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

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Asbury Park's Master Plan  is getting a review and an update! Last reevaluated 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. More info here

Miss Paradise Pageant at Paradise

Paradise presents the 18th annual Miss Paradise Pageant on Sunday, February 19, hosted by Miss Paradise 2010 Victoria Lace, and featuring Miss Paradise 2016 Jolina Jasmine. Contestants include Ariel Versace, Cyannie Lopez, Octavia Anyae, Franchesca St. Cartier, Rhedd Rhumm, and Victoria Courtez. Doors open at 6 pm, cover is $15. More info here

KYDS presents the monthly One Mic One Soul open mic at the Kula Cafe, with music, art, dance, spoken word, and all forms of uplifting and inspiring art and inspiration. Doors open at 6 pm with a mindfulness meditation sit at 6:15 pm, and the show at 6:40 pm. Enjoy free snacks and smoothies from Dean's Natural Foods, and this entirely free night of soul-awakening and soul-nourishing. More info here

Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations hosts paint and sips and open studios for any level of artistic talent and ambition, and for those who want to make a little art and have a lot of fun! Leap off the canvas and make your own artistic creations on a wine glass or mason jar on Wednesday, February 22. 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 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide help,  offering assistance with filing for families who had 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

Learn how to use runes 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

Dr Sketchy live model session  strikes a pose 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


Since its grand opening in 1930, the Paramount Theater has presided over Asbury Park's changing fortunes, through storms, summers, sun, superstars, and tragedy. Over the years many have reported strange phenomena, and there's no one better suited to get to the bottom of it than the investigators at Paranormal Books and Curiosities. The paranormal expedition at the Paramount Theater is Saturday, February 18, investigating multiple locations within the historic landmark. The 7 pm session is already sold out, so act fast to reserve your spot for the 11 pm session. More info here

House of Independents and Younique Yoga present Yoga for Cause on Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm. The karma class is guided by recently graduated yoga teachers, and all proceeds go to non-profit animal rescue farm Rancho Relaxo. A donation of $10 is suggested, more info here

Regroup, de-stress, and recharge for the week ahead at meditation Monday at Spirit Cove on Monday, February 20 at 7 pm. Cost is $20, more info here

Malas on a Mission at Langosta Lounge

Malas on a Mission returns to Langosta Lounge on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 pm. Usually strung with 108 beads, Mala beads have been used for centuries as prayer beads or meditative talismans in many cultures, with each bead representing a mantra or intention. Mala beads are often worn as a protection against evil spirits, to purify your mind and body, and to remind you of your personal and spiritual intentions. Make your own talisman, enjoy food and drinks, and contribute to Root to Rise. Cost starts at $40, more info here

Don't be frightened by what seems to be a political scary word: feminism isn't just for one group, it's for everybody. Asbury Park Education Justice Collective presents Feminism is for everyone, a discussion of the history of feminist thought, feminism for women of color, and the importance of men taking up feminism as well as women. People of all ethnicities, sexualities, and genders are welcome. The talk is on Wednesday, February 22 at 6 pm at the Asbury Park Library. More info here

Learn how to bring peace to your family, school, and community with a three-day Alternatives to Violence Project Conflict Resolution Workshop at Trinity Church, February 24 through February 26. Learn how to peacefully resolve disputes, make friends with conflict, explore the causes of violence, support the spread of peace, connect deeply with others, and build healthy relationships. A donation of $50 is suggested to cover materials and lunch, but no one will be turned away. Register by February 22 and find out more here

The Anchor's Bend presents Brisket and Brews, an afternoon of food and drink to benefit the Asbury Park St Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, February 19. The ticket includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of Irish classics, including gourmet brisket and drink specials. The event runs from 3 pm to 7 pm, more info here

Expand your palate at the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten this week: on Friday, February 17 enjoy a rooftop Remy Martin tasting of the classic cognac from 7 pm to 10 pm, and on Wednesday February 22 enjoy all-night complementary wine tasting of Alsatian, Australian, and German wines. More info here

Andrew Pawlan at Parlor Gallery

Parlor Gallery: "Eight is Great," celebrating eight years of the bold, witty, and colorful Parlor Gallery with an anniversary party and exhibition of bold, witty, and colorful work. The opening reception is Saturday, February 18, and the exhibit runs through March 26. 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 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

Myke Karlowski 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 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.

the Salesman at the ShowRoom

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - ANIMATION (eight animated films from the US and Canada)
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - LIVE ACTION (includes films from Hungary, Denmark, Spain, France, and Switzerland)
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - DOCUMENTARY A (three short documentary films, including a violin donated by a Holocaust survivor, the ICU at a hospital in Oakland California, a Greek Coast Guard captain responding to the refugee crisis)
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - DOCUMENTARY B (two short documentary films about war-torn Syria, its residents and first responders)
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (using James Baldwin's words and writing, director Raoul Peck imagines the radical book Baldwin never finished about race in America)
THE SALESMAN (a young couple of actors living in Tehran move into a new apartment, and are forever changed by a violent incident linked to the previous tenant)

Nothing But a Man at the Stephen Crane House

The Stephen Crane House salutes Black History Month with a screening of Nothing But a Man, the 1963 film about a tough rail worker who falls in love with a preacher's daughter in the deep South, one of the first American movies to cast black actors in a movie intended for a general US audience. Filmed a year before the Civil Rights Act and two years before the Voting Rights Act, the truly independent film was produced on a shoestring budget, shooting in Cape May and Atlantic City as a stand-in for Alabama. It stars Ivan Dixon, also of Hogan's Heroes, and Abbey Lincoln, one of the greatest jazz singers of the 20th century. The free screening is Saturday, February 18 at 3 pm. More info here

The House if Independents and the Asbury Park Social Club present a special advance screening of the documentary  Strike a Pose on Friday, February 24. In 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her most controversial Blond Ambition Tour, and in the Truth or Dare tour film. 25 years later, they reveal the truth about life during and after the tour. Doors open at 7 pm and the screening is at 8 pm. Stick around after for an 80's dance party with DJ Tyler Valentine, starting at 10 pm. Tickets for the movie are $20, more info here

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)

Porter and Sayles at the Saint

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 Geez Louise (formerly the Obvious) (9pm, free)
Silverball Pinball Museum: a solo set with Bobby Bandiera (9pm)
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten: Heavy Souls Band (10pm)

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18
The Saint: rock featuring 21 Kings, celebrating their new EP. Joined by Chevonne and the Fuzz and Couple of Guys. (7pm)
Wonder Bar: Josh Zuckerman of China White fame returns, with his hot new original pop rock band. Joined by Pepperwine and Xol Azul. (7pm, $10)
Langosta Lounge: the Butterflies of Love (9:30pm, free)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: a night of psychadelic hard rock from space with Phoebe Nix, No Such Animals, and the Mercury Brothers. (9pm)
House of Independents: Mickey Avalon and the Tear Drops on my Tombstone Tour. Joined by Solo for Dolo and DJ Mike Merrell. (8pm, $20)
The Asbury Hotel: the Constant (8pm, free)
Porta: So Watt, multi-genre masters of all your favorite dance numbers. (10pm)
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten: Nik Greely and the Operators. (10pm)

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19
The Saint: the Lakehouse Music Academy Kids Showcase. (12:30pm, free)
The Saint: the Grateful Bluegrass Boys, performing the music of the Grateful Dead with a bluegrass twist, and featuring members of Hot Buttered Rum and the David Thom Band. (2pm, $10/$13)
The Saint: indie rocking with the Cold Seas, Deal Casino, Blame Candy, and Rad Horror. (7pm, $5)
Wonder Bar: the Wonder Jam returns, with three sets of classic rock, jam, and blues from Sandy Mack and friends. Joined by the Grateful Bluegrass Boys. (3pm, $5)
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten: Steve and Johnny (4pm)

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21
The Saint: guitar heroics by Matthew Curry, out of Bloomington Illinois. (7:30pm, $13/$15)

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 22
The Saint: Brooklyn rock and rollers Basic B-tches, joined by Jeff Linden and the Black Spot Society, the Wedge, and Thieves of Sunrise. (7:30pm, $5)
House of Independents: We the Kings, with Plaid Brixx, Astro Lasso, Modern Chemistry, and Cute is What We Aim For. (7pm, $25)
The Asbury Hotel: Lowlight, Cold Weather Company, and Rachel Ana Dobken. (8pm, free)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
The Saint: Active Bird Community, joined by Goodluck Spaceman. (7:30pm, $10)
Wonder Bar: the Steppin Stones (7pm, $12/$15)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth open mic, hosted by Jay Portizo. (8pm, free)

Death by Unga Bunga at the Wonder Bar

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24
The Saint: Cranston Dean, Big BAM, the Shady Street Show Band, Of Tomorrow, and Luke Cantin. (7:30pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: we want to believe. That you'll make it to this concert, of course. Actor David Duchovny shares his musical stylings, including songs from his 2015 debut album as well as brand new tracks. Joined by Jackson Pines and Colin Lee. (7pm, $34.50/$37)
Wonder Bar: Norway's own garage rock and power pop band Death by Unga Bunga. Joined by gods and Wreaths. (7pm, $10/$15)
Silverball Pinball Museum: Two Guys, with Ed Alstrom and Dennis Diken, also celebrating Dennis Diken's Birthday party. (9pm)

House of Independents : 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. 

Porta: DJ Za spins every Friday from 10 pm to 2 am, and DJ Funsize on Saturday February 18 from 11 pm to 2 am. 

Browse through thousands of records and other fantastic finds at the Asbury Park Record Show on Sunday, February 19 at the Stone Pony. The offerings include music from all genres, 45s, LPs, and more. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is $10 until 11 am. After 11 am admission is $5. More info here


Be a positive role model (and have some fun!) with a child through Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties at their Asbury Park location. Mentoring a child takes only a few hours a month, but the experience can change that child's life, and enrich your own. No skills or experience is required, just a willingness to share your time for 4-6 hours a month for at least a year, with support and guidance from BBBS staff. More info here



City offices are closed Monday, February 20

Wesley Lake Commission: Monday February 20, 5:30 pm

Master Plan Community Input Meeting (Senior Center): Tuesday February 21, 6 pm

Environmental Shade Tree Commission: Tuesday February 21, 7 pm

Library Board of Trustees: Wednesday February 22, 9 am

City Council: Wednesday February 22, 6 pm

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

Laissez le bon temps roulez! Roll out those good times at the 2nd annual Asbury Park Mardi Gras on Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26, with arts, crafts, music, masks, and more. More info here.  

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 from April 7 through April 9, the only LGTBQ film festival in New Jersey. The festival is currently accepting submissions. More info here

The Asbury Park Music in Film Festival returns from April 20 to April 23, more info here


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