News & Press Releases

Got a little sunny teaser this past weekend and the early part of this week, but looks like some heavy spring showers are in store for the weekend.  Oh well, all the more reason to head out in Asbury Park!

The 18th Annual Fishing Flea Market takes place this Sunday, March 14th from 9 AM to 2 PM in Convention Hall.  This is one of those very cool events that is: Only in Asbury Park!

The Asbury Park Historical Society will be hosting their 4th Annual St. Patty’s Day Party on Sunday, March 14th from 1 to 3:30 PM at McLoone’s Supper Club.  Bob Egan and company will play and sing your favorite Irish tunes.  Tickets are $40 per person, or $75 per couple.  Call 732.829.1104. 

Looking for a unique gift for St. Pat’s?  Why not Blow-a-Drinking Glass at Hot Sand and get a coupon for your first beer free in that glass at Langosta Lounge?  Or, check out all our great shops for that very special green present.  Only in Asbury Park!

The AP High School Boys Basketball team defended their title and became the Central Jersey Group I Champions on Monday.  They now advance on to the state tournament.  HUGE!  Stay tuned!

Last Thursday, I helped out with a Monmouth University Urban Economics course by inviting them to use the Annex at Brickwall for their classroom.  You know I always like sharing the Asbury Park story.  Our recent progress makes for a great and very interesting study.  Only in Asbury Park!

NEW BUSINESS:  Appliance Brokers of Asbury Park will be hosting a grand opening of their new location at 1201 Main Street this Saturday.  Stop by and say hello to owner Larry Stein and check out his full line of washers/dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and all that other great stuff that makes our lives so easy.  I recruited Larry for four years and he finally has arrived.  And don’t forget the company is a UEZ certified business, so you can take advantage of the 3.5% reduced sales tax.  Shop in Asbury Park!

Don’t forget to vote for Asbury Park in the state’s 2010 Top Ten Beaches Poll.  Go to www.njtoptenbeaches.org and cast your vote in four different categories.  Do it!

Also This Weekend:
Thurs. March 11th:  Green Tag Sale, Big Light at The Saint - 8 PM.
Songwriters Stage hosted by Roger Gardella at McLoone’s Supper Club - 8 PM.
Phanfest Battle of the Bands at The Saint - 8 PM.
Shore Alternative presents Face the Sun at Langosta Lounge - 9 PM.
Fri. March 12th:  Jarrod Gorbel and special guests at The Saint - 7:15 PM.
Black Reign, Circle of Insanity at The Stone - 7:30 PM.
Seasick, Social Circkle at Asbury Lanes - 8 PM.
Under New Ownership at the Wonder Bar.
River City Extension at Langosta Lounge - 10 PM.
Sat. March 13th:  The Break Contest at the Stone Pony - noon - all ages.
Negative Space at The Saint - 8 PM.
Jazz Lobsters Big Band at McLoone’s Super Club - 8 PM.
Sun. March 14th:  Nuvo Jazz Trio at Langosta Lounge - 1 PM.
Boardwalk Health and Fitness Challenge at 4th Ave. Pavilion:  Keep the Weight Off at 2 PM and Run/Jog with Tim McLoone at 3 PM.
Acoustics Sundays with Gerry at Brickwall at 4 PM.
David Wong at 2:30 PM and Patti Bramson at 4 PM at Twisted Tree.
The Killing - Stanley Kubrick’s 1956 film noir classic at The Showroom at 4 PM.
James Stewart at Sizzlin Jazz Sundays at Synaxis Lounge at 5 PM.
Bob Egan’s Open Mic at Moonstruck - 6 PM.
Gay Men’s Chorus at McLoone’s Supper Club - 8 PM.
Matthew Ryan at The Saint - 7 PM.
Mon. March 15th:  Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis - 9 PM.
SAVE THE DATES:  March 18, 2010 - AP Chamber of Commerce networking event at Lagosta Lounge at 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  Call 732,775.7676 for reservations.
March, 25th, 26th, 27th & 28th - Garden State Film Festival.  This year’s line-up is outstanding!  Don’t forget to include the GSFF Gala Friday Night Cocktail Party at the Paramount Theatre on you calendar.  Fabulous food, graciously donated by Saker ShopRites, Inc., a cash bar and entertainment by The Alliance Sisters (backup singers for Bruce Springsteen on “The Rising.”  After the opening ceremonies are conducted, a short film “Ripe Strawberries” and the feature “Chicago Overcoat” will launch this year’s festival.  Go to www.gsff.org/events.php.  Also, mark your calendars for Sat., March 27th at 9:15 PM when The Showroom presents a great short film Asbury Park produced by Best Foot Forward and written, directed, and edited by Robert Anderson.

The 4th of July Parade Committee is looking for nominations for the 2010 Grand Marshall.  Send them to me.  Thanks!

I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Asbury Park was selected as a site for the Smithsonian’s 2011 New Harmonies musical heritage exhibit.  Thanks to the efforts of ArtsCAP President, Dennis Carroll who put together Asbury Park’s proposal, we are now creating a year-long musical heritage celebration around the exhibit which is scheduled to come to Asbury Park in April 2011.  I chaired a meeting of the steering committee that includes: noted historian and author Helen Pike, Dennis Carroll, Bob Stewart who is the director of the AP Library, filmmaker Susan Pellegrini, Madison Marquette’s Pas DeLucia, AP Historical Society President Johna Karpinski, and City Manager Terry Reidy.  We kicked around some great ideas, but will be reaching out, and welcome any thoughts you might have.  In addition, we will be putting together a number of committees to raise sponsorship monies, operate, and promote the activities that will embrace all the great music and those who made it in Asbury Park!  Stay tuned!

So, come in out of the rain and soak up all the greatness that happens every day in the city by the sea. 

No matter the weather . . .it’s always better in Asbury Park!

Wishes for a wonderful and warm 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.

Copyright © 2007 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.

Greetings
On Monday we saw the sun - and it was good!  Since Mother Nature wiped out the last three First Saturdays, we are not going to let that happen again this month.  The revel spirit has been penned up long enough.  Time to party!

So let’s get Green and spend some green at March’s First Saturday!  Time for a Release!  Re-new from the winter blahs:   strolling bagpipes and The Creetons at B Unique clothing at 723 Cookman.  Re-Cycle your gently used clothing at Stacy Gemma’s and receive 10% off and participate in their VIP Party.  Relax and enjoy special sales and restaurant specials.  Jersey Shore Premium Outlet VIP vouchers will be given to the first 1,000 visitors to The Passion Group’s offices at 600 Cookman. Re-Energize! Sign up for New Jersey Natural Gas’ new energy-efficiency offerings.  You could save up to 30%. Re-Light!  At the Passion Group spin the Wheel of Knowledge and you may take home a free CFL light bulb.  At the Shoppes At The Arcade, 658 Cookman:   the Shore Women’s Abstract Gallery will be hosting an exhibit entitled “Appearances” with paintings by Sheilagh Casey - opening reception from 5 - 9 PM and our new Gallery 13 will be hosting a very cool photography exhibit as part of its grand opening from 6 PM to 10 PM..   Go to www.asburyparkchamber for all the details.  Giving new meaning to Green!  Only in Asbury Park!  

The Asbury Park Haitian Relief Community-Wide Memorial For Lost Loved Ones in Haiti takes place this Sunday, March 7th at the Paramount Theatre from 2 to 8 PM.  Live performances will help us celebrate the living culture of Haiti.  Make sure you stop by the Store at the Shore, 601 Cookman, to check out the elephant that the AP High School students created for the event.  The elephant will be auctioned off on Sunday.  For all the details of the Haitian Memorial and Benefit, go to the city’s web site:  www.cityofasburypark.com. Be there!

Jill Ricci, co-owner and co-curator of the Parlor Gallery and Robert Doran, Director of Art and curator at the Hotel Tides Gallery have assembled a collection of their recent work at the Hotel Tides titled “Golden Idols Beneath Lacquered Time” An artist’s reception will take place on March 7th from 3 to 7 PM.  Exhibit runs to April 11th.

Hot Sand, our very cool glass studio on the boardwalk, is offering new glass jewelry fusing classes.  Go to www.HotSandAP.com for details.

Also This Weekend:
Thurs. March 4th: In Ohm at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM.
Shore Alternative presents The Delfields, Gary B and the Notions at Langosta Lounge - 9 PM.
Fri. March 5th:  Haiti Relief Benefit Concert at VFW Post 1333, 701 Lake Ave at 6 PM.  $7 donation at the door.  Call 732.693.1241 or visit www.flat5records.com.   
The Nelson Riddle Show at McLoone’s Supper Club - 7 PM.
Judas Priestess & others at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM.
David Ford, Chris Hartford, Jessica Rose, Karen Baxter at The Saint - 8 PM.
Daddy Pop at the Wonder Bar - 8 PM.
Sat. March 6th:  Greater NY Feline Club Flea Market at Convention Hall
The Great Gatsby at The Showroom at 1 PM.
The Nelson Riddle Show at McLoone’s Supper Club -  7 PM.
John Eddie at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM - all ages.
The Blasters, The Hudson Falcons at The Saint - 8 PM.
Leatherface, Yesterday’s Kings at Asbury Lanes - 8 PM.
Stuck In A Decade at the Wonder Bar.
Sun. March 7th:  The Dreamers at The Showroom at noon.
Jerseyshows.com presents a matinee featuring Casey Out the Window & others - all ages at The Saint - 1 PM.
Mad Cats & Beehives at the Stone Pony - 2 PM.
Boardwalk Health & fitness Challenge at the 4th Ave. Pavilion:  Label Lungo at 2 PM and Kettlebells with Jamie Pigman at 3 PM.  FREE!
Watermark’s Academy Awards Event - 7 PM
APFI Second Annual Oscar Party at Langosta Lounge - 7 PM.
Mon. March 8th:   Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis - 9 PM.
Tues. March 4th:  Eggs & Issues - AP Chamber of commerce monthly breakfast featuring Deputy Mayor John Loffredo at the Culinary Education Center, 101 Drury Lane (next to AP High School) 8 to 10 AM.  To Reserve call:  732.775.7676.

SAVE THE DATES:  Sammy Boyd has created the new Asbury Park Summer Concert Series which will take at the historic Paramount Theatre.
May 29th, Saturday (Memorial Weekend):   Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
June 20th Sunday:  Smokey Robinson
August 21st Saturday:  Tony Bennett
All concerts will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County.  HUGE!
The Ghosthunters episode filmed at The Stephen Crane House in AP will air March 31st at 10 PM on the Sci-Fi Channel.

14.

Don’t forget to vote for Asbury Park in the top ten beach contest at www.njtoptenbeaches.org.  Do it!

Happy birthday to son Tom this past Monday and daughter Linnea this coming Friday.  Proud!

One of my very favorite events, the Garden State Film Festival, is on the horizon.  Knowing the Festival’s Executive Director, Diane Raver, the festival will be full of wonderful films.  The festival’s Thursday pre-opening night benefits the Lyme Disease Association and features the screening of the powerful “Under Our Skin” and an appearance by area singer Anita Ferrer, known as the Asbury Park Angel.  Celebrity honorees include Talia Shire (Adrian from Rocky and Connie Coreleone) and Vinny Pastore (Big Pussy from the Sopranos).    Mark your calendars for March 25, 26, 27 & 28th for one of the city’s best weekends.  So, Only in Asbury Park!

McLoone’s Asbury Grille located in the iconic Howard Johnson’s building will host a grand opening from March 9th to the 11th.  During the celebration, guests will be treated to fifty percent off their lunch or dinner.  Only in Asbury Park!

Last week, Madison Marquette launched “Asbury Spark” on Facebook creating an opportunity for singles to be matched up for a blind date on the AP Boardwalk.  They select two people who hopefully will be a good match.  An all expensives paid date takes place and the participants’ thoughts are documented before and after the date ends.  Asbury Spark fans get to vote on how they think the date will go.  If you are single and looking, you can still sign up.  Go to http://www.facebbok.com/AsburySpark.  Only in Asbury Park!

So, let’s turn on backs on this winter and gear up for one great spring (starts in 17 days, oh yea!).  Start it all with First Saturday!  Only in Asbury Park!

Wishes for a wonderful, warm, and wild 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.

Copyright © 2007 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.

Greetings from Asbury Park: So, have we seen the end of the snow? The last three storms have really challenged the city in many ways, but as usual we endured. Special thanks to all our DPW, Police and Fire employees who keep us safe. Actually, the city feels quite romantic covered in white. My biggest concern right now is welfare of all our merchants. Weather has disrupted our past three First Saturdays and now Valentine’s Day. So show a little love and come out and support our merchants! The Center will be hosting a wine tasting event on Friday evening from 8-to 11 PM at the Silverball Pinball Museum recently relocated to the Third Avenue Pavilion on the boardwalk. Tickets are $50. For info call 732.774.3416 ext. 14. The Shore Institute of Contemporary ART (SICA) will join forces with Asbury Park’s ArtsCAP to expand their highly successful Urban Sculpture Park beyond the borders of Long Branch. This year the five month long sculpture display will also take place in the City of Asbury Park. In addition to the 37 sites throughout Long Branch where sculpture has been displayed over the past 3 years, 22 sites have been added throughout Asbury Park. The event will run from May 8th to October 14th. Artists participating in this annual event will be solicited nationwide to compete for the opportunity to have their work displayed in the two cities. All entries can be made on-line at www.sica.org no later than March 13th. Contemporarily HUGE! Revision Theatre still needs your vote to help qualify for the Pepsi Refresh Project award in the amount of $50,000 toward the renovation costs associated with their new home if they can reach the Top 10! But you have to vote and yes, you can vote every day! Visit: http://www.refresheverything.com/revisionTheatre for more info and to cast your vote. Help make it happen! Madison Marquette announced this week the inaugural Asbury Park Boardwalk Health and Fitness Challenge, a 12-week program designed to promote the health and wellness of Asbury Park and neighboring communities. Each Sunday starting Feb. 21st, the boardwalk will host free introductory fitness classes, free nutrition and health classes and feature healthy menu items at boardwalk eateries. Registered participants will receive prizes based on their attendance. For all the details and schedule go to apboardwalk.com. Wellness! The 11th Annual Miss Paradise Pageant 2010 will take place this Sunday, Feb. 21st at Paradise, 101 Asbury Avenue. Call 732.988.6663 for details. A Benefit For Haitian Relief will be held at The Saint on Sunday, Feb. 21st starting at 3 PM. The line up includes Predator Dub Assassins, Random Test, Dub Proof, Underground Logic and many other special guests. Proceeds go to Doctors Without borders through The Mercy Center of Asbury Park’s Haitian Project. Also This Weekend: Thurs. Feb. 18th : West End Redemption at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM Fri. Feb. 19th: 36 Anniversary Series at the Stone Pony featuring Black 47, the Fullers and others - 7:30 PM Shabbat Dinner at 8 PM at Restaurant Plan B. Film - Troubled Water at The Showroom at 8 PM. Play on Real at the Wonder Bar 8 PM. That’s How They Got You at The Saint - 8 PM. The Amboys CD Release show at Asbury Lanes - 8 PM. Last Perfect Thing at Old Man Rafferty’s 9:30 PM Sat. Feb. 20th: 36 Anniversary Series at the Stone Pony featuring Status Gree, River City Extension and others - 7 PM. Under new Ownership at Old Man Rafferty’s So Watt at Brickwall at 9 PM> Sun. Feb. 21st: Mexican Wrestling at Convention Hall starting at 2 PM. BookFLX oresents David Sterry & Pitchapalooza at The showroom starting at 4 PM. Hot Buttered Soul at The Lounge at Synaxis at 4 PM Neil Simon: From the Bronx to Broadway retrospect includes a screening of The Prisoner of Second Avenue at the Stephen Crane House 508 Fourth Ave. at 5 PM. Anniversary Weekend Musicians Party: The Stone Pony salutes all of their local musicians. Doors open at 6 PM. Mon. Feb. 22nd: Readings from Asbury Park - the Interpreter at The Showroom - 6:30 PM. Cooking Demo & Wine Tasting with Marilyn at Langosta Lounge at 7 PM Karoke with DJ Mike at the wonder Bar - 8 PM. Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis 9 PM to 1 AM. Yoga Basin will have a Grand Opening this Saturday, Feb. 20thth at 6:30 PM complete with a chamber Ribbons Cutting. Check it out! The AP Chamber of Commerce will be hosting another one of their great business card exchanges next Thursday, Feb. 25th at Langosta Lounge. Be there! So, I know times are tough but we need you to come out and support the city. Are you Bought In? As you can see even in the middle of a very challenging winter, Asbury Park is rockin! No other place you want to be! Wishes for a great 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. Copyright © 2007 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.

Greetings from Asbury Park:
Sorry if this is the second time you received this email.  We are having some techinical difficulties with our mailing list.  Thanks for your understanding.
We are creating a new definition of winter at the Jersey Shore.  As many of you know, I start every day at the beach in Asbury Park.  I have acquired a new appreciation for the color grey.  Snow on the Asbury Park beach paints a beautiful picture and makes one realize what a beautiful piece of the world is right here at our door.  But the weather is playing havoc on our commerce.  This was the third month in a row that our First Saturday event was affected by the weather.  Saturday’s snow and wind storm also put a major dent in our effort s to raise funds for AP’s Haitian Relief efforts.  We are continuing our efforts and will have elephant banks in stores and restaurants for you to make donations.  You can also send in checks payable to APUEZ - Haitian Relief Fund to T. Gilmour, City of Asbury Park, One Municipal Plaza, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.  So we have a homework assignment this week:   Sunday is Valentine’s Day and there is no better place than Asbury Park to find that unique gift for that very special someone in your life.  Our business community needs your support!  Are you “Bought In?”  Why not make a reservation to spend Valentine’s Day in the city and shop the Park, check out our great lodging, and dine at our very romantic restaurants.  Did you know that Asbury Park is also known as “The city of love by the sea.”  Only in Asbury Park!

Hard to believe that a week ago, I was jumping into the ocean at Asbury Park’s Fifth Avenue beach as a participant in the Asbury Park Rotary’s Polar Plunge.  Synergy Productions put together a great video to capture this historic moment and we have placed it on the Asbury Park web site’s home page: www.cityofasburypark.com.   I’m the guy in the orange trunks with the red nose.   Good grins for a great cause!

More Homework:  Revision Theatre needs your help - your vote.  Revision Theatre is in the running for a $50,000 grant request to fund the instillation of a heating and air conditioning system in their proposed new home on Lake Avenue.  They need to finish in the top 10 by Feb 28th.  Please visit and vote at http://www.refresheverything.com/RevisionTheatre.  Vote!

Moonstruck reopens just in time for Valentine’s Day starting with live jazz on Friday featuring the Storeyville Jazz Quartet .

Tony Pallagrosi of Concerts East shared he will be presenting multiple Grammy Award winner/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Beck at the Paramount Theatre on June 15, 2010.  Tickets go on sale Monday.  Check out concertseast.com.  Huge!  Stay tuned!

On Wednesday night, the Asbury Park City Council approved two contracts for our new marketing partners.  M Studio owned  by Jenna Zilincar will be responsible for marketing/advertising, the city’s web site and public relations.  Synergy Productions founded and operated  by Susan Pelligrini  will be responsible for promotional videos, commercials, public access cable production and internet based programming.   I am proud and pleased that both companies are based in Asbury Park.  Stay tuned!

Artist Megan Heath Gilhool will be hosting a Valentine’s Party (art show & sale) on Saturday, Feb 13th from 11 AM to 5 PM at the Market Place, 21 Main Street.  For info call 732.728.9112.

Author Darren Fitzgerald will on Friday, Feb. 12th at 7 PM at Paranormal Books and Curiosities sign copies of his book “The House on Hurley Pond Road.”

Also This Weekend:
Thurs, Feb 11th:  ArtsCAP Dinner at Culinary Educational Center - 6 PM
Open Artists Night - Stone Pony - all ages - 7PM.
So Cow - Asbury Lanes 8 PM
James Maddock - Langosta Lounge - 9 PM
Fri, Feb 12th:  The Doughboys, Wakah Chan - the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM
Country Line Dancing at Paradise - 7 -10 PM - Free Lessons
The Jack Moves - the Wonder Bar - 8 PM.
Tunnels to Holland - The Saint - 8 PM.
Winter Words from the Jersey Shore with Chris Rockwell and James Dalton at The showroom - 8 PM.
Layonne Holmes ,  Rob Paparozzi - McLoone’s Supper Club
Sat, Feb 13th: AP Little League Pancake Breakfast at Thurgood Marshall School, 600 Monroe Ave. 8 AM to Noon.
Valentine Brunch for city seniors at the Westside Community Center, 115 Dewitt Ave.- 11AM to 2 PM. RSVP to Lori Ross at 732.502.5727.
Opening reception for Despina Statelova at Shore Women’s Abstract Gallery in The Shoppe at the Arcade, 658 Cookman. 
Lanterns of Love at Langosta Lounge Saturday and Sunday
Sun, Feb. 14th: VALENTINE’S DAY
Trick Shot at the Stone Pony - 2PM - all ages
No More football!
Tim McLoone & the Shirleys - McLoone’s Supper Club
Mon, Feb 15th:  Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis - 9 PM to 1 AM.

The 2010 Asbury Park Bartender Mix-Off has been rescheduled to Feb. 27, 2010.  Stay tuned!

Patti and I wish you all a very special Valentine’s Day.  Spend it in the city of love by the sea.

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.

Copyright © 2007 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.