more! All guests are encouraged to dress in their finest, tickets are $25. More info here.  

Anita Buffem returns for the Haus of Mimosa Brunch - Valentine Edition at the Asbury Hotel. The acclaimed brunch is full of live music, food, drinks, jokes, and your own chance at lip synching for your life (or just for bragging rights). Anita Buffem has been o nmore dates than Taylor Swift and had more husbands than Elizabeth Taylor, so she's got plenty of wisdom to hand out. Plus matchmaking schemes for any singletons in the audiences. The brunch is on February 12 from 11 am to 2 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, more info here

Valentine's Day Paint and Sip at Uncorked

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 Tuesday, February 14 stop by for a special double-canvas paint and sip, with a romantic lock and key motif. See their full schedule and list of themed paint and sips and special events here .  

Tax stress? Fear not, the Asbury Park Library has got you with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide help with filing for families with a combined income of $64,000 or less in 2016. Volunteers will be on hand through April 15 on Fridays from 9 am to 11:30 am, and saturdays from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. More info here

Stamp it out with Forge and Finish at Interwoven on Friday, February 10 from 5 pm to 9 pm. Make a custom-stamped pendent necklace for your or your boo, and enjoy some beverages on top of a crafty good time. More info here. 

Use channeled sound and light to heal yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually with a light language activations workshop at Spirit Cove on Friday, February 10 at 7 pm. $40 per person, more info here

Fiber Jewelry Making at the Market

Learn to design a unique piece of wearable art with the fiber jewelry making workshop on Saturday February 11 at the Market, hosted by Salt and Still. Learn the techniques of the trade like tassel making, fringe making, wrapping with thread, how to use different fabric materials and incorporating metal embellishments. The workshop starts at 12 pm and is $40, more info here

Kids can get crafty at the Valentine's Kids Craft table in the Convention Hall, part of the Valentine's Market on Saturday February 11. All the hearts and red sparkles you could ever desire will be available from 1 pm and 4 pm, a donation of $2 would be appreciated. More info here

No sewing skills? No problem! Learn how to create your own DIY no-sew tote bag at the Market on Saturday February 11, from 2 pm to 3 pm. The workshop is free, but bring your own sharp scissors and any t-shirts that are ready for a new life. More info here

If you're pining for those byegone days when tie-dye was the coolest look to rock, don't despair: tie-dye has a 21st century update, and you can explore it at the bundle dye workshop at the Market on Saturday, February 11. Hosted by Ali Smith of Salt & Still, participants will learn the basics of bundle-dying with matural materials, including everyday things like onions and avocado skins, plus more obscure dyestuffs like madder root and logwood. You'll learn how to choose and prepare textiles, how the process works, and what's possible in making your own bundle dyed scarf. Cost is $45, more info here

Shake off that moon madness with a full moon circle at Spirit Cove, using the energies of the full moon to purge your monthly accumulations of negative energy and attachments in your life. The ceremony and meditation Saturday February 11 at 7 pm, cost is $10. More info here

Learn the art of natural soapmaking on Sunday, February 12 at the Market, with the owners of Big Spoon Little Spoon Naturals. The intro course will cover the history of soapmaking, the science behind soap, and how to use plant-based natural ingredients in your own home soap recipes. Cost is $9 and the session is from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, more info here


KYDS presents a stress-releasing and health-boosting meditation Monday on Monday, February 13, starting at 5:30 pm at the Kula Cafe. The session focuses on relaxation, stillness, and breathing. The session is free, more info here

Sample the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of meditation at meditation Monday, hosted by Spirit Grove on Monday February 13 at 7 pm. Cost is $20, more info here

Learn how to use runs and bind runes for home protection and overall well-being, at Spirit Cove's make runic charms workshop. The workshop is Thursday February 16 from 7 pm to 9 pm, and is $50. More info here

Celebrate the look of love with a Dr Sketchy live model session at the Bond Street Complex, featuring Sketchy of Love. Bring your own art supplies on Thursday, February 16 and enjoy the live modeling and maybe a bit of burlesque. The event is free, but please bring tips for the models. The session is from 6 pm to 10 pm, more info here

The Anchor's Bend hosts a special Lover's Luau on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12. The delectable four-course Polynesian prix-fixe dinner also includes a specialty tiki cocktail menu and live music from Slowey and the Boats. Seating is from 6 pm to 10 pm, and dinner is $45 per person. More info here

St Patrick's Day is coming! Get your Erin go Bra going this week, with a fundraising event for the Asbury Park St Patrick's Day Parade. Taka hosts a Green Dragon Brunch on Sunday, February 12 from 11 am to 2 pm. The brunch is $15 per person, more info here

Relationship maybe a little too new for all this seasonal pressure? Desperate for a casual and lowkey dinner option for Valentine's Day dinner? Just looking for something more on the fun and goofy side? The Bond Street Complex has you covered on all counts with dinner and sex toy bingo on Tuesday, February 14. Enjoy sausage and meatball specials, tacos, corn dogs starting at 5 pm, and Sex Toy Bingo kicking off the kinky fun at 8 pm. More info here

Palette Gallery: drawings and painting by Chris Lee. His work combines bold color and facile line work to address topical issues of contemporary art and politics. So he's got plenty of material to work with. Lee is an alumn of the Rhode Island School of Design, and likes to explore the hybrid nexus of the classical cannon with the urgency of urban zeitgeist. The opening reception it Saturday, February 4 from 6 pm to 9 pm, and the exhibit runs through February 28. More info here

art629 : "Prism," a student showcase from the Inspired Minds Fine Art School, featuring six senior student artists. More info  here

Rubin 415 at Parlor Gallery

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

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 exhibit runs through February 19. More info here

The Asbury Hotel : "Transparent," an exhibit of photography by the legendary music and culture photographer Danny Clinch, including his iconic portraits of Tupac, Bruce Springsteen, Bjork, and more. More info  here

Heaven Gallery: "and then the wind came..." a photographic manifestation of color, form, and motion by Sori Gottdenker. More info here.

Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films at the ShowRoom

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - ANIMATION 
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - LIVE ACTION
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - DOCUMENTARY 

Dirty Dancing at the Paramount Theater

Find out exactly who can put Baby in a corner (hint: it's not many people) and come by the Paramount Theater for a free screening Dirty Dancing, celebrating the coming-of-age, ultimate-summer-loving flick's 30's anniversary. You'll have the time of your life, and you'll owe it all to us. You're welcome. Doors open at 7 pm, more info here

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9
The Saint: electronic vibes with Ceremonial Abyss featuring Brian Amsterdam, Farrows featuring John Herguth, Dead Dreamz, YNG KNG, and more. (7:30pm, $5)
Wonder Bar: Tom Hamilton's American Babies, the Philly-based band blneding Americana, psych-tinged indie, and classic rock. (8pm, $12/$15)
Langosta Lounge: Joe Parello of Deal Casino, with friends. (9pm)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth open mic night, with host Jay Portizo (8pm, free)

Drew the Recluse at the Saint

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10
The Saint: the Black Suburbia Music Show presents the Love Drug Tour, a night of stellar rap and hip hop featuring Whodat Live Crew, Drew the Recluse, the Vices Experience, C Truth, and DJ K-Stray. (7:30pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: the Frost Metal Coalition, Jack Frost's hard rocking all-star band playing original hits and metal classics. Joined by special guests Ropetree, Somerville's School of Rock, and Concrete Gold. (7pm, $15)
Wonder Bar: SiriusXM Outlaw Country presents Whiskey Myers with Goodbye June. (7pm, $13/$15)
Langosta Lounge: Valentine's Jazz with the PJ Rassmussen quartet. (9pm)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: Chris Rockwell presents No Egos! (9pm)
House of Independents: metal, punk, and alternative with Old Wounds, On broken Wings, Hounds, and Sick Sh-t. (7:30pm, $12)

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11
The Saint: Nothing but Shadows, Hengine, and Pool of Thorns. (7:30pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: the 42nd Anniversary Celebration of the Blue Highway Glimmer Grass Band, where longtime Jersey Shore favorites combine for an annual party at the Pony. Joined by special guest Sari. (7pm, $15)
Wonder Bar: Vinnie Pastore's Gangster Squad, Jersey Style. Joined by Nick Wey, all for the benefit of Asbury Boardwalk Rescue. (8pm $15)
Langosta Lounge: American Trappist, starring Joe Michelini (9pm)
The Asbury Hotel: Galentine's Day, with Mack, Lauren Patti, and Taylor Tote. (8pm)

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12
The Saint: a rocking night with Dis-ease, Tom Lake, and more. (6:30pm, $5)
The Stone Pony: the Stone Pony's local band competition Rock to the Top returns, featuring the Walk Arounds, the Dead Flowers, Before It's Too Late, the Breakout, Blackwater, Obx, and Unabridged. Plus special guests, 2016 Rock to the Top winners Atomic Beauty. (1pm, $10/$12)
Wonder Bar: Wonder Jam, with three sets of classic rock, jam, and blues from Sandy Mack and friends. Plus special guests DeadGrass, a Greatful Dead bluegrass band. (3pm, $5)
Langosta Lounge: Steve Maxwell's organ trio (1pm)

MONDAY FEBRUARY 13
The Asbury Hotel: Bob Egan Piano Party (7pm)

The Matt Wade Band at House of Independents

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14
House of Independents: the Matt Wade Band sets you up with a sultry Valentine's Day special concert, performing all your favorite R&B and soul hits. Plus a complimentary whiskey and chocolate tasting. (8pm, $20)

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15
The Saint: acoustic rock with Beecher's Fault and catchy guests. (7pm, $8)
Wonder Bar: Mihali, frontman and lead guitarist of Twiddle, and master of the guitar: electric, acoustic, and solo looping madness. (8pm, $15/$20)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16
The Saint: Philly rocker Josh Nussbaum, along with the PBR Street Gang and special guests. (7:30pm, $5)
Wonder Bar: the Yuengling WRAT Jersey Rock showcase, featuring Levy and the Oaks, Deaf Rhino, Above the Moon, and Asbury Park's own Chris Brown. (7pm, free)
Langosta Lounge: Joe Parello of Deal Casino, with friends. (9pm)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth open mic, with host Jay Portizo (8pm, free)

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17
The Saint: Porter & Sayles, the duo combining acoustic guitar, mandolin, and other eclectic instruments. Joined by Tony Tedesco and the Full Fathom 5 featuring Audrey Kate Geiger, and Dark City Strings. (7:30pm, $12)
The Stone Pony: the tristate area's number one Doors tribute band, Light My Fire. Joined by Illegally Blind and Earth Monkeys. (7pm, $14/$16)
Wonder Bar: Anthony Krizan and the Backwoods Swampers, featuring a host of jocal tallent. Joined by Colossal Street Jam and the Scott Elk Trio. (7pm, $10)
Langosta Lounge: Waiting on Mongo with Downstream (9pm)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: the Morgan Freemasons with the Obvious (9pm)
Silverball Pinball Museum: a solo set with Bobby Bandiera (9pm)

House of Independents : the monthly 90's by Nature dance party gets a Valentine's Weekend twist on February 10, with a Stop Light Party! DJ Tyler Valentine will spin the tunes, while you rock the glowing wristband in green (single) yellow (testing the waters) and red (taken) given out at the door. Meet someone new, or dance your heart out without being bugged! Doors open at 9 pm, the party is free. Old Wounds hosts a Heartbreaker Club Vol. 1 after party on February 11, spinning early-2000s songs from 10:30 pm on. Cover is $5. Live Band Karaoke returns on February 16, featuring the Golden Boyz of New Brunswick. Free, doors open at 8 pm. Emo Night Brooklyn returns on February 17 at 9 pm, cover is $10. 

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 s pecial events every night of the week.

Paradise :  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, Sunday 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. 

Valentine's Market at Convention Hall

A kiss on the hand may be quite Continental, but a gift from the Can't Buy Me Love Valentine's Market is your real best friend. Diamonds can't compare to the selection of vendors presented by the Market and the Asbury Park Bazaar, covering everything from vintage goods, chocolates and flowers, gifts for him and her, workshops for handmade treasures, and so much more. The market runs from noon to 6 pm on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12 in Convention Hall. More info here


The Asbury Park-based Jersey Shore Rescue Mission is dedicated to fighting homelessness in the community of Asbury Park. They provide an emergency shelter for men, provide over 18,000 meals every year, distribute clothes and household items through their thrift store, offer life change programs, and accept and sell used cars to fund their missions. 

Volunteers are needed to assist in office duties, tutor residents in pursuing their GED, sort food, stock shelves, and inventory pantry goods, serve and clean up after evening meals, bring in baked goods, paint indoors, and lend their professional skills in repair and improvements. Learn how to get involved here



City offices are closed Monday, February 13

Business Committee: Wednesday February 15, 10 am

APTV Cable Advisory Board: Wednesday February 15, 6 pm

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

Get the spooky stories behind one of Asbury's biggest landmarks with a Paranormal Expedition at the Paramount Theater on February 18. The 7 pm session is already sold out, so act fast for the 11 pm session!

The Cold War surf contest returns to Asbury Park in March! The waiting period is from March 5 through 31, giving the all-star lineup of surfers 48-hours notice before they make their way to Asbury to bodysuit their way into history. Opening weekend has a lineup of festivities, 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


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