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

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DID YOU KNOW:

Water main installation is starting February 23 on Fourth Avenue, at the intersection of Fourth and Memorial Drive. Installation will go on across Fourth Avenue through the beginning of May, more info here




The Asbury Park Press names The Hotel Tides as one of the top 5 shore staycation spots. [AP Press]

A Day Without Immigrants in Asbury Park. [AP Sun]

Congressman Frank Pallone and Internet Association Small Business Crawl visited four Asbury businesses this week. [AP Sun]




Laissez les bon temps rouler! Good times roll all over Asbury this weekend, during the second annual Asbury Park Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday February 26. On Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm enter the free Mardi Gras mask decorating contest in the Shoppes at the Arcade, and enjoy face painting. Strolling musicians from Lakehouse will wander downtown in the afternoon to play some songs and throw some beads. Saturday night the House of Independents hosts a Masquerade Ball featuring the VooDUDES and the Marc Stone 3. On Sunday the Asbury Hotel hosts a Mardi Gras Cajun-style brunch from 10 am to 1 pm, and participating downtown shops will offer discounts to shoppers wearing their Mardi Gras beads or masks. More info here

Pallette Gallery hosts an art in Asbury Park meetup and gallery crawl on Saturday, February 25, starting at 12 pm sharp. Curators at Exhibit No.9, art629, Parlor Gallery, Heaven Art and Antiques, and Palette Gallery will give a brief talk about the gallery and their current show. Cost is $5, more info here

The Asbury Park Choice Neighborhoods Needs Assessment Survey launch and public meeting is on Tuesday, February 28 at the Asbury Park Senior Center. Come learn about the process set to transform the west side neighborhood, and weigh in as a west side resident on the strengths and needs of your community. Refreshments will be provided and the event is family-friendly. Each household that completes the survey will receive a $10 gift card. The event starts at 5:30 pm, more info here

Black History Month Extravaganza at the Paramount Theater

The Asbury Park School District presents their third annual Black History Month Extravaganza at the Paramount Theater on Tuesday, February 29. The theme for this year's night of music, dance, poetry, and more is "a tribute to Barack Obama." Come observe the essential inclusion of black history in the story of America, and celebrate the talents of Asbury Park students. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, and is free. More info here

KYDS presents the monthly One Mic One Soul open mic at the Kula Cafe on Friday, February 24. The night includes 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

Langosta Lounge hosts a book signing for Nourish: a Community-Supported Cookbook on Friday, February 24. Made up of 135 recipes for its second edition, the cookbook covers a vast variety of diets, all without artificial ingredients or refined sugars. Editors Wendy Bright-Fallon and Debbie Peterson will lead a discussion on nutritional germs, and perhaps share a sample or two of their favorite recipes. The book signing is from 12 pm to 1 pm, more info here

Golden Gurlz Live at Paradise

Paradise gives us all a hot flash with the Golden Gurlz LIVE, a stage show featuring Brittany Lynn, Bella Cane, Pissi Myles, Connor Michalchuk, Aeryannah Von Moi, Anne Allen, and Jared Rosenberg. Plus two hilarious episodes of the classic show! Doors open at 3 pm, more info here. Thank you for being a friend. 

The House of Independents and the American Poetry Theater present a two-day staging of Trumped on Monday, February 27 and Wednesday, March 1. The play is a fierce reaction to the 2016 election and the first days of the Trump presidency (just barely over a month old). Trumped was written by members of the American Poetry Theater and by ordinary US citizens. Tickets are $15, 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! 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

Conflict Resolution Workshop at the Asbury Park Library

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. More info  here

Ayurvedic Skincare at the Market

Learn the ins and outs of Ayurvedic skincare and face oils at the Market on Saturday, February 25. Spend the afternoon testing pre-made oils and cleansers with host Sarah Kuper, learning what herbs and essential oils work best for you, and creating your own individualized face oil. Each guest will leave with their own individualized face oil. Tickets are $25, and space is limited. More info here

Shake a sultry tailfeather at intro to tango, a free class at the Bond Street Complex on Sunday, February 26. The intro class runs from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and is followed by a slightly more advanced Milonga Vivisur class from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. More info here

Regroup, de-stress, and recharge for the week ahead at meditation Monday at Spirit Cove on Monday, February 27 at 7 pm. Cost is $20, more info here

The Father Empowerment Group returns to the Community Affairs and Resource Center on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. The group is open to fathers of children of all ages, for a self-guided discussion of challenges and strategies for raising kids. More info here

Learn about the power and symbolism of ancient runes at Spirit Cove on Thursday, March 2. Stop by the workshop for beginners at 7 pm, and get an intro to what runes stand for, what they mean, and how you can use them. Cost is $40, more info here

Cross & Orange presents a Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 25. Enjoy a three-hour open bar, a Bourbon Street buffet, and live music by the Shady Street Show Band. Dress to impress, with beads and masks as obvious style points. The celebration is $60 per person, more info here

Georgie's Bar hosts the NJ Leather Family's 11th annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, February 26, benefiting the Center in Asbury Park. A $5 donation is requested at the door, and you can submit your own crockpot full of chili for $10. The cook off runs from 2 pm to 7pm, all entries must be in by 4:30pm, and a winner will be announced at 6 pm. More info here

Bonnie Barrett at the Hotel Tides

Hotel Tides: mixed media artwork by Bonnie Barrett. The opening reception is Friday, February 24 from 7 pm to 9 pm. More info here

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 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

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 SHORT FILMS - ANIMATION (eight animated films from the US and Canada. Last chance: 2/26)
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - LIVE ACTION (includes films from Hungary, Denmark, Spain, France, and Switzerland. Last chance: 2/26)
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. Last chance: 2/26)
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS - DOCUMENTARY B (two short documentary films about war-torn Syria, its residents and first responders. Last chance: 2/26)
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)

Strike a Pose at House of Independents

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

Glitter Tribe at the ShowRoom

The ShowRoom presents a sneak preview advance screening of
Glitter Tribe, a documentary about the passion and personalities at the heart of today's new wave of burlesque. Twelve of today's hottest (in many senses of the word) performers reveal the almost-entirely-naked truth behind the glamour onstage and the offstage struggles. The screening is Monday, February 27 at 7:30 pm, and is followed by an interview with director Jon Manning and key cast dancers. More info here

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
The Saint: experimental rock from 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)

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)

Swift Technique at the Stone Pony

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25
The Saint: rock and groove with TrapBang, Depreciator, Korey Costa, and Shoobies. (7:30pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: infectious groove and rollicking soul from Swift Technique, with their signature tight horns, powerhouse vocals, and heavy-rock riffs. joined by Secret Sound, Marsoupial, Dead Flowers. (7pm, $14/$16)
Wonder Bar: Leopold and His Fiction, mixing dingy garage punk with pop-minded Motown R&B. (7pm, $10/$12)
Asbury Park Yacht Club: the Hear Me Roar women artist showcase turns it way up, showing that a woman's place is IN YOUR FACE! This lineup of tunes, solidarity, and power includes a Guy and a Girl, Julie Murtha, Bi TYRANT, MAUDE GUN, and Bone and Marrow. (8pm, free)
House of Independents: New Jersey meets New Orleans with the Marc Stone 3 Band, and the Big Easy's own VooDUDES. The Masquerade Ball brings the blues, bayou, rock, country, zydeco, and more. Dress up in your best for the costume contest, and be crowned King or Queen of the Ball! (7pm, $20/$25)

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26
Wonder Bar: ShamrockNRoll, a fundraiser for the St Patrick's Day Parade featuring the Weeklings, Brian Kirk and the Jirks, Pat Roddy Band, Pat Guadagno, DJ Lee Mrowicki and more. (3pm, $15/$20)
Hotel Tides: the Jan Findlay Jazz Trio (7pm)

Free Kittens & Bread at the Saint

MONDAY FEBRUARY 27
The Saint: rock out of Austin Texas by Free Kittens & Bread. They're joined by Phoebe Nix, Foes of FERN, Blue Heaven, Ernest, Ces Picerno Music, and more. (7:30pm, $5)
The Asbury Hotel: the Bob Egan piano party (7pm, free)

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 28
The Saint: Canadian indie rockers Bad Pop, formerly known as Hot Panda, turning blues into noisy brilliance with a lot of fuzz and a lot of smarts. (7pm, $10/$13)
House of Independents: the DEW and a Brew Tour hits the House of Independents, featuring Brick + Mortar, dollys, and Seaside Caves. Presented by the Asbury Park Brewery and Tullamore Dew, the show includes some fabulous drink specials. (7pm, $12)

THURSDAY MARCH 2
The Saint: Airpark, the Mercury Brothers, and more. (7:30pm, $10)
House of Independents: Avery Rose and the Thorns, joined by Slapjack, Ace Summers, and Sara Schulmann. (7pm, $10)
The Asbury Hotel: Soundbooth Open Mic, hosted by Jay Portizo (8pm, free)

Regina Sayles at Georgies

FRIDAY MARCH 3
The Saint: Little Stranger, combining melodic songwriting with hip-hop inspired lyricism. They're joined by the Norm, mixing urban roots with layers of funk, reggae, pop, rock and hip-hop. (7:30pm, $10)
The Stone Pony: California ska-pop and pop-punk legends Save Ferris, on the New Sound 2017 tour. Joined by Backyard Superheroes and Baby Baby. (7pm, $20/$25)
House of Independents: Turtle Soup and the Souper Groove All-Stars count down the months until the Souper Groove festival returns, with a monthly jam session featuring local, regional, and national artists. (8pm, $5/$7)
Georgies: Joe Cole and Georgie's present guitarist Regina Sayles. 
Bond Street Basement: fuzz/psych/surf tinged rock with Asbury's own Dentist before they head out on their big 2017 tour, Dead Coast from across the pond, and Psychiatric Metaphors and Pink Mexico from Brooklyn. 
Silverball Pinball Museum: Bob Burger (9pm)

House of Independents : free 80's night dance party on Friday, February 24, with jams spun by DJ Tyler Valentine. 

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, DJ Carter Mars on February 25 from 11 pm to 2 am. 

Grab this warm weather while it lasts! Asbury Park's incredible assortment of unique and independent retailers have you covered for those new shades, a good book to take to the patio, table settings for an impromptu BBQ, and some fresh warm-weather wear since you obviously haven't gone digging around in the attic for your shorts yet. Support Asbury Park's local businesses, and fill your home, your wardrobe, and your life with the coolest one-of-a-kind items. 

Volunteer spotlight this week is on the Salvation Army of Asbury Park, providing programming, youth activities, food pantry services, and religious services. Volunteers are needed and welcome to help with the weekly food pantry and other programs. More info here



Planning Board: Monday February 27, 7 pm

Zoning Board: Tuesday February 28, 7 pm

Quality of Life Committee: Wednesday March 1, 5:30 pm

Parking Committee: Wednesday March 1, 5:30 pm

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

Get your greenery ready to go! The Asbury Park St Patrick's Day Parade returns on March 12. 

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

Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten brings back the Women Who Whiskey tasting event on Thursday, March 9 at 7 pm. 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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