url
stringlengths 97
193
| text
stringlengths 334
28.2k
| in_y0
bool 1
class | in_y1
bool 2
classes | category
stringclasses 2
values | publisher
stringclasses 1
value | crawl_date
stringlengths 8
8
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_e133d752-b40f-11ec-804b-3fc8784e4b3d.html
|
BEAUTIFUL ONES:
PRINCE TRIBUTE BAND
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 8
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect: Hailing from the New England region, Dean Ford embodies the late singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist pop star Prince from his looks, moves, and voice, including the far-reaching falsetto and high-pitched screams Prince was famous for. Prince’s music incorporated a wide variety of styles, including funk, R&B, rock, new wave, soul, synth-pop, jazz and hip-hop. He was widely regarded as one of the most popular pop stars of all time. Beautiful Ones began as a tribute band in 2011, taking its name from a song on the album “Purple Rain,” which was also made into a rock-musical-drama film of the same name in 1984. Fans of Prince will hear such hit songs “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Little Red Corvette,” “1999,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Kiss,” “U Got the Look,” “Darling Nikki” and others. The show takes place at The Wave and is hosted by Michael James and the 100.7-FM WZXL Rock ‘n’ Roll Patrol.
How much: The show is free and open to the public.
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
FLYING CIRCUS: TRIBUTE
TO LED ZEPPELIN
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 8
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: The Flying Circus a tribute to Led Zeppelin, taking its name from a 1975 concert by the British rockers in Madison Square Garden that is considered one of the best-recorded live rock ‘n’ roll performances of all time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band existed from its 1968 founding in London until the death of drummer and founding member John Bonham in 1980. Flying Circus members mimic the originals in exceptional fashion, including Mutt Naughton as Zeppelin lead vocalist Robert Plant, Mike Margiotta as guitarist Jimmy Page, Donny Rockett as bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones and Scott Fredericks as Bonham. A review of a Flying Circus performance on the band’s Facebook page stated, “This band is the real thing. If you haven’t seen a show yet, make it a priority. I promise you will not be disappointed.” Fans of Led Zeppelin can expect to hear such songs as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Ramble On,” “Immigrant Song,” “Kashmir,” “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” “When the Levee Breaks,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” “Fool in the Rain,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” “Communication Breakdown,” “Heartbreaker,” “Gallows Pole” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $20, are available at Etix.com
More info:
A BROTHER’S REVIVAL
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 8
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: As a tribute to Duane Allman, a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Allman Brothers Band who died in 1971, “A Brother’s Revival” will honor the 50th anniversary of his passing with several ABB musicians who go back to where it all began. Duane Allman, a singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso, his singer/songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist brother Gregg Allman, bassist Berry Oakley and drummer Butch Trucks co-founded ABB in 1969 along with surviving members Jaimoe Johanson (drums) and principal songwriter Dickey Betts (slide and lead guitar/vocals). Former members of Betts’ Great Southern band along with past members of the Allman Brothers will perform the tribute show at the Levoy. Others with early roots to ABB’s founding in Jacksonville, Fla., who will be performing include bassist David “Rook” Goldflies, and keyboardist/vocalist Mike Kach, who will sing many of the songs that Gregg Allman sang in concert. A Brother’s Revival will perform all of the ABB fan favorites, including “Ramblin’ Man,” “Melissa,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Whipping Post,” “Statesboro Blues,” “Blue Sky,” “One Way Out,” “Soulshine,” “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” “Revival,” “Southbound” and others. The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, $32 and $37, are available at Etix.com
More info:
THE HIT MEN:
CLASSIC ROCK SUPERGROUP
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 8
Where: Ocean County College’s Grunin Center for the Arts
What to expect: The Hit Men is a five-man supergroup comprised of renowned musicians who recorded or toured with such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Foreigner, Journey, Steely Dan, Cheap Trick, Cream, The Who and others. The group will not only perform many classic hits but also share stories and first-hand experiences about what life with rock royalty was like in a multi-media-style show. Classic rock fans will hear such hits as “Layla,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Feels Like the First Time” and “Eye in the Sky.” The band was founded by former member and musical director of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Lee Shapiro, who states on the group’s website, “In 2010, after seeing the ascension of the smash hit Broadway show ‘Jersey Boys,’ I figured, that as a former member of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, it was the perfect time to start a new group featuring the music I helped perform and create. With the blessing and good wishes of my old friend Frankie Valli, the Hit Men was born.” The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts is located on College Drive in Toms River.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35 and $65 are available at GruninCenter.org
More info:
AN EVENING
WITH CHRIS STAPLETON
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
What to expect: Chris Stapleton is a country singer-songwriter and guitarist who grew up in Kentucky before moving to Nashville to pursue an engineering degree at Vanderbilt University, but dropped out to instead start a professional music career. He has co-written six songs that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart, four of which were for other artists, including Kenny Chesney’s “Never Wanted Nothing More,” Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” George Strait’s “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” and Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer.” His songs have appeared on many other artists’ albums, among them Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Taylor Swift. Stapleton has also co-written songs with other artists, including Vince Gill, Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow and Ed Sheeran. Stapleton has won five Grammy Awards, including one for Best Country Album for his second studio album “From A Room: Volume 1,” which also earned him the Country Music Association award for Album of the Year in 2017. Stapleton released his fourth studio album “Starting Over” in November 2020. He lists his style influences as outlaw country, bluegrass, rock and roll, and blues. His two shows take place at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $149, $199 and $249, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
ChrisStapleton,com,
TIMELESS SEASONS
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 9
Where: Bally’s Atlantic City
What to expect: Produced by Amore Entertainment of Southeast Asia, “Timeless Seasons” is heralded as a heartwarming concert of popular international hits by Lani Misalucha and Nonoy Zuniga. Misalucha is a Filipino singer who performs pop, rock, jazz, soul, R&B and operatic arias. Due to her ability to sing across several genres, she was dubbed “Asia’s Nightingale” by MTV Southeast Asia. Also hailing from the Philippines, Zuniga is an internationally known crooner whose singing career spans more than four decades and includes the release of 12 studio albums since 1981. Misalucha and Nonoy will be joined by special guests and fellow Filipino singing sensations Jed Madela and Louie Reyes. Their show takes place at Bally’s Grand Ballroom.
How much: Tickets, priced at $78, $98 and $128, are available at Ticketweb.com
More info:
LANCO
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9
Where: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
What to expect: With a style described as “slick, feel-good country anthems tinged with a classic rock and blues edge,” the multi-platinum-selling, five-member band Lanco will perform at the Concert Venue at Harrah’s on Saturday night. The band includes lead vocalist Brandon Lancaster, guitarist Eric Steedly, bassist Chandler Baldwin, keyboardist Jared Hampton and drummer Tripp Howell. The band, whose name is an abbreviation of Lancaster and Company, had a hit single, “Greatest Love Story,” that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 2017. Their 2018 debut album “Hallelujah Nights” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Among the band’s other popular songs are “Long Live Tonight,” “Born to Love You,” “Rival” and “What I See.” They were nominated for Favorite Country Duo or Group in the 2018 American Music Awards.
How much: Tickets, priced at $55 and $75, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
THE EVERLY BROTHERS EXPERIENCE FEATURING
THE ZMED BROTHERS
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: Brothers Zach and Dylan Zmed have celebrated the music and history of the Everly Brothers since 2016. Their five-piece band consists of both brothers performing up front with replicas of the Everly Brothers’ matching steel-string acoustic guitars, as well as a drummer, bass player and electric guitarist. Late brothers Phil and Don Everly began writing and recording their own music in 1956. Their first hit song “Bye Bye Love” in 1957 was followed by the hits “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Problems,” “Cathy’s Clown” and “That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be).” The Everlys released 21 studio albums and sold more than 60 million records in a career spanning nearly five decades. The Zmed brothers say on their website, “The music of the ’50s and ’60s are nostalgic for us. Our parents raised us on it, and we feel that the Everlys’ contribution is greatly overlooked, especially by younger generations. Our aim is not to impersonate, but to do our best to honor the aesthetics of their iconic sound.” The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, $29 and $34, are available at Etix.com
More info:
TheEverlyBrothersExperience.com,
JOAN JETT
& THE BLACKHEARTS
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 9
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Born in suburban Philadelphia, Joan Jett has been described as “The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” She and her band the Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Having started out in the late 1970s as an opening act for such superstars as Cheap Trick, the Ramones, Van Halen and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Blackhearts shot to superstardom in their own right when their hit “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for seven weeks in 1982. Other hits by the band include “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah),” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” “Light of Day,” “Dirty Deeds,” “You Don’t Know What You Got,” “Cherry Bomb,” “Victim of Circumstance,” “Real Wild Child” and others. The band released 11 studio albums since their 1981 debut, most recently “Changeup” earlier this year, which was the Blackhearts’ first non-compilation album in 13 years. Their show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $59, $79 and $99, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
E5C4P3:
THE JOURNEY TRIBUTE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Fronted by the band’s Cleveland -born founder Jason Kelty, E5C4P3: The Journey Tribute has been celebrating the music of the San Francisco-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Journey since 1993. A multi-instrumentalist, Kelty has become renowned for replicating the appearance and vocal talents of one of rock music’s most critically acclaimed singers, Steve Perry. His E5C4P3 bandmates include guitarist George McGrew, keyboardist Erney Chaney, bassist Paul Soos and drummer Billy Jones. Journey fans can expect to hear the hits “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” “Stone In Love,” “Separate Ways,” “Faithfully” and others, including the occasional deeper album cuts for the diehard Journey fans, according to the band’s website. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $20, are available at Etix.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, April 10
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is billed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater on Sunday, and is also scheduled for 4 p.m. Sundays through April 24 at Sound Waves.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/manco-manco-opens-a-location-at-citizen-bank-park/article_73a4fae4-b433-11ec-a89b-7bc23b90aae1.html
|
Manco & Manco, the family-run pizza legend based in Ocean City, will open a location at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia this summer and be the official pizza of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Manco & Manco will be located in Ashburn Alley beginning opening day against the Oakland A’s on Friday.
This story will be updated later today.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/spring-beer-season-means-plenty-of-events-and-unique-styles/article_dc12a266-b45b-11ec-b42f-bf4396f587e6.html
|
Growth in New Jersey seems to be nonstop on the beer front.
New breweries are opening all of the time, and more labels are being imported into the state as we catch up with the rest of the world.
The Garden State is becoming a beer destination as the tri-state area grows rapidly. With 130 open breweries and many more to come, we will see more beer aficionados make their way here. Of course, we will never catch up to Pennsylvania or New York, but we are smaller in size.
One positive is we have areas dense with facilities giving us easy access to a multitude of breweries in a small region. Several beer trails have sprung up around the state: Hunterdon Beer Trail, Skylands Ale Trail and Wine and Ale Trail of South Jersey. Of course, Cape May County now has 10 breweries, six wineries and three distilleries all within a few minutes of each other. Hammonton has three breweries, six wineries and a distillery. Up the Parkway on the way to North Jersey there is a wide assortment of breweries housing some of the best in the state. Plan your summer excursions to enjoy some of these amazing breweries: Pinelands, Manafirkin, Ship Bottom, Backward Flag, Icarus, Kane, Carton and lots in between. Check out NewJerseyCraftBeer.com for maps and info.
Look for the beers of summer to begin appearing at your favorite breweries, restaurants and stores: Pilsners, hefeweizens, kolsches, fruited wheat beers, etc. For Easter I always look forward to one of my favorite styles being resurrected – bocks, maibocks, doppelbocks and weizenbocks. These slightly stronger lagers were originally brewed to sustain the monks during Lent. Named “liquid bread,” it made the daily fasting a little bit more pleasant. Back in the day I was introduced to this style by a seasonal beer from Schmidts of Philadelphia. This darker, sweeter and stronger brew was made just once a year, and I awaited its arrival with the Easter Bunny. Find your own introduction.
News and brewsLots of news happening in the state.
Glasstown in Millville is now on the shelves in Pennsylvania. Look for their Double Barrel Bourbon Brown release soon, as well as The Manor, a saison brewed for Women’s History Month by the ladies at the brewery. Spellbound in Mount Holly is changing up its logo and will be rebranding some of its beers. The Hazy Peach IPA will now be Fuzzy Prophecy. Look for new cans and further changes coming up. Bucket Brigade should be brewing on their new system soon. Icarus‘ new building is under construction. The Lager Loft at Bonesaw is now piped and ready to pour their beers.
Look for the beer gardens to begin opening: Seven Tribesmen in Wayne, Icarus in Lakewood, Manafirkin in Manahawkin, Three 3’s and Vinyl in Hammonton, 7Mile in Cape May Court House, Ludlam Island in Ocean View and Behr and Cape May in Cape May. Check your favorite local for new times and outdoor seating.
Big news in Atlantic City, too. The Bally’s beer garden, named The Yard: Beer, Eats and Beats, should be ready by next month. This 10,000-square-foot area will be home to lots of great libations, food and music. Between there, The Biergarten, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and other Casino spots, A.C. is quickly becoming a beer-centric city and will draw beer geeks from all over. And don’t forget the great beer bars here, too: Wingcraft, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, The Irish Pub, Chickie’s and Pete’s and Ducktown Tavern.
Cape May has announced that in April we will see Summa Down Unda, a 5.2% Hazy Kiwi Pale Ale, return to taps throughout New Jersey. Hard seltzer fans can also keep an eye out for the return of the Cape May Hard Seltzer Variety Pack featuring their newest flavor, Pineapple Hard Seltzer, and their seasonal citrus shandy, The Grove, will also return in late April. Jumping into May, CMBC is reprising its newest lager, Longliner, as well as the 5.5% abv IPA Follow the Gull and The Bog, their seasonal 3.9% ABV cranberry shandy.
Slack Tide in Clermont has come away from the Best In Craft Beer Awards with a Silver medal for their Knockdown Black IPA, a second medal for this product. They have finally broken ground on their new site recently. Though it may be a year away, the anticipation for this amazing expansion is evident now.
Down the road in Cape May Court House, COHO will be releasing some of their spring lineup. Look for the BlueberrySeltzerand the Prickly Pear Sour, as well as a possible Black IPA or Double IPA brewed with some of the newer hops and techniques.
Mudhen in Wildwood released Sea Tiger, a white IPA fermented with Belgian yeast and hopped with Citra landing at 7% abv. Also in April, their popular 1883and Wildwood Haze will reappear in 16-ounce, four-packs cans.
Last Wave in Point Pleasant Beach released the yearly spring collaboration with Bradley Brew Project, Our Season Session IPA. It’s a hazy session IPA featuring Cashmere, Vic Secret, and Sultana hops to create a very drinkable beer with notes of lime and pineapple.
Cypress in Edison is now making its Insane a flagship and will be available year round in cans and on tap. This 8.5% abv DDH IPA with a boatload of cryo-Citra hops has earned its place on the menu. Look for Searching For Eggs, a 13.1% abv chocolate rabbit stout and possibly some of the Southern Pecan Stout at 10% abv remaining. Anticipating their 7th Anniversary in July, they have a stout in a Stagg Jr barrel and a Willett Rye barrel.
Eight & Sand in Woodbury has reactivated its barrel-aging program with a 12% rum barrel-aged Tropical Stout, Island Culture. Brewed with tropical hops: Mosaic, Barbe Rouge and Sabro and lager yeast, then aged in Jamaican rum barrels. It’s a tasting room only pour so stop and get your share.
MilestonesIn Wildwood, Mudhen’s 4th Anniversary is April 13 but will be publicly celebrated on Friday, April 15, with specials, games, giveaways and live music.
Jersey Cyclone Brewing is celebrating springtime with new beers and live events in its Tasting Room. Join the brew crew on Saturday, May 7, to celebrate their 3rd Anniversary with a day of awesome beers and live music by Jon Zayle and Almost Autumn! Anniversary hours will be noon to 9 p.m.
Axe & Arrow in Glassboro will celebrate its 3rd Anniversary weekend extravaganza on the weekend of April 22 to 24. They’ll have six new beers to share with everyone Including the return of Blueberry Donut in cans.
Down the roadThe monthly event at Tennessee Ave Beer Hall will happen on Thursday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. It will feature the brews of Icarus in Lakewood and the amazing cuisine of Chef Charles Soreth. Beers will include: Power Juicer, one of their flagship IPAs coming in at 7.5%; Get Your Ass to Marzen, a 5.4% beauty brewed with German Vienna and dark Munich malts hopped with Hallertauer Mittelfraeh and then lagered for at least a month; and two beers that came out of their vault, Bangkitty, an 8.2% Double IPA with Thai chilis, basil, coconut and lemongrass; and Barre-Aged Coconut & Desist, a dessert-style bourbon-aged stout conditioned on vanilla and coconut for two years. Get your tickets at TennAveAC.com.
Beach Haven Vol. Fire Co. will host a Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival on April 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Bicentennial Park looking to raise funds to build a new fire house!
Neck of the Woods in Pitman is gearing up for their popular Sourfest on Saturday, May 21. Mark your calendar.
Flounder in Hillsborough has special sessions during each month. The second Thursday is an Irish Session, and the fourth Thursday is the bluegrass session.
I hope you have all gotten your tickets for the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival set to kick off its 16th year. It will once again appear at Bader Field in A.C. on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Session No. 1 will be Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m., and No. 2 is Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. As always, lots of events, games, food vendors and amazing live bands. To start your Sunday, you can participate in the Hops Trot 5K run beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Casino Resort with five to six beer stops along the way while ending up at the Fest. Sign up for both events at ACBeerfest.com, or buy tickets at Joe Canal’s Liquors at both Egg Harbor Township locations.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/5-great-spots-to-get-a-beer-for-national-beer-day/article_47251b5a-b412-11ec-95b5-d32af5350346.html
|
These obscure national holidays keep coming in hot, and it’s hard not to chuckle at some of them: Is National Paperclip Day really worthy of celebrating? But whether you usually take them seriously or not, there is no denying the fact that National Beer Day, which arrives on Thursday, April 7, is one that should certainly be recognized. Not that anyone really needed a reminder to drink more beer, but it’s nice to have a little excuse to indulge once again.
And with that in mind, here are five great spots to get a beer for National Beer Day:
Biergarten Atlantic CityWith the weather finally starting to be warm enough to venture outside, a spot like Biergarten in Atlantic City becomes a really attractive choice. What could be more pleasant than enjoying a craft beer while gazing at the Atlantic City Boardwalk and the beauty of the beach and ocean just beyond it? Not much if you ask us. Grab a local brew like Hidden Sands Strawberry Wheat or Cape May Coastal Evacuation and count the days till summer. Boardwalk Biergarten is located at 2701 Boardwalk Atlantic City. Go to BiergartenAC.com.
Tennessee Avenue
Beer HallIf a selection of over 40 draft beers and 100 more in bottles and cans isn’t enough brews for you, then you might want to seek help. For the rest of us, a trip to Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is more than satisfying, as their beer selection features something for everyone, and you can sample away at their happy hour which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. and again from 9 to 11 p.m. on National Beer Day, with all bottles and cans plus select drafts for just $5. You won’t find a more carried selection in South Jersey as Tennessee Avenue Bee Hall thrives on constantly rotating its taps. Since opening about four years ago, they have tapped well over 1,500 different beers, which is insane. Expect to find hard-to-find selections including Oskar Blues Double Dale IPA, Fiddlehead Second Fiddle IPA, Battle River Revolt IPA, Platform Midnight Martian sour, Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout Hazelnut variant, Troegs Nugget Nectar and many more. In addition, the outdoor patio area boasts comfy Adirondack chairs, a firepit and a myriad of tables perfect for kicking back and knocking down those tasty microbrews. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com
Goodnight Irene’sThe come one, come all vibe is strong at Goodnight Irene’s in Wildwood, as both kids and dogs are welcome at this popular tap house – and adults, too, depending on their behavior. The brick oven pizza is the stuff of legend and, of course, pairs spectacularly with just about any of their 46 beers on tap. With summer right around the corner we think a Ludlam Water Guns & Rainbows is a fine choice as this juicy hazy IPA will put you in the right mindset for those juicy, hazy summer days. Goodnight Irene’s is located at 2708 Pacific Ave. Wildwood. Go to Goodnight-Irenes.com.
Fitzpatrick’s Crest TavernIf you are down in the Wildwood area enjoying a brew or two at Goodnight Irene’s, there is really no reason not to keep the party going by making a stop in at Fitzpatrick’s Crest Tavern just down the road in Wildwood Crest. Fitzpatrick’s is a fun little pub with a solid selection of fresh local oysters that always seem to go down a little smoother with a well-poured pint straight from one of their 21 taps. A Brix City Bright Sipper IPA or a Port City Optimal Wit and a few dozen Cape May salts and you’ll be sittin’ pretty. They are the only place you will find a beer on cask all of the time. Right now – as of this writing – they were featuring Double Nickel’s Below Zero winter ale on cask. Fitzpatrick’s Crest Tavern is located at 9601 Pacific Ave in Wildwood Crest. Go to CrestTavern.com.
The Seed:
A Living Beer Project You won’t find a brewery more dedicated and passionate about its ingredients and the ecosystem from which they are sourced than The Seed: A Living Beer Project. Head into this Atlantic City beer geek’s paradise to sample any of their carefully cultivated brews like the As Simple as Home (their house lager) or the Stay Awhile (an English dark mild), and you will quickly come to appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into their product. Making use of local fruits, grains and botanicals and pouring more heart and thought into every pour than just about any other brewery we can think of, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Beer Day than to stop in and sample your way down the list. The Seed: A Living Beer Project is located at 204 N. Delaware Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TheSeedBeer.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/weekly-horoscopes/article_44ddbcea-a926-11ec-ba7e-ffa615200150.html
|
What do you believe is worth sacrificing for? What part of your life is given to sacrifice? Let’s see what the stars say about it.
Aries (March 21 — April 20) It is not that you are fearless — you are afraid and still do it! Way to go!
Taurus (April 20 — May 20) Time for little reflection, stop for a minute and tune in.
Gemini (May21 — June 21) This is the year of change and it starts now.
Cancer (June 21 — July 22) Not easy to keep on going when things are getting twisted. Maybe it’s time to take a break now.
Leo (July 22 — August 22) Nothing is more important than family. Check on them this week. Friends can wait.
Virgo (August 23 — September 22) This is not the first time you are here, maybe it is time to react differently.
Libra (September 23 — October 22) Things have been heavy lately and it’s time for spring cleaning. And we mean heart cleansing.
Scorpio (October 23 — November 21) You are on the right track, don’t let them prove you wrong.
Sagittarius (November 22 — December 21) This is not a time to sit back. Keep on going you are almost there!
Capricorn (December 22 — January 19) Being still and reflecting is the best option for you right now. Don’t worry it will get better.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Be present and enjoy this spring. Your time is here.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/blogs/casino_answer_man/slot-players-need-not-fear-mid-game-switch-via-server/article_2e282360-b41a-11ec-964c-b30bde973c53.html
|
A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:
Q. Should we slots players be worried about casinos changing over to server-based management of their payback percentages on slots instead of the casinos having to replace chips as they have been doing it? I’m concerned that they won’t like me winning on the same machines repeatedly and so they’ll change the payback percentage without me knowing it while I’m playing.
A. The situation you describe is illegal and well regulated in states that use server-based slots.
No state permits a changeover when someone is playing. Many require machines to post notices of a change. Beginning with the first field tests of server-based systems, Nevada required that any change must come when no one is playing, that a machine must display a notice that a change is in progress, and then must display that a change has been made before the new or revised game could be activated,
States have their own methods and procedures to certain requirements are met. Common is a double-lock system, where a casino slot administrator and a gaming board agent must be in the server room at the same time, must log in on separate terminals, and the agent must approve changes being made by the admin.
The addition of server-based games has gone more slowly than casinos and manufacturers had hoped a decade ago. Expense is an issue. But where they are in use, I wouldn’t worry about your game being changed while you’re playing.
Q. I’ve always heard that dollar slots pay more than quarters and quarters pay more than pennies, with higher paybacks for higher coins.
Does that apply to video poker, too? If it does, how does that work? Do they make the high cards come up more than the low cards? Do you get four Aces more on a dollar machine than on quarters or nickels?
A. In licensed casinos in the United States that use games with random number generators — Class 3 games, to use tribal casino nomenclature — video poker machines with the same pay tables have the same payback percentages regardless of coin denomination.
A 9-6 Double Double Bonus Poker game has a theoretical payback percentage of 98.98 percent with expert play at any coin denomination. Lower the full house payback to 8-for-1 and the flush return to 5-for-1 to change the game to 8-5 Double Double Bonus, and the overall return drops to 96.79 percent regardless of whether you’re playing for nickels, quarters, dollars or any other coin denomination.
The odds of drawing any hand don’t change just because you’re betting more or less money. The payback percentages change because you’re being paid more on winners on higher-percentage games.
If a casino wants its video poker games to pay more on higher-denomination games, it can do that by putting higher pay tables on higher denominations — for example, 9-6 DDB on dollars and 8-5 DDB on quarters.
But if you see 9-6 DDB on quarters and 8-5 DDB on dollars, then the quarter games pay the higher percentage.
We see that sometimes on very high-paying games. Games such as full-pay Deuces Wild and 10-7-5 Double Bonus Poker, where the expert player has a slight mathematical edge, are nearly extinct on dollar level but can occasionally be found on quarter machines. Casinos recognize those pay tables attract business, but are loathe to offer then at high denominations where potential profits are big enough that experts rush in and crowd out average players.
Regardless, a glance at the pay table can tell you which video poker games are the higher-paying.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/weekly-horoscopes/article_e2effe24-b46c-11ec-9f20-4bc684f93741.html
|
What do you believe is worth sacrificing for?
What part of your life is given to sacrifice? Let’s see what the stars say about it.
Aries (March 21 — April 20) It is not that you are fearless — you are afraid and still do it! Way to go!
Taurus (April 20 — May 20) Time for little reflection, stop for a minute and tune in.
Gemini (May21 — June 21) This is the year of change and it starts now.
Cancer (June 21 — July 22) Not easy to keep on going when things are getting twisted. Maybe it’s time to take a break now.
Leo (July 22 — August 22) Nothing is more important than family. Check on them this week. Friends can wait.
Virgo (August 23 — September 22) This is not the first time you are here, maybe it is time to react differently.
Libra (September 23 — October 22) Things have been heavy lately and it’s time for spring cleaning. And we mean heart cleansing.
Scorpio (October 23 — November 21) You are on the right track, don’t let them prove you wrong.
Sagittarius (November 22 — December 21) This is not a time to sit back. Keep on going you are almost there!
Capricorn (December 22 — January 19) Being still and reflecting is the best option for you right now. Don’t worry it will get better.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220405
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/nj-horror-con-screams-its-way-back-to-showboat/article_9fcb8cee-b412-11ec-a51b-db469cb24955.html
|
Mutilation, suffocation, mayhem, guts and gore … these are a few of their favorite things!
Who? Horror fans of course. While these topics may seem a bit off-putting to some, they are the glue that binds these fans, and they are more than a little passionate about their love for the genre.
“I hate violence in real life, but I can’t get enough of it if I’m watching a movie like ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ or any of the ‘Friday the 13th’ films,” says Eric Peterson, a self-proclaimed “horror junkie” and toy collector who regularly travels the country attending horror movie conventions.
“I just love walking around checking out all the booths and seeing what kind of fun stuff I can find. There is always something I don’t have in my collection at any given convention,” he says.
One such convention that he will be attending is the NJ Horror Con and Film Festival, which makes its way back to Atlantic City for three days of macabre madness.
The Con runs Friday through Sunday, April 8 to 10, at Showboat Hotel and will feature everything from Z-list celebrity appearances to vendors selling everything from posters to action figures, to live bands, a cosplay contest and a full-on film festival and awards ceremony showcasing some of the freshest talent in the world of indie horror flicks.
The celebrity guestsA big part of the fun at any type of con, be it horror, comic or otherwise, is having the opportunity to meet a variety of recognizable faces from some of your favorite films, TV shows, bands and more. And the NJ Horror Con is no exception, as it’s packed with celebs and pop culture figures from the last half century, most of which are available for things like autographs and photo ops, with a select few also participating in various panel discussions.
While the celebs may not be of the A list (or even B or C list) variety, that in itself is half the fun as you get a chance to mingle with some familiar faces from your childhood which you may not have even thought about in a while.
“I’m definitely nostalgic by nature. I love the ’80s and ’90s and all the great films that were made back then,” says Ryan Weber, the organizer behind the Horror Con, which is about to do its 9th event this weekend.
Weber is a filmmaker himself, with four horror flicks under his belt and a passion for pop culture. The lineup of names he has put together for the NJ Horror Con includes the following celebrity guests:
Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
Ross Marouand and Paola Lazaro (“The Walking Dead”)
Barry Bostwick (“Rocky Horror Picture Show”)
Butch Patrick (“The Munsters”)
Jay Jay French and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza (Twisted Sister)
Catherine Mary Stewart (“Night of the Comet”)
Kelli Maroney (“Chopping Mall”)
Mark Patton and Kim Myers (“A Nightmare on Elm Street 2”)
Tony Moran and Sandy Johnson (“Halloween”)
Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl (“The Last Drive-In”)
Corey Glover (Living Colour)
Alex Vincent (“Child’s Play”)
Christine Elise (“Child’s Play 2”)
Dave Sheridan (“Scary Movie”)
Felissa Rose (“Sleepaway Camp”)
Ginger Lynn Allen (“The Devil’s Rejects”)
Cathy Moriarty (“Raging Bull”)
Vernon Wells (“Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior”)
Jennifer Banko (“Friday the 13th Part VII”)
Bai Ling (“The Crow”)
Kristina Klebe (“Halloween”)
Whit Hertford (“Poltergeist II”)
Beatrice Boepple (“A Nightmare on Elm Street V”)
Lynn Lowry (“I Drink Your Blood”)
Lar Park Lincoln (“Friday the 13th Part VII”)
America Olivo (“Bitch Slap”)
John Russo (“Night of the Living Dead”)
5 Questions with Vernon WellsYou might not instantly know the name Vernon Wells when you hear it, but you’ll likely know many of his film roles. A classic character actor mostly cast as a villain, Wells first came to fame playing the role of Wez, the lead bad guy opposite Mel Gibson in the 1981 film “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” The Australian-born actor went on to land roles in other ’80s classics such as “Weird Science,” “Innerspace” and “Commando,” in which he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has over 200 films to his credit and will appear at the Con in costume as Wez on Saturday, while signing autographs and taking pics with fans.
We had a chance to speak with Wells recently about some of the highlights of his career. Here is what he had to say:
RYAN LOUGHLIN: Some of your most famous roles have been as villains. Is it more fun to play the bad guy?
VERNON WELLS: I think it is. Because when you are playing the hero you have rules; there are things you can and cannot do. But when you are playing the villain, you can do anything, and everybody wants you to do more. So I think playing the villain is a lot more fun.
RL: Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the biggest stars in the world when you worked together in the film “Commando.” Was it intimidating to be working with someone so famous?
VW: Nope. (laughs) The funny part about that is I actually had no idea who he was! I couldn’t even pronounce his name for the first few days of filming.
RL: You’ll be appearing in costume for part of the time at the NJ Horror Con. Do you enjoy appearing at these types of events and getting to re-live your old characters a bit?
VW: Getting into the costume of Wez is a LOT of work. But for the fans, it’s wonderful, and I love doing it. You get out there, and they all love it so much, but it is really not easy to get in that costume!
RL: You have over 200 acting credits to your name. What was your favorite role and why?
VW: There are a couple of roles that I have done that I really loved what I was able to do. One of them was called “Circle Man,” which was a boxing movie in which I played a (mentally disabled) boxer, and I thought that was just so way out in left field for me. And it was such a pleasure to really get inside the character. And then I did another one which was a nice little film called “King of the Ants” in which I played a villain. But he was the only redeemable villain in the movie, and of course he died the worst death. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished!
RL: I read somewhere that you were initially unsure that you wanted to be an actor. Are you glad that you decided to stick with it?
VW: Yeah, of course, but you are right — when I first started, acting was not something that interested me in the least. I was a vocalist in bands in Australia. My mother was a songwriter, and she had written for some country and western stuff, so I kind of had that gene imbedded in me. And acting was just something that never turned me on, but being behind the camera did. Whenever I had 5 seconds to myself I would be watching what the crew did and how it all came together. And that really intrigued me, and I thought to myself, “I want to be one of them!” But (“Mad Max 2” Director) George Miller’s girlfriend Sandy saw me in a stage play and said to him, “I just found your Wez,” and that was the end of that idea!
NJ Horror Con Film FestivalThere are a lot of great reasons to visit the NJ Horror Con, but one of the most rewarding aspects of it is having the opportunity to check out a variety of independent horror films from filmmakers on their way up.
“I think the film festival really helps keep things fresh because it is always new films at each Horror Con we have done,” says Horror Con Organizer Ryan Weber. “I am a filmmaker myself, and it’s kind of why I started the Horror Con, so these filmmakers would have a place to show their work. We get about 200 submissions for each con, and we are able to show about 30 or 40 of them.”
Films will be screened on all three days of the Horror Con beginning 6 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will also be an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Saturday evening.
Below is the full list of films that will be screened at the festival:
Friday, April 8
“Ghost Trippers”
“A Monster Within”
“Dark Ages”
“Reeds Point”
“Clowmare”
“Lethalogica”
“No Way Out”
“My Monster and Me”
“The Session”
“Sleep. Walk. Kill.”
“BLEEP: A Serial Killer’s Dog”
Saturday, April 9:
“The Witch’s Bargain”
“Raven”
“Friday the 13th: Rose Blood”
“For Roger”
“Liked”
“Dear Mirror”
“Ghost Tour”
“Dark Tales From Channel X”
“Hi-Fear (World Premeire)”
“Fleddy Melculy- Freddis”
“Crazy for the Blonde”
“Never Hike in the Snow”
“Jack Be Nimble” (world premiere after 8 p.m. awards ceremony)
“Shakespeare’s S--tstorm” (midnight screening)
Sunday, April 10
“Shelter in Place”
“Living Matter”
“Hugs:A NJ Legend”
“Routine”
“Lights”
“Momma, Don’t Go”
“Sound of Silence”
“Erotic Insect”
“Cameo”
“The History of Metal and Horror”
“Quaarintineed”
“Martyrs of the Cult of the Dead”
“Life in the XXI Century”
“This Isn’t Even About Her”
“The Dollhouse”
“Valentine’s Night”
“Carve”
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
“The Killer Across the Street”
While most of the films in the festival are shorts without any recognizable stars in them, one feature-length film that guests will have the chance to enjoy is called “Jack Be Nimble.” It will be screened on Saturday, April 9, after the Film Fest’s awards ceremony — around 9 p.m.
“Jack Be Nimble” was written directed by Steve Wollett, a Baltimore native who put the film together during the height of the pandemic. It’s a horror comedy starring Vernon Wells and Bai Ling – who will both be in attendance with Wollett — that tells the story of a group of aging gamers in a nursing home who suspect one of the caretakers is actually a demon.
The film has won numerous awards in both Europe and Asia and is a definite “do not miss” at the film festival.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_323cbe4c-b420-11ec-af3f-3f302d736094.html
|
Smithville Renaissance
Faire travels back in time
Join the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire and travel back to the days of yore as the historic village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10.
With comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knights, and jesters as well as local vendors and traveling merchants, the Smithville Renaissance Faire is fun for the whole family.
This event is free. Located at 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway. NJRenFaire.com
Fallen Heroes Polar
Plunge in N. Wildwood Get “freezin’ for a reason” during the 14th annual Fallen Heroes Polar Plunge 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, on the 16th Avenue beach in North Wildwood.
Dedicated to the memory of law enforcement heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty, the plunge raises money for their families.
Registration is available online at Eventbrite.com for $35 per plunger. On-site registration is available 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. on the day of the event at the 15th Ave. Lifeguard Station for $40 per adult and $15 for kids under age 15.
Cheerleading competitions in Wildwood
Spirit Brand’s Shore Showdown and Beast of the East Cheerleading Competition come to Wildwoods Convention Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9 (Shore Showdown), and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10 (Beast of the East).
These exciting competitions include recreation, high school, college, open and all-star divisions competing on a spring floor. All performances are choreographed to music and sound effects and prizes awarded to winning teams.
Admission fees are charged at the door. Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. SpiritBrands.org.
Vox Sambou at
Ocean County College
MC, poet and multilingual performer Vox Sambou comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.
Sambou writes and performs in Creole, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese and is founding member of the Montreal-based hip-hop collective Nomadic Massive. His music focuses on the traditional rhythms of Haiti mixed with elements of afrobeat, jazz, reggae and hip-hop.
Tickets are $10. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Amazing Max Comes to
Ocean County College
Max Darwin, aka “The Amazing Max,” comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9.
With magic and comedy, making objects appear and disappear and generally defying the laws of physics, The Amazing Max’s high-energy, interactive and silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages (but recommended for ages 3 and up).
Tickets are $13 for kids and $18 for adults. L Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Horror Comes
to Showboat
The New Jersey Horror and Film Festival comes to Showboat 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10, with over 20 well-known celebrities, many indie horror films, film awards, exclusive Q and A panels, two hundred vendors, cosplay, trivia contest, photo ops and more.
Tickets are $30 pre-show, $35 at the door, and $80 for a three-day pass. Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult.
Located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. NewJerseyHorrorCon.com
‘Signs of Spring’
at Art on Asbury
This April, the Ocean City Fine Arts League presents “Signs of Spring,” an exhibition at the Art on Asbury Gallery in Ocean City.
Open daily, the gallery showcases watercolor, glass, mixed media, pottery, photography, oil, acrylic, textiles, jewelry and sculpture made by professional local artisans.
Located at 711 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityFineArtsLeague.org.
MudHen 5K in Wildwood
Presented by Inspira Health, the Wildwoods host the MudHen Brewing Company IPA 5K and Beer Mile Island Championship, a combination of world-class running with DelMoSports and world-class beer Saturday, April 9.
The IPA 5K starts and finishes at MudHen Brewery at 7 p.m. followed by the Beer Mile Island Championships at the brewery at 8 p.m., where competitors consume four 12-ounce cups of beer and run four laps around the designated race course on Rio Grande Ave. Race format is Start, Chug 1, Lap 1, Chug 2, Lap 2, Chug 3, Lap 3, Chug 4, Lap 4, Finish.
Located at 127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood. DelMoSports.com
Poetry Festival at
Ocean County College
Celebrate National Poetry Month in April with the Ocean County College 21st Annual Poetry Festival.
In collaboration with Lehigh University, OCC presents “An Afternoon with Nathash Trethewey,” a virtual reading and discussion with the award-winning poet who served two terms as the 19th Poet Laureate of the United States 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12. Go to Go.Ocean.Edu/Poetry to register for this free event.
Join OCC students at an Open-Mic poetry reading 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, on the second floor of the Larson Student Center on OCC’s Main Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.
Contact Christine Cryan with questions at 732-255-0400, ext. 2194 or CCryan@Ocean.edu.
Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. Ocean.edu
World Health
Day at Salt Spa
In honor of World Health Day, Salt Spa, the award-winning spa at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, offers luxurious spa packages curated with treatments celebrated by spas across the glove through the month of April.
Treatments include an 80-minute Turkish Bath with three-step full body, global rejuvenation treatment for $265 and a 95-minute World Traveler Massage Experience that includes 50-minute Swedish Massage, 30-minute Japanese Reflexology, and 15-minute Indian head massage for $355.
Located at 9628 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. ReedsAtShelterHaven.com
Captain Sandy at
Ocean County College
Captain Sandra Yawn, aka “Captain Sandy,” comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 11 a.m. Monday, April 11, as part of the Blauvelt Speaker Series.
Captain Sandy, the renowned superyacht captain and series lead from Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning “Below Deck,” speaks to OCC students on overcoming obstacles, addiction recovery and her extensive maritime career.
Admission is free; advance registration required. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Somers Point
Easter Egg Hunt
The City of Somers Point hosts an Easter Egg Hunt with candy and prize-filled eggs 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at JFK Park. Rain date Sunday, April 10.
The hunt is open to kids up to age 10. First 250 people receive a free bag.
Contact Doug Shallcross with questions at 609-883-5428 or dshallcross@spgov.org.
Located at 24 Broadway, Somers Point.
Spring Break at
Absecon Lighthouse
Normally closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Absecon Lighthouse is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 7, through Monday, April 25, for spring break. Last climb is at 3:30 p.m.
Museum, grounds and parking are free, however, climbing fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 for children ages 4 to 12 and $5 for Atlantic City residents (with ID). Climbing is free for active duty military and kids under age 4. Group rates are available, and a coupon for $1 off admission is available at AbseconLighthouse.org.
Located at 31 S. Rhode Island Road, Atlantic City.
Local chef honored
by Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City honors Atlantic City’s 1st Female Executive Chef, Pam Green, who’s been instrumental in helping the A.C. community, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Water Dog Atlantic City, located in Bally’s.
The happy hour-style event pays homage to Chef Pam’s signature, spiky, hot-pink hair and playful style. Enjoy light food, live music, and a silent auction featuring a private dinner from the honoree, as well as other local chefs and paintings from area artists.
Tickets to the fundraising event are $100 each and sponsorships are still available. Located at 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City. ACBCGC.org/BeLikePam
Artist Sperlak debuts Gallery at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park kicks off its spring season with area artist Stan Sperlak.
Sperlak is known for dramatic pastel paintings of the Mid-Atlantic. His “Allegories and Muses” are on display through April.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery.
O.C. Doo Dah Parade
Ocean City welcomes spring with their 35th annual tribute to humor, the Doo Dah Parade, Saturday, April 9. Complete with over 300 Basset Hounds, as well as marching bands, floats and a grand marshal, the spectacle marks the opening of an uninterrupted season of special events that stretches throughout the year.
The parade starts noon at Sixth and Asbury avenues, travels up Asbury to 12th Street, then turns up to the Boardwalk and finishes at Sixth Street.
The Great Egg Hunt in O.C.
The Great Egg Hunt, a traditional event, returns to the Ocean City Boardwalk 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and Saturday, April 16.
Children up to age 7 are invited by participating merchants to visit storefronts from 6th to 14th streets on the Boardwalk to collect eggs filled with treats and surprises until 3 p.m., or while supplies last. Flyers direct families to participating stores.
Raindates are Sunday, April 10 and Sunday, April 17. OceanCityVacation.com
Birdhouse Making Workshop in A.C.
Produced in partnership with Reed’s Organic Farm staff and volunteers, Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University hosts natural birdhouse making workshop 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, where attendees combine art and nature to create a birdhouse that’s edible to birds. The inclusive workshop, held during Autism Awareness Month, is free to attend. Space is limited.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com.
‘Violence for the Sake of’ at Anchor Rock Club
John Wayne Murdoch (JWM), the top Deathmatch wrestler in the world/Pro Wrestling Afterdark Champion, and Pro Wrestling Afterdark present “Violence for the Sake Of” 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Anchor Rock Club, where the top four male and top four female stars compete in a night of hardcore action.
The competitors in the tournament are Casanova Valentine, Randi West, Demoledor, Sawyer Wreck, Bam Sullivan, Sadie Suicide, Reed Bentley and Kasey Catal, as well as JWM vs. Brandon Kirk in the PWAD Heavyweight Championship and Satu Jinn vs. Vinny Cenzo in Death Match. Hosted by ring announcer Larry Legend with a special appearance from Extreme Championship Wrestling icon The Sandman.
Tickets are $30 and $40. Located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. AnchorRockClub.com.
Easter Bunny brunch
at La Mer
Enjoy brunch with the Easter Bunny at Pier House restaurant at La Mer Beachfront Resort 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through April 17.
The special a la carte menu features breakfast favorites like Cottontail pancakes, Berry Bunny stuffed French toast, Easter waffles, lump crab eggs benedict, huevos ranchero, steak and eggs and Greek yogurt parfait. Lunchtime classics include salmon BLT, roasted lamb and grits and burgers and fries, as well as an assortment of specialty cocktails.
Reservations are required and can be made at 609-898-2244. Located at 1317 Beach Ave., Cape May. CapeMayLaMer.com/Dining.
Artists Show
at Riverfront
Renaissance Center Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL,” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High Street, Millville. RRCArts.com.
East Lynne’s ‘Aftermath’ available virtually
East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) presents a reading of the one-act play “Aftermath” as part of New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s “Stages Festival” on ELTC’s YouTube Channel.
First published in 1919 in Max Eastman’s periodical “Liberator,” “Aftermath” was first produced by the Krigwa Players in The Little Theater Competition in 1928. It tells the story of a black soldier who was awarded the French War Cross for his bravery in WWI, only to return home to discover his father has been lynched.
“Aftermath” is available to screen through midnight Saturday, April 9. Screening is free and available at TinyURL.com/ELTCYouTube.com. EastLynneTheater.org.
Juried Photography
Show in O.C.
The Ocean City Arts Center hosts their “Annual Juried Photography Show” Saturday, April 2, through Friday, April 30, with a Meet the Artists reception 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 8.
The exhibit features more than 40 works varying from landscapes, wildlife, architecture and people.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Second Floor, Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org.
Educator, author at
Ocean County College
Educational leader, creativity enthusiast and author JoAnn Nocera comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7, as part of the Blauvelt Speaker Series.
Nocera has spent years researching and developing techniques that have been successful in helping students in all facets of education. She is the author of “Give Me Back My Crayons,” companion planner “Give Me Back My Creativity” and companion children’s book series “Katherine Grace.”
Admission is free; advance registration required. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
‘Displaced Persons and Camps’ exhibit at Stockton
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (YIVO) and Stockton University announce the opening of “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps” exhibition through Thursday, April 28, in the Richard E. Bjork Library at Stockton University.
The exhibit examines the responses of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and of Jewish Holocaust survivors in the immediate post-war years of World War II, illustrating how the impact of the Holocaust continued to be felt after the war ended.
This is the first time the traveling exhibition will be on view. A larger exhibition, including artifacts from YIVO Archives, opens at United Nations Headquarters New York, January 2023, to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust.
The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. Groups interested in touring the exhibit and the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University can contact Irvin Moreno Rodriguez at 609-652-4699 or Irvin.Moreno-Rodriguez@stockton.edu.
Located at 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway. Stockton.edu.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
‘A Diamond of Their
Own’ at Carroll Gallery “A Diamond of Their Own: The Remarkable History of the Negro Leagues as portrayed by artist Sydnei SmithJordan” is presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and Center for Community Arts (CCA), in partnership with artist Sydnei SmithJordan. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, is open through April 30 at The Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is free.
Located at 1048 Washington St., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/after-a-far-too-long-gap-burger-bash-is-back/article_5fc5f6b8-b41f-11ec-a822-afa35f30d884.html
|
A long, long time ago, in a world before COVID, there was an annual event that brought together people from all walks of life into one ballroom for the sole mission to gorge themselves on an afternoon-long smorgasbord of meaty merriment and gluttony. It was called Burger Bash, and it was glorious. And now, for the first time since 2019, it’s back!
Atlantic City Weekly’s Burger Bash V returns 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, noon to 4 p.m. if you buy a VIP ticket. A lineup of some of the best local restaurants will flank the edges of the Grand Ballroom at Golden Nugget Atlantic City to compete head-to-head in order to find out who makes the best burger in South Jersey. Filling the ballroom will be you — the hungry masses — whose job it will be to chomp your way through juicy, slider-sized portions of meat on a bun in search of the greatest tasting burger of them all.
The RestaurantsWhile the list is far from complete as of right now, by the time Burger Bash V rolls around you can expect 15 to 20 beefy competitors duking it out for burger supremacy. Each spot will offer up unlimited tastings of their competing burgers. And that can mean anything from traditional backyard style grillers to wild creations using unusual proteins and toppings you might never have thought of before. Expect tasty sauces, lots of cheese and brioche buns as far as the eye can see.
So far, those competing for Burger Supremacy include Bill’s Bar & Burger, Michael Patrick’s Brasserie and Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse from Golden Nugget, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Johnny Rockets and Ruby’s Diner from Atlantic City and Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township. Many more will be joining the bashing.
The JudgesAs always, we will have a lineup of esteemed judges ready to select the ultimate grand champion at Burger Bash, but we also count on YOU the people to eat big and pick YOUR favorite burger by dropping a chip in the bowl of the restaurant that you think knocked it out of the park.
But be sure to really think about your vote — which spot made you want to come running back for seconds? Was there one place that put together an absolute masterpiece? Maybe you had an old favorite that you were thinking you would probably vote for, but after trying them all, another spot beat them out. Vote for that other spot and keep things legit! The place with the most votes will win the Eater’s Choice category.
And as per tradition, Press of Atlantic City Director of Entertainment Publications Scott Cronick and Atlantic City Weekly Associate Editor Ryan Loughlin — aka the Fat Boy Munch Club — will be on hand to give out a series of their own quirky awards for their favorites.
The PartyYou are gonna expect a killer soundtrack to be at a killer party, right? So do we. That’s why we hired Quasimodo’s Bride to perform all of your favorite tunes — from classic to modern rock — all afternoon at Burger Bash V. Expect to rock out to the likes of Audioslave, Queen, Fall Out Boy, blink-182, Van Halen, Blondie, Lady Gaga, Adele, Fiona Apple and more and you throw back slider after slider.
Also, our co-sponsor WMGM 103.7-FM will be on hand to broadcast live as DJ Sean Patrick will help host the festivities, as well.
And while the grub may be the main headliner, you can expect a full bar packed with craft beers, specialty cocktails and other libations to keep you hydrated and buzzing the whole time.
The VIPsSure, you can buy a general admission ticket and have an amazing time at Burger Bash V like everybody else, but we all know it’s fun to be a VIP in pretty much any situation. But at Burger Bash it’s more than just fun, it gets you some seriously valuable perks, such as the ability to enter the event a whole hour before the rest of the crowd arrives!
Wander around at your leisure, enjoying burger after scrumptious burger, all without the hassle of standing in line or scrambling for a seat. That extra hour is your burger heaven.
So what’s the catch? There are only 400 VIP tickets for sale, so you better snatch yours up quick before they sell out!
The TicketsSpeaking of snatching up your tickets, all passes for Burger Bash V are on sale now! General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/manco-manco-opens-a-location-at-citizens-bank-park/article_73a4fae4-b433-11ec-a89b-7bc23b90aae1.html
|
Phillies fans will have a legendary South Jersey pizza to munch on while watching Bryce Harper hit bombs this season at Citizens Bank Park.
Manco & Manco, the family-run pizzeria based in Ocean City, will open a location at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia this summer and be the official pizza of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Jersey shore icon will be located in the right field corner of Ashburn Alley — next to Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks — beginning opening day against the Oakland A’s on Friday, April 8, offering 12-inch pies in the Ashburn Alley location and 18-inch, hand-tossed pies to suites.
“I think we’re ready,” says Chuck Bangle, co-owner of Manco & Manco with Bangle’s wife Mary and her mother Kay Manco, who opened the first location with her late husband Frank in the summer of 1956. “With the future expansion plans of Manco & Manco, we wanted a stadium deal. We are honored and humble to be in the stadium, and I think it’s going to give us validation to customers that, ‘Can we make pizza 80 miles from home?’ And the answer is, ‘Yes, we can!’”
A meeting in October between Manco, the Phillies and Aramark, which manages all of the food product at Citizens Bank Park, led to a relatively quick deal to get things rolling so they would be able to be slinging pies by opening day.
“One of the things we pride ourselves in is that local brand,” says Kevin Tedesco, general manager of Aramark at Citizens Bank Park. “We are trying to outdo ourselves every year. Manco & Manco is my favorite pizza growing up with. We couldn’t be more excited. It’s not just the pizza, but it’s also the look. When you come out to the location on Ashburn Alley, you will see the same big ovens, the same green and purple logo, the same uniforms and the same pizza. All of these brands bring out the fan in Philadelphia … this one touches your soul.”
Aramark Executive Chef Vinnie Negron says the addition of Manco brings the food roster to another level for Phillies fans.
“I think we have upped our game,” Negron says. “When you think of Manco & Manco, you think of having a good time and relaxing in a family atmosphere, and that’s what you think about when you think about Ocean City. And that’s the same thing we have here at the ballpark. It’s a great addition to our ballpark. It has a nostalgia feel to it, and I think it’s going to be a really, really big hit for us here. We have a great team in the field, and we have a great team in the back of the house, as well.”
Bangle, his wife, mother-in-law and the team — led by longtime manager Greg Perks — were very concerned about the quality of the product, trying to get it as close to the original as possible.
“It is a challenge,” Bangle says. “I think through some testing and product development — I have to give a shout out to Greg Perks, a 35-year veteran who was instrumental to get this off the ground — we worked hard to replicate the dough, sauce and cheese and all of the proprietary products we use on the boardwalk that will be part of the menu here in Philadelphia.”
Negron agrees: “It’s a process. We were working together with these guys for quite a while now. We went to Ocean City to train with their guys down there who have been there for years. It’s amazing they have staff members who have been with them for more than 30 years. They stick with Manco & Manco because they are such a great family. We had some training sessions there, and we had some training sessions here, and I think we got it to where it needs to be.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-the-cheese-board/article_3b455716-b415-11ec-9f7e-e7f83196c882.html
|
Who doesn’t love cheese? The gooey dairy product seems to be one of the few things we can all agree on lately. And on a sandwich? Come on. It’s as important as the meat – maybe more.
In Linwood’s Central Square shopping center lies The Cheese Board, a fromage-focused space with a menu of sandwiches that while not as cheese forward as I might have expected, sounded tasty enough, including a ham and gruyere and the obligatory grilled cheese, this time prepared with grilled onions and a balsamic reduction on sourdough with cheddar, parmesan and gruyere sharing top billing.
In the end, I went with the turkey and brie with cranberry, which was first in line on their list of specialty cold sandwiches, advertised as oven-roasted turkey with brie cheese, house-made orange-cranberry sauce and spring mix with dijonnaise on a baguette. Here’s how it turned out:
The Bread: The roll was soft and satisfactory, but lacked crispness or much character overall. Not a bad roll and not bad flavor, just forgettable.
The Meat: The oven-roasted turkey was mild yet flavorful, as you might expect turkey would be on a sandwich such as this, and there was a decent amount of it. But upon first glance at the sandwich, turkey was also the only visible ingredient. More on this later.
The Cheese: Rich, earthy and soft, brie can be a lovely choice, particularly when warmed up, but on this sandwich it was tough to detect and had a lot of trouble standing up to the dijonnaise. I had a few bites of it on its own and enjoyed it, but the execution wasn’t right on the sandwich.
The Veggies: The description on the menu says that a spring mix is to come on the sandwich, but none came on mine. That’s a shame, too, because this is a sandwich that needed some different flavors and textures to pick it up a bit. Because of that, the absence of the spring mix was noticeable.
The Condiments: When I called to order my sandwich, the girl on the phone – very friendly and really accommodating – informed me that they were having trouble getting the house-made cranberry-orange sauce in stock, which is odd considering it is by its own title “house-made” and not something that should need to be ordered. Is there a cranberry or orange shortage that I am not aware of? Perhaps, but unlikely.
Anyway, she offered to replace the sauce with a pear spread, which I agreed would be an acceptable substitute. The problem? There was no spread on the sandwich, instead just a few razor-thin sliced pears that I had to go searching for to even find.
The other issue from a condiment standpoint was that the dijonnaise was so overpowering that the whole thing just tasted like bread with turkey and dijonnaise. The subtle and mild flavors of the brie and even the pear were completely dominated by the mustard taste, which was a shame.
The Bottom Line: Though the staff was lovely and sweet, the sandwich was truly unimpressive. Between missing and substituted ingredients and misused condiments, it was an all-around flop. It’s a shame because I think with the cranberry-orange sauce and spring mix in place it could have been decent. And to be fair, it’s not that it tasted terrible or anything, but a turkey and mustard sandwich was not what I came in for. Find something else on the menu to try if you go.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/weather/weather-small-coastal-storm-to-bring-rain-some-wind-into-wednesday/article_934982b8-b43b-11ec-a607-1f21f73c5828.html
|
A mini-coastal storm will bring rain and wind. However, it will be well behaved compared to the storms that can batter our shorelines, with no coastal flooding or damaging gusts expected. More rain will fall Thursday with unsettled weekend weather.
Tuesday will start off with some sunshine, but clouds will be on the increase. Temperatures will start out in the low to mid-40s everywhere, warmer than usual and aided by the southeasterly winds that have developed.
If you have outdoor plans, focus them to before 1 p.m. Then, from 1 to about 5 p.m. expect a band of rain showers to lift north as a warm front sits to our south. Even within this time, though, there will be dry time.
Highs will make it to the mid to upper 50s, which is spot on seasonable for this time of the year.
That warm front won't budge and essentially become a stationary front. A wave of low-pressure will ride along that front which sits over the Delmarva Peninsula that will then move out to sea, strengthen and become a coastal storm, before sliding away.
All of this is to say that rain will develop again between 8 and 10 p.m., turn into a soaking rain after midnight and that will continue through the Wednesday morning commute. Between 10 a.m. and noon, the rain will go away. Rain will be heavy near the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean shorelines.
This is exactly where we need the rain, as we've been 26 to 50% below average the past 90 days, according to the Mid-Atlantic River Forecasting Center, and in moderate drought. 0.50 to 1.00 inches of rain, highest in these areas, will help quell the thirst. Expect a few areas of roadway flooding in the usual shoulders or low-lying spots.
Low temperatures will be in the upper 40s given the cloud cover and onshore winds.
Winds will kick up, too. First, this will come from the southeast and then turning to the northeast during the day. Sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph inland and 20 to 25 mph at the coast will be likely.
Despite this, we should just escape coastal flooding free. Northeast winds are not the most ideal wind direction for coastal flooding (though can still bring flooding). Plus, the moon will be near a quarter moon, which brings astronomically lower tides. Perhaps the most susceptible areas like West End Avenue in Atlantic City and Wellington Avenue in Ventnor get water around midnight Thursday with the high tide but this should be close to a non-issue.
After that coastal storms rolls out a cold front, which will have been around for days by this point, will tumble on in. Likely responsible for severe weather in the south, we should wind up severe weather free with this.
Definite dry time is looking more limited now. Rain can fall anytime within the 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. timeframe, with a steady shot of rain coming in the afternoon. Still, I don't expect it to rain the whole time within this. The 0.30 to 0.60 inches of rain will again be welcome.
Highs will likely hit 60 for Estell Manor and the inland towns. Meanwhile, Longport and the shore will be in the upper 60s.
An early look at the weekend shows unsettled weather coming as a mature low-pressure system, at all levels of the atmosphere, slowly moving through. Friday, Saturday and Sunday all should see showers somewhere in South Jersey. Similar to the past few weekends, small hail or even sleet can fall within a shower, particular Saturday and Sunday.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220406
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_8545a318-b9a9-11ec-b6ba-db0c77773b95.html
|
DOOBIE OTHERS: DOOBIE BROTHERS TRIBUTE
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 15
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect: The Doobie Others is a seven-person band that pays tribute to the legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted Doobie Brothers band. In a still-active career spanning more than five decades, the Doobie Brothers released 14 studio albums, including six that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Their 1978 album “Minute by Minute” reached No. 1 on that chart and remained there for five weeks. The band has won four Grammy awards. Hits that Doobie Brothers fans can expect to hear include “Black Water,” “China Grove,” “Jesus is Just Alright,” “It Keeps You Runnin',” “Listen to the Music,” “Minute by Minute,” “Rockin' Down the Highway,” “Takin' it to the Streets,” “What a Fool Believes” as well as some hits by other groups, such as Steely Dan’s “Reelin' in the Years,” the Eagles’ “Life in the Fast Lane,” the Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Gimme Three Steps” and Chicago’s “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” The show takes place at The Wave and is hosted by Michael James and the 100.7-FM WZXL Rock ‘n’ Roll Patrol.
How much: The show is free and open to the public.
More info:
TheDoobieOthersTributeBand.com,
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 107
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
What to expect: Cage Fury Fighting Championships is a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company founded in Atlantic City and now operating out of Vineland. The CFFC helped launch the career of future Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC, the upper echelon of MMA fighting) late heavyweight champion Kimbo Slice. The CFFC is considered to be one of the top regional MMA promotion companies in the United States. Friday night’s tentative fight card includes Blake Bilder vs. Regivaldo Carvalho in a CFFC featherweight title co-main event, and Charlie Campbell vs. Guilherme dos Santos in a lightweight contender co-main event. Other fights on the card include Santo Curatolo vs. Hugo Paiva; Ryan Rizco vs. Michael Murphy; Greg Velasco vs. Edwin Smart; Kenny Porter vs. BJ Young; and Charalampos Grigoriou vs. Flavio Carvalho. See the website CFFC.tv for updates to the fight card. The event takes place at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $60, $85, $175 and $225, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BACK IN BLACK: THE TRUE AC/DC EXPERIENCE
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 15
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: A five-man touring tribute band since 1990, Back in Black: the True AC/DC Experience pays tribute to rockers AC/DC, a band that was formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. AC/DC’s music has been described as a blend of hard rock, blues rock and heavy metal. Back in Black boasts an 80-song repertoire, and fans of the originals can expect to hear such hits as “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck,” “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” “Hells Bells,” “T.N.T,” “Moneytalks,” “For Those About to Rock,” “Back in Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $20, are available at Etix.com
More info:
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS LED ZEPPELIN II
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 15
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Classic Albums Live is a concert series based in Toronto that was founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, a musician who had previously produced and composed music for television and film. The players in the CAL bands go to great lengths to recreate music from the original albums to precise degrees. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costumes,” Martin says on the company’s website. “All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album.” The show at Borgata’s Music Box theater on Friday night will recreate the album “Led Zeppelin II” by the British Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Led Zeppelin. Songs showgoers will hear include “Whole Lotta Love,” “What Is and What Should Never Be,” “The Lemon Song,” “Thank You,” “Heartbreaker,” “Livin' Lovin' Maid,” “Ramble On,” as well as a few Zeppelin hits that do not appear on that particular album.
How much: Tickets, priced at $26.24, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
THREEOLOGY
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 16
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Threeology is a trio of Filipino singing sensations Erik Santos, Christian Bautista and Morissette Amon. Santos is a young balladeer known for his soulful voice, earning the Filipino version of the title “Prince of Pop.” According to his website, his song “Pagbigyang Muli” was a huge hit throughout Southeast Asia, and his rendition of the song “I Believe I Can Fly” wowed an international audience during the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Bautista’s foray into show business started in 2002 with the musical “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” after which he would go on to garner many awards as a recording artist and as one of the best-known singers in the Philippines. In December 2020, Amon debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Next Big Sound Chart, making her the first-ever female Filipino artist to make that list. Their show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $58, $78, $98 and $105, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
FROM HAIR TO HAIRSPRAY
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 16
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: “From Hair To Hairspray” is being hyped as a “drag cabaret” starring Atlantic City’s legendary Robert “Sandy Beach” Hitchen and other drag-queen (female impersonator) icons of the resort town. The show pays homage to the music of the 1960s and other ’60s milestones. According to a show promo, there will be an Easter Bonnet Contest (“Let your bonnets be gay!”), a Flash Mob Bunny Hop with “Esther Bunny,” and a Psychedelic Egg Hunt with prizes. Sandy Beach is the drag queen who helped create the spoof of the Miss America Pageant called the Miss’d America Pageant, which started in the early 1990s. Miss’d America has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the South Jersey AIDS Alliance and local LGBT charities and initiatives. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
KICK: THE INXS EXPERIENCE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Those with a passion for the music of Australian rockers INXS will be reintroduced to their new wave-ish, funky sound through the tribute band KICK: the INXS Experience. Formed two years after the original band broke up in 2012, KICK covers such hits as “Original Sin,” “Elegantly Wasted,” “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” “What You Need,” “Don’t Change,” “Listen Like Thieves,” “The One Thing,” “Bitter Tears,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Not Enough Time,” “Beautiful Girl” and “Devil Inside.” According to the tribute band’s website, “KICK: The INXS Experience has managed to capture the spirit of INXS in both its sound and live performance. The focus has been on faithfully recreating the music in its most powerful sense, in a high-energy show that is guaranteed to have the entire venue singing and dancing to every song, all night long.” The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $30, are available at Etix.com
More info:
ART THIEF, DEFINING 13, FRANKIE MERMAID, ASH.DEF
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Art Thief is a quartet from Philadelphia, Pa., comprised of Sam Smith, Andrew Jordan, Joe Spinelli and Bryan Ponton. Last year Art Thief released their debut, 14-track album called “Tough Crowd” that, according to an online review posted to their website, “features some brain-fueled technical craziness while allowing its soulfulness to shine through. You’ll be kept on your toes with its twists and turns, yet thoroughly entertained by catchy melodies and lyrics.” Defining 13 is a punk-rock trio that “hails from the humble settings in the small upstate town of Virgil, NY,” according to its website. First formed in 2015 by guitarist/lead vocalist Don Hinshaw and drummer Pat Nadge, the pair added bassist/vocalist Kevin Little in 2016 to complete the package. Art Thief and Defining 13 will be joined by the bands Frankie Mermaid and Ash.Def on Saturday night. Bourré is located at 201 South New York Avenue in A.C.
How much: Tickets, $10, are available at BourreAtlanticCity.com
More info:
ArtThief.live,
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, April 17
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is billed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater on Sunday, and is also scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at Sound Waves.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
DIVAS: A TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN OF MUSIC
When: 3 p.m. Monday, April 18
Where: Caesars Atlantic City
What to expect: The show “Divas: A Tribute to the Women of Music” will “embark on a journey through all musical genres, listening to the biggest hits of the greatest divas in history.” Showgoers can expect to hear hits from Aretha Franklin (“Respect,” “A Natural Woman” and “Freeway of Love”), Cher (“If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Believe,” “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves”), Patsy Cline (“Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “Walkin' After Midnight”), Tina Turner (“What's Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” “Better Be Good to Me”), Barbra Streisand (“The Way We Were,” “You Don't Bring Me Flowers,” “Memory”) and many others. The show takes place at Caesars’ Circus Maximus Theater.
How much: Tickets, $28, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
420 FEST AT BOURRÉ
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Bourré’s third-annual 420 Fest will feature vendors, artists, music, food and fun in what has become one of NorStep Production’s biggest events of the year. Live music will begin around 4:20 p.m., according to the event’s Facebook page, and festivities will continue until 11 p.m. The 420 cannabis-celebration tradition is said to have begun in the early 1970s when a group of California high school students that called themselves the Waldos used to smoke cannabis together at 4:20 in the afternoon. The southern California-based “High Times” magazine, a counterculture publication that has advocated the legalization of cannabis since the early 1970s, ran a story on the Waldos in 1991, and since then April 20 has evolved into many cannabis-oriented celebrations taking place annually on that date. As of February 2021, New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act allowed for the legal sale and use of cannabis and related products for residents 21 years and older on private property where its use is approved. As of that date, New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and older. An appearance by Sean “The 420 Cowboy” Martin is also scheduled. Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220411
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_6840bbda-b9b9-11ec-bb54-537b52472319.html
|
Wrestling Returns to Wildwood
The annual “War at the South Jersey Shore” National Folkstyle Wrestling Championships return to Wildwoods Convention Center 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16.
This youth wrestling tournament features over 50 weight classes spread across five age divisions, a high school division with 15 weight classes and a girls division. Weigh-ins for all wrestlers is 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14.
Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. AtlanticCoastWrestling.com
Competition Continues at Stockton’s Battle of the Bands
The Stockton Performing Arts Center and WLFR 91.7-FM Lake Fred Radio host The Blue Void vs. The Callow Gentry as part of their ongoing Battle of the Bands Series 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20. This is the fifth of five battles before the ultimate festival.
Tickets are $8. Located at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway. Stockton.UniversityTickets.com.
Maria Yefimova at Ocean County College
Internationally acclaimed pianist Maria Yefimova comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, with a lecture-recital celebrating the 150th anniversary of composer and pianist Alexander Scriabin.
In the lecture-recital, Yefimova explores Scriabin’s compositional evolution through piano works from his early to late periods.
Tickets are $10. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
World Health Day at Salt Spa
In honor of World Health Day, Salt Spa, the award-winning spa at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, offers luxurious spa packages curated with treatments celebrated by spas across the glove through the month of April.
Treatments include an 80-minute Turkish Bath with three-step full body, global rejuvenation treatment for $265 and a 95-minute World Traveler Massage Experience that includes 50-minute Swedish Massage, 30-minute Japanese Reflexology, and 15-minute Indian head massage for $355.
Located at 9628 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. ReedsAtShelterHaven.com
Spring Break at Absecon Lighthouse
Normally closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Absecon Lighthouse is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday, April 25, for spring break. Last climb is at 3:30 p.m.
Museum, grounds and parking are free, however, climbing fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 for children ages 4 to 12 and $5 for Atlantic City residents (with ID). Climbing is free for active duty military and kids under age 4. Group rates are available, and a coupon for $1 off admission is available at AbseconLighthouse.org. Located at 31 S. Rhode Island Road, Atlantic City.
Cape May Lighthouse Under a Full Moon
Cape May Mac (Museums+Art+Culture) offers a nighttime climb up the 199 spiral stairs to the Watch Tower of the Cape May Lighthouse 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
During the Full Moon Climb, climbers enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 through 12. Located at 215 Light House Ave., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org
‘Signs of Spring’ at Art on Asbury
This April, the Ocean City Fine Arts League presents “Signs of Spring,” an exhibition at the Art on Asbury Gallery in Ocean City.
Open daily, the gallery showcases watercolor, glass, mixed media, pottery, photography, oil, acrylic, textiles, jewelry and sculpture made by professional local artisans.
Located at 711 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityFineArtsLeague.org.
Artist Sperlak debuts Gallery at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park kicks off its spring season with area artist Stan Sperlak.
Sperlak is known for dramatic pastel paintings of the Mid-Atlantic. His “Allegories and Muses” are on display through April.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery.
History of Filmmaking with Buena Historical Society
The Buena Historical Society presents a program on the history and modern changes of filmmaking 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Buena Vista Township Hall. Presented by Tom Rosa of Tommy Productions, the presentation includes early film cameras, projectors and other equipment with Power Point presentation, as well as information on transferring and care of still and moving images.
Complimentary desserts and coffee served. Call 856-466-4654 with questions.
Located at 890 Harding Highway, Buena. Buena Historical Society on Facebook.
‘Clique 21’ at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmout Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmout Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Artists Show at Riverfront Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL,” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High Street, Millville. RRCArts.com.
Juried Photography Show in O.C.
The Ocean City Arts Center hosts their Annual Juried Photography Show through Friday, April 30.
The exhibit features more than 40 works varying from landscapes, wildlife, architecture and people.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Second Floor, Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org.
‘Displaced Persons and Camps’ exhibit at Stockton
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (YIVO) and Stockton University announce the opening of “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps” exhibition through Thursday, April 28, in the Richard E. Bjork Library at Stockton University.
The exhibit examines the responses of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and of Jewish Holocaust survivors in the immediate post-war years of World War II, illustrating how the impact of the Holocaust continued to be felt after the war ended.
This is the first time the traveling exhibition will be on view. A larger exhibition, including artifacts from YIVO Archives, opens at United Nations Headquarters New York, January 2023, to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust.
The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. Groups interested in touring the exhibit and the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University can contact Irvin Moreno Rodriguez at 609-652-4699 or Irvin.Moreno-Rodriguez@stockton.edu.
Located at 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway. Stockton.edu.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
‘A Diamond of Their Own’ at Carroll Gallery
“A Diamond of Their Own: The Remarkable History of the Negro Leagues as portrayed by artist Sydnei SmithJordan” is presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and Center for Community Arts (CCA), in partnership with artist Sydnei SmithJordan. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, is open through April 30 at The Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is free.
Located at 1048 Washington St., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220411
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/south-jersey-is-hopping-with-holiday-events/article_b27181f2-b9a1-11ec-bad4-a712d3d7851a.html
|
Lots of people have favorite ways to celebrate Easter. Whether it’s indulging in jellybeans and coconut cream eggs or heading to an Easter Egg hunt, visiting with the Easter Bunny or participating in a best-dressed contest, we seem to cling to some tried-and-true traditions when it comes to Easter. No matter what your favorite way is to celebrate Easter, South Jersey has so many options we thought we would tie them all together here with one nice pink Easter ribbon:
Steel Pier traditionOne of our favorite traditions is heading to the boardwalk, specifically the Steel Pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk for breakfast with the bunny.
“Steel Pier has a long tradition of celebrating Easter with the community,” says Steel Pier Sales & Marketing Director Sharon Franz. “Specifics may change over time, but our commitment to tradition is always a big part of who we are.”
Steel Pier has been hosting Easter activities on the Atlantic City Boardwalk for the last 20 years, and this year is no exception. Get there between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday for a pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny that also includes free rides for kids 12 years old and under. Tickets are $15.95 per person for everyone else, and if you’ve ever taken a kid to the rides, you’ll recognize that as a steal.
On Sunday, the festivities continue with Steel Pier’s Best Dressed Costume 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Waterslide Pavilion. Guests can register between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., but must arrive by 1:30 p.m. for a sharp 2 p.m. start.
If you’re worried about being hungry up there in the saltwater air all day, don’t be. For the first time ever Steel Pier is offering an Easter Sunday all-you-can-eat seafood extravaganza from noon to 8 p.m. complete with crab legs, shrimp, fish and chips, mac and cheese and more. Tickets are $59 plus tax and fees for adults, $35 plus tax and fees for kids 12 and under.
Atlantic CountyAt Showboat Hotel, kids of all ages can have photos taken with the Easter Bunny during their first annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17. The hunt is from 8 to 9 p.m. for 1- to 5-year-olds and 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 5 and up. For an extra treat, two eggs will be filled with $50 and $100 Lucky Snake Arcade Game Cards.
The Easter Bunny is leaving some adult treats around the Easter Eggstravaganza at Boogie Nights in Tropicana Casino Resort. Hop on down to Boogie Nights 9 p.m. Saturday to party with all the bunnies. Mr. Boogie will be throwing out prize-filled Easter eggs including a special golden egg with an even more special prize: A VIP experience for a party up to 8!
In Brigantine, guests can celebrate with an Opening Day Parade and Easter Egg Hunt. Presented by the Brigantine Baseball and Softball Association and the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce, the parade kicks off 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas Catholic Church parking lot and ends at 26th Street. Opening ceremony and Easter Egg Hunt will follow with prizes, games and snacks for the kids.
It’s “All Aboard” in Hammonton with DiDonato’s Easter Eggspress Thursday through Sunday, where guests enjoy an Easter-themed train ride, a meet and greet plus free photo op with the Easter Bunny, an Egg Hunt, a spring hedge maze, an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, toy market and endless opportunities for play. Admittance is $12.95 per person in advance, $14.95 at the door. They often sell out, so get your tickets now.
Head to an Easter Egg Hunt at Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck in Mullica Township 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Kids should be registered by emailing Kim@swmarina.com.
The Easter Bunny is hiding thousands of eggs at Heritage Park in Smithville for the Smithville Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Saturday, with staggered start times to accommodate different age groups. Some eggs contain golden tickets, which can be exchanged for prizes at the prize table. For families who want a glimpse of the Bunny himself, head to Smithville noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday to catch the Colonial Easter Bunny strolling the village, or put on your Easter best for the Easter Parade 1 p.m. Sunday, where awards are given for best outfits. The parade begins at the Smithville Inn.
Hop over to Linwood’s All Wars Memorial Park, where the Board of Recreation’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. With Easter Egg Hunts by age group, a magician and face painter, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Everything is magical at Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, including their annual Easter Egg Hunts, which are specially designed for small children and run continuously noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Cape May CountyKids up to age 7 are invited to bring their baskets and hunt for eggs at participating Boardwalk merchants at the Great Egg Hunt on the Ocean City Boardwalk from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday between 6th and 14th streets. On Sunday, come dressed in your Easter’s best for the Ocean City Fashion Stroll and meet the Easter Bunny at the Ocean City Music Pier at 1 p.m.
In Upper Township, Seashore Lines in Tuckahoe invites guests to hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express on Saturday with departures scheduled for 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Coach tickets are available for $21.95 for ages 13 and up, and $19.95 for ages 2 to 12, with prices ranging from $23.95 to $124.95 (for up to four passengers) for first-class seating. Infants up to age 1 ride free.
Head to Sea Isle for their annual Spring Fling Family Fun Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, at Excursion Park at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue. Kids up to age 12 can enjoy a variety of free activities including photos with the Easter Bunny, face painters and a “Dress to Impress Easter Stroll.” Go to VisitSICNJ.com for more information.
Spring has sprung at Woodland Village in Clermont where their Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place at 11 a.m., Saturday. The event is free for all ages, and the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance for photos after the hunt.
Things are hippity-hoppingin Wildwood with three Easter events. The Step Back Foundation, which provides equipment and other necessities to local student-athletes and families, is hosting their Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Allen Park in North Wildwood. At noon Saturday, the Greater Wildwood Jaycees host their Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 1 through 12 on the Wildwood Beach at Lincoln Ave. The Greater Wildwood Elks Easter Egg Hunt for kids 1 through 11years oldalso takes place noon Saturday at 19th Street and the beach. Bring your bag or bucket to collect the eggs.
Postponed from last week, the Township of Lower Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Fling kicks off with the hunt 9 a.m. Saturday at Freeman Douglass Park. The hunt is followed by spring fling festivities including lawn games, candy art, balloon artist, stilt walker, face painter and DJ, until noon.
In Cape May, the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt takes place 10 a.m. Saturday at Cape May Elementary Fields at 921 Lafayette St., where kids will hunt for hidden Easter eggs. And at 1 p.m. Sunday, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May along with the Small Businesses of Washington sponsor the Annual Easter Fashion Stroll 1 p.m. at Rotary Park, 400 Lafayette St., where awards will be given to various categories including best dressed lady and best dressed couple.
Luckily for adults, the kids don’t get to have all the fun. Head to Cold Spring Village in Cape May for an Easter Keg Hunt noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, where guests explore Historic Cold Spring Village for eggs and follow clues and answer questions. One lucky winner wins a free Cold Spring Brewery Growler.
Ocean County
For something different, head to the Tuckerton Seaport Outdoor Egg-citing Scavenger Hunt 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18, 19, 23 and 24. The outdoor event invites children to participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden signs around the seaport. Sponsored by Tuckerton Pride & Celebration, Redmen, and Pocahontas, the weeklong event is free. No registration required. While you’re in Tuckerton, head to Hand’s Garden Center for an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, Saturday. Hunters are asked to bring their own baskets.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/5-reasons-to-check-out-bally-s-locally-loved-week/article_92adffda-b9bf-11ec-8b4e-cbb2ab99103f.html
|
Fortunately, South Jersey is blessed with an abundance of establishments that take great pride in producing some of the best locally-sourced, homemade food and beverages you will find not just in the state of New Jersey, but on the East Coast.
Bally’s Atlantic City, which is undergoing an amazing transformation that includes new rooms and suites, a carousel lobby bar, new restaurants and sportsbook and much more, is smart enough to recognize that during its Naturally Grown and Locally Loved Week from Thursday to Sunday, April 14 to 17, just in time for Easter weekend.
In conjunction with Atlantic City’s Little Water Distillery’s Liberty Rum and 48 Blocks Vodka, Atlantic City’s Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin, Hammonton’s Mama Bella Cello, Mount Holly’s Spellbound Brewing, Cape May Brewing Company, Somerdale’s Flying Fish Brewery and others, along with local seafood purveyors, here are five reasons to check it out:
CocktailsIf you are a spirits lover, then you already know you don’t have to go far to find some quality liquor because so many are made right in our backyard. Bally’s Naturally Grown and Locally Loved Week will highlight many of those spirits in cocktails. At Jerry Longo’s Meatball and Martinis, try the Yo Rocky, lemon Italian ice infused with Alibi gin, grapefruit liqueur, Cocchi Americano and lemon. Across the hall at Water Dog, you can sample the Mama’s Mello Cello featuring Mamma Bella Limoncello, Grey Goose Essences Strawberry and sparkling wine; or the Santeria Sangria with Liberty Rum, G3 Merlot, blackberry brandy, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, muddled seasonal berries and Sierra Mist. If you are a high roller, make sure you head to the VIP Lounge 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16, for a Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin private tasting for Superstar and Legend Bally’s Rewards members.
BeerIt’s simply mind blowing how many local breweries there are … and they keep popping up. So Bally’s will focus on three relatively local breweries during the festivities. Jerry Longo’s will feature Spellbound’s Hazy Peach IPA, a 6.5% abv brew with citrus and pine hops to accentuate the peach. Head down to the FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge for various beers from Cape May Brewing Company and Flying Fish. The highlight of the week will be a tap takeover at Guy Fieri’s Chophouse all weekend where six tap handles will be devoted to a sneak preview of what to expect at Bally’s new restaurant — The Yard — that is expected to open Memorial Day weekend. Highlighted beers will include Spellbound Pale Ale, Egg Harbor Township’s Hidden Sands Brewing’s 800’ Pilsner, Flying Fish Salt & Sea, Mudhen Brewing’s Wildwood Haze, Glasstown 609 IPA and Big Breakfast Porter from Millville.
Special dishesIt wouldn’t be an event without some great food, and Bally’s Naturally Grown and Locally Loved Week will bring it … big time! Devour some locally fried oysters ($18) with remoulade dipping sauce and lemon at the Sportsbook Lounge. Feast on Scallops Vesuvius ($45), pan-seared local scallops over sautéed spinach with spicy lobster cream sauce and roasted peppers at Jerry Longo’s. Be wowed by the best flounder Francaise ($40) you have ever eaten at Guy Fieri’s Chophouse with locally caught flounder over mascarpone risotto, chardonnay lemon butter sauce and sauteed spinach.
Music and ArtThere, of course, will also be some awesome local entertainment and art at Water Dog to check out while eating and drinking all of these local favorites. Dead Reckoning will bring sounds from the Grateful Dead 6 p.m. Friday, April 15; The Zone will rock from the 1960s to the present 9 p.m. Saturday, April 16; and check out the Pop-Up Gallery featuring local artists 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Prix-fixe dinnersThere are also three amazing prix-fixe dinners that you may want to check out that sound over the top and are available all weekend. Jerry Longo’s three-course dinner for $55 will include Italian favorites paired with drinks including the Italian Stallion with watermelon Italian ice infused with Little Water Distilling Rum, Aperol and lemon; and the Vesper with Alibi Gin, 48 Blocks Vodka, Cocchi Americano and lemon. Guy Fieri’s Chophouse will offer a three-course, $60 dinner focusing on local beers from Glasstown and Spellbound breweries. Finally, Water Dog will roll out a three-course meal for $40 with an 8 Days a Week Salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp and seafood risotto.
For more details, go to BallysAC.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-vic-s-subs/article_77674ad4-b9be-11ec-9989-9fc754b73f73.html
|
Buffalo chicken is a craze that shows no sign of slowing down. And frankly, I am just fine with that, as I am a huge fan of wings, tenders, tails, ears and other things that make use of that wonderful spicy sauce that was birthed in the northern tip of the state of New York.
Though I don’t make a habit of eating standard chicken cheesesteaks very often, a buffalo chicken cheesesteak seems to pique my interest whenever I find it on a menu and provides just enough temptation to abandon the beef every once in a while.
Such was the case on my most recent trip to Vic’s Subs in Absecon.
Vic’s is a hole-in-the-wall sub shop in a residential section of town that almost looks out of place, but has been a fan favorite for years among locals. The inside is all business – a simple counter with just enough standing room to get in, grab your sandwich and get out. And that’s exactly what I did the day I stopped in for their buffalo chicken cheesesteak. Here is what I thought of it:
The Bread: My sub came on a long, thin Atlantic City sub roll. First bite proved it to be softer than it appeared on first glance, which was a relief, as a cheesesteak — chicken or otherwise — really shouldn’t be served on any type of hard or overly crusty bread. Extra points for the fact that they didn’t cut it in half either. I’m not sure why, but that is always how a traditional cheesesteak is served in Philly, and I appreciated the attention to detail.
The Meat: When you order a chicken cheesesteak, it can be a crapshoot, as some spots shred the meat to the point where it becomes almost like ground chicken, which often results in a dry and unappealing texture. Vic’s wisely kept the chop to a medium level, and the chicken itself was tender, juicy and flavorful.
The Sauce: For a buffalo chicken cheesesteak, my sandwich was light on the sauce. But since buffalo sauce has such a strong flavor to begin with, it was still easily detectable on the tongue, despite being such a sparse coating. This was a mild sauce, peppery and vinegary, but it lacked the sweet element that you find at a lot of South Jersey spots like Costello’s, Pic-A-Lilli Pub or Juliano’s. Those who crave big heat would likely be let down, so if you are in that category, I suggest asking if they have a spicier sauce option or going with a different sub entirely.
The Cheese: A nice, mild provolone was melted throughout and made for the perfect level of gooeyness one would hope for in a sandwich like this.
The Condiment: The go-to condiment for any buffalo-style sandwich, blue cheese dressing was in the mix here as well. The flavor wasn’t terrible, but it was clearly the bottled stuff, so points off for that. I have said this before in my wing column, but I really wish more places would stop cutting corners by using bottled blue cheese. It takes five minutes to put together a quality, house-made blue cheese, and doing so elevates the flavor of whatever it is used on drastically. This goes for wings, subs or any other buffalo-themed dish. It’s what separates a good spot from a great spot.
The Bottom Line: The buffalo chicken cheesesteak from Vic’s Subs was a tasty sub that was executed well. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do for buffalo fanatics, but it got the job done for a quick lunch and had some really nice bread holding it all together. A few tweaks here and there, and it could be a star.
The Score: 6.9
Vic’s Subs is located at 742 Ohio Ave. in Absecon. Go to VicsSubsAbsecon.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/south-jersey-prepares-for-burger-bash-v/article_f059c2f8-ba6a-11ec-86cc-0feeadbf5b22.html
|
As the air warms with each passing week, signs of better days to come begin to creep out little by little. Birds chirp … flowers bloom … and backyard grills begin to sizzle and smoke with the scent of freshly charred meat.
And while attending a backyard barbecue at a friend’s house is always fun, if you are looking for the ultimate afternoon of grilling and chilling, nothing beats Burger Bash.
That’s right – returning for 2022 is Atlantic City Weekly’s meatiest event, Burger Bash V, a fabulous day of chargrilled burgers and good times! The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs — at the Grand Ballroom at Golden Nugget Atlantic City. An all-star lineup of 15 to 20 of your favorite local restaurants will battle it out for top honors, serving up slider-sized versions of their best burgers for the crowd of hungry attendees.
As always, we will have a lineup of esteemed judges ready to select the ultimate grand champion at Burger Bash V, but we also count on YOU the people to eat big and pick YOUR favorite burger by dropping a chip in the bowl of the restaurant that you think knocked it out of the park.
Gluttony reigns supreme at an event such as this, but if you think the whole thing is just about chomping down, guess again! Burger Bash V is a kick-ass party with live entertainment from local rockers Quasimodo’s Bride as well as a fully stocked bar pumping out all your favorite beers and cocktails all day.
So what are you waiting for? All passes for Burger Bash V are on sale now! General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/tracking-down-south-jersey-s-best-dining-options-for-easter-grub/article_11018572-ba70-11ec-b4d5-a3cc04cea4d3.html
|
Racks of lamb, piles of pancakes, chocolate eggs and more pastel tones and giant bunnies than you’ll see all year – these are the staples of a great Easter dining experience and South Jersey has more than a few to choose from. Everything from massive buffets to unique takeout and a la carte meal options can be found at many local restaurants on Easter Sunday, but fear not, we are here to guide you through the basketful of choices that await you.
Vagabond EHTIf you haven’t checked out Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House’s second location in Egg Harbor Township, we can’t think of a better time to do so than Easter Sunday. Nestled just beyond the rolling greens of McCullough’s Emerald Links Golf Course, this year EHT Vaga will offer an Easter brunch buffet starting at 10 a.m. with a lineup of delectable breakfast dishes such as omelets, french toast, bacon and sausage, as well as lunch items like chicken picatta, meatballs Pomodoro, various salads and sides and a carving station with tavern ham and BBQ salmon. And the gastropub vibe paired with the golf course makes the experience both a bit dressed up and a bit dressed down at the same time. Win/win. Cost is $30 for adults and $18 for kids. Reservations are required. EHT Vagabond is located at 3016 Ocean Heights Ave. in Egg Harbor Township. Go to VagabondKitchenAndTap.com.
Exit Zero Filling StationThe Easter Bunny himself will be making a special guest appearance at Exit Zero Filling Station in Cape May on Easter Sunday as they host their Easter brunch from noon to 4 p.m. He’ll be available for photo ops with kids of all ages throughout the brunch, which will feature Indian and Thai curries as well as Mega Tots, burgers and their famous Hot Chick Sandwich. Diners can also enjoy Bloody Marys, mimosas and other Filling Station signature cocktails.
Brunch is first-come, first-served, with the exception of the outside tents and trailers, which must be reserved in advance. Exit Zero is located at 110 Sunset Blvd. in Cape May. Go to ExitZero.com.
Renault Winery The picturesque charm of Renault Winery serves as a wonderful backdrop for an Easter meal. This year they’ll offer their Easter Bunny Brunch & Egg Hunt with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The brunch will be served buffet-style, with everything from brioche french toast, fresh fruit and funfetti pancakes to honey-dipped chicken, shepherd’s pie and crab-stuffed flounder making appearances. Afterwards, an egg hunt will be offered for kids 12 and under. Cost is $49 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. Renault Winery is located at 72 N. Bremen Ave in Egg Harbor City. Go to RenaultWinery.com.
Cousins Restaurant Prefer to stay home and celebrate Easter with the family but don’t feel like burdening yourself with all the cooking? Cousins has you covered. This weekend they will offer an Easter dinner takeout menu that is sure to wow all your guests. Choose from a main course of house-roasted turkey breast or honey-glazed ham to be served with candied sweet potatoes, garlic smashed potatoes, green beans and a house salad with honey Dijon dressing. For dessert enjoy a homemade bread pudding with brandy sauce. The feast feeds a family of six and costs $90. Pick up is available from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, or from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Call 609-399-9462 to place an order. Cousins is located at 104 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City. Go to CousinsToGo.com.
Greate Bay Country Club A lovely Easter meal can be found at Great Bay Country Club this year as they once again offer their Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Guests will have the chance to feast on mouthwatering options such as prime rib, glazed ham, salmon and pesto-marinated grilled chicken while also enjoying various stations offering salads, desserts and a list of breakfast faves like omelets, waffles, fruit and more. At 11 a.m. there will be an Easter egg hunt to include a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Seatings for the brunch are available hourly and advance reservations are required. Cost is $45 for adults and $19 for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids 3 and under eat free. Call 609-927-5071 for reservations. Greate Bay Country Club is located at 901 Mays Landing Road in Somers Point. Go to GreatBay.com.
Deauville Inn Sitting pretty right on the waterfront in Strathmere is the Deauville Inn. And from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday they will offer patrons a special ala carte Easter Bunny Brunch menu packed with tasty dishes and festive fun. Try the Spring Omelet with wild mushrooms, smoked gouda, English peas, greens and crisp potatoes ($18), or the Brekkie Burger which comes topped with tomato jam, pork roll, smoked gouda, bacon, a sunny-side-up egg and chips on a brioche bun ($18). Kids will love the cinnamon french toast served with bacon and Pennsylvania maple syrup which includes a picture with the Easter Bunny, coloring activities and a gift bag for $22. Deauville Inn is located at 201 Willard Road in Strathmere. Go to DeauvilleInn.com.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall If you’re looking for a more casual vibe – and great beer and cocktails – look no farther than Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, which will serve a special Easter brunch menu 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to go with its 40 taps and 100 bottles and cans of craft beer plus awesome cocktails. Start off with $5 mimosas, selected craft beer and Bloody Marys – add on to your Bloody with items like a grilled cheese, grilled shrimp, bacon, pepperoni and cheddar and sweet chili pickles – and then dig into Chef Charles Soreth’s awesome menu that includes brioche berry french toast ($9), s’mores pancakes ($11) with Bar 32 chocolate, lobster omelet ($21), salmon avocado toast ($14), crab Benedict ($24), steak and eggs ($26) featuring a New York strip, and the famous Hell in a Bucket ($16) one of the best burgers in South Jersey topped with bacon, pork roll, fried egg, cheese, caramelized onions and chipotle ketchup. There’s also a $7 kids menu with items like pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs with homefries, a kids burger with fries and a kids hot dog with fries. Located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com.
Dock’s Oyster House Old-school Atlantic City charm is the name of the game at Dock’s Oyster House, and this year they will offer several Easter dinner specials on Sunday, April 17, including a Vidalia salad with romaine lettuce, marcona almonds, cranberries, feta, cucumbers, fennel, celery, thyme and Vidalia onion dressing; prime rib served with fingerling potatoes and haricots verts; pan-roasted halibut with white wine, tomatoes and mushrooms and salmon risotto with grilled shrimp, tomato and asparagus. Reservations can be made for seatings between 2 and 8 p.m. Dock’s Oyster House is located at 2405 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to DocksOysetrHouse.com.
La Mer Beachfront Resort The Easter Bunny will hop over to Pier House restaurant at La Mer Beachfront Resort between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17. Guests can enjoy a special a la carte menu featuring holiday-themed breakfast favorites such as Cottontail Pancakes, Berry Bunny French Toast and more, as well as lunch classics like their salmon BLT or roasted lamb and grits. Reservations are required. La Mer is located at 1317 Beach Ave in Cape May. Go to CapeMayLaMer.com
Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis Pop into Bally’s Atlantic City this Easter to enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu at one of the city’s swankiest and most fun Italian restaurants, Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis. Longo’s will offer stracciatella soup to start, followed by a main course featuring a slow-braised spring lamb osso bucco and ending splendidly with a ricotta cheese pie for dessert. Cost is $55 per person. Bally’s is located at 1900 Pacific Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to Ballys.com.
Gordon Ramsay Steak A trip to Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Resort is a special event no matter when you go, but on Easter Sunday they will offer a one-day-only prix-fixe menu filled with some truly magnificent offerings. Start with an amuse bouche of lamb shank croquette and cranberry yogurt before diving into your first course, a market wedge salad with baby Iceberg lettuce, crisp Applewood smoked bacon, fresh heirloom tomatoes, English cucumber, shaved onions and Stilton blue cheese dressing. Next up is the main course, an Everything Prime Rib marinated in an everything spice-crusted rib roast served with a cream cheese whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus followed by Ramsay’s signature sticky toffee pudding with brown butter ice cream for dessert. Cost is $89 per person. Harrah’s is located at 777 Harrah’s Blvd. in Atlantic City. Go to Caesars.com/Harrahs-AC.
CapriccioEasily one of the most visually stunning restaurants on this list, Capriccio at Resorts Casino Hotel will offer guests an Easter brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Expect a lineup of exquisite holiday favorites such as prime rib and rack of lamb, as well as Atlantic seafood rigatoni alla vodka, and a list of breakfast classics and other scrumptious offerings. Cost is $75 per person and advance reservations can be made by calling 609-340-6300. Resorts is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to ResortsAC.com.
Sugar Factory It may appeal to the kid in you, but no matter what age you are a trip to Sugar Factory inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is always a lot of fun. And just in time for Easter they are offering the Somebunny Loves You Basket, which will be available until Sunday, April 17. Filled with a variety of Easter treats, the basket includes pastel Poofy Pop, Poppin Corn White Cheddar popcorn, two Insane Milkshake Bars, two candy bags filled with colorful sour bites and garden worms, plus Peeps gummies, a Peeps marshmallow flavored lollipop ring, Reese’s white creme peanut butter egg, Mini M&Ms, Airheads flavored taffy, and the Sugar Factory signature yellow duck all for $39.
And if that’s not enough sweetness for you, you can indulge in the Spring Insane Milkshake, a $21 blend of rich vanilla ice cream and rainbow sprinkles, topped with whipped cream, colorful marshmallows, marshmallow peeps, a candy necklace and a whirly pop.
Hard Rock is located at 1000 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to SugarFactory.com.
Atlantic City Country Club Atlantic City Country Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, so if you are looking for a time to join in the celebration, Easter Sunday just might be the answer. They’ll offer up a dinner buffet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. featuring salads and fresh vegetables, hearth-baked breads and carving stations boasting prime rib, turkey and leg of lamb as well as a made-to-order pasta station with bowtie primavera and rigatoni sausage ragu. Guests will also enjoy entrees such as jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon, chicken madeira with mushrooms and salmon in shallot lemon caper sauce to name a few. An assortment of cakes will round out the meal for dessert. Cost is $49 for adults, $19 for kids 3 to 12 and free for kids under 3. Call 609-236-4400 for reservations. Atlantic City Country Club is located at 1 Leo Fraser Drive in Northfield. Go to ACCountryClub.com.
Carmine’s Family style dining is what Carmine’s at The Quarter at Tropicana Atlantic City is known for, so naturally a family holiday like Easter is a perfect match. On Easter Sunday Carmine’s will offer a pair of holiday specials that are sure to please. The first option is a succulent rack of lamb with a red wine reduction served with roasted red potatoes ($90), while option two is salmon cioppino ($73) with mussels, littleneck clams, shrimp and scallops in a saffron and fennel sauce. Each dish serves four to six people. Each Easter meal will come with complimentary Easter Egg Bread, and the full menu of Italian favorites can be ordered as well. Carmine’s Atlantic City is located at 2801 Pacific Avenue inside The Quarter at Tropicana. Go to CarminesNYC.com for reservations and more info.
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine Not feeling the whole super traditional Easter brunch vibe? Lillie’s Asian Cuisine at Golden Nugget may have the outside-the-box option you are looking for this Easter. From Thursday to Sunday, April 14 to 17, they will offer three specialty items that might even make the bunny do a double take. Guests can enjoy entrees including Sizzling Black Pepper Short Rib ($38), Sizzling Lobster with Ginger Scallion ($68) and a Green Tea Flavor Roll Cake ($8). Golden Nugget is located at 600 Huron Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to GoldenNugget.com/atlantic-city.
Amada Seeking a side of gorgeous ocean views with your Easter meal? Amada inside Ocean Casino Resort is the answer. Floor-to-ceiling windows and superb dishes are both part of the deal here, and on Easter Sunday they will offer an Easter brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring authentic Mediterranean options such as cochinillo asado, made-to-order omelets, french toast with sidra glazed apples and sherry caramel and pomegranate and gin-cured salmon. Live music and a festive Spanish-influenced atmosphere will make this an unforgettable experience. Cost is $59 per person. Ocean Casino Resort is located at 500 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to TheOceanAC.com.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven The always gorgeous Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor reopens just in time for the spring and will offer an Easter brunch filled with one of the more diverse menus we have come across. All the standard breakfast staples such as bacon, sausage, eggs will be there plus four types of pancakes, berry drizzled french toast and assorted pastries and muffins, but the savory dishes really piqued our interest, with such atypical options as Southern-style fried boneless chicken breast and mini biscuits; penne pasta carbonara with pancetta; and a filet mignon stir fry with snow peas, zucchini, onions, mushrooms and sesame in a ginger-garlic sauce. Carved meats include mustard-and-apricot-glazed ham and herbed turkey in a sweet shallot sauce and a variety of tarts, cakes, mousses and cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. Cost is $48 for adults and $22 for kids. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 609-796-7022. The Reeds at Shelter Haven is located at 9601 Third Ave. in Stone Harbor. Go to ReedsatShelterHaven.com.
Rainforest Café
If you’re looking for a really fun spot to take the kids this Easter, you’d be wise to stop in at Rainforest Café for their Easter breakfast. Filled with animatronics in a jungle-themed atmosphere, Rainforest Café is a wild experience any day of the year, but from 8 to 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday they will offer a plated breakfast which will include eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, fresh fruit and more. Guests will also receive a special goodie bag and discounts on retail items. During the event, kids will also have the opportunity to take part in the Easter basket raffle and enjoy pictures with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $20.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids. Rainforest Café is located at 2201 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to RainforestCafe.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/blackjack-bobs-right-plays-cant-overcome-wrong-cards/article_9f844d02-b8e0-11ec-b095-231ae46c9b11.html
|
Blackjack Bob and I hadn’t spoken in a while. I picked up the phone on the off chance he had time at the same time I did.
“Glad you called,” he said. “I had a hand for the ages last week, and not in a good way.”
I figured this had to be more costly than your average losing hand, so I asked if it involves splitting pairs or doubling down.
“Both,” he said. “I played it by the book, but it was an unmitigated disaster. We both know that happens.
Yep, I agreed. Basic strategy plays are probabilities, not guarantees. On something like a pair of 8s against a 10, you’ll average a smaller loss by splitting than by playing out the hand as 16. But sometimes you’ll just lose two bets.
“This was something like that, except I lost SEVEN BETS.”
Ouch. That’ll put you in a hole in a hurry.
“Tell me about it,” Bob said. “It started innocently enough. Six-deck game, dealer hits soft 17, double after split allowed. I was dealt 2-2 against the dealer’s 7, so I split the pair.”
Of course, I said. Basic strategy calls for splitting 2s if the dealer has anything from 2 through 7. Exceptions, you just hit the hand if you’re not allowed to double after splits.
“It’s one of my favorite hands that a lot of people miss. You turn the probability from loss if you hit or stand to a small profit if you hit.”
I called up the hand calculator at wizardofodds.com. Under the rules Bob was playing, average outcomes are a 47.5-cent loss per dollar wagered if you stand, an 8.9-cent loss if you hit, but a profit of a tad under 1 cent — 0.85 cents to be more precise — per dollar of your original wager if you split.
“And those averages include things like what happened to me,” Bob said.
“I bet $25 and I split my original 2-2. On hand No. 1 was dealt another 2 and resplit. .
“Back to hand No. 1. Next card was a 9. I doubled and was dealt a 5 for 16.
On hand No. 2, I drew a 4, then a 5, then a 3 for 14. The basic strategy play is to hit 14 against 7 as you know. I did what I must, drew an 8 and busted.
“On hand No. 3, ANOTHER 2 came up. I split those, and another $25 was on the line. I drew an 8. Time to double down again. This time I drew a 7, so I had 17.
“Finally, I drew another 8 on the last 2, doubled down again, and drew a 3.”
What Bob had was a hot mess. One hand had busted and he had doubles on 16, 17 and 13.
“Yes it was. I could hope for a dealer bust. If she turned up 10 for 17, I’d at least salvage a push on one double.”
No such luck?
“No,” Bob said, “but at least it was quick. The dealer had an Ace down, so she had 18 and beat all my hands. So the final outcome: I lost two $25 bets on the first double down; one $25 bet on the bust hand; two $25 bets on the double down that was a 17, and two $25 bets on the double down that was a 13.
“That’s a $175 loss on what started as one $25 bet.
“This isn’t my first go-round and we’ve all seen those swings before. But man, it’s still exasperating.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220413
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-full-lineup-of-new-bars-restaurants-and-gaming-concepts-are-headed-to-trop-this/article_95d249a2-bc06-11ec-a002-1f427fc39c74.html
|
Tropicana Atlantic City has just announced that it will debut eight new dining and entertainment concepts starting this summer and will undergo gaming enhancements to further the resort’s evolution.
The new additions and enhancements are part of Caesars Entertainment’s commitment to invest $400 million into its Atlantic City resorts by 2023. Eight of the 14 new restaurants and fast-casual concepts debuting at Caesars Atlantic City properties this year are at Tropicana. The plans for Tropicana join several already announced projects that will take place at Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, including $170 million in room and suite enhancements across all three properties, NOBU Atlantic City and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen arriving later this year and a brand-new show by Spiegelworld arriving in 2023 at Caesars.
“We are excited to double-down on our commitment to the Atlantic City market by raising the bar this year, introducing new dining, entertainment, and gaming experiences to our guests at Tropicana Atlantic City,” explained John Koster, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division. “These exciting new offerings and enhancements will join game-changing developments at Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort and will further solidify our position as the leading destination for entertainment, world-class hospitality experiences and sports on the East Coast.”
“Building on Tropicana’s success over the last four decades, we are thrilled to go all-in on our investment in this incredible resort destination, our Team Members, and the community we serve, as we introduce an unparalleled eight new dining offerings and additional transformative gaming enhancements this year,” explains Jacqueline Grace, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Tropicana Atlantic City.
New arrivals this year include:
● Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern: Taking over the space formerly occupied by RiRa in The Quarter at Tropicana, the 5,000 square foot BBQ restaurant will open this month, celebrating classic American comfort foods. Regional BBQ traditions from across the country and the finest quality meats and seafood guide the restaurant’s menu, while the bar program features a robust beer list, innovative large format cocktails, and a selection of double-barrel smoked cocktails to complete the experience.
● Ossu Japanese Tavern: Ossu will introduce a modern Japanese tavern experience, just in time for summer, with a focus on small plates, yakitori, sushi and more. Ossu is set to open Memorial Day Weekend on the site of former sushi bar Okatshe.
● Hash House A Go Go: Known for twisted farm food and crafted cocktails, Hash House will bring its Midwest flair to Atlantic City this summer in the space formerly occupied by the Fiesta Buffet.
● Purple Zebra: Taking the space of what was once the Seaside Cafe, this daiquiri bar will make its Atlantic City debut this Fourth of July.
● Gin Rickey’s: A live music sing-along bar with dueling pianos will open in The Quarter this summer. The 4,000-square-foot space that once housed the Old Farmer's Almanac General Store will be open seven days a week and will offer nightly live performances, showcasing dueling pianos Thursdays to Sundays.
● The Royce Social Hall: The former Providence Nightclub will transform into The Royce Social Hall, an American beer hall meets an adult rec room which will debut in the fall. Large format drinks, shareable food and games that range from ping pong to shuffleboard, cornhole and bowling abound in the 10,000-square-foot entertainment destination for groups and parties of all sizes. Located in The Quarter, the Royce Social Hall will be open seven days a week and will come alive on nights and weekends, with regular 21+ evenings on the schedule.
● il Verdi: Ranked one of the top overall restaurants in Atlantic City according to Open Table, Il Verdi has offered delicious, authentic Italian cuisine – including house-made pasta and other Italian delicacies - for 40 years at Tropicana Atlantic City. Now, this restaurant will receive a new beachfront location in the space formerly occupied by Olon, offering a newly transformed modern design and stunning views of the ocean. Il Verdi’s new venue and unique atmosphere will draw inspiration from the coast of Italy and the Amalfi region in its new venue this fall.
● Hawthorne & Cork: An intimate and refined new signature bar and lounge experience with bespoke cocktails, fine wines and spirits with personalized service, will open this fall in the site currently occupied by il Verdi.
In addition to the new dining concepts, a multitude of gaming enhancements will take place as well. A brand-new Caesars Rewards experience center will bring digital and in-person gaming together with tablets and a Caesars Sportsbook app center in a shared space. The experience center will feature self-service kiosks to check accounts and print cards and a state-of-the-art video wall. Additionally, there will be 240 new games, with over 200 new titles on the floor. The entire gaming floor will be revamped, including new carpeting, to enhance the overall guest experience.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220415
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_0f4bec20-bd0b-11ec-b4c6-a731583a4d92.html
|
COMPLETELY UNCHAINED:
VAN HALEN TRIBUTE
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 22
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect: Completely Unchained bills itself as the “most authentic tribute to the Mighty VH,” recreating the look, the sounds and, according to the tribute band’s website, “the fun that Van Halen created as one of the greatest rock bands in the world.” Late virtuoso lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen formed the original band in 1974 with his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, lead vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Roth left in 1985 to embark on a solo career and was replaced by former Montrose lead singer Sammy Hagar. Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Fans of the band will hear such hits as “Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Panama,” “Jump,” “Hot For Teacher,” “The Cradle Will Rock,” “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Everybody Want Some,” “Beautiful Girls,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” “Ice Cream Man,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Just Like Paradise,” “Just a Gigolo” and others. The show takes place at The Wave and is hosted by Michael James and the 100.7-FM WZXL Rock ‘n’ Roll Patrol.
How much: The show is free and open to the public.
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
THE FAB FOUR:
THE BEATLES EARLY YEARS
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 23, and8 p.m. Saturday, April 23
Where: Harrah’s Atlantic City
What to expect: Billed on their website as the best Beatles tribute ever, the Emmy award-winning Fab Four pays precise attention to detail in replicating the look and sound of the original Beatles. An interview on the tribute band’s website states: “Our love and respect for the Beatles has taken our group all over the world, including Japan, China, Australia and England, where we were twice the featured act during Liverpool’s annual International Beatle Week Festival.” The shows at Harrah’s are divided into sets of the Beatles’ early-year songs on Friday and later years on Saturday. Setlists on Friday are likely to include such songs as “Love Me Do,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Help,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “And I Love Her,” “I Feel Fine” and others. On Saturday night, the setlist is likely to include such Beatles’ hits as “Let It Be,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” “In My Life,” “The Long and Winding Road,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yesterday,” “Let It Be” and others. Both shows take place at Harrah’s Concert Venue.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24.50, $39.50 and $54.50, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BEGINNINGS: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the New York City-based Beginnings pays a musical tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Chicago. The original band formed in the city of Chicago in 1967, changing its name from the Chicago Transit Authority to just Chicago in 1969. The self-described “rock and roll band with horns” blends elements of classical music, jazz, R&B and pop, and produced numerous Top 40 hits in its 50-plus years of existence, particularly during the 1970s and ’80s. Chicago is one of the longest running and most successful rock groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records and producing five consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, and 20 Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Chicago has received 10 Grammy award nominations, winning one for the song “If You Leave Me Now.” In 2017, Chicago founding members Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm and James Pankow were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the group received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Fans of Chicago can expect to hear such hits as “If You Leave Me Now,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Just You and Me,” “Make Me Smile,” “Color My World,” “Beginnings” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 North High Street in Millville.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30 and $39, are available at Etix.com
More info:
AN EVENING WITH JOHN WATERS: FALSE NEGATIVE
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 23
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: “An Evening with John Waters: False Negative” has been described as a birthday show — Waters was born on April 22, 1946 — that is an “all-new, fast-moving, comic monologue about his career, movies, fashion, crime and the urge to startle.” Waters is a filmmaker, writer, actor and artist who rose to fame in the early 1970s for his transgressive cult films — a term first coined in the mid-1980s to describe an underground-film movement by artists who tend to use shock value and black humor in their films. Renowned films by Waters from the 1970s include “Multiple Maniacs,” “Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble.” He also wrote and directed the comedy film “Hairspray,” which was an international success in 1988 and was adapted into a hit Broadway musical. Other films Waters has written and directed include “Polyester” in 1981, “Cry-Baby” (1990), “Serial Mom” (1994), “Pecker” (1998) and “Cecil B. Demented” (2000). Waters often works with an actor and drag queen named Divine and a regular cast of actors known as the Dreamlanders, which is a name derived from Waters’ production company, Dreamland Productions. Many of the Dreamlanders actors and actresses hail from Waters’ native hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 South New York Avenue in A.C.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, $85 and $125, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
PROGJECT: THE ULTIMATE
PROG ROCK MUSICAL EXPERIENCE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: “Progject: The Ultimate Prog Rock Experience” features five veteran and exceptionally talented musicians paying homage to giants of the genre known as “progressive rock,” which includes such bands as Genesis, Yes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Rush, Jethro Tull and others. The band is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Mike Keneally, guitarist/vocalist Matt Dorsey, bassist Michael Sadler, keyboardist Ryo Okumoto and drummer Jonathan Mover. Fans of prog rock will hear such hits as King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “In the Court of the Crimson King”; Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s “Lucky Man” and “Karn Evil 9”; Yes’ “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart”; Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and “Comfortably Numb”; Genesis’ “Follow You Follow Me” and “Land Of Confusion”; Rush’s “Closer To The Heart” and “Limelight”; Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” and “Bungle in the Jungle,” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $30 and $45, are available at Etix.com
More info:
THE ZOMBIES: LIFE IS A MERRY-GO-ROUND TOUR
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, April 23
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Iconic psychedelic pop legends the Zombies, which first formed in England in the early 1960s, are on tour to celebrate their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and their soon-to-be-released new album “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round.” The Zombies’ R&R Hall of Fame induction took place exactly 50 years to the day after their classic song “Time of the Season” first hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts in America. That marked only the second time a British band scored a No. 1 hit in America, the first being by the Beatles. Lead vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist/backing vocalist Rod Argent revived the Zombies after a long hiatus in the early 2000s. The band had two other major hits with “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No,” and Argent scored a huge hit with “Hold Your Head Up” when he was performing with his solo band. Other current Zombies include drummer Steve Rodford, guitarist/vocalist Tom Toomey and bassist Soren Koch. “Life Is A Merry-Go-Round” is the band’s first album since its 2015 Billboard-charting album “Still Got That Hunger.” The title of the 2022 tour is, according to the band’s website, “a fitting description of the dizzying effect the past two years have had on the world.” The band debuted several new songs in their only live concert of 2021, broadcast around the world from the legendary Abbey Road Studio 2 in London. Their show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39.45 and $58.32, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
ANDREW SCHULZ:
THE INFAMOUS TOUR
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: A highly popular stand-up comedian, Andrew Schulz brings his Infamous Tour to Borgata as a means of “taking revenge on the year that was “2020.” Schulz recently created and stars in the irreverent four-part Netflix series, “Schulz Saved America,” tackling some of society’s most divisive topics. A native New Yorker, Schulz is known for his hilariously unapologetic takes and wild off-the-cuff interactions with the crowd. His stand-up clips on YouTube have amassed more than 252 million views, and his latest comedy special, “The Crowd Work Special,” has been viewed more than 4 million times. Schulz has appeared as a guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and his two podcasts, “The Brilliant Idiots” and “Flagrant 2,” have had more than 2 million listeners tune in weekly. Schulz started doing stand-up comedy as a student at the University of California Santa Barbara, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He kept the stand-up routine going when he returned to N.Y.C. in the early 2000s, becoming a regular at the Comedy Village and debuting internationally at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland. He has since landed numerous comedy roles in TV and film. His show takes place at Borgata’s Event Center.
How much: Tickets, priced at $54.55, $63.98 and $73.41 are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, April 24
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is billed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
ESCAPE THE FATE: THE DEAD MASQUERADE TOUR 2
When: 7 p.m.Thursday, April 28
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: Escape the Fate is a five-man rock band from Las Vegas that formed in 2004 and consists of lead vocalist Craig Mabbitt, lead guitarist Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, drummer Robert Ortiz, rhythm guitarist TJ Bell and bassist Erik Jensen. Ortiz is the lone founding member in the current lineup of a band that has released seven full-length studio albums and three EPs, including a third studio album that reached No. 25 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. Their seventh album, “Chemical Warfare,” was released in April 2021. According to its website, the band’s influences include Marilyn Manson, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Linkin Park, Korn, Metallica, blink-182 and others. Also performing Thursday night at Anchor Rock Club are the bands Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Violent New Breed and Sleep Cycles. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/jazz-society-hosts-jazzy-warm-up-act-for-return-of-somers-point-s-biggest-fest/article_98a22448-bf64-11ec-bd5c-934a3d378c6e.html
|
One of the most enjoyable elements of Somers Point’s annual Bayfest event is the music. The 2022 return of Bayfest won’t begin officially until Saturday, April 30, but this year the festival itself will have its own warm-up act.
Jazz trumpeter, pianist and vocalist Benny Benack III will perform a free concert as the South Jersey Jazz Society presents “Bebop Into the Bayfest with Benny Banack III” 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point.
For those unfamiliar with his work, Benack is the third generation in a line of jazz musicians out of Pittsburgh. His skill on both the trumpet and piano are obvious from the first note, while his vocal style gives a noticeable nod to Sinatra and other legendary crooners of yesterday as he performs both standards and his own material with impeccable style and virtuosity. Benack is also a touring member of Postmodern Jukebox, a rotating musical collective that transforms modern pop songs into swinging jazz numbers.
The jazz musician talks about growing up in a musical family and how his love of jazz has shaped his life’s path.
RYAB LOUGHLIN: You come from a family of great jazz musicians. Did you always want to follow in their footsteps?
BENNY BENACK III: It’s pretty predictable, but I was kind of shown the way with jazz music from the time I was very young. It was always playing in my house, and I just took to it right away. And even before I started playing trumpet, I was always singing and I just really loved jazz music. So there was never really any doubt or question as to what I wanted to do. I always had the music in my heart.
RL: You also work with the group Postmodern Jukebox. Is it safe to say your love of music expands beyond jazz?
BBIII: Yeah absolutely. My favorite thing about postmodern Jukebox is getting to perform with them at some really huge venues all around the world. And, of course, we do modern pop songs that everyone will recognize, but it’s done with a jazzy feel with a lot of solos and improvising. I love that they are able to introduce a new generation to swing and jazz, that’s something I try to do with my own music as well.
RL: Why do you think jazz has managed to remain popular for so long?
BBIII: I think it’s because it’s really America’s art form. It was something that was born in New Orleans — created in America by Americans, so in this country there is such a tradition of it. But something I have noticed more recently with the advent of YouTube and livestreaming is how passionate people from other countries are about jazz.It’s really incredible. They come over to New York from Europe or Asia, and they want to visit the jazz clubs as much as they want to see the Statue of Liberty!
RL: Tell us about your upcoming show in Somers Point. What can fans expect?
BBIII: The theme of the show is a celebration of bebop, which is a style of jazz that was made popular by guys like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, originally. It’s really energetic with uptempo songs and exciting melodies and other musical pyrotechnics, and I’m really excited because the band that we have assembled for this show is like a bunch of sports cars lining up at a drag race together. It’s going to be a high-energy show, and it’s not for the faint of heart!
RL: If you could perform with any musician living or dead, who would it be?
BBIII: Oh wow – that’s a great question! It might be a bit of overlap since we both play trumpet and sing, but I would want to play with Louis Armstrong. Not only because of his virtuosic trumpet playing and iconic singing voice, but just to share the stage with him and feed off of his amazing energy.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/rock-and-roll-hall-of-famers-celebrate-six-decades-at-borgata/article_6e66d7b6-bd0a-11ec-94bb-7f7ae869482d.html
|
Greg Lake once said that making a comeback with dignity was one of the most difficult things to do. That said, the late Emerson, Lake & Palmer founding member must have missed out on what was going on with his fellow countrymen, The Zombies.
The Zombies, who come to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, broke up virtually penniless in 1967, only to see “Odessey and Oracle,” their 1968 sophomore bow, spawn the 1969 American Top 3 hit “Time of the Season.” By then the individual members had moved on to other projects.
Fast forward to six decades to 1999, when founding members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent hit the road to perform as a duo, evolving into a full-blown Zombies reunion that’s carried on to the present day. It’s an astonishing turnabout for this beloved baroque pop act that not only wound up getting critical acclaim, but earned themselves a devoted cult following that translated into the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ever-modest Blunstone is humble about the response and affection his band has been receiving at this late date.
“Isn’t (our) induction incredible? I’m really thrilled, actually. Firstly, that loyal and tenacious fans voted over 320,000 times for us in the fan vote. It’s just mind-boggling to me that you can get 320,000 votes. And secondly, that the members of the Rock Hall should have voted to induct us because all musicians are looking for peer group acceptance,” he admits. “It’s such a lift to get that kind of reaction from fellow professionals. It’s really beyond my wildest imagination that we should be honored in this way and I’m extremely grateful.”
Also known for their other 1964 hits “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No,” The Zombies arrived as part of the British Invasion alongside The Animals, Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, Hollies, Kinks and The Dave Clark Five. Only 18 when the band was started, Argent and Blunstone were joined by fellow St. Albans natives Hugh Grundy, future A&R exec Paul Atkinson and Paul Arnold, who was replaced by Chris White when the band went to record their first album.
The combination of Blunstone’s airy vocal phrasing and Argent’s deftly-played organ runs gave the band’s material a sophisticated, chamber pop nuance that took them beyond the charts and earned them a number of latter-day famous fans, including the late Tom Petty and Paul Weller.
The posthumous fame The Zombies had after their first break-up led to an odd situation where American promoters wound up putting three different fake Zombies groups on the road in 1969 to capitalize on the success of “Time of the Season.”
In those pre-Internet days, when fans only knew what the band sounded like and couldn’t use Google to see what they looked like, it was an easy scam to pull off. One outfit even included Frank Beard and Dusty Hill, the future rhythm section of ZZ Top. The actual Zombies were eventually told about this, and White wound up talking to the manager of one of these fake groups for an article that was eventually written about this scenario. Blunstone gets a kick out of this anecdote.
“Someone at Rolling Stone (magazine) got Chris White to come into their office and phone the manager of one of these bands and not say who he was,” Blunstone recalls. “Chris then asked him to explain about The Zombies band. So the manager told him this story about how they were all huge fans of The Zombies, and since the lead singer was killed in a car crash, they wanted to honor him and the band by keeping the music going, and that’s why they were playing (under our name). Then Chris White told him he was The Zombies bass player, and that the lead singer wasn’t in a car crash. Reading this in print, it was almost like reading my obituary when I was 22 years old.”
Despite the band breaking up, The Zombies stayed in touch. Argent and White went on to find success, while Blunstone reaped his own solo acclaim in the United Kingdom with a string of hits that never quite cracked the American market. Argent and White even produced Blunstone’s first two solo outings – both recently re-released in deluxe editions — and White wound up taking the production helm for Blunstone’s 1974 effort “Journey.”
The latter-day Zombies roster found Blunstone and Argent rounding out the lineup with guitarist Tom Toomey, the late Jim Rodford on bass and Rodford’s son Steve on drums.
Rodford, who was Argent’s first cousin, was previously the Kinks’ bassist from 1978 until 1996. He joined The Zombies in 2004 and played with them until his death in 2018. A recent memorial service/musical performance was held on the year anniversary of his death in his hometown of St. Albans. Joining Argent and Blunstone were the surviving members of The Zombies — Chris White and Hugh Grundy (Atkinson died in 2004) — and opening the show was ARC, made up of Rodford’s granddaughters, Anya and Cara, and his son, Russ. It was a cherished moment for Blunstone.
“I like to think that Jim was smiling down at us and enjoying the evening,” Blunstone says. “It was an emotional evening with tinges of sadness, but it turned out to be a wonderful evening as well with plenty of laughter.”
Showing no signs of slowing down, Blunstone is busy touring solo and with The Zombies, with plans to record a new album with the latter. It’s all a bit of a whirlwind that the slight vocalist is being sure to embrace at every turn.
“So in the last few years, things have gone very well for The Zombies. We’re mature enough now to really appreciate it, because we know how tough this business is,” he says. “That’s why I think we’re very fortunate to enjoy this kind of adventure at this time in our lives. It doesn’t happen to many people that they get these kinds of opportunities at this time in their lives. Believe me, we’re really, really enjoying it and what we’re thinking about is what comes next.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_94170cfc-bf16-11ec-b021-8b293e50d88a.html
|
Atlantic City Ballet presents ‘Carmen’
The Atlantic City Ballet presents “Carmen” 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Caesars Atlantic City. Featuring the original, breathtaking choreography of Artistic Director Phyllis Papa and an enthralling score by Georges Bizet, “Carmen” tells the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair.
Tickets range from $23 to $48. Located at 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City. Caesars.com.
Community Day Clean Up and Party in the Park
Join Stockton University in beautifying Atlantic City during Community Day Clean Up and Party in the Park 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23.
The citywide cleanup is organized by city wards and takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The party, complete with DJ and live bands, food trucks, crafters village, juggling, magic, outdoor games, face painting, tai chi, hip-hop corner and caricature artist, takes place from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. at O’Donnell Park. Volunteers for clean-up will receive a food truck voucher. Register at O’Donnell Park on the day of the clean-up or register online at Stockton.edu.
Rain date is Sunday, April 24. Located at 2 S. Hartford Ave., Atlantic City.
‘The Crucible’ at Ocean County College
The Ocean County College Repertory Theater Company presents “The Crucible,” written by Arthur Miller and directed by Paul Chalakani.
Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.
The show takes place 7:30 p.m. Fridays, April 22 and 29, and Saturdays, April 23 and 30, as well as 2 p.m. Sundays, April 24 and May 1.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Art Walk
in Historic Smithville
The Annual Art Walk at Smithville Village takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23. Featuring more than 75 local artists, the event includes live music from 18th & Addison as well as special guest Marvel comic book artist Joe Del Beato.
Located at 615 E. Moss Miss Road, Smithville. HistoricSmithville.com.
‘The Manya Project’
at Rowan
“The Manya Project,” a series of plays presenting the stories of Holocaust survivors from South Jersey, takes place 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, and Thursday, April 28.
A collaboration between The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Center at Stockton University and Rowan University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, “The Manya Project” includes four plays based off the memoirs of Holocaust survivors Elizabeth Ehrlich Roth of Vineland, Rosalie Lebovic Simon of Margate, the late Rose Ickowicz Rechnic of Atlantic City and the late Itka Frajman Zygmuntowicz of Philadelphia.
Performances are free and take place in the Tohill Theatre in Bunch Hall at Rowan University. For more information, call 856-256-4545. Located at 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro. Rowan.edu.
Crafts and Collectibles
at Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May MAC (Museums+ Arts+Culture) presents the April Outdoor Crafts & Collectibles Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Emlen Physick Estate. The free event features the wares of vendors and crafters from throughout the Northeast.
Located at 1048 Washington St., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org.
Holocaust Survivor Speaks at Stockton
The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University hosts “Unto Every Person There is a Name – Remembering the 6 Million Jewish Victims of the Holocaust” at the Yom HaShoah Program 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, via Zoom.
Hosted by Holocaust scholar and author, Dr. Michael Berenbaum, the virtual program features an interview with Holocaust survivor, Betty Grebenschikoff of Ventnor.
Contact 609-652-4699 to obtain the Zoom link. Stockton.edu.
‘You are the Future’ commemorates Holocaust
The Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education at Ocean County College hosts “You are the Future: A Musical/Multimedia Program Commemorating the Holocaust” with Naomi Miller 11 a.m. Monday, April 25 at the Grunin Center Theater.
Miller, a singer, actress, recording artist and educator, is the child of survivors. Born in a displaced person camp in Landsberg, Germany, Miller came to the United States when she was 2 years old and has performed this program in a variety of venues.
Contact Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig, director of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education at 732-255-0400, extension 2368, or email abotein-furrevig@ocean.edu for more information.
Located at 1 College Drive in Toms River. Ocean.edu.
Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at O.C. Arts Center
The Listening Room at Ocean City Arts Center celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month and Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday with a special tribute performance by Paula Johns 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23.
Johns, who is often compared to Fitzgerald and some of the great contemporaries of that era, brings her own distinctive panache to each song she sings.
Tickets are $20 for general public and $15 for members of Ocean City Arts Center and South Jersey Jazz Society. Limited tickets available. Call 609-399-7628 for tickets and information. Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org.
Baton Twirling
in Wildwood
Enjoy a championship-filled weekend of twirling during the All East Baton Twirling Championship 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. NJTwirling.com.
Run Wild at the Cape May County Zoo
Sturdy Savings Bank hosts the “Run Wild 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk” at the Cape May County Park & Zoo 8 a.m. Sunday, April 24, to benefit the zoo and Habitat for Humanity – Cape May County.
The 5K and 1-mile walk route takes runners and walkers through the world-famous zoo before it opens to the public. Following is a free kids fun run — 400-yard dash — for kids 10 and under.
Registration is $30 for the 5K run for the first hundred registrants and increases to $40 after that. Registration is open at RunSignUp.com. Fun run is free and doesn’t require registration. Located at 707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House. Go to SturdyOnline.com.
La Mer brings taste of California to Cape May
La Mer Beachfront Resort hosts a Jackson Wine Pairing Dinner featuring La Crema Wines 6 p.m. Friday, April 22. Jackson Family Wines, headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., produces a wide range of grape varietals including the number one Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve.
The pairing dinner showcases a four-course menu including chipotle-grilled chicken flatbread starter, pan-seared day scallops appetizer, apple-and-rosemary-stuffed pork roulade main course, and strawberry shortcake dessert. Wine teachings and pairings accompany each course.
Tickets are $85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at 609-898-2244. Located at 1317 Beach Ave., Cape May. CapeMayLaMer.com.
Run the Vineyards
at Renault Winery
Enjoy the great outdoors—and the great vineyards—at the Run the Vineyards Renault Winery 5 Miler and Food Truck Festival 9 a.m. Sunday, April 24. The one-of-a-kind race and after-party includes a flat five mile race on mixed terrain with awards for top three overall and top three per age group, a festival with a complimentary glass of wine as well as live music and access to multiple food trucks, and plenty of swag.
Registration is $50 until April 23, when prices will increase.
Located at 72 North Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City. RenaultWinery.com.
World Health Day
at Salt Spa
In honor of World Health Day, Salt Spa, the award-winning spa at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, offers luxurious spa packages curated with treatments celebrated by spas across the glove through the month of April.
Treatments include an 80-minute Turkish Bath with three-step full body, global rejuvenation treatment for $265 and a 95-minute World Traveler Massage Experience that includes 50-minute Swedish Massage, 30-minute Japanese Reflexology, and 15-minute Indian head massage for $355.
Located at 9628 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. ReedsAtShelterHaven.com.
Spring break
at Absecon Lighthouse
Normally closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Absecon Lighthouse is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Monday, April 25, for spring break. Last climb is at 3:30 p.m.
Museum, grounds and parking are free, however, climbing fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 for children ages 4 to 12 and $5 for Atlantic City residents with ID. Climbing is free for active duty military and kids under age 4. Group rates are available, and a coupon for $1 off admission is available at AbseconLighthouse.org. Located at 31 S. Rhode Island Road, Atlantic City.
‘Signs of Spring’
at Art on Asbury
This April, the Ocean City Fine Arts League presents “Signs of Spring,” an exhibition at the Art on Asbury Gallery in Ocean City.
Open daily, the gallery showcases watercolor, glass, mixed media, pottery, photography, oil, acrylic, textiles, jewelry and sculpture made by professional local artisans.
Located at 711 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityFineArtsLeague.org.
Artist Sperlak debuts Gallery at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park kicks off its spring season with area artist Stan Sperlak.
Sperlak is known for dramatic pastel paintings of the Mid-Atlantic. His “Allegories and Muses” are on display through April.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery.
‘Clique 21’ at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com.
Morgan Craig at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com.
Artists Show at Riverfront Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL,” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High Street, Millville. RRCArts.com.
Juried Photography Show in O.C.
The Ocean City Arts Center hosts their Annual Juried Photography Show through Friday, April 30.
The exhibit features more than 40 works varying from landscapes, wildlife, architecture and people.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Second Floor, Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org.
‘Displaced Persons and Camps’ exhibit at Stockton
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (YIVO) and Stockton University announce the opening of “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps” exhibition through Thursday, April 28, in the Richard E. Bjork Library at Stockton University.
The exhibit examines the responses of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and of Jewish Holocaust survivors in the immediate post-war years of World War II, illustrating how the impact of the Holocaust continued to be felt after the war ended.
This is the first time the traveling exhibition will be on view. A larger exhibition, including artifacts from YIVO Archives, opens at United Nations Headquarters New York, January 2023, to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust.
The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. Groups interested in touring the exhibit and the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University can contact Irvin Moreno Rodriguez at 609-652-4699 or Irvin.Moreno-Rodriguez@stockton.edu.
Located at 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway. Stockton.edu.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
‘A Diamond of Their Own’ at Carroll Gallery
“A Diamond of Their Own: The Remarkable History of the Negro Leagues as portrayed by artist Sydnei SmithJordan” is presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and Center for Community Arts (CCA), in partnership with artist Sydnei SmithJordan. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, is open through April 30 at The Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is free.
Located at 1048 Washington St., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/5-spots-to-celebrate-the-return-of-baseball/article_9152d674-bf5a-11ec-b969-6bb67b868857.html
|
It was looking iffy for a while, but Major League Baseball is officially back and in full swing (pun absolutely intended). There is something wonderful about kicking back and watching a baseball game in the spring but, unfortunately, you can’t always make it down to the stadium.
With that in mind, we have put together a list of great places to grab a beer, nosh on some ballpark-style munchies and watch America’s favorite pastime. Here are five spots to celebrate the return of baseball:
Chickie’s & Pete’s The mother of all regional sports bars, Chickie’s & Pete’s is filled with TVs, including massive screens at both of their locations that you really have to see to believe. The beer selection is on a grand scale, too, with just about every type of brew you can imagine, from hazy IPAs and creamy stouts to ballpark classics like Miller Lite and Bud. Their signature Crabfries – crinkle-cut french fries dusted with their secret blend of spices and served with a creamy white cheese sauce to dunk in are now a legendary stadium food in itself … and are downright addicting. Chickie’s & Pete’s is located at 6055 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, and inside the Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City. Go to ChickiesAndPetes.com.
C-View InnIf you prefer the old-school charms of a well-worn space when watching a ballgame, Cape May’s C-View Inn may be the perfect spot for you. It’s been operating since 1917 and feels as beautifully broken in as that old baseball glove your dad had from when he was a kid. Taps feature most of the usual suspects like Yuengling, Coors Light and Sam Adams, but also include a few craft options from Sierra Nevada and Cape May Brewing Company. The list of bottled beers – both domestic and imported – is lengthy and offers something for everyone. You would be foolish to pass on their famous chicken wings that are available in either standard or boneless varieties and include a long list of sauce options such as teriyaki, honey hot and Thai chili in addition to the standard buffalo sauce, which can be had in mild, hot or “suicide” heat levels. C-View Inn is located at 1380 Washington St., Cape May. Go to Facebook.com/cview.inn.
Tailgaters Sports
Bar & GrilleArguably the best local sports bar in South Jersey, the main bar area at Tailgaters is so full of passion and energy during just about any major sporting event that it’s enough to turn anyone into a screaming maniacal fan within minutes of being seated. Baseball jerseys and other memorabilia line the walls, and great brews flow freely from the numerous taps, including local favorites like Garden State Beer Company’s Blue Jersey and Glasstown 609 IPA. They also add to the ballpark feel by providing everyone with free popcorn to munch on, which serves as a great warm-up act for their awesome menu, which features everything from pretzel bites and chicken fingers to some of the greatest burgers you will find anywhere. Tailgaters is located at 337 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway Township. Go to TailgatersNJ.com.
Crossroads Bar & GrillLike a lot of spots in Egg Harbor City, Crossroads Bar & Grill is dripping with character, and the friendly neighborhood pub atmosphere only adds to the overall vibe. Their menu hangs its hat on inventive spins on American staples, including the always popular ballpark favorite – nachos. The Crossroads Nachos start with your standard ingredients – tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, sour cream, guac, pico and beans, but the brilliance comes from the addition of bacon, making these nachos instantly superior to anything you might find at Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park or anywhere else. Crossroads Bar & Grill is located at 151 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. Go to CrossroadsBarAndGrillEHC.com.
Tennessee Avenue
Beer HallThe closest thing the Orange Loop has to a sports bar, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall offers a ton of beers to choose from – 40 on tap and another hundred or so in bottles and cans – and really makes for a fun spot to watch a baseball game, as the menu is filled with quintessential stadium goodies, including an impressive list of hot dogs such as the Mexicali, a bacon-wrapped dog topped with avocado puree, pico de gallo and chipotle crema. Seating is available outside, as well, on their Astro-turf covered patio, which always helps add to the MLB experience. With about a dozen TVs inside and more outside, it’s a fun spot to catch a game. And look out for upcoming beer specials during all Yankees and Phillies games. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/burger-bash-v-brings-the-fire-to-golden-nugget/article_bcfae8a6-bf60-11ec-8b1f-7bd8d6b8cb9e.html
|
Ever have a burger that is so good you find yourself legitimately upset when it’s all gone? We have. So we thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a party where you could eat as many burgers as you want and never run out?”
A few years back we made that dream a reality, called it Burger Bash, and it was glorious. And this year, it makes its grand return after a COVID-mandated break. Yes … Burger Bash V returns to Golden Nugget Atlantic City for a day of wondrous gluttony 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs—Saturday, June 18.
An all-star lineup of 15 to 20 of your favorite local restaurants will battle it out for top honors, serving up slider-sized versions of their best burgers for the crowd of hungry carnivores. There will be professional judges picking winners, as well as an Eater’s Choice category where YOU vote for your favorite burger of the day.
The official list of participating restaurants is still growing, but right now it includes Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall from Atlantic City, Golden Nugget’s Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Bill’s Bar and Burger, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township, Johnny Rockets from Bally’s Atlantic City, Ruby’s Diner from Resorts Casino Hotel, Surf Dog Bar & Grill from Woodbine, Tony Beef from Galloway Township and Somers Point, The Cove from Wildwood, AC Burger Co. from Harrah’s Resort and Bricker’s Burgers from Showboat.
In addition to all the burger action, there will be live music from local rockers Quasimodo’s Bride, plus a full bar slinging all your favorite beers and cocktails.
So what are you waiting for? Tickets are on sale NOW and are going FAST.
General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40 and includes one-hour early admission where you will have better access to seating and very small lines for burgers. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com before they sell out!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/what-you-need-to-know-about-natural-organic-and-vegan-wines/article_aafe8884-bd0c-11ec-9480-e7666321cb62.html
|
Happy spring! I hope those who celebrate had a very happy Easter and Passover and that everyone had a chance to enjoy our recent sunshine with family and friends. This week’s Wine Q+A focuses on the magic of growing grapes and producing wine. What does it mean for a wine to be classified as “natural” or “organic?” Why are only certain wines vegan, even though they’re all made from grapes? And how are some wine producers creating low-calorie wine options?
As always, you can send me your wine-related questions at Michael@passionvines.com, or text me at 609-248-6065. I will use this column to provide answers and, hopefully, some helpful tips and insight.
Q: Pat W. from Linwood asks, “I see that Kim Crawford has a new low-calorie wine called Illuminate. What makes a wine low-calorie?”
A: Hi Pat! We have seen a recent increase in health-focused beverage options, with many producers boasting low-calorie, low-sugar, low-carb and low-proof alternatives. But how do they do it?
Most of the calories in wine come from residual sugar and alcohol. In the case of Kim Crawford’s new Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc, they use a specific distillation process to remove some of the alcohol from the wine without impacting its aromatics. The finished product is a lower calorie option (70 calories per glass), with alcohol reduced to 7% (Kim Crawford’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc has an ABV of 13%).
If you are seeking a naturally lower calorie wine, look for dry wines with a lower ABV, such as Prosecco (brut or extra dry), dry Riesling, or Gamay. These wines typically fall on a spectrum of 80 to 120 calories per glass.
Q: Karen S. from Margate asks, “What’s the difference between a natural wine and an organic wine?”
A: Hi Karen! Natural wines and organic wines have a lot in common. Most significantly they share a concern for the earth and sustainable practices, but there are also several key differences.
To be certified organic by the USDA, a wine must be made without genetic engineering, and it must undergo a rigorous process of inspections and assessments. The grapes must be grown organically without synthetic fertilizers, and all other ingredients such as yeast and fining agents must be certified organic, as well. While sulfites are commonly added to wines as an additional preserving agent or to enhance flavor, organic wines cannot have added sulfites. Wines labeled as “made with organic grapes” have slightly less restrictions, but it is still a feat for winemakers to achieve this certification.
“Natural wine,” on the other hand, is not a legal certification. Rather, it’s a loose term that refers to wines made with little to no intervention by the winemaker. This means grapes are grown without the assistance of pesticides, grapes are handpicked, and juice is fermented into wine using only native yeasts. These yeasts occur naturally on the fruit, and winemakers allow fermentation to start spontaneously, rather than controlling fermentation with the addition of cultured yeasts. While natural wines won’t necessary be certified organic, one could argue that they exemplify the most ancient, non-invasive method of winemaking.
You can expect native yeasts to impart wildly different flavor profiles and textures onto wine. Natural wines may have an oily or creamy texture and exhibit funky aromas and flavors reminiscent of barnyard, forest floor and sourdough (along with more familiar impressions of fruit and spice).
One of our favorite natural wine producers is La Clarine Farm from California. Check out their Mourvèdre Alto 2016 ($28.49) and Rosé Alors 2020 ($27.99).
Q: Carol S. from Somers Point asks, “What makes a wine vegan?”
A: Hi Carol! This is a great question. While the grapes in wine are, of course, vegan, other ingredients added during the winemaking process can present a challenge to those looking to avoid animal byproducts.
Most wines undergo a process called “fining,” during which a substance — the “fining agent” — is added to clarify and stabilize the wine. The fining agent binds to unwanted particles that could cause the wine to appear hazy or contribute undesirable aromas and flavors. Oftentimes, these fining agents are derived from animal products. Egg whites, casein — a protein commonly found in cow’s milk- and isinglass — a form of collagen obtained from the swim bladders of fish — are among the most popular fining agents.
If you are searching for vegan wines, go natural! Natural wines are made with minimal intervention and are typically unfined. Some producers also employ sterile ceramic filters instead of a more conventional fining agent.
One of my favorite vegan producers is Avaline. They have an awesome white blend from Spain and a red blend and rosé from France (all on sale for $19.99).
What I’m drinkingScholium Project Michael Faraday Chardonnay 2015 ($26.99)
This 100% Chardonnay from Sonoma, California, was produced using spontaneous fermentation. It was aged in a combination of barrels that offer a balanced oak presence. The resulting wine is ripe with a firm backbone of acidity and unique nutty, sherry-like notes. This is a must-try for anyone curious about natural wine!
Q&AI’ll finish with a question for you. Email me the answer, and I’ll reply with a prize.
We’ve talked a lot about natural and organic wines. Another category of sustainably produced wines involves those grown using biodynamic agriculture.
Which of the following practices are used in biodynamic farming?
a) Vineyards are surrounded by diverse plant species that naturally ward off pests and increase vine resilience.
b) Grapes are tended according to a calendar inspired by the elements of air, earth, fire, and water.
c) Winemakers prepare special compost mixtures with cow horns, manure, and chamomile.
d) All of the above.
Drink Passionately,
Michael
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/blogs/casino_answer_man/when-dealt-card-lands-on-chair-does-employee-have-to-fetch/article_86bd5166-bf15-11ec-953e-4baacb6ccfdd.html
|
A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:
Q. I was playing blackjack at a two-deck pitch table. You know the games. Instead of cards dealt from a shoe and immediately turned face up, the dealer holds the cards and deals face down.
That’s my favorite way to play if the rules are reasonable and minimum bets fit my bankroll. At $25, I’m in. At $100, I’m not. I like to be allowed to pick up my cards.
Everything was going OK. Friendly game with three other players. I was up a couple of hundred. Then something weird happened. The dealer bounced a card off the table. The card edge hit the felt, it caromed at a crazy angle, and I wasn’t paying enough attention to block it. It landed face down on the empty chair next to me.
I wasn’t sure what to do. I’ve had cards fly off the table before and I know to let a floorman go get it. But this was next to my space and still face down. So I asked the dealer if I could just pick it up myself. She called over a supervisor, told him what happened, and the supervisor said he should go get it. He put it on the felt in front of me and we kept playing.
A. A lot of players would have automatically reached for the card, but you did the right thing in waiting. Casino are understandably nervous about allowing players to bring cards into play from the floor, the seat next to you or anywhere off the table. There’s a risk of card substitution.
Exactly what’s done once the card lands should be spelled out in internal controls. Casinos detail procedures that must be approved by the state gaming board or commission. If internal controls say that when a card flies off the table, it must be retrieved by an employee, that’s the procedure the casino will follow.
Q. On one of those crazy games with the dollar bills, twos, fives, hundreds, etc., I got free spins twice in a row. That was fun.. It usually takes me a lot longer to get free spins.
Afterward, I was in the middle of an argument between my daughter and daughter-in-law. My son’s wife started telling me I should take the money and run and that now the game was going to cool off. My daughter said just the opposite, that I had a hot game and stay put.
We were having fun together, but I didn’t want to listen to any arguments, especially since it was a machine I was playing and they weren’t. I told them both I was going to stay put because I thought the game was fun, not because of any hot and cold stuff. I started losing and wasn’t having fun, THEN I’d move because I wouldn’t be having fun anymore.
I played about another 15 minutes before I decided it was eating too much money. Then I joined them on a different bank of machines. Did I do anything wrong?
A. Your sounds like a good common-sense approach to me. Play for fun and keep the losses under control.
There is no tendency for a hot machine to stay hot, nor is there any tendency for it to immediately to turn cold. The random number generator doesn’t know what your results have been. Odds of winners are the same on every spin.
Those odds will lead to more losing sessions than winners, so enjoy winners when they come, keep wagers at a comfortable level, and don’t read too much into short streaks.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/iconic-director-john-waters-brings-one-man-show-to-a-c/article_2bd684a2-bf33-11ec-a0ee-8baf97f08373.html
|
efore “indie filmmakers” were known as “indie filmmakers,” there was John Waters.
The Baltimore native practically invented the genre. Writing, directing and producing 1970s comedic head scratchers like “Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble” not only made people notice but had critics completely perplexed – and sometimes disgusted – by his no-holds-barred content and style that eventually became transgressive cult classics.
His legend would grow in the ’80s with “Polyester” and “Hairspray,” continuing his collaboration with Divine, a drag queen who became a cultural icon of her own, while also branching into Hollywood with “Cry-Baby” starring a young Johnny Depp, and the incredible “Serial Mom” with Kathleen Turner.
Waters also acted in flicks including the Sean Penn-led “Sweet and Lowdown” directed by Woody Allen, the horror gem “Seed of Chucky” and others while creating art ranging from paintings to sculpture to photography that would be exhibited throughout the world. He even writes books, including an upcoming novel – “Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance” — about “a loudmouth woman who steals suitcases in airports,” Waters told me, that will be released by Macmillan Publishers May 3.
Waters is a true artist, never straying from his quirky persona and desire to constantly create whether audiences would like it or not. And for about 30 years, he has also toured the world with a constantly evolving one-man show.
His latest creation – “False Negative” – will come to Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City for a special birthday show 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, as the artistic genius turns 76 the night before his Atlantic City appearance.
Waters, who the French press recently called the “Queer Confucius,” promises the spoken word show will be a “fun night where you will laugh and be repulsed for a second, but you are going to be way more forgiving and much more understanding of human behavior when you leave. I talk about everything: Fashion, crime, politics, art, movies, political correctness, everything. I am constantly rewriting it, and it’s not just about my movies. I hope you have a good time at it.”
The legend took some time to talk to me about “False Negative,” his career and tripping on LSD in Atlantic City.
SCOTT CRONICK: John, when I heard you were coming to Atlantic City, my brain nearly exploded. I was so excited. Have you ever been here before?
JOHN WATERS: I feel like the Amazing Kreskin … I can’t wait to come. I love Kreskin. On his stationery it says “ESP” on it, and I find him amazing because he’s listed in my phone book under A.
SC: Yes, Kreskin certainly has appeared here many times.
JW: Whenever he gets on an airplane, everyone cheers because they figure, “Well, it’s not going to crash!” He works more than I do. He works like 300 days a year out of 365 … it’s crazy! But I have been to Atlantic City before, but I don’t think I ever played there. So I am excited. I think I took LSD when I was there a long, long time ago.
SC: It’s funny you say that because a friend of mine told me that whenever you watch a John Waters film, a beer and a handful of mushrooms makes it a lot more fun.
JW: I never liked mushrooms. They made me paranoid and made me worry about stuff. I don’t take drugs anymore, of course. I never had a bad experience with them. But I did take them for my last book “Mr. Know-It-All.” I did take LSD again at 70 years old with (actress and longtime Waters collaborator, known as a Dreamlander) Mink Stole after not having done it for years, and it was great! My mother said, “Don’t encourage young people to take drugs.” And I said, “I don’t. I encourage old people to.”
SC: I never did any of that stuff. I was always too afraid, and people said if you are afraid definitely don’t because you will have a bad trip.
JW: Then you shouldn’t. I had great experiences with LSD when I was young, so this time I did it with my friend Mink, who I have known for 50 years and who has been in all my movies and everything, so it was a great experience. I did it in Provincetown (Mass.), in my apartment, and I was with an old friend, so we had a great time. I don’t need to ever do it again the same way I hitchhiked across the country when I was 16 to write another book, and I don’t need to do that again. But I am glad I did those things. I think you should challenge yourself as you get older.
SC: Speaking of age, you will turn 76 the weekend you are here in Atlantic City. But last year was a big birthday: 75!
JW: Yeah, I can’t say I am middle aged anymore. I am not going to live until I’m 152. But I have never been this busy in my whole life. I work more now than I ever did. Some people say, “How come you haven’t retired?” And I believe that saying “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” which is like a bad bumper sticker you will see in a bar somewhere. But I believe it. I believe you only get one life, so I am trying to meet every person, go every place, see every thing, read every book and see every movie while I have the chance. You don’t get a long time on this earth, and in the history of time, it’s a second.
SC: So tell me about “False Negative.” Where did the whole idea start?
JW: Itstarted in the old days because I used to go to a burlesque show on the block I lived in Baltimore and see baggy pants comedians do stand-up in the last days of vaudeville. And I used to appear at colleges with Divine and show my movies, and then it turned into introducing my movies, and then it became a monologue … so I have been doing a one-man show for like 30 years now.
It has had many titles. I constantly rewrite it over and over. It used to be called “The Filthy World,” but this world has changed so much since COVID it has to be completely rewritten because everything has changed. It keeps me on my toes. There is a Christmas show I do, and this show, so I have to rewrite those twice a year, so I am always getting new material.
SC: Has the show changed since Donald Trump is out of office?
JW: I don’t mention him anymore. I did a whole thing when he was in office. I was really happy to live in a free country because I did a whole bit about what it was like — and it was pretty graphic – to have sex with Trump and what that would be like. In some countries, I would get the firing squad for doing that. And who knows, these days I might get slapped!
SC: As a performer was it alarming to see Chris Rock get assaulted like that?
JW: I am just happy they didn’t slap Liza. But the truth is the people who come to see me … I have the best fans in the world. They are smart, they listen, and if they don’t get one joke — I talk fast — they get the next one. I never talk down to them. I think they are too smart for that. If you don’t get one joke, look it up. And I am never mean spirited. When I make fun of people – not with Trump – I usually make fun of the things and the people I love. That’s why I think I have gotten away with it for 50 years. I don’t think I have even been heckled. The worst is that sometimes they are really big fans and they get there early, and they are drunk and they laugh too much! That’s like the only problem. But they are very respectful. I am never worried about someone coming up and slapping me. I guess I should worry about it now.
SC: Do you get political at all in “False Negative?”
JW: Even when Trump was in office, I made fun of both sides because liberals – and I am a bleeding heart liberal – are the new censors with all of this righteous political correctness. And I do make fun of that, and my show has a lot about that. What is the cutting edge of comedy these days? It is much more criticized these days not by the right, but by the left.
SC: It seems to me that you think both parties have gone to the extreme?
JW: I would be in Antifa, but I would be too old to run from the tear gas. I like their outfits, though.
SC: Are you going to do anything special for your birthday weekend in Atlantic City?
JW: I don’t do a lap dance, but we do a thing after the show called group therapy, and people share their deepest secrets with me. The people who pay extra get to stay after the show, and they sit at the end of the stage, and we have a meet and greet that we call group therapy. It’s an intimate setting.
SC: Your movies made such an impact and you truly have a legacy of not just you but Divine and others in your films. You have created something that will always be part of society.
JW: This year the National Registry named “Pink Flamingos” one of the Top 25 historic films. That’s pretty hilarious: It’s amazing how things change. I think with my whole career I ask you to come along for the ride and be surprised and not mean spirited. Let me take you into a world you have never been to before because I will be your guide, and I am never going to put you in real danger. I am just going to make you consider danger.
SC: You are the king of indie films. But you also did studio films. Today, is it sad for filmmakers because everyone has a camera and there is just so much out there that it’s hard to sort through everything to find the real talent?
JW: It’s good in some ways. You don’t have to lug around those big 16mm cameras, so that’s good. The problem is that the younger audiences aren’t interested in art films. They want to see “Spider-Man.” I don’t. I am not saying they are wrong, but I think the taste of people has changed.
You say I made independent films. We didn’t have that term when I started. First I did underground movies, then it was midnight movies, and then it was independent movies, then I made Hollywood movies, then I went all the way back to making Hollywood underground movies.
So I think I made every turn, but they were all comedies, and they were the same for all audiences: Somebody who is an outsider who doesn’t even fit in with their own outsiders and has a good sense of humor about themselves, and they are slightly angry.
SC: Will we see more John Waters movies?
JW: Oh, sure. I have had a couple deals that didn’t happen. Hollywood paid for me to write them, though. And I kind of got one going on right now, but it’s in my contract that I can’t talk about it. I don’t like to talk about something in development. I want to talk about it when it’s done and over, but when it’s planning it’s time to keep it to yourself until it’s ready.
SC: My wife and I saw your art show in Baltimore when we were dating. It was awesome.
JW: Going to my art shows and movies as a date can make it or break it. It’s a real litmus test.
SC: So what do you do when you are not creating?
JW: I like to spy on people and watch people. I never understand when someone says they are bored. How can you be bored with the unfathomable human behavior of many people? I don’t judge them, but I love to watch people’s behavior I can’t understand and try to figure it out. If I wasn’t a filmmaker I would be a psychiatrist or defense lawyer, and I would be pretty good
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/ats-cover-pics-42122/article_642b71ba-bf64-11ec-8269-a73d00580020.html
|
ats cover pics 42122
Related to this story
Most Popular
Tropicana Atlantic City has just announced that it will debut eight new dining and entertainment concepts starting this summer and will underg…
Racks of lamb, piles of pancakes, chocolate eggs and more pastel tones and giant bunnies than you’ll see all year – these are the staples of a…
Buffalo chicken is a craze that shows no sign of slowing down. And frankly, I am just fine with that, as I am a huge fan of wings, tenders, ta…
Fortunately, South Jersey is blessed with an abundance of establishments that take great pride in producing some of the best locally-sourced, …
Atlantic City’s culinary scene will get a lot hotter this summer as the most popular chef in the world — Gordon Ramsay — will open Hell’s Kitc…
Lots of people have favorite ways to celebrate Easter. Whether it’s indulging in jellybeans and coconut cream eggs or heading to an Easter Egg…
One of the most enjoyable elements of Somers Point’s annual Bayfest event is the music. The 2022 return of Bayfest won’t begin officially unti…
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/a-scrumptious-search-for-the-tastiest-appetizers-in-south-jersey/article_75da2cb0-bfde-11ec-a398-cff8134dbce8.html
|
In the restaurant world, a lot of the spotlight shines on the entrees, but those who love to eat out know that the real stars of the show are often the appetizers. Why? Lots of reasons. For one, they don’t require the commitment that a full-size entrée does. It’s one or two bites and you’re done. Don’t love it? Who cares? It’s not the main focus of your meal anyway. And if it’s great, everyone at the table will have the entire plate devoured in a matter of seconds and will be craning their necks to summon the waiter for a second batch of whatever was so tasty in the first place.
And let’s face it, apps are just fun! Often they revolve around playful takes on more buttoned up dishes and tend to involve unique presentations, tasty dipping sauces and the type of flavors that everyone craves.
Maybe that’s why starters work so well as a shared experience. Everyone at the table gets to have a bite, and the communal aspect of the whole thing breeds a sort of culinary comradery, adding to the natural endorphins that are released when enjoying a meal with friends.
Although they are beloved, the fact remains that not all apps are created equal. Just about every local restaurant around offers them in some capacity, but while they are not hard to come by, there are some that are true standouts in South Jersey, and we have a few of our favorites listed below to get you started.
We suggest you round up a bunch of your friends and head out to any one of the following spots to share a few drinks, a few laughs and a few plates of these seriously tasty morsels. You won’t regret it.
Cheesesteak Eggrolls, Brussels Sprouts and TacoFat Fries at TacocaTLaunched in 2020, TacocaT was the brainchild of owners Mike and Randi Talley, the husband and wife team behind the tasty, Mexican-themed dishes at this Margate hotspot. But despite having a menu with an overall Mexican focus, some of the best items at TacocaT are anything but traditional south-of-the-border grub. In fact, THREE of their apps were good enough to make our list: Cheesesteak eggrolls, Brussels sprouts and TacoFat fries
Since debuting on the menu, the cheesesteak eggrolls have been a massive hit, with their combination of shaved beef, diced onions and cheese served with a side of sriracha ketchup for dipping.
“We make them fresh and roll them ourselves, and initially we could not keep up,” Talley says. “We had to figure out how to get these things made to satisfy the demand. But that’s a good problem to have, and we figured it out.”
Though Brussels sprouts may have had something of an image problem up until their recent comeback, the version served at TacocaT is so freakin’ good you’ll wonder if it’s even the same vegetable that you would regularly turn your nose up at as a kid. Fresh Brussels sprout leaves get flash fried and sprinkled with a combo of parmesan cheese and truffle oil and are then paired with a smoky chipotle aioli for the win.
The newest all-star of the app squad at TacocaT is the TacoFat Fries. They just joined the menu in February but are already causing quite the buzz and for good reason. Picture a pizza box layered with crispy french fries loaded with queso, chicken, steak and chorizo and topped with homemade avocado-lime crema, chipotle aioli, hot honey, pico de gallo, jalapeños, cilantro and cotija cheese. It looks like a firecracker went off in a Mexican shopping cart and everything landed in one glorious pile of deliciousness.
TacocaT is located at 8 S. Essex Ave in Margate. Go to TacocatSouthJersey.com.
Salami Toast at Rhythm & SpiritsAn endlessly hip spot, Rhythm & Spirits manages to perform a triple-tiered balancing act, being a place to sip expertly crafted cocktails, dance to the DJ’s tunes and nosh on some truly outstanding food all in one trip.
Former Iron Room Chef Kevin Cronin made the move to Rhythm & Spirits when owner Mark Callazzo opened the place in 2020, and his modern spin on Italian and Mediterranean cooking has been the cornerstone of the space ever since.
The big winner when it comes to starters here is the salami toast. Salty with flickers of sweetness, house-made sourdough is topped with artisanal genoa salami, honey-whipped ricotta, chive-infused olive oil, sundried tomato and black pepper jam. It’s rich without being overly heavy and serves as the perfect opening act to any of Cronin’s main courses, which include unique takes on classics such as the Southern Fried Chicken Parm, an idea that should have been thought up a long time ago.
Rhythm & Spirits is located at 129 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to RhythmAndSpirits.com.
Buffalo Chicken Wontons
at Fred & Ethel’s Lantern LightSmithville Village’s less-buttoned-up restaurant, Fred & Ethel’s is a haven for tasty and inventive pub grub with a nice lineup of beers and specialty cocktails in a rustic and welcoming environment.
When it comes to apps, the absolute standouts of the menu are the buffalo chicken wontons. A crispy, golden-fried exterior expertly hides the glorious combo of shredded chicken, cream cheese and sweet and spicy buffalo sauce that waits inside. The homemade blue cheese dipping sauce that comes on the side is good enough to eat with a spoon.
Fred & Ethel’s is located at 1 N. New York Road,
Smithville. Go to HistoricSmithvilleNJ.com.
General Kahn Wings at Tony Boloney’sWhen most people think of Tony Boloney’s, they picture the wildly inventive and Instagrammable pizzas and subs that have come to define this pizzeria over the last few years. With all of those distractions taking up the spotlight, a lot of folks end up sleeping on the wings, which is a grave error.
They offer quite a few varieties, many of them based on some of their popular pizza and sub flavors like the Ole (chipotle sauce and cilantro) and the S#itfaced (honey stout BBQ sauce and crushed Fritos), but our favorite is the General Kahn. One of the few times where breading on a chicken wing works well, these wings are super crispy and crunchy and big enough to get full on just a few.
Coated in Mongolian Tso’s sauce, sesame seeds, hot honey and crispy wonton, the flavor profile is unique and boasts more heat than you might expect. The sweetness is there, as well, but it’s not overpowering and serves to balance the spice flawlessly.
Tony Boloney’s is located at 300 Oriental Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TonyBoloneys.com
Lobster Mac ’N Cheese
at Dock’s Oyster HouseAn Atlantic City staple, Dock’s offers one of the greatest happy hours in town, and it doesn’t even have any drink specials on it. Instead, it loads up on discounted apps, with some great deals on things like mini crab cakes, clams casino and raw, broiled or fried oysters — just to name a few. You really can’t go wrong with almost anything on the happy hour menu, but the lobster mac ’n cheese is pure perfection.
Lobster mac and cheese is one of those dishes that can easily be ruined by an overpowering cheese sauce or by the restaurant skimping on the lobster meat, but neither is an issue at Dock’s, where the flavors of both elements complement each other effortlessly, and the extra toasty bits of cheese that form the outer crust are worth fighting over as much as the meat. Even the presentation is top notch as the whole thing comes served in an actual lobster shell, which is either really classy or a bit frightening, depending on who you ask.
Dock’s Oyster House is located at 2405 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to DocksOysterHouse.com.
Pennsylvania Ave. Soft Pretzel
at Tennessee Avenue Beer HallGround zero for brewskis of all varieties in Atlantic City, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall has made a name for itself since opening in late 2018, with its reputation built on both the strength of its incredible beer program as well as the killer eats that come out of the kitchen of Chef Charles Soreth. Everything from kielbasa reubens to lobster rolls can be found on the menu alongside an amazing list of burgers and hot dogs.
But what could possibly pair better with the lineup of tasty craft brews than a big giant pretzel? Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall delivers the goods on this one and then some. A huge Bavarian-style pretzel comes paired with their own house mustard and an incredible beer cheese sauce made with Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA. Have fun varying up your dunks as you work your way through round after round of tasty beers.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TennesseeAvenue
French Fries
at Curley’s FriesOK, so this one may be a bit obvious, but when it comes to sharable and craveable apps, we can’t think of many things that hit the spot better than a big bucket of french fries from Curley’s Fries on the Boardwalk in Wildwood on a hot summer day.
Chubby, greasy crinkle-cut bites of pure heaven, their crisp, salty exterior gives way to a soft potato-y interior that instantly makes a lifelong fan out of anyone who tries them. And now that spring is here, Curley’s is open on weekends, giving us all a chance to satisfy that ever-growing craving we have had since last year.
Curley’s Fries is located at 3501 and 2501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. Go to MoreysPiers.com/food.
Empanadas at Marsini’s KitchenA tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot in Somers Point, Marsini’s Kitchen is one of the best spots for inspired Italian food and pizza in the area. The mastermind behind it all is Chef Carlo Marsini, a Margate native who opened up shop back in 2018 and has been going strong ever since.
While the pastas and pizzas are great, our favorite item on the entire menu is the empanadas, as they are simply the best we have ever tried. Not what you would expect from an Italian joint, right? Trust us on this one. These are in a class all their own, and the fillings change daily depending on what Marsini feels like featuring.
Recently we stopped in and had a salami and goat cheese version that was utterly out of this world, but we have enjoyed the cheesesteak variety just as much. They are somehow flaky and light despite being deep-fried and filled with meats and cheeses, and though they come with a tangy dipping sauce, we think they stand on their own.
Marsini’s Kitchen is located at 12 E. Maryland Ave., Somers Point. Go to MarsinisKitchen.com.
Buffalo Os at Pic-A-Lilli PubAn absolute legend when it comes to local buffalo wing spots, Pic-A-Lilli Pub’s reputation is unmatched. As no-frills as a dive bar gets, that vibe somehow adds to the experience of chowing down here with friends at the end of the night while piecing together the hazy details of the few hours that lead up to it.
Though the wings are the most famous of all their buffalo-themed dishes, the Buffalo Os – onion rings drenched in that same addictingly delicious sauce – are criminally overlooked by most guests.
Maybe that’s because onion rings — unlike their often loaded up cousin the french fry – rarely get served with any kind of tasty sauce or topping on them. A dunk in ketchup is about all most onion rings can aspire to, but the Pic’s decision to allow their wing sauce to double as a ring sauce was a brilliant one and these truly stand out. The crunchy, battered exterior is excellent, though its physical integrity can sometimes crumble under the sauce. No matter – knife and fork it if you must, and pair it with a dunk of blue cheese for a perfect treat.
Pic-A-Lilli Pub is located at 231 S. Tennessee Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to Facebook.com/PicPub.
Jersey Devil Shrimp at Oyster Creek InnOne of the most picturesque locations anywhere, Oyster Creek Inn looks exactly how you would expect an old seafood shack to look. Rustic and worn and sitting just on the edge of the waterfront marsh, Oyster Creek Inn is a gem.
One of the best corners of the place is the boat bar, an actual boat-shaped bar where you can belly up and order drinks and munchies, including their signature Jersey Devil Shrimp, which are worth the trip alone.
A pair of jumbo shrimp coated in a crisp batter, these tasty crustaceans come doused in Oyster Creek’s own spicy house-made sauce and served with cole slaw, which does a fine job of taming the heat with a light and cool crunch that makes us wonder why this pairing isn’t more common.
Oyster Creek Inn is located at 41 N. Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point. Go to OysterCreekRestaurant.com.
Pepperoni Bread at JW’s RestaurantJW’s Restaurant in Absecon is a fun, little place to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and they have impressed us since day one with Owner and Chef Sam Barile’s creative takes on Cajun-, Creole- and Southern-style cooking. But one of his best creations has no roots in the South at all – the pepperoni bread.
This awesome starter is a melty mix of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese rolled into a buttery loaf and served in slices. It’s perfectly sharable among a table of friends, but you can be certain that it will be gone as fast as it came. Order two.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-el-pueblo-taqueria/article_1653e25e-bf16-11ec-9f58-5be08602154a.html
|
When most people think of Mexican food, they think of tacos, burritos, tamales and any of the other usual suspects that you’ll find on menus everywhere from your local Taco Bell to the best tequila bar in town.
What you probably don’t associate much with Mexican food are sandwiches, but the fact of the matter is that one of the tastiest south-of-the-border treats around is the torta, which is in fact a Mexican sandwich.
I had a hankering for a torta recently, so I did a bit of research to try and find a spot serving them up in South Jersey. I struck paydirt when I stumbled upon El Pueblo Taqueria, a small space in a strip mall in North Cape May that boasts an impressive lineup of torta varieties.
It was tough to decide between such tempting options as the La Hawaiana with chicken, pineapple, chipotle, lettuce, avocado and quesillo; the La Diabla, with chorizo, eggs, fried onions, refried beans, rajas, quesillo and guajillo cream; or the La Cubana, an absolute monster of a torta containing breaded chicken, ham, hot dog, chorizo, egg, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, pickled jalapeños, refried beans and quesillo.
All of them sounded awesome, but in the end I opted for the La Milanesa, which featured breaded chicken, quesillo, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, pickled jalapeños, refried beans and mayonnaise on a Mexican-style bolillo roll.
The Bread: My torta was served on a bolillo, which is similar to a Portuguese roll and is commonly used for tortas. This one was a bit softer than ones I have had in the past, which resulted in a lack of crispness to the exterior, which was a shame. But the bread was flavorful and fresh, its only other downfall being that it struggled to contain the ingredients that were piled high. The creaminess of the avocado made everything slide around a lot, too.
The Meat: The chicken was tender and juicy, as it should be, and it tasted good, but the breading succumbed to the moisture of the other ingredients, which made it mushy and without structure or any real crispiness.
The Cheese: Oaxacan quesillo was an awesome choice of cheese, and it worked perfectly on this sandwich. Essentially a Mexican version of string cheese, its texture was delightful, and its mild flavor and elasticity was both unique and supremely enjoyable.
The Veggies: A garden’s worth of vegetables made it into the lineup on this torta. Lettuce and tomato were both fresh and added a cool crunch, while the aforementioned avocado did the same, but with a nice creaminess to boot. The refried beans were OK but seemed unnecessary as its flavor got lost in the mix. The most essential of all ended up being the pickled jalapenos, which brought in a mild bite and an awesome briny pepper flavor that gave the whole thing just the right amount of kick.
The Condiment: Mayo doubled down on the creaminess that the avocado already brought to the mix, ensuring the sandwich had absolutely, positively zero chance of ever being accused of being too dry.
The Bottom Line: I enjoyed the La Milanesa, and despite a few stumbles with the lack of crispness of both the breading and the bolillo, it was a fine sandwich overall and absolutely satisfied my craving for a torta. Although my craving was satiated for the moment, with so many other really interesting torta options on the menu, my desire to try them all will having me returning again soon.
The Score: 7.7
El Pueblo Taqueria is located at 3704 Bayshore Road in North Cape May. Go to ElPuebloTaqueria.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220419
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/all-you-need-to-know-about-ocean-s-draft-day-party/article_fc25aea2-c4bb-11ec-aadb-872a80550e92.html
|
The month of April doesn’t offer a lot to get excited about as far as NFL football action is concerned, but there is one event that is an absolute can’t miss for diehard fans, and that is Draft Day. You could sit home and watch to see which players your favorite team picks up, but this year Topgolf Swing Suite at Ocean Casino will offer a far more exciting way to take in the action as they present their 2022 Live Broadcast and Draft Celebration.
Beginning 4 p.m. Thursday, April 28, the event will feature pre-draft broadcast coverage with The National Football Show hosted by Dan Sileo as well as live draft coverage running from 8 p.m. to midnight. Attendees will hear expert analysis from Seth Joyner, Derrick Gunn, Rob Ellis and Devan Kaney as well as insider John McMullen, who will report from the Philly War Room at the Nova Care Complex. Special guests Dan Sileo, Clay Harbor and Gary Cobb will also be in attendance on Thursday evening.
Live coverage continues Friday, April 29, from Ocean Casino Resort with Barrett Brooks, Dan Sileo/The National Football Show, Gary Cobb, Clay Harbor, Marc Farzetta, Devan Kaney and more. Coverage will be broadcast exclusively across the JAKIB Media Network, on 6abc.com and all digital networks, including Apple-TV, Roku-TV, Android-TV and Fire-TV.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with JAKIB Media and 6ABC to throw an exclusive Draft Day Party here at Ocean,” says Kelly Burke, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Ocean Casino Resort. “As we look forward to the opening of The Gallery Bar Book & Games, making its debut this summer, we thought Topgolf would be the perfect location to host the live broadcast where guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food and beverage specials, win prizes and interact with Philadelphia sports personalities.”
The event will include live music plus food and drink deals, including a special Draft Day Wallbanger cocktail made with Stateside Vodka, Galliano Liqueur and a splash of orange juice for $12. Those who love a good happy hour are in luck as well, as Topgolf’s all day happy hour will be in full effect throughout the event and will feature $2 well shots, $3 domestic beers and $5 boilermakers, Moscow mules, Three Olives drinks and rum punches, plus select apps will be half off.
Ocean Casino Resort is located at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. For more info go to TheOceanAC.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_3afa4f60-c27e-11ec-b1f4-a3f8f9e8d0e8.html
|
FOREVER YOUNG: AN ULTIMATE TRIBUTE
TO THE MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE
When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28
Where: Caesars Atlantic City
What to expect: The revue show “Forever Young: An Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Your Life” is a new look at the greatest hits of all time that, according to its Facebook page, “takes you back to the music of your youth; back to the moment you discovered what it meant to set the record down, push play and tune in.” The five stars of “Forever Young” bring the audience on a journey through the best eras of music. A review of the show states: “They are all so talented, and each of their voices are unique so that not only do they stand out as individuals, the way they harmonize together is amazing. Their show is so family friendly for people of all ages, and that is very rare these days.” Another states: “It was lively, fast paced and held everyone’s interest.” The show’s storyline focuses on five best friends growing up in a small town who want to make it big. Set in a suburban basement, “Forever Young” is packed with powerhouse vocals, dynamite choreography, and songs that range from pop, rock and country classics. Showgoers will likely hear such hits as “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, “My Generation” by The Who, “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel, “Rock around the Clock” by Bill Haley, “Heard it in a Love Song” by the Marshall Tucker Band and others. The show takes place at Caesars Circus Maximus Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $38, are available at Ticketmaster.com.
More info:
ESCAPE THE FATE: THE DEAD MASQUERADE TOUR 2
When: 7 p.m.Thursday, April 28
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: Escape the Fate is a five-man rock band from Las Vegas that formed in 2004 and consists of lead vocalist Craig Mabbitt, lead guitarist Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, drummer Robert Ortiz, rhythm guitarist TJ Bell and bassist Erik Jensen. Ortiz is the lone founding member in the current lineup of a band that has released seven full-length studio albums and three EPs, including a third studio album that reached No. 25 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. Their seventh album, “Chemical Warfare,” was released in April 2021. According to its website, the band’s influences include Marilyn Manson, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Linkin Park, Korn, Metallica, Blink-182 and others. Also performing Thursday night at Anchor Rock Club are the bands Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Violent New Breed and Sleep Cycles. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
BREAKING BENJAMIN
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Formed in Wilkes Barre, Pa., in 1999, Breaking Benjamin is a hard-rock band that has released three platinum and two gold albums since being founded by Atlantic City-born Benjamin Burnley and then drummer Jeremy Hummel. The band’s current ensemble includes rhythm guitarist Keith Wallen, lead guitarist Jasen Rauch, bassist and backing vocalist Aaron Bruch and drummer Shaun Foist. Burnley, who was born in A.C. before moving with his family at the age of 12 to Selinsgrove, Pa., has been the band’s principal songwriter since its inception. Among the songs by Breaking Benjamin that got considerable radio airplay are “I Will Not Bow,” “Angels Fall,” “Breath,” “Until the End,” “So Cold,” “Without You,” “Hopeless,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Dance with the Devil,” “Lights Out,” “Blow Me Away,” “Give Me a Sign” and “Sooner or Later.” Breaking Benjamin will be joined by the four-man, heavy-metal bands Seether, which is originally from South Africa, and Starset, from Ohio. Also performing will be Lacey Sturm, the co-founder and former lead vocalist of the hard-rock band Flyleaf who left the band in 2016 to become a solo artist. Sturm also became the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart with her debut album “Life Screams.” Their show takes place at Borgata’s Event Center.
How much: Tickets, priced at $67.75, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
MOTLEY CRUE’D:
MOTLEY CRUE TRIBUTE
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 29
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect:Motley Crue’d describes itself as “a tribute to not only the most badass party band that has ever hailed from the Hollywood Sunset Strip, but to the spirit of an era. From the look of the band, the sonic energy and the perfection of the music, nothing is overlooked. You’ll swear its 1985 all over again.” The original Mötley Crüe is a heavy-metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 with bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe had seven platinum- or multi-platinum-selling albums, and nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, including 1989’s “Dr. Feelgood” that reached No. 1. The title track of that album was also one of the band’s biggest hits. Other songs that show-goers can expect to hear include “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Live Wire,” “Same Ol’ Situation,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Wild Side,” “Live Wire,” “Take Me to the Top” and “Home Sweet Home.” The show takes place at The Wave and is hosted by Michael James and the 100.7-FM WZXL Rock ‘n’ Roll Patrol.
How much: The show is free and open to the public.
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
KIX
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 29
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Kix is a glam-metal, hard-rock band from Maryland that achieved substantial popularity during the 1980s with songs such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “Midnite Dynamite,” “The Itch,” “Cold Shower,” “Layin’ Rubber,” “Sex,” “Walkin’ Away,” “Cold Blood,” “Red Hot” and “Girl Money.” The band’s fourth of seven studio albums, “Blow My Fuse” in 1988, reached platinum status, and the song “Don’t Close Your Eyes” from that album reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart. The band’s last studio album, “Rock Your Face Off,” was recorded in 2014 and reached No. 48 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Kix has also covered songs by AC/DC, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and others in concert. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $35, are available at Etix.com
More info:
JEFF ALLEN
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 29
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: Jeff Allen is a stand-up comedian whose career began in 1978 in the Chicago-area comedy clubs of his home state of Illinois. Once relying heavily on drugs and alcohol as a crutch, Allen has been clean and sober since 1987 and performs a profanity-free act that is appropriate for all ages. According to his website, “Jeff Allen’s rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. He provides world-class comedy with broad appeal.” Allen has become a favorite performer at corporate functions where material that appeals to a wide audience is a must. Much of his humor centers on relationships, living with teenagers and everyday situations that most people can relate to. Along with stand-up comedy, Allen has also starred in the critically acclaimed film “Apostles of Comedy,” the syndicated series “Bananas,” his own one-hour special “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and the film “Thou Shalt Laugh.” The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30 and $35, are available at Etix.com
More info:
STEEL PANTHER: THE RES-ERECTIONS TOUR
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Steel Panther is a satirical rock band from Los Angeles best known for its profane and humorous lyrics and exaggerated on-stage reproduction of the stereotypical “glam metal” lifestyle. Steel Panther released its debut album “Feel the Steel” in 2009 that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy chart and would eventually peak at No. 98 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The record featured the spoof singles “Community Property,” “Death to All but Metal” and “Eyes of a Panther.” It’s follow-up album, “Balls Out,” featured the hit “Supersonic Sex Machine.” The band’s other well-received songs include “If You Really, Really Love Me,” “17 Girls In a Row” and “It Won’t Suck Itself.” Steel Panther’s most recent album, “Heavy Metal Rules,” was released in 2019. The band is comprised of lead vocalist Ralph Saenz, guitarist Russ Parrish, drummer Darren Leader and bassist Rikki Dazzle. According to an online review: “Satirically pretending to be a hair-metal band that missed its big break in the ’80s, with spiky wigs, leather jackets, zebra-striped spandex and lots of machismo, their comic take on sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll caught on quickly, leading to sold-out shows and some unexpected brushes with mainstream success.” Their show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $29 and $49, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
JEFFERSON STARSHIP
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Tropicana Atlantic City
What to expect: Jefferson Starship is a rock band from San Francisco that was formed in 1974 by a group that included former members of Jefferson Airplane, which, since its 1965 founding, is considered a pioneer of the psychedelic-rock genre. Two years after disbanding in 1972, Jefferson Airplane essentially morphed into Jefferson Starship, which released eight gold- or platinum-selling albums from 1974 through the present. Starship’s 1975 album “Red Octopus” went double-platinum, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Both incarnations — Airplane and Starship — underwent a slew of lineup changes since their original inceptions. Currently, guitarist and backing vocalist David Frieberg is the longest-tenured member of either band, having been with Starship since 1974 and having performed on all 11 of Starship’s studio albums. Frieberg also wrote one of Starship’s biggest hits, “Jane,” and co-founded in the mid-1960s another San Francisco-area band, Quicksilver Messenger Service. He is joined by drummer Donny Baldwin, who has been with Starship since 1984, keyboardist Chris Smith (1998), lead vocalist Cathy Richardson (2008) and lead guitarist Jude Gold (2012). Other big hits that Jefferson Starship has had over the years include “We Built This City,” “Sara,” “Miracles,” “Find Your Way Back,” “Count on Me,” “With Your Love,” “Layin’ It On the Line” and “Runaway.” The band still occasionally mixes in songs from its psychedelic Airplane roots too, such as “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Can Be Together” and “Volunteers.” The show takes place at the Showroom at Tropicana.
How much: Tickets, priced at $27, $37 and $47, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BRAIN DAMAGE: TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: ThePink Floyd tribute band Brain Damage takes its name from a song on the British rockers’ 1973 album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which is among the most critically acclaimed records in history. The eight-member tribute band “faithfully recreates every nuance of the Pink Floyd catalog — you can expect to be amazed at the attention to detail these performers put into their show.” The performers include keyboardist and lead vocalist Larry Betson, keyboardist and backing vocalist Walter Betson, lead guitarist Ryan Godfried, rhythm guitarist Tony Bratteli, bassist Mike West, drummer Tony Gioia and backing vocalists Victoria Evans and MaryBeth Ventura. Along with the tribute band’s namesake, songs by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers that fans can expect to hear include “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Time,” “Hey You,” “Money” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $20, are available at Etix.com
More info:
TITANS OF ’80s ROCK TRIBUTE:
WANTED DOA and SHOT OF POISON
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: The Titans of ’80s Rock Tribute is a double-header rock concert that pays homage to two chart-topping “hair” bands of the late 1980s, New Jersey’s Bon Jovi and Pa.’s Poison, who together had more than 25 hit singles and sold nearly 200 million records. Hailing from Massachusetts, Wanted DOA has been a Bon Jovi tribute band since 2015. The band prides itself in capturing both the studio and live aspects of Bon Jovi tunes. Fans can expect to hear such original hits as “Runaway,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Bad Medicine,” “I’ll Be There for You,” “Always,” “It’s My Life” and “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” Featured on the E! network TV series “Clash of the Cover Bands,” Shot of Poison has been praised for “replicating the look, sound and antics of the original’s energy, and bringing the same raucous party atmosphere to shows.” Songs Poison fans can expect to hear include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” “I Won’t Forget You,” “Fallen Angel,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “Unskinny Bop,” “Something to Believe In” and “Ride the Wind.” The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, priced at $32 and $59, are available at Etix.com
More info:
EVIL WOMAN: THE AMERICAN ELO
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Resorts Atlantic City
What to expect: Displaying “brilliant arrangements, flawless musicianship and superlative vocals,” the 12-person band Evil Woman: The American ELO is a tribute to the British band Electric Light Orchestra — best known as ELO — that formed in 1970 and had a unique sound characterized by a fusion of pop, rock and classical arrangements. The original band used instruments such as violins and cellos that would not typically be part of a regular rock ensemble. ELO holds a somewhat inauspicious distinction for having the most Billboard Top 40 hits (20) without a No. 1 single than any other band in the chart’s history. ELO fans will hear such hits as “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Livin’ Thing,” “Turn To Stone,” “Can’t Get it Out of My Head,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” “Strange Magic,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Sweet Is the Night,” “Do Ya” and others. The show takes place at Resorts’ Superstar Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35, $45 and $55, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
DICK FOX’S GOLDEN BOYS STARRING
FRANKIE AVALON AND FABIAN
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect: Two former teen idols from the late 1950s and early ’60s, and both hailing from Philadelphia, Frankie Avalon and Fabian have joined forces as the Golden Boys. They will perform many of their greatest hits Saturday night at Golden Nugget’s Grand Ballroom. Avalon was a child prodigy trumpet player, making his TV debut as a kid playing trumpet on “The Honeymooners,” and also became well known on the silver screen, particularly for his role in the 1970s musical film “Grease.” As a singer, Avalon had 31 songs make the Billboard Top 100 chart from 1958 to late 1962, including “Venus,” “Kissing Time,” “De De Dinah,” “Just Ask Your Heart,” “I’ll Wait for You,” “Bobby Sox to Stockings,” “A Boy Without a Girl,” “Why” and “Ginger Bread.” Breaking onto the national scene with a series of performances on “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand,” Fabian Forte became one of the first pop artists to be known by just one name. An overnight singing sensation, Fabian also became a film star with over 30 roles to his credit. Eleven of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart, among them “Turn Me Loose,” “Tiger,” “Hound Dog Man” and others. Fabian and Avalon will also pay tribute to such stars as Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson and likely their former Golden Boy Bobby Rydell, who died recently.
How much: Tickets, priced at $59, $69, $79 and $99, are available at Ticketmaster.com.
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
BILL MAHER
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Born in New York City and raised in Bergen County, Bill Maher is a comedian, actor, political commentator and television host. He is probably best known for the HBO political talk show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” which has been immensely popular since its 2003 start and features a panel of special guests who discuss current events in politics and the media. The show was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series every year from 2005 through 2014, and for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Talk Series in 2016 and 2017. Prior to “Real Time,” Maher hosted a similar late-night show called “Politically Incorrect” from 1993 to 2002 on Comedy Central and later on ABC. Maher has become extremely well known for his political satire and sociopolitical commentary. The subjects he targets often include religion, political correctness, current events, pop culture, race relations and mass media. His critical views of religion were the basis for his 2008 documentary film “Religulous.” Having had numerous roles on a variety of TV shows and films, most often playing himself, Maher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Maher has written two books: “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer” and “The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody but Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass.” He ranked as high as No. 38 on Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time. His show takes place at Borgata’s Event Center.
How much: Tickets, priced at $79, $89, $99 and $109, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
SHAWN COLVIN
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30
Where: Ocean County College’s Grunin Center for the Arts
What to expect: Three-time Grammy Award winner Shawn Colvin’s debut album “Steady On” was released in October 1989 and was lauded for its exceptional songwriting, well-crafted melodies and for Colvin’s tender and provocative vocals. The album received the Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. She swiftly amassed a dedicated and passionate fanbase, and added two more Grammys in 1998 for the album “Sunny Came Home,” which won for Folk Album of the Year and Song of the Year for the title track. In 2019, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of “Steady On,” Colvin released a solo acoustic version of the album. She will perform “Steady On Acoustic” in its entirety at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts in what promises to be a very special evening for her longtime fans. The 10 songs on the album were written by Colvin or co-written by her with John Leventhal. The original version of the album also featured many different musicians and instruments contributing to each song, among them Leventhal on guitar, bass, mandolin, keyboards, tambourine and background vocals, Bruce Hornsby on piano, Soozie Tyrell on fiddle and Suzanne Vega singing background vocals on the song “Diamond in the Rough.” The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts is located on College Drive in Toms River.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35, $45, $55 and $135, are available at GruninCenter.org.
More info:
THE RONSTADT REVUE:
A TRIBUTE TO LINDA RONSTADT
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1
Where: Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, Tuckerton
What to expect: Ronstadt Revue is a tribute to Linda Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy Award winner who sold more than 100 million albums in genres that varied between country, rock, Latin, Motown and even Broadway showtunes. While Ronstadt no longer performs publicly, many of her fans still long to hear her beloved songs that, in many cases, are part of the soundtrack of their lives. Ronstadt Revue strives to fill that void and has done so well enough that two of Linda Ronstadt’s regular band members are currently co-producing an upcoming Ronstadt Revue album. Ronstadt Revue covers every musical genre that Ronstadt did throughout her more than 40-year career. The band is fronted by the Philadelphia-born Gesenia, who, like Ronstadt, was influenced musically by both English and Spanish vocalists. Fans of Ronstadt, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, can expect to hear such songs as “Different Drum,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Carmelita,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Long Long Time,” “Willin’,” “Blue Bayou,” “You’re No Good” and others. The show kicks off the 2022 Pavilion In The Pines Concert Series by the Lizzie Rose Music Room, which takes place at the Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, 450 Ishmael Road in Tuckerton.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35 and $45, are available at LizzieRoseMusic.com.
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, May 1
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater, and a 4 p.m. every Sunday through June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
HELLZAPOPPIN CIRCUS SIDESHOW
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 4
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: “Hellzapoppin” is described on its website as “the world’s greatest international touring rock ’n’ roll circus sideshow.” A review of the show calls it “a vaudeville freak show of wonder, featuring live stunts such as fire eating and fire breathing, magic and illusions, and a real live half-man.” Showgoers will be treated to acrobatic stunts, sword swallowing, crossbow artistry, and human oddities such as the “Human Blockhead.” Ringleader and show producer Bryce “The Govna” Graves says on the show’s website, “Our fans are about to meet a cavalcade of human curiosities, the likes of which they’ve never seen before. I will be their shepherd and guide on a journey of miraculous discovery through the world of the strange, the odd, the bizarre, the macabre, and where the most unusual people entertain. I’ve spent the past year rebuilding and redesigning the entire show from top to bottom.” Past “Hellzapoppin” performers have been featured on such shows as “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Masters of Illusions,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and the touring magic production show “The Illusionists.” The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, $20 and $30, are available at Etix.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/somers-point-s-biggest-festival-rises-again-as-bayfest-returns-for-2022/article_98afea96-c4c4-11ec-80b8-57ec3b1efe8e.html
|
There are certain events that take place each year in South Jersey that serve as a sort of preview to the fun, carefree summer season, and one of the biggest of them has always been Somers Point’s Bayfest.
Started more than 30 years ago to coincide with the celebration of Earth Day, it’s expanded over the years to become one of the largest festivals of its kind in all of New Jersey, with food, vendors, live music, giveaways and more than 30,000 people attending.
Sadly, it’s been three years since we have been able to enjoy Bayfest. As with just about every event that was set to take place in the spring of 2020, it had to be canceled due to concerns over COVID. Plans were put in place to have Bayfest return the following April, but that too ended up getting scrapped for the same pandemic-related reasons.
It’s been a rough few years and a lot of uncertainty, but finally, Bayfest is officially set to return this year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30, along Bay Avenue in Somers Point.
“We are very excited! It’s something that we love to do, and it’s our way of giving back to the community,” says Bayfest Committee Chairwoman Muire Cosgrove. “It’s the first big outdoor event in our area for the season, and people really look forward to getting out and seeing their friends, especially after COVID.”
Cosgrove’s enthusiasm is shared by many, as the beloved event’s hiatus has only served to increase anticipation from those who have made it an annual tradition over the last three decades.
“It’s been tough to watch that last weekend in April come and go with nothing happening,” says Tom DeCarlo, a semi-local from Edison who has enjoyed the festival since the early years. “My parents bought a summer house in Somers Point when I was a kid, but for most of the winter we would be up in North Jersey. But when the weather warmed up a bit, we would start to make trips down on weekends, and the biggest one of the spring season was always Bayfest. My mom passed away a few years back, but we still have the house, and my sisters and I always come down for Bayfest. It’s a tradition that we have really missed over the last few years. We are definitely looking forward to this year!”
To anyone who may be concerned that this year’s Bayfest will be a lesser version of what they remember from year’s past, you can officially breathe a sigh of relief, as it’s set to come back full force.
“It’s going to be as big and as great as it ever was,” Cosgrove promises.
The FoodWhile it will have the same scale as in the past, there will be some new elements, as well. Seventy-five percent of the food vendors will be brand new this year, offering up a variety of new and exciting snacks for everyone to enjoy. Like any street festival worth its salt, Bayfest loads up on fun foods that bring back childhood memories, everything from sausage and peppers to french fries, sno-cones, funnel cakes, cheesesteaks, ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade and all varieties of deep fried goodies will be up for the munching. Plus, with so many vendors making their Bayfest debut this year, one can only guess what brand new treats might await.
“We are very excited to have new crafters and new food vendors for folks to experience this year,” Cosgrove says.
The EntertainmentAs always, one of the most enjoyable aspects of Bayfest is the chance to enjoy a day filled with live bands, as the sweet sounds of the music drift down Bay Avenue. This year the event will play host to a variety of different groups, each with their own dedicated stage to perform on.
There will be four bands performing, including the Grateful Dead tribute act Dead Reckoning, the R&B group Starborne, the party band Animal House, as well as The No Clue Trio, who will perform all your favorite feel-good tunes.
Acts will begin between 11 and 11:30 a.m. and perform sets throughout the day, wrapping up at 5 p.m.
For the Kids There is always plenty for the kids to do at Bayfest with bouncy houses, a petting zoo, face painting and more, but this year there may just be a few pirates showing up, too.
“We will have live children’s theater from the Riddlesbrood Players going on this year! It’s going to be a pirate-themed show,” Cosgrove notes, adding the shows will begin at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The VendorsIf you are the type who loves to browse, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for hours at Bayfest, as there will be around 100 vendors on site as well as 28 non-profit groups with tables set up.
You’ll be able to peruse through everything from local art to jewelry and other handmade crafts. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind items to give as gifts or something special to bring home for yourself, your options at Bayfest will be nearly endless.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_ab69b47a-c4ae-11ec-98ee-df4549e88bac.html
|
Night of 300,000 Meals
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), Southern Branch, hosts Night of 300,000 Meals 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Egg Harbor Township location.
The Night of 300,000 Meals brings together local restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries that share a sample of their signature specialties to help raise funds to provide hundreds of thousands of meals to citizens throughout South Jersey.
Tickets are $100 and sponsorships are available. Located at 6735 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township. CFBNJ.org
‘The Sopranos’
at Chico & Sons
Chico & Sons, a Northfield sub and pizza shop, hosts a meet and greet lunch with Dan Grimaldi (Philly and Patsy Parisi), Jason Cerbone (Jackie Aprile Jr.) and Robert Funaro (Eugene Pontecorvo) of HBO’s “The Sopranos” 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
VIP admission is $25 and includes food, drinks, picture and autograph. Limited tickets available. Call to reserve at 609-380-7788. Located at 1620 Tilton Road, Northfield. ChicoAndSons.com
Venetian Wine Dinne
at Capriccio
Capriccio, a gourmet Italian restaurant in Resorts, hosts a Venetian wine dinner 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29.
Guests have the opportunity to taste a variety of premium wines from Italy in addition to a five-course curated dinner prepared by the Capriccio culinary team. Courses include ricotta crostini, prosciutto, cantaloupe and Prosecco Rain Drop paired with a Primi Soli Prosecco wine as first course; panzanella salad, fire-roasted vine tomatoes and fennel paired with Primi Soli Pino Grigio as second course; duck breast, morels, ricotta dumpling and red and gold currants paired with Corte Alta Ripasso for third course; Kurobata pork short rib, corn pudding and Barbados cherries paired with Corte Alta Amarone wine as fourth course; and blood orange creamsicle semifreddo paired with bottega limoncino wine for dessert.
Reserve a seat for $140 per person by calling 609-340-6300. Located at 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. ResortsAC.com
‘Bebop into Bayfest’
The South Jersey Jazz Society hosts Benny Benack III & his All Star Orchestra as they help kick off Bayfest weekend in Somers Point with a “Bebop into Bayfest” concert 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Gateway Playhouse.
Benack, a trumpet player, singer and pianist, performs internationally as the frontman for Postmodern Jukebox.
This free event is sponsored by Somers Point Bayfest Committee and the South Jersey Jazz Society. Located at Bay and Higbee Avenues, Somers Point. SouthJerseyJazz.org
Bayfest in Somers Point
Bayfest, the largest outdoor festival in Somers Point, takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30, along Bay Avenue.
Sponsored in part by the Somers Point Bayfest Community, Bayfest features numerous live music stages, crafters, food vendors, antique boats, children’s activities and more.
SPNJBayfest on Facebook
Sports Memorabilia Show in Ocean City
Ocean City hosts its fourth annual Sports Memorabilia Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Ocean City Music Pier.
In addition to vendors with sports merchandise and collector’s items, the show features Q&A sessions with former Philadelphia Phillies coach Charlie Manuel at 1 p.m. and former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner at 11 a.m.
Tickets are $25 and on sale for the opportunity to get an autograph and photo with Joyner starting at 11:30 a.m. or Manuel starting at 1:30 p.m.
Located at 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City. OceanCityVacation.com/BoxOffice
Bay Atlantic Symphony Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
The Bay Atlantic Symphony, led by musical director Jed Gaylin, presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Guaracini Performing Arts Center of Rowan College of Southern New Jersey — Cumberland Campus, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the season’s final concert featuring Felix Mendelssohn’s early romantic period piece of the same name, first performed with William Shakespeare’s play in 1826. The program includes acclaimed solo pianist Terrence Williams.
Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at BayAtlanticSymphony.org or at the door.
Guaracini Performing Arts Center is located at 3322 College Drive, Vineland. Stockton’s PAC is located at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Egg Harbor City.
Atlantic City Host
Awards Returns
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) hosts the 23rd Annual Atlantic City Host and Spirit of Hospitality Awards 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in the Adrian Phillips Theater.
The event, which has been absent for two years, recognizes and awards Atlantic City’s front-line and back-of-the-house workers for exemplary service to our visitors and recognizes them as the backbone of the hospitality industry. Awards are given for best server, best door person, best food production personnel and more.
As part of the ceremony, Evan Sanchez of ThriveAC Fund will receive the Spirit of Hospitality Award, which is given to an outstanding individual who has made a long-lasting contribution to the Atlantic City tourism and hospitality industries.
Tickets are $75 per person and $750 for tables of 10. Contact Doreen Prinzo at 609-449-7156 for more information and to purchase tickets.
Located at 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. NJCRDA.com
Stockton PAC presents ‘Spamilton’
Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center presents “Spamilton: An American Parody” 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29.
Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit “Forbidden Broadway” and performed by a versatile cast of eight, “Spamilton: An American Parody” is a side-splitting new musical parody.
Tickets are $35 with discounts for seniors, students and groups. Located at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Egg Harbor City. Stockton.edu/PAC
Bluegrass Festival at Albert Music Hall
Albert Music Hall hosts a whole night of bluegrass 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30, with Prograsstination, Church Street Revival, 18 Below, Elaine & the Cimarron Sky and White Oak.
Snack and gift booths open. Tickets are $5 for adults, $1 for children.
Located at 131 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Waretown. AlbertHall.org
Fins Sunday Social supports East Lynne Theater
East Lynne Theater Company kicks off its 42nd season at Fins Bar & Grille 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, with Fins Sunday Social, where 50 percent of revenue goes back to East Lynne Theater Company.
Guests enjoy brunch and lunch menus, make-your-own Bloody Marys and mimosa, plus live entertainment from Camille Peruto and access to Season 2022 tickets.
Located at 142 Decatur St., Cape May. EastLynneTheater.org
Dance Competition at Showboat
High Demand (HD) Dance Competition comes to Atlantic City Friday, April 29, through Sunday, May 1, at Showboat Hotel.
HD Dance Competitions feature two age divisions: 12 and under and 13 to 18. The entry fee is $25 for pre-registered dancers and $30 for onsite registration.
Located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. HDDanceCompetition.com
Feast on History at NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
Historic Cold Spring Village begins the 2022 season with its signature fundraiser, Feasting on History, the 20th annual restaurant gala and Cape May County’s premier networking event 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 3.
Held in the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, the event features signature dishes, drinks, coffee and desserts from Cape May County’s favorite restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Tickets are $85 per person or $700 for a pre-paid reserved table of 10 and must be purchased in advance.
Located at 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May. HCSV.org
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) presents Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Cape May Lighthouse.
Guests climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon and the start of a new 29.5-day lunar cycle, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and can be purchased from the lighthouse keeper the evening of the event.
Located at 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point State Park. CapeMayMac.org
Cape May Music
Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival kicks off Sunday, May 1, with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, the festival brings a jazz brunch at Vintage at the Emlen Physick Estate where guests savor a delicious jazz brunch that celebrates The Great American Songbook and features Stan Slotter on trumpet and Ray Mallach on piano 10 a.m. Sunday, May 1. Tickets are $50 adults, $45 for Cape May MAC members. Located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May.
Also this week, enjoy lunch and a classical music mini concert from members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony at Vintage at the Emlen Physick Estate 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 4 and 25, and June 15. Tickets are $50 adults, $45 for Cape May MAC members. Located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues, and to purchase tickets, visit CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
Local Artists at
Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May. Light refreshments will be served.
An opening reception to meet the artists takes place 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 6. Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
The Maurice River
Chili Bowl
The Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River & Its Tributaries (CU) hosts its 16th Annual World Famous Chili Bowl Fundraiser 6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Rosary Hall, St. Padre Pio Parish.
The evening of fun, food and things to buy sells out quickly. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at TinyURL.com/2p83d4pj. For information call 856-300-5331 or email Doreen.Homan@CUMauriceRiver.org.
Located at 4680 Dante Ave., Vineland. CUMauriceRiver.org
‘The Crucible’ at Ocean County College
The Ocean County College Repertory Theater Company presents “The Crucible,” written by Arthur Miller and directed by Paul Chalakani.
Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.
The show takes place 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
‘The Manya Project’
at Rowan
“The Manya Project,” a series of plays presenting the stories of Holocaust survivors from South Jersey, takes place 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28.
A collaboration between The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Center at Stockton University and Rowan University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, “The Manya Project” includes four plays based off the memoirs of Holocaust survivors Elizabeth Ehrlich Roth of Vineland, Rosalie Lebovic Simon of Margate, the late Rose Ickowicz Rechnic of Atlantic City and the late Itka Frajman Zygmuntowicz of Philadelphia.
Performances are free and take place in the Tohill Theatre in Bunch Hall at Rowan University. For more information, call 856-256-4545. Located at 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro. Rowan.edu.
World Health Day
at Salt Spa
In honor of World Health Day, Salt Spa, the award-winning spa at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, offers luxurious spa packages curated with treatments celebrated by spas across the glove through the month of April.
Treatments include an 80-minute Turkish Bath with three-step full body, global rejuvenation treatment for $265 and a 95-minute World Traveler Massage Experience that includes 50-minute Swedish Massage, 30-minute Japanese Reflexology and 15-minute Indian head massage for $355.
Located at 9628 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor. ReedsAtShelterHaven.com
‘Signs of Spring’ at Art
on Asbury
This April, the Ocean City Fine Arts League presents “Signs of Spring,” an exhibition at the Art on Asbury Gallery in Ocean City.
Open daily, the gallery showcases watercolor, glass, mixed media, pottery, photography, oil, acrylic, textiles, jewelry and sculpture made by professional local artisans.
Located at 711 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityFineArtsLeague.org.
Artist Sperlak debuts Gallery at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park kicks off its spring season with area artist Stan Sperlak.
Sperlak is known for dramatic pastel paintings of the Mid-Atlantic. His “Allegories and Muses” are on display through April.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery.
‘Clique 21’ at Noyes
Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig
at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Artists Show
at Riverfront
Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com.
Juried Photography
Show in O.C.
The Ocean City Arts Center hosts their Annual Juried Photography Show through Saturday, April 30.
The exhibit features more than 40 works varying from landscapes, wildlife, architecture and people.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Second Floor, Ocean City. Ocean CityArtsCenter.org.
‘Displaced Persons and Camps’ exhibit at Stockton
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (YIVO) and Stockton University announce the opening of “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps” exhibition through Thursday, April 28, in the Richard E. Bjork Library at Stockton University.
The exhibit examines the responses of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and of Jewish Holocaust survivors in the immediate post-war years of World War II, illustrating how the impact of the Holocaust continued to be felt after the war ended.
This is the first time the traveling exhibition will be on view. A larger exhibition, including artifacts from YIVO Archives, opens at United Nations Headquarters New York, January 2023, to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of victims of the Holocaust.
The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. Groups interested in touring the exhibit and the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University can contact Irvin Moreno Rodriguez at 609-652-4699 or Irvin.Moreno-Rodriguez@stockton.edu.
Located at 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway. Stockton.edu.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
‘A Diamond of Their Own’
at Carroll Gallery
“A Diamond of Their Own: The Remarkable History of the Negro Leagues as portrayed by artist Sydnei SmithJordan” is presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and Center for Community Arts (CCA), in partnership with artist Sydnei SmithJordan. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, is open through April 30 at The Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission is free.
Located at 1048 Washington St., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/tropicana-s-boogie-nights-celebrates-10-years-of-partying-like-its-1999/article_f9f10f08-c571-11ec-bdab-0fa1df62cb5f.html
|
A lot of people are intimidated by nightclubs. The judgmental reputation of those who guard the velvet rope as well as the overall too-cool-for-school attitudes of the crowds at some spots leave many who might enjoy a night out dancing to instead be turned off by the whole idea.
However, one spot in Atlantic City seems to have found the key to making just about everyone drop their apprehensions while still being one of the hippest rooms in town – Boogie Nights at Tropicana Atlantic City. The retro-themed club celebrates their 10th anniversary this year, proving that their formula for making everyone have a great time is working like a charm.
“The idea was to create a place for escapism that hit all the demographics,” says Dave Pena, the nightlife impresario and creative force behind Boogie Nights. “So if you like disco, if you like rock, if you like pop, if you like hip-hop, if you like R&B, if you like New Wave – we cover it all. We basically change our sets every 10 minutes, so there is something for everyone. The whole idea was to create the ultimate escape where people can party, dance and enjoy themselves and feel comfortable.”
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Boogie Nights will offer three nights of nonstop musical action Thursday through Saturday, April 28 to 30, including a celebrity appearance by ’80s icon Tiffany. More on that later.
But first …
A bit of historyPena cut his teeth working as a DJ in New York City at the scandalously young age of 13. That was back in the ’80s, and the carefree and fun party vibe of that time period made a lasting impression on him and inspired him to bring that same atmosphere to Boogie Nights, which focuses on all things retro from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
The concept was originally launched at Resorts Casino Hotel in 2007, where it spent a few years in the space formerly occupied by the Camelot Steakhouse, but it wasn’t until 2012 when it moved to its current home at Tropicana that things really solidified.
Trop chose to build the club from the ground up, transforming what was once an area of penny slot machines into a massive full-fledged nightclub that had never existed in that space before. It wasn’t a matter of simply changing themes, instead the entire aesthetic of Boogie Nights was able to be designed from scratch.
“We were able to start with a blank slate,” Pena expains. “Most times you get what you are given – you have a room that is already there and you have to sort of put lipstick on it and dress it up a bit, but at Trop, we built out the entire space.”
The spaceThe main dance floor at Boogie Nights is visually stunning, its giant overhead disco ball serving as the crown jewel and centerpiece of the room. With a DJ spinning hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s at the alter-like stage at the end of the room, the energy is irresistible, meaning even those who might not normally be willing to dance in public often find themselves cutting a rug to Gen-X classics like “Raspberry Beret,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” or “Hit Me Baby One More Time.”
The retro concept fills the club from literally every angle as the dance floor is flanked by a series of VIP tables offering bottle service in individually themed environments. You can reserve a table in rooms like the Lava Lounge, the Miami Suites or the 1999 table, depending on your nostalgic preferences. Each space is decked out to represent their time period perfectly, much like the rest of Boogie Nights. No matter where you find yourself in the club, you’ll sense the effort that was put in to make the theme consistent and fun. Adding to that fun is a literal cast of costumed characters that you can interact with throughout the night.
“We always need to immerse the audience in the ultimate retro experience, and they need to hear, feel and see things that they haven’t seen in a club before,” Pena says. “So we made sure the space looked amazing and that our DJs were fantastic, and we added the visuals to it, but I knew there was something else we could add to it, and that was the characters — Rollergirl, Mr. Boogie, Mirrorman, Boogie Beaver and Hula Hoop Girl. We basically tried to create this mini-circus, so it’s like Studio 54 meets Disneyland!”
The big 1-0Though it has a lot going for it with some incredible theming and a fun all-around atmosphere, the fact that Boogie Nights has been a staple at Tropicana for 10 years is an incredible accomplishment, especially in the always-fickle nightclub scene, where even the hippest spots rarely last more than a handful of years.
“To last 10 years is a big accomplishment for our entire team,” Pena says proudly. “A lot of the time we are able to run on autopilot, and we just have to look at each other to give each other cues in order to create excitement in the room. And when you’ve got that type of synergy, it spills out onto the crowd and then they get involved as well. And that experience is what people come back for.”
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the club, Pena and his team are giving folks even more reasons to come back this weekend when they host a three-night anniversary celebration Thursday through Saturday, April 28 to 30. Thursday and Friday nights will showcase a Britney Spears impersonator in addition to all the retro hits from the DJ, while Saturday’s grand finale will feature a live performance from ’80s pop icon Tiffany, who will perform classics such as her smash hits “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” among others.
Keeping things fresh and exciting with celebrity appearances such as this are all just part of what has kept folks returning again and again over the last decade. Pena’s magic trick seems to be to keep you guessing, while also keeping things familiar at all times.
“I think Boogie Nights has stood the test of time because people know what they are going to get when they walk through the door,” he says. “We don’t stray from what we are, we stick to our formula. And we keep things fresh by offering different themed nights like our Cougars and Cubs Ball, our singles mixers plus celebrity impersonators and special guests. You have to keep a solid foundation and continue that, but at the same time, you can never forget how hungry you were (for success) the first night you opened the doors. But no matter what, I always want the customers to walk away knowing that they had a lot of fun and experienced some real joy for a few hours.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/ats-cover-4-28-22/article_661c8de2-c4c8-11ec-9c0b-4b7ec50fa571.html
|
ATS Cover 4 28 22
Related to this story
Most Popular
In the restaurant world, a lot of the spotlight shines on the entrees, but those who love to eat out know that the real stars of the show are …
There are certain events that take place each year in South Jersey that serve as a sort of preview to the fun, carefree summer season, and one…
Tropicana Atlantic City has just announced that it will debut eight new dining and entertainment concepts starting this summer and will underg…
efore “indie filmmakers” were known as “indie filmmakers,” there was John Waters.
Greg Lake once said that making a comeback with dignity was one of the most difficult things to do. That said, the late Emerson, Lake & Pa…
- Updated
Phillies fans will have a legendary South Jersey pizza to munch on while watching Bryce Harper hit bombs this season at Citizens Bank Park.
When most people think of Mexican food, they think of tacos, burritos, tamales and any of the other usual suspects that you’ll find on menus e…
One of the most enjoyable elements of Somers Point’s annual Bayfest event is the music. The 2022 return of Bayfest won’t begin officially unti…
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/andy-s-pizza-in-hammonton-is-buzzing-with-breakfast-brilliance/article_c8935cd0-c4c3-11ec-b8d2-c7357ffc7406.html
|
When you think of Hammonton – a great foodie town – you probably think of Bruni’s pizza, Bagliani’s sandwiches, Tacos Al Carbon food truck, Royale Crown Homemade Ice Cream and the legendary Joe Italiano’s Maplewood.
But if you’re from Hammonton, you might know the best-kept secret in town — particularly for breakfast — is located inside a little strip mall right off Exit 28 of the Atlantic City Expressway: Andy’s Pizza & Ristorante.
I was tipped off by my neighbor and one of my best friends, who invited me to check it out for myself. We had an awesome breakfast, and the huge, diner-like menu has had me craving to go back for a later meal sooner than later.
The quaint establishment, which now occupies two storefronts because of Andy’s success, is owned by Marco Carranza, of Egg Harbor Township, and German Lucas of Somers Point, who used their past experiences and a friendship that bonded working together for 20 years at Romanelli’s in Linwood to make their dream of opening their own place come true.
“When I came here from Mexico in 1994, I was a little kid, and I am very lucky because I have never missed a day of work,” Lucas says. “We both started like everyone else. We worked hard every day until we could have our own place. We saved our money and talked about it and talked about it until we could make it a reality.”
The dynamic duo bought the existing Andy’s about eight years ago, deciding to keep the name that was already established for about three years.
“The truth is, we were going to change it,” Lucas says. “But then we found out it would cost $5,000 to change the sign, and since I have a son named Andy, we just decided to keep the name in honor of my son and save the money.”
Aside from Romanelli’s, where the owners of Andy’s learned how to make American breakfast and lunch food and large catering orders, Lucas learned how to cook Italian food in some of the most revered Italian joins in Atlantic City: Girasole, Café 2825 and Angelonis.
“The customers say all of the time: ‘How do two Mexicans get into this Italian town making Italian-American dishes?’ Then they try our food and they leave with a smile out the door. That’s what makes us happy.”
Best breakfast
in Hammonton?Go to Andy’s website and they advertise they have the best breakfast in Hammonton. I haven’t eaten at enough places in town to verify that, but I can tell you that Andy’s breakfast would be very tough to beat.
“We have a great menu that people love, but I really encourage people to check out our specials, which change every other day,” Lucas says. “We create new things all of the time. We use local farmers when the Jersey produce is coming in. It’s all about using the freshest ingredients we can get our hands on.”
For starters, their supersized, three-egg omelets ($6.99 to $12.99) rock! Accompanied with toast and their signature home fries – more about those later – go traditional or choose from Andy’s specialties like the Italian with sweet Italian sausage, peppers, onions and provolone; the Philly cheesesteak with fried onions and American cheese; broccoli rabe with spinach, Italian sausage and sharp provolone; or the meat lovers with pork roll, sausage, bacon and American cheese.
There are four types of eggs Benedict ($12.99 to $15.99), but it’s hard to pass on the Frank Woelfel Eggs Benedict featuring sausage, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce on grilled biscuits with a side of home fries.
Other standouts include shredded coconut-coated Texas french toast ($10.99) topped with strawberries and bananas; bacon french toast ($11.99) topped with strawberries and bananas; Lori’s Breakfast Sandwich ($11.99) with bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried egg and chipotle mayo on multigrain toast with home fries; the Mike Wuillermin Breakfast Sandwich ($9.99) with sweet Italian sausage, green peppers, fried onions, banana peppers, white potato, sweet potato, scrambled eggs and American cheese on a long roll; or three hungry man platters ($10.99 to $20.99) including an 8-ounce steak with eggs, home fries and toast.
And back to those home fries. If they don’t come with your meal, make sure you order a side because they are the best home fries in South Jersey featuring green peppers, onions, white potato — and here’s the catch — sweet potato! Savory, sweet and delicious!!
“Andy’s never did breakfast before us buying it,” Lucas says. “We really liked our location, and we had plenty of parking, and we went around to other breakfast places in town and realized they didn’t have the parking we had. So we made it easier for people to park right in front of our door and go right into the dining room. It turned out that breakfast is the main part of our business right now. We want to be open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner so we can spend time with our family, with our kids. That’s what’s important.”
Lunch and dinnerCompared to the one-page breakfast menu, the four-page lunch and dinner menu is not for those who have difficulty making decisions.
But you should absolutely try Andy’s pizza ($11.50 to $23), whether a traditional round or large Sicilian, it’s one of the most underrated pizzas in South Jersey.
“Marco and I work great together,” Lucas says. “But he is definitely more of our pizza man and the front of the house guy while I cook more in the kitchen,” Lucas says. “So he had a lot of experiences with pizza before working here, so he changed the pizza recipes and everything from what it used to be at Andy’s before we bought it. He had ideas, and the pizza is great.”
Different styles include Supreme with sausage, onion, peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni and black olives; buffalo chicken with blue cheese; meat lovers with sausage, ham, pepperoni and bacon; or Mexican with grilled chicken, refried beans, avocado, jalapeno and mozzarella.
There’s also a wide array of stromboli and calzones ($8.99 to $15.50) and an appetizer menu ($4.99 to $10.50) that you would expect from a pizzeria (fried calamari, fried mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, etc.)
If it can be put on a bun, in a wrap or layered in a quesadilla, Andy’s has you covered from cheesesteaks to burgers to reubens.
Standouts include a Cuban sandwich ($13.99) with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, provolone, sliced pickles and chipotle mayo served with fries; an Italian cheesesteak ($13.99) with roasted peppers, fried onions, long hots, lettuce, tomato and provolone served with fries; a hickory burger ($12.50) with bacon, fried onions, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce with sweet potato fries; and either a shrimp or steak quesadilla ($13.99, $11.50).
Still undecided? Then check out their page featuring pasta and Italian dishes. Word on the street is the homemade eggplant rollatini ($17.50) with ricotta, spinach and provolone is something special, but other highlights include homemade lasagna ($14.99), chicken parm, Francese or marsala ($21.99), shrimp and broccoli alfredo ($22.99) over linguini and mussels Fra Diavolo ($20.99) over your choice of pasta.
“Everything is fresh,” Lucas says. “We make our own homemade meatballs, all of our sauces. The chicken cutlets are hand breaded. And, in season, we even use fresh seafood in some of the specials we offer. And when we run out, it’s gone.”
The future of Andy’sSince buying Andy’s eight years ago, Lucas and Carranza took on double its original space in the strip mall about five years ago after the adjacent business closed.
“That extra space has changed our business so much,” Lucas says. “We got too crowded on just the one side, so when we had the opportunity to get another space, we took it, and it really worked. We used to have a line at the door every weekend because we didn’t have enough room. Now, we can fit so many more people comfortably.”
But that doesn’t mean the business partners are done.
“Our dream is to have our own building one day,” Lucas says. “My personal dream is to open a bar one day. But one step at a time.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/burger-bash-v-returns-to-the-nugget/article_aaba2af2-c268-11ec-965b-0f8c63cf301d.html
|
There aren’t many foods that are universally adored in America, but we have a few: Pizza, tacos and mac ’n cheese each fall in that category, but the one that rises above them all is the mighty hamburger.
Whether it’s topped with cheese, doubled, tripled or baconated, something about this combo of meat, bun and toppings seems to scratch everyone right where they itch. That’s why we at Atlantic City Weekly will come together to dedicate an entire rockin’ afternoon to this American classic as Burger Bash V sizzles from 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs — Saturday, June 18, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City.
Expect a who’s who of the top local restaurants — at least 15 to 20 in total — all furiously grilling their tails off in head-to-head competition to see who makes the best burger in town. And the best part is that attending means you can pound down slider-sized versions of each of them all day long.
The list of restaurants is still being finalized, but so far it includes Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall from Atlantic City, Golden Nugget’s Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Bill’s Bar and Burger, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township, Johnny Rockets from Bally’s Atlantic City, Ruby’s Diner from Resorts Casino Hotel, Surf Dog Bar & Grill from Woodbine, Tony Beef from Galloway Township and Somers Point, The Cove from Wildwood, AC Burger Co. from Harrah’s Resort and Bricker’s Burgers from Showboat.
A trio of professional judges will be on hand to pick the grand champion, but there will also be a people’s choice category where YOU vote for your favorite burger of the day, so be sure to come hungry and ready to vote! In the end the winners will be crowned in a variety of categories and champions will be sent home with trophies and plenty of bragging rights.
The party will kick into high gear as local faves Quasimodo’s Bride will perform live throughout the event, making sure Burger Bash V rocks in every way imaginable. Expect everything from classic rock covers to killer originals and then some!
You’re gonna need to wash all those burgers down too, so we decided to throw a fully stocked bar in the middle of the room for your thirst quenching, beer guzzling, cocktail sipping and shot downing needs.
So, by now you must be wondering when tickets will go on sale, right? Well they already did! But the good news is there are still some left, you just gotta grab ’em.
General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40 and include one-hour early admission where you will have better access to seating and very small lines for burgers. Get yours at AC Weekly.com or Eventbrite.com before they sell out!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/foodie-friendly-charity-events-come-to-south-jersey-this-week/article_18717df6-c57b-11ec-beb7-37e9a27b9977.html
|
If you love great food and you love eating for the sake of charity, this week is for you, as two food-focused charity fundraising dinners will take place in South Jersey.
Night of
300,000 MealsThe Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), Southern Branch’s annual event, Night of 300,000 Meals, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the FoodBank’s Egg Harbor Township location.
The event began in 2018 as Night of 100,000 Meals, but this year, they decided to triple their efforts.
“This is the third time we are hosting,” says Denise Hladun, director of external affairs for the FoodBank. “It was formerly night of 100,000 meals, but it’s been rebranded as Night of 300,000 meals, and the goal is now to provide 300,000 nutritious meals for our South Jersey neighbors in need.”
While that number may seem high, the fact of the matter is that there are 60,000 families in South Jersey who are food insecure right now, making the goal a modest, yet extremely important one.
The format has expanded this year, as well, and will now include an outdoor tent where attendees can enjoy live music from the Eddie Morgan Jazz Duo while sampling various dishes and spirits from local restaurants.
In total, 20 restaurants from Atlantic and Cape May counties will participate in the event, with each serving up tasting portions of some of their signature dishes. In addition, Tito’s Vodka is a sponsor and will offer specialty cocktails.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the restaurateurs during what we know has been a very difficult few years as well as the support of the community at large for coming together to support this event,” Hladun says.
Tickets for the event are $100, and sponsorships are available. The FoodBank is located at 6735 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township. Go to CFBNJ.org.
Feasting on HistoryThe second foodie event of the week is hosted by Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, as they celebrate the 20th anniversary edition of Feasting on History. Their annual gala, which allows guests to feast on an array of food and drinks from various local restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries and serves as a fundraiser for the historic site, takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
“We are incredibly excited to be able to bring this event back, as COVID forced us to cancel it several times. So it’s our 20th anniversary, but it should have been celebrated in 2020,” says Anne Salvatore, executive director at Historic Cold Spring Village.
Salvatore seems particularly happy to see the return of the event for 2022 because as of only a few months ago, the fate of Feasting on History was still up in the air.
“In the last couple of months, since the Omicron variant has started to fade away, people that I would see would say: ‘Oh Annie – when are you having Feasting on History?’ so I started to feel some pressure to make a decision. So we decided to do it.”
The event’s original seeds were planted back in 2000 when Salvatore was searching for a way to bring funds in to support the village’s mission of historic education, preservation and heritage tourism.
“It was a struggle (to bring in funds) because we really are a seasonal heritage tourism site, she says. “So we brainstormed, and came up with the idea of having restaurants donate food for a gala event and we called it Feasting on History. We had 250 people and about 15 restaurants that first year, and it’s grown ever since. We had 700 people and about 40 vendors – including restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries at the most recent event. It was awesome!”
Individual tickets to Feasting on History are $85 per person and tables of 10 are $700. All tickets must be purchased in advance no later than 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located at 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May. Go to HCSV.org to purchase tickets.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-the-anchorage-tavern-in-somers-point/article_77775516-c27c-11ec-a433-b32d86fbf139.html
|
When it comes to food, the concept of bigger being better rarely holds up. Generally speaking, I would much prefer to have a smaller amount of something really tasty vs. a giant pile of something that wasn’t that great in the first place.
For that reason, I am generally turned off by gimmicky sandwiches that are stacked to the ceiling, quadruple cheeseburgers, 5-pound burritos or anything else that looks more suited to be fed to a herd of circus elephants than any rational human being. Rarely are these items more than a marketing ploy anyway, and though it may be fun to watch someone take on one of these behemoths, when I am dining out, I’m searching for great flavors, not to prove some point about how much I can stuff myself without landing in the ER.
So when I heard about a giant-sized buffalo chicken sandwich that was on the menu at The Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point I was more than a bit skeptical. However, I saw a few photos online, and it actually looked pretty tasty, and I liked the fact that they weren’t even pushing it in a gimmicky way – their menu simply listed it as “Buffalo Chicken Sandwich” – no mention of its massive size or any awards, T-shirts or high fives to be given out for finishing it in a certain amount of time. It was one of those, “if you know, you know” type of things, and I had to respect that. I also had to try it. Here’s what I thought:
The Bread: A standard issue Kaiser roll was the bread of choice. Mostly unremarkable other than the fact that it looked downright comical sitting atop the continent-sized breast of chicken. Picture a brontosaurus wearing a child’s yarmulke. It tasted fine, though, and was on the softer side.
The Meat: Without question, the chicken was the star of the show on this sandwich. I can’t recall ever seeing a breast this large in my entire life. For a moment, I considered throwing it a strand of Mardi Gras beads. The craziest part was that it wasn’t simply a case of pounding a normal sized chicken breast to a paper thin level and then breading it. This piece of chicken was of a medium thickness and was juicy and tender all the way through. Coated in a gorgeously thick breading, it had a Southern-fried vibe to it and was roughly the size of Australia. In fact, in order to actually get to the bun took about 10 minutes of knife-and-forking my way through the chicken, as you couldn’t possibly pick this thing up and eat it like a sandwich in its original state. It was awesome.
The Veggies: Lettuce, tomato and a pickle came served on the side of my plate, and I am proud to say that is where all three remained for the entire duration of the meal. Buffalo chicken sandwiches do not need this type of silliness.
The Sauce: The buffalo sauce sat in the perfect heat zone for me. Nicely spiced with a vinegary kick, it was mild enough not to set your tongue on fire, but hot enough to keep you fully aware that this was indeed a buffalo chicken sandwich.
The Condiment: A literal gravy boat of blue cheese dressing came with my sandwich, and I nearly cried tears of joy upon receiving it. Packed with big chunks of blue cheese, it tasted homemade, although I couldn’t decide for sure if it was or not. Either way, it did a great job of taking the edge off the buffalo sauce and added its own creamy element to the mix. It also doubled as a dip for the fries, making it a winner all around.
The Fries: The definite weak spot of the whole thing, the fries were the kind that seem to have a bit of batter or something on the outside that I am not a fan of. That said, they came with the sandwich, so free fries are free fries, and it’s tough to complain too much about something you didn’t pay for. When coated in enough blue cheese, they were fine.
The Bottom Line: I went in a skeptic and came out a believer. The buffalo chicken sandwich at The Anchorage Tavern is not only massive, it’s massively delicious. It’s one of the few cases of quantity matching quality on a grand scale. If there is a superior buffalo chicken sandwich in South Jersey, I have not found it.
The Score: 9.6
Anchorage Tavern is located at 823 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. Go to Anchor
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/blogs/casino_answer_man/player-yearns-for-charlies-after-push-on-low-card-run/article_f086b05a-c3df-11ec-8992-cb2f82f753b3.html
|
A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:
Q. I had one of those hands that made me wish they really paid Charlies. The dealer had a 10 up. I had a 2 and a 4.
Next was a 3, then another 3. Four cards, and I only had 12. Then I drew another 2, then an Ace. So that’s six cards and 15. The dealer still has that 10 up and I’m thinking, wow, I have to draw a seventh card.
I really struggled with that. There were so many low cards out already. But I bit the bullet and signaled a hit. Miracle of miracles, it was a 5. That gave me 20 and I’m thinking it was all worth it.
Naturally, the dealer flipped up another 10. All I got out of all that was a push. Beats losing, but why couldn’t it be a 6?
A. For those who don’t know “Charlies” in blackjack, they’re automatic winners with a specified number of cards without busting.
With a five-card Charlie, you’d win with a five-card hand totaling 21 or less. with a six-card Charlie, you’d win with six cards totaling 21 or less.
Charlie rules are rare in casinos. I’ve been playing for well over 30 years and have never seen Charlies in regular blackjack games. There’s good reason for that. A five-card Charlie subtracts 1.46 percent from the house edge. It’s gives as much to players as reducing blackjack pays to 6-5 takes away.
With more cards required, players draw Charlies less often so they make less difference to the house edge. A six-card Charlie subtracts only 0.1 percent from the edge, though wizardofodds.com lists a six-card Charlie that pays 3-2 instead of even money at 0.31 percent.
Charlies seem to be used more often in home games. I once saw a couple put up a fuss at Slots-A-Fun casino in Las Vegas because the dealer wasn’t paying five-card Charlies.
My first blackjack play was when I was 11. A couple of second cousins were teaching me to play at a New Year’s Day gathering at my great grandfather’s house. Five-card Charlies were in play.
If that’s how you learn to play, it’s something to unlearn when you start playing in casinos.
Q. When I started going to casinos 40-plus years ago, it was forbidden to take pictures. Nowadays, it’d be hard to enforce that with everybody having cameras in their phones. I see photos of friends’ big slot hits or video poker hands on Facebook, but I never see tables. Is that just my friends not playing tables?
A. Every casino has its own rules. Some put more restrictions on photography than others, but even the most lenient will draw the line at photos of tables that are in use.
When you focus on your video poker game or slot machine, it’s easy to get a quick snap of the screen or reels. If you try to take a picture at a table, you might get photos of employees or other players, or a table full of cards or stacks of chips. Around the casino, operators don’t want you relaying images of the cashiers’ cages or any area that might be vulnerable to thieves or scammers.
It comes down to the original reasons photography was banned. There are security issues, and there are issues with images of players who don’t want others to know they’re playing.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220427
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/celeb-chef-returns-to-a-c-with-fast-casual-burger-concept/article_390335b8-c720-11ec-9d45-7f6f1d51a9c1.html
|
Acclaimed Chef Bobby Flay and Caesars Entertainment are thrilled to announce plans to open Flay's fast-casual brand, Bobby's Burgers, at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City early this summer. Inspired by Flay's love of bold flavors and top-quality ingredients, the restaurant will mark Flay's return to the Atlantic City market, offering guests throughout the tri-state area and beyond an opportunity to indulge in traditional burgers, fries and shakes with a unique twist. Guests will see an array of Flay’s original recipes and classic flavors represented and a focus on high-quality, made-to-order recipes at an approachable price.
“We are thrilled to partner with acclaimed chef Bobby Flay to bring Bobby’s Burgers to Harrah’s Resort this summer,” said John Koster, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division. “Through our capital investment in the market, Caesars Entertainment is committed to furthering Atlantic City’s evolution as a leading culinary destination on the East Coast through strategic partnerships with the world’s top chefs and restaurant brands. Our guests will be blown away by the delicious menu Bobby has put together and his ability to introduce unique flavors with every dish, while elevating the classics.”
"I’m thrilled to bring the flavor and energy of Bobby’s Burgers to Harrah's Atlantic City,” said Bobby Flay. “The A.C. crowd has been asking me for well over a decade to bring my burger, fries and shake concept to the city, and I’m happy to announce we have found a home just as we have in Las Vegas with the Caesars family. My goal is to have the entire Jersey Shore eating Bacon Crunchburgers, crispy fries and pistachio shakes for years to come.”
The carefully curated menu will include Flay’s original recipes and classic flavors, including fries with signature sauces, spoon-bending milkshakes, as well as burgers with a twist. Those looking for traditional burgers with unique flavors can enjoy the Crunchburger, topped with cheese and crispy potato chips; or the Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger, topped with blue cheese sauce and bacon. For those looking to try burgers without beef, menu items including Bobby’s Veggie Burger with barbecue mushrooms, chickpeas, quinoa, lettuce and tomato will be offered. Additionally, the Harrah’s location will offer breakfast options on their menu.
Other highlights include French fries with toppings such as cheese and bacon, sweet potato fries and buttermilk onion rings, and a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch, honey mustard-horseradish or the signature Bobby's Sauce.
Milkshake flavors include vanilla bean, dark chocolate, cookies + cream, strawberry, and pistachio topped with whipped cream, while a selection of refreshments and ice-cold beers make for perfect pairings.
Bobby’s Burgers at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City is slated to open this summer.
For more information, go to Caesars.com/harrahs-ac.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220429
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_c2f5ade6-ca36-11ec-8c92-93fd0227696b.html
|
THE BURLESQUE SHOW
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, May 5
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Following a pandemic-induced hiatus, the popular “Burlesque Show” returns to Borgata’s Music Box theater for its eighth season, starting May 5 and running 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29. There is no show on May 19. The “Burlesque Show” pays tribute to the revue-style showmanship of vaudeville, with elements of dancing, comedy, acrobatics, magic and satirical parodies of everyday life. There is an adult-themed, striptease component to it, but one that is designed to highlight the show’s playful nature rather than anything brazenly lewd or risqué. One review of the show on TripAdvisor.com stated: “The Burlesque Show at Borgata was an absolute hoot. We really enjoyed it very much. It was tastefully done with a talented and attractive cast of dancers and hilarious comedy sketch-type acts.” The show is fast-paced and features stars of burlesque showmanship from around the globe.
How much: Tickets, priced at $17.30, are available at Ticketmas ter.com
More info:
M16: A TRIBUTE TO ’80s METAL
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect:With roots going back to 1983 in the upstate New York area, M-16 plays the greatest heavy-metal and hard rock hits of yesterday by artists such as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Megadeth, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot and Van Halen. The band also released its own album of original material called “Locked and Loaded” in 1988. Hard rock fans can expect to hear such hits as “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “TNT” by AC/DC, “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” by Judas Priest, “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” by Van Halen, “Good Times Band Times” and “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin, “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeath, “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath, “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourn and others. The show takes place at The Wave and is hosted by Michael James and the 100.7-FM WZXL Rock ‘n’ Roll Patrol.
How much: The show is free and open to the public.
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
YACHTLEY CREW
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Tropicana Atlantic City
What to expect: Hailed as the “Titans of Soft Rock,” Yächtley Crëw is a six-man band from the Los Angeles area featuring talented and long-tenured musicians. They all perform with a common focus, according to their website: “To entertain music lovers with some of the greatest songs ever written back in the ’70s and ’80s, and to have as much fun as possible while performing those hits.” Most fans may label the genre as “soft rock,” but Yächtley Crëw identifies it as “yacht rock,” paying tribute to the more mellow songs of yesteryear by nailing the sounds as they were originally heard on the radio waves and blowing away the crowds with their group banter and interactive on-stage antics. Their past concert setlists have included such songs as “Ride Like the Wind” and “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, “Rosanna” and “Africa” by Toto, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Reminiscing” by the Little River Band, “Easy” by the Commodores, “Still the One” by Orleans, “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago and others. The band goes by parodied nicknames during shows, such as lead vocalist Philly Ocean, bassist Baba Buoy, guitarist Tommy Buoy, drummer Sailor Hawkins, saxophonist Pauly Shores, and keyboardist Stoney Shores. Their show takes place at the Showroom at Tropicana.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
JANIS IAN: CELEBRATING
OUR YEARS TOGETHER
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Ocean City Music Pier
What to expect: The Monmouth County-born Janis Ian is a singer-songwriter who was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing as the first musical guest on the premiere of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975 when she sang her songs “At Seventeen” and “In the Winter.” The song “At Seventeen” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year and claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance Female in 1976, beating out superstars Linda Ronstadt, Olivia Newton-John and Helen Reddy. Ian’s 1975 album “Between the Lines” also reached No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart. Ian had a prior hit with her 1967 song “Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking),” and in 2013 won her second Grammy for her autobiographical compilation “Society’s Child,” which won for Best Spoken Word album. Since first arriving on the music scene as a teenager in 1965, Ian has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards in eight different categories. She is currently touring behind her first album of new material in 15 years, the 12-song “The Light at the End of the Line.” She will be backed up in Atlantic City by Livingston Taylor and Tom Chapin. The younger brother of singer-songwriter James Taylor, Livingston Taylor had Billboard-charting hits with the songs “I Will Be In Love With You,” “First Time Love” and “I’ll Come Running.” The younger brother of the late Grammy Hall of Fame singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, Tom Chapin won three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album for Children in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Their show kicks off the 2022 Ocean City Music Pier Concert Series. The Ocean City Music Pier is located at 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $45, $59 and $69, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
CARBONARO: LIES ON STAGE
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Best known from his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, Michael Carbonaro is an actor, magician and improv artist. His all-new “Carbonaro: Lies On Stage” show promises to “conjure up a concoction of unbelievable magic, hysterical offbeat shenanigans, and wonder for audiences of all ages.” Carbonaro first gained a name in show business with his hidden-camera “Magic Clerk” segments on “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,” in which he performs magic tricks on strangers in a convenience store and films their reaction to each illusion. This led to “The Carbonaro Effect,” a television series with a similar premise. He has also appeared on “Chappelle’s Show” and as the character Andy Wilson in the comedy “Another Gay Movie.” Carbonaro has also appeared on the daytime soap operas “All My Children” and “The Guiding Light” and the primetime drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” A couple of reviews of his live shows on his website stated: “Michael is so fun and funny, charming and clever. We can’t wait for him to come back,” and “Was wowed several times during the show. He is truly a brilliant entertainer and was amazing to watch while interacting with the children that went onstage to volunteer. Go see him live. You will not be disappointed.” His show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39. 45 and $45.11, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
CERAMIC ANIMAL
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: Hailing from Doylestown, Pa., Ceramic Animal is a five-man band that, according to its website, “forged a new sound from glam, post-punk, psych rock, ’70s pop and more.” Singer and guitarist Chris Regan is joined by his brothers, vocalist and keyboardist Elliott Regan and drummer Erik Regan, and childhood friends Anthony Marchione on guitar and Dallas Hosey on bass. The band self-produced three full-length albums. Their fourth album, “Sweet Unknown,” was recorded and released through the legendary Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville and features 10 songs that “grab you by the lapels on first listen, but tells you dark secrets with every subsequent spin.” Songs that have been well received since the album’s recent release include “Long Day,” “Private Dancer,” “Forever Song” and “Valerie.” Also performing at Anchor on Friday night will be the band Evolfo and The Customers. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $15, are available at AnchorRock Club.com
More info:
DEAF LEOPARD: THE ULTIMATE DEF LEPPARD EXPERIENCE
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Deaf Leopard is a quintet that takes exacting care in recreating the look and sound of the famed British hard-rockers Def Leppard. Hailed as the “Ultimate Def Leppard Experience,” a Deaf Leopard show is a “family-friendly, multi-media spectacle of sight and sound that is a true tribute to the music and majesty of the originals,” according to the tribute band’s website. Fans of Def Leppard will hear their megahits such as “Animal,” “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak,” “Hysteria,” “Foolin’,” “Rock of Ages,” “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Wasted,” as well as deeper cuts such as “High ‘N’ Dry,” “Lady Strange,” “Let It Go,” “Love Bites,” “Switch 625,” “Two Steps Behind” and others. The tribute band closes each show with the song “Photograph” just like the real Def Leppard is famous for. The tribute band includes lead vocalist Alex Barbieri, guitarists Damiano Christian and Derrek Hawkins, bassist Lenny Lee and drummer Lee Nelson. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20, are available at Etix.com
More info:
LIMP BIZKIT:
STILL SUCKS TOUR
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Touring behind their sixth studio album “Still Sucks,” released in 2021, Limp Bizkit is a rap-rock band that formed in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1994. Before becoming more mainstream, the band was highly popular playing in the Jacksonville underground music scene through the late 1990s. The band developed a cult-like following, particularly at the Milk Bar, an underground punk club in Jacksonville. Its lineup consists of four original members: lead vocalist Fred Durst, bassist and backing vocalist Sam Rivers, guitarist and backing vocalist Wes Borland, drummer John Otto and turntablist DJ Lethal. The band’s music is highlighted by Durst’s angry vocal delivery and Borland’s elaborate visual appearance, which includes face and body paint, masks and uniforms that have always played a large role in Limp Bizkit’s live shows. The band has been nominated for three Grammy Awards — twice for Best Rock Performance and once for Best Rock Album — and has sold more than 40 million records worldwide. The band’s best-known singles include “Nookie,” “Re-Arranged,” “Break Stuff,” “Take a Look Around,” “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle),” “My Generation,” “My Way,” “Eat You Alive,” and their cover of The Who’s 1971 single “Behind Blue Eyes,” all of which made the Top 20 of the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. Their show takes place at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $59, $79 and $99, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
GREG HAWKES
WITH EDDIE JAPAN:
PERFORMING THE
MUSIC OF THE CARS
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: As a founding member and keyboardist for the legendary Boston-based band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Cars, Greg Hawkes helped forge the sound of rock’s New Wave genre. Hawkes is famed for pushing the limits of technology in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, and also helped cement the synthesizer’s place as a popular instrument in rock and pop music. His contribution has influenced countless artists and bands since, and has been a sought-after session and touring musician who worked with many of the biggest names in the music industry. In 2016, Hawkes collaborated with Boston’s acclaimed Eddie Japan to produce the album “Golden Age.” This led to the two joining forces to create a night of music by the Cars featuring a setlist curated by Hawkes. The Cars had four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart during their 1976 through 2018 history: “Shake It Up,” “You Might Think,” “Drive” and “Tonight She Comes.” Other songs that got significant radio airplay over the years, and hits that Cars fans can expect to hear Saturday night, include “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Good Times Roll,” “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight,” “Bye Bye Love,” “Moving in Stereo,” “Candy-O,” “Let’s Go,” “It’s All I Can Do,” “Shake It Up,” “Touch and Go” and “Since You’re Gone.” The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30, are available at Etix.com
More info: TheLandisTheater.com
MOTHER’S DAY
MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
What to expect: Some of the best R&B and soul music will be performed at Boardwalk Hall on Saturday evening as a day-early treat for mom during the Mother’s Day Good Music Festival. This will be the fifth edition of the festival, which began in 2016 and last occurred in May 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Atlantic City version of the show is headlined by Keith Sweat, a singer, songwriter, record producer and pioneer of what became known as the “new jack swing” musical movement. Sweat has had several hit songs, including “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever,” “I’ll Give All My Love to You,” “Make You Sweat,” “Get Up on It,” “Twisted” and “Nobody.” Also performing is Canadian singer/songwriter Tamia, who earned Grammy nominations for the songs “You Put a Move on My Heart” and “Slow Jams,” and had several other hit singles on the pop and R&B record charts, including “So Into You,” “Stranger in My House,” “Imagination” and “Missing You.” The lineup also includes the R&B group After 7 that was founded in 1987 by brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds, who are the older siblings of famed pop/R&B singer/songwriter/record producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Rounding out Saturday’s night’s showcase are the artists Brownstone, Tank and Destinee Marie. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips Ballroom is located at 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $52, $67 and $77, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
GIANNIS PLOUTARHOS
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Resorts Atlantic City
What to expect: Returning to Atlantic City for the first time in a decade, Greek singing sensation Giannis Ploutarhos will present a night of singing and dancing that will make for a perfect precursor to Mother’s Day. Ploutarhos is considered one of the greatest Laiko singers of all time, which is a genre of music sung in the Greek language in accordance with the traditions of the Greek people. The 51-year-old has released 15 albums since 1998, many of which went multi-platinum including the albums “Krimmena Mistika (Hidden secrets),” “Stigmes (Moments),” “Ti Bike Anamesa Mas (What came between us?),” “O,ti Gennietai Stin Psihi (Whatever is born in the soul)” and others. Celebrating his 25th year as a professional singer, Ploutarhos’ greatest hits include the Greek songs “Ah Koritsi Mou,” “Anasa Mou,” “Ola Se Sena Ta Vrika,” “Siga Siga,” “Enas Theos” and others. Opening for Ploutarhos will be George Theofanous, a multi-instrumentalist and composer who won many music awards in both Greece and Cyprus. Their show takes place at Resorts’ Superstar Theater in Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $65, $75, $85, $100 and $160, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
TWO DIVAS & A PIANO:
A TRIBUTE TO CHER
AND ELTON JOHN
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Bally’s Atlantic City
What to expect: Gene Sironen and Heidi Thompson are an award-winning, husband-and-wife team who have been performing together for more than 25 years in casino lounges, production shows, cruise ships, symphonies and corporate events. Thompson is best known for her portrayal of Cher for 18 years in the Las Vegas production of “Legends In Concert,” as well as on national TV shows such as “The View,” “The Nanny” and others. For more than 10 years Sironen was an Elton John performer in “Legends In Concert,” as well as part of a “Tribute To The Righteous Brothers,” and has earned the distinction of “Best Male Singer in a Las Vegas Production Show.” Together Thompson and Sironen bring a unique energy to the stage with their own brand of comedy, duets, audience participation, professionalism and dedication to their craft. Their show is loved by audiences of all ages and demographics. Their songs include such John hits as “Crocodile Rock” and “Saturday Night’s Alright,” Cher hits such as “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and duets in songs such as “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Rescue Me” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” Their show takes place at Bally’s Grand Ballroom in Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39 and $49, are available at Ticketweb.com.
More info:
TUSK: THE WORLD’S No. 1 FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: Taking its name from the original band’s 12th studio album, the five-person band Tusk describes itself on its website as, “No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac with note-for-note perfection that no other act has come close to duplicating.” The quintet comprising Tusk has been making music together, in various combinations and styles, for more than 25 years. The original Fleetwood Mac formed in 1967 in London and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Its best-known lineup is a British-American hybrid including Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Christine McVie from England, and Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks from America. The band’s second album, “Rumours,” included four Billboard Top 10 singles and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits include “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” “Gypsy,” “Gold Dust Woman,” “Tell Me Lies,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Sara,” Don’t Stop,” Hold Me,” “I Don’t Want to Know,” “Say You Love Me,” “Landslide,” “Go Your Own Way” and others. The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39 and $49, are available at Etix.com
More info:
FOR THE DREAM:
STARRING BEN GRAVY
When: 7 p.m.Saturday, May 7
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Ben Gravy is a 34-year-old New Jersey native and professional surfer who recently completed his mission of surfing a wave in all 50 states, proving that the feat was possible in the documentary film “For the Dream: Starring Ben Gravy” that will be shown at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater. In a YouTube clip promoting the film, Gravy says, “I came up with the idea after a road trip to New England in May 2017. I realized that after river surfing in Vermont, I had surfed in 14 states. A bunch of my YouTube followers joked about surfing all 50, so I did.” The project took three years to complete. Gravy, who is originally from Reading, Pa., and spent much of his youth and young adulthood surfing in Ocean City, finished the project in the largest and 49th state to enter the union, Alaska, which became part of the U.S. a few months before Hawaii in 1959. Gravy surfed a wave on Alaska’s Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. Gravy posted clips of the adventure on his YouTube channel, Nub Nation, which has amassed 18 million views. One particular video, entitled “One Mile Miracle in New Jersey,” earned more than 600,000 views by itself.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
YA MOMMA THE COMEDY SHOW
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Showboat Hotel Atlantic City
What to expect: Some of the funniest local talent will be tickling funny bones at the Foundation Room of the Showboat Hotel on Saturday night. Among the comic headliners is South Jersey product LaTice, who has been bringing a unique brand of comedy to audiences since 2009, including a segment on the popular daytime TV talk show “The View” called Hilarious Housewives. According to her bio at LaTiceComedy.com, “Her conversational style makes you feel like you’re in her living room, laughing about interracial marriage, being a parent, and her day-to-day encounters. LaTice will pull you right into her world the minute she steps on stage, with her zest for life and positive energy.” Michelle Tomko is a stand-up comedian and actress who has received the Atlantic City Weekly Nightlife Award for Best Comedian for five straight years. She takes pride that, during the pandemic, she finally learned how to use Zoom. She describes her comedy as “a fervent blend of tomboy sensibilities, courtesy of the older brothers she grew up with in the Midwest and the barrage of perimenopausal chaos the East Coast world has heaped upon her.” Hosted by ImVontee, the show also features Michael Shawn, Che Che, Craig McLaren, and Ms. Star Hart, who will conduct a special poetry reading. The Showboat Hotel is located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $60, are available at Eventbrite.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, May 8
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater, and a 4 p.m. every Sunday through June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
MOTHER’S DAY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, May 8
Where: Caesars Atlantic City
What to expect: “Mother’s Day Up Close & Personal” stars, among others, R&B singer Angela Burton, who is an Atlantic City institution renowned locally not just for her exceptional voice, but for her longtime charitable work for the U.S. military. Burton has done more than 30 overseas tours in 35 different countries for the U.S. Department of Defense, starting with U.S. Army bases in 1972, and then taking her act overseas in 1981. In 2016, she received the Atlantic City Hometown Hero award. First discovered by Harold Melvin, the late leader of the famed soul group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Burton released a 15-track album called “Passion and Pain” in 2018 that features the songs “Love Me All Over,” “Woman Get Your Love,” “Next Life Time,” “Should Have Been You,” “Smiling on the Outside Crying on the Inside,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” “This Must Be Heaven,” “You Know How” and others. The show also features Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics. Thompkins is an original member of the Philadelphia-based Stylistics that formed in 1968 and had several big hits throughout the 1970s, including “You Are Everything,” “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” “I’m Stone in Love with You,” “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Thompkins is famous for his high, falsetto voice. Also featured will be the Intruders, a major R&B force in the ’60s and ’70s, and one of the first groups to have hits under the direction of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who were major influences in developing the Philadelphia soul sound. The show takes place at Caesars Circus Maximus Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $58, $70.50 and $107, are available at Ticketmaster.com.
More info:
STRYPER WITH EMERALD RISING
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Stryper is a four-man band at the forefront of the Christian hard rock genre, renowned for what it describes as a “heavenly metal” sound. The Grammy-nominated group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits such as “Calling on You,” “Honestly” and “Always There for You.” Stryper has sold more than 10 million worldwide, including 1986’s multi-platinum release “To Hell with the Devil.” Among Stryper’s most renowned hits are “Calling On You,” “Free,” “Honestly,” “Blood from Above,” “Make Love Great Again,” “Do Unto Others,” “How to Fly,” Divider” and the heart-stirring ballad “This I Pray.” More than 35 years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for a loyal fan base around the world. The show will also include the four-person, female-fronted band Emerald Rising from Long Island, NY. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30, are available at Etix.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220502
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_323e1508-ca2d-11ec-83d5-0382e60f893c.html
|
‘Jersey Shore Medium’
at Tennessee Avenue
Beer Hall
Enjoy an all-inclusive lunch and show with Linda Shields, “The Jersey Shore Medium,” 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.
Linda is a nationally recognized medium who specializes in communicating with those who have passed over, astonishing guests with the messages she receives from those they love.
Lunch includes one soft drink, select beer or special cocktail; communal chips and dip; and your choice of American Beauty burger, Phish tacos, veggie burger or watermelon and kale salad plus dessert of the day.
Tickets are $50; limited availability. Ticket price does not guarantee a reading. Located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com and buy tickets at TennAveAC.com and click Ticketed Events.
Absecon Lighthouse
Spring Festival
Inlet Community Partners presents The Absecon Spring Festival noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
The festival, a fundraiser for “Abby” the Lighthouse, includes live music, over 40 vendors, yoga, sound bath, meditation, drum circle, mindful kids corner, workshops and awareness alley, as well as discounted lighthouse climbs. Guests are invited to pack a picnic and stay for the day.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City. AbseconLighthouse.org
Wildwood Restaurant Showcase at Bolero
Dozens of Wildwoods’ finest restaurants and specialty shops display a sampling of mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts during the Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Blue Water Grille at Bolero Resort & Conference Center.
Proceeds from the event go toward the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce’s foundation, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors living in the Wildwoods who attend Wildwood Catholic Academy, Wildwood High School or Cape May County Technical School.
Tickets are $30 per person and are available at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Office in advance or at the door the night of the event. Located at 3320 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood. GWCOC.org
Sound of the Season
at Renault
Renault Winery invites guests to awaken their senses with Sound of the Season, a symphony of food, wine and the arts and enjoy a taste of Renault 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
Guests are welcomed to the Renault Pavilion with a glass of Renault Champagne and a string quartet, followed by a piano, string, opera and ballet performance and an exquisite four-course dinner served with expertly paired Renault wines. Cocktail attire is suggested. Cash bar available.
Tickets are $170 per person. Located at 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City. RenaultWinery.com
Shirley Mae Run
and Michael J. Walk
Return to the Boardwalk
The 20th Annual Shirley Mae Run and Michael J. Walk takes place Saturday, May 7, on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of the Tropicana Casino and Resort.
Benefitting the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund and the Michael J. Neustadter Pancreatic Cancer Fund, the event features a 5K run, 2-mile walk and a kids fun run. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; 5K run and 2-mile walk kick off at 9:10 a.m.; kid’s fun run 10:15 a.m.
Registration is $35 for 5K; $25 for 2-mile walk; and $15 for kid’s run, with a virtual race option for $35. Located at 2831 Boardwalk. ShirleyMaeMichaelJRace.com
5 Mile Beach Half Marathon at Wildwood Crest
Wildwood Crest’s newest running event, the 5 Mile Beach Half Marathon, takes place 7 a.m. Saturday, May 7, on the Boardwalk from Wildwood Crest to North Wildwood and back.
Open to all ages, the race is produced by fast-finishes.com. Start and finish take place in front of Sunrise Ramble Road Park located in front of the Splash Park. Registration is $95 for half marathon with a T-shirt, $105 for half-marathon with jacket. Register at RunSignUp.com/Race/NJ/WildwoodCrest/5MileBeachHalfMarathonand5k.
For more information call 570-470-4922 or email markfast finishes@gmail.com.
‘Derby Day’ Production
in Somers Point
SPQR Stage Company presents an interactive “living movie” to celebrate Derby Day 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in Somers Point.
The event kicks off with a live production of the original play “Derby Day” followed by mocktails and a Best Hat competition, as well as a viewing of the actual Kentucky Derby.
Tickets are $20. Located at 112 Woodland Ave., Somers Point. StudioSpaceSPNJ.com
Drive-In Movie Night
at Egg Harbor
Township High School
Hosted by the Interact Club of Egg Harbor Township High School, guests are invited to a Drive-In movie night to watch “Encanto” by Disney 7:45 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the athletic parking lot by the tennis courts at Egg Harbor Township High School.
Admission is 10 canned goods per car to benefit the local food banks of South Jersey.
Located at 24 High School Drive, Egg Harbor Township. EHT Interact.com
Ventnor City Block Party
Enjoy a day of community and family fun at the Ventnor City Block Party 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, with live music, delicious food, unique crafts and kids activities in a safe outdoor environment.
Located on Ventnor Avenue between Troy and Portland avenues. VentnorCity.org
The Great
American Songbook
at Ocean County College
The Ocean County College (OCC) Concert Band presents The Great American Songbook 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at OCC’s Grunin Center.
Conducted by Anthony Tafrow with guest vocalist Joe Minnella, the performance features the unforgettable music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and more.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors.
Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org
Youth Concert
at Stockton’s
Performing Arts Center
The Schultz Hill Foundation Arts Outreach presents a youth concert 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Stockton University Performing Arts Center. Conducted by Jed Gaylin, the Bay Atlantic Symphony performs Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”
Located at 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway. Schultz-Hill.org
Vineland Crafts
and Antiques Show
Main Street Vineland’s second Crafts and Antiques Show on the Avenue takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7 (rain date: Sunday, May 8).
Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy crafts, antiques, vintage items and collectibles.
Located on Landis Avenue, Vineland. TheAve.biz
North American
Spirit Cheer Tournament
in Wildwood
The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts “North American Spirit Cheer Tournament” cheer competition 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Recreation, high school, college, open and all-star division athletes compete on a spring floor trying to impress the crowd and win the judges’ votes. All performances are choreographed to music and sound effects.
Times are subject to change. Admission is $30. Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. SpiritBrands.org
Phillies Home Run
Derby in Millville
Sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies and the Millville Recreation Department, the popular Phillies Home Run Derby makes its annual visit to Millville 5 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at Rob Shannon’s Sports Complex.
Open to boys and girls, ages 7 to 12, the derby uses an automatic pitching machine to throw 10 good pitches to each contestant. Points are scored for all fair balls hit, distance hits and home runs. In addition to prizes, the Top 3 winners will be invited to the regional final later in the summer.
Contact Millville Recreation at 856-825-7000, ext. 7394, for more information. Located at 999 Cedarville Road, Millville. MillvilleNJ.gov
Celebrating the
Music of Paul Motian
Glasstown Arts District and Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts presents an evening of jazz celebrating the music of Paul Motian 7 to 8:30 pm. Wednesday, May 11,
Musicians Jody Janetta (percussion), Matt Landis (keyboards), Rob Smith (bass) and Tony Mascara Jr. (drums/percussion) focuses on the music of late jazz drummer, Motian.
Admission is free; donations welcome. Reserve your seat at 856-327-4500. Located at 22 North High St., Millville. GlasstownArtsDistrict.com
Hooked on Fishing,
Not on Drugs
The Friends of Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge invite the public to their 17th annual Fishing Derby, “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs,” 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 7, at Patriot Lake in Galloway.
The derby includes free fishing for children age 5 to 12, all of who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call 609-652-1665 to register. Registration is limited.
Located at 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway. FriendsofForsythe.org
Cape May Music Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+ Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival continues with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players Woodwind Quintet presents “Cinco de Mayo” 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at The Episcopal Church of the Advent. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 Cape May MAC members and $20 students under 18.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues, and to purchase tickets, go to CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
Local Artists
at Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May. Light refreshments will be served.
An opening reception to meet the artists takes place 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 6. Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
‘Clique 21’
at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig
at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Artists Show
at Riverfront
Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
Regional Artists
at SOMA NewArt Gallery
SOMA NewArt Gallery announces its first exhibition of the 2022 season featuring three regional solo artists: Carol King Hood, Molly Sanger Carpenter and Jimm Ross, on view through June 5.
An opening “Meet the Artists” reception takes place 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Contact the gallery at stevesomagallery@gmail.com for additional information. Located at 31 Perry St., Carpenters Square Mall, Cape May. SomaGallery.net
Game Boards and
Inn Signs exhibit in O.C.
The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center presents “A Solo Exhibition of Game Boards and Inn Signs by George Bono” through May 26. A “Meet the Artist” reception takes place 7 p.m. Friday, May 13.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220502
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/shandies-blondes-and-pilsners-oh-my-summer-beer-season-is-here/article_0c652bae-ca29-11ec-9276-8b8b07fb2b32.html
|
As we transition into summer, the beers we got to enjoy in spring proliferate. We will see the now ubiquitous seltzers find new identities, and shandies will find space on the beer menus once again. Also, the blondes, fruit beers, hefeweizens, and pilsners will populate taps, cans and bottles everywhere.
The refreshing nature of these brews appeals to our warm weather frame of mind. As we spend more time outdoors tending to our gardens, congregating around the pool or just relaxing on the porch with friends and neighbors, we want to slake our thirst with a nice cold beer.
Also, the advent of good weather and summer crowds brings changes in schedules. Check with the breweries on Facebook to find out if summer hours have kicked in yet before venturing out during the week.
Every month it seems that the number of breweries increases. Since last month, several new ones have opened their doors: Gearblock Brewing in Waldwick and Five Dimes in Westwood began pouring their beers for the public, and several more are getting ready to pull that tap handle!
What’s HoppeningLots of outdoor events coming up to usher in the warmer weather.
Up in Merchantville 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Blue Monkey Tavern will host their Spring Fest 2022 with over 60 beers and wines. Food and music will also be on hand. $45 advance tickets at Beerfests.com. Portion of the proceeds goes to the local Fire Co.
The next Saturday, May 14, The Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown will appear at the Mennen Arena in Morristown for the 7th year from noon to 5 p.m. VIP session is from noon to 1 p.m., which includes a glass mug and a buffet. General Admission starts at 1 p.m. There will be 30 New Jersey breweries in attendance, each bringing three beers, and there will be vendors and food trucks to enjoy along with live music. Tickets are available at njbeerbbqfest.com
A reminder that Jersey Cyclone Brewing in Somerset celebrates its 3rd Anniversary noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Lots of new beers and live music.
Neck of the Woods in Pitman is hosting its annual Sourfest on Saturday, May 21, beginning at noon. There will be 30 different beers to choose from that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. This year, tickets will be sold to speed up the serving and paying process. Buy your beer tickets upon arrival and enjoy all the offerings.
The last beer dinner event before summer break at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall will happen 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. But, of course, TABH will be open for regular business all summer with lots of music and food and drink specials. And their summer beers are already pouring, including Cape May’s The Purp, Old Nation Shandy, Austin Eastciders Blackberry Cider and a bunch of light German beers. The weekend early birds run 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday with a special menu including $5 beers, Bloody Marys and breakfast sandwiches. There will also be a Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I hope you have all gotten your tickets for the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival, set to kick off its 16th year. It will once again appear at Bader Field in Atlantic City on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Session No. 1 will be 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, and No. 2 is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. As always, there are lots of events, games, food vendors and amazing live bands. To start your Sunday, you can participate in the Hops Trot 5K run beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Casino Resort with five to six beer stops along the way while ending up at the Fest. Sign up for both events at acbeerfest.com or buy tickets at Joe Canal’s Liquors at both Egg Harbor Twp. locations.
Brews and NewsA year ago, the first brewpub opened in N.J.: The Ship Inn, turned itself over to Descendants Brewing. It’s still the same place but updated and upgraded. Located in Milford, it has been a place to enjoy good food, beer and whiskey for many years.
Once again, Gusto in North Cape May released its homage to Star Wars, Out There In A Galaxy Far, Far Away. This Imperial Coffee Stout is brewed with Columbian coffee roasted locally at Out There Coffee in Cape May. Chock full of oats and vanilla, this 9% abv brew shows the power of the Dark Side. Also available is a new West Coast Pale Ale, Nollie, brewed with Chinook hops, crystal malt and a bit of rye.
Slack Tide in Clermont has collaborated with Eight & Sand Beer Co. in Woodbury to brew up a West Coast Style IPA named Fish Car No. 2 to highlight both breweries’ themes. In 1879, Dr. L. Stone was asked to find a method to transport baby fish to the West Coast to populate the waters. They came up with using the train to accomplish their task. One of the famous fish-filled train cars was Fish Car No. 2, hence the name. These trains were used until 1947 throughout the country. Available now in 4 packs and on tap. Thermocline Double IPA is back in rotation and in cans once again. Certainly a favorite of IPA lovers everywhere.
Mudhen in Wildwood celebrated their 4th Anniversary to record crowds enjoying good weather for the weekend. They have also completed their new addition replete with new tanks and a four-head can filler to increase distribution. With summer coming, the new parking spaces they have made will be filled every day.
Cape May is reprising its summer lager, Boat Ramp Champ, alongside its sister, Longliner. Boat Ramp Champ is a Helles Lager aptly named after those who are not quite so adept at launching or retrieving their boat. It was a partnership with The Qualified Captain, an Instagram icon who is originally from the area. On the sunny and warm days, the Brewtanical Garden has opened where you can enjoy the outdoors as well as CM’s beers.
Ludlam Island in Ocean View released its annual danky double IPA, The Big Dirty, on 4/20. This 2XIPA brewed with wheat and oats and tons of hops as well as dry-hopped with simcoe, mosaic and citra lupulin powder to provide layers of flavors.
Up in Lakewood, Icarus continues to amaze with an array of flavorful beers. Collaborating with Ten7 Brewing from Pa., they produced a Leipzig-style gose brewed with tart mango, sweet coconut and vanilla, then dosed with Himalayan salt. Returning is Touching The Sun, a 10.5% abv triple IPA with a mass of hops in the boil and also dry-hopped. Coming up also is Milkshaking It!, an IPA hopped with Experimental 09326, Columbus and Lupulin Citra and then conditioned on lots of Madagascar Vanilla beans.
Neck Of The Woods recently released a dinosaur beer named Fears Nothing brewed for Jean and Rick Eddelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University. This 5% dreadnaughtus pale ale was brewed with chinook, incognito, hull melon, belma and cashmere hops. Portion of the proceeds supports the Museum.
Happy Memorial Day! Drink responsibly and don’t drive!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220502
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/table-game-jackpot-odds-vary-with-number-of-decks/article_cdd61a1c-ca0d-11ec-a3ec-cb06dd7d0a56.html
|
There once was a clear division among casino games: Jackpot hunters flocked to the slots, while table players tried to grind out profits.
Caribbean Stud Poker and Let It Ride broke the mold in the 1990s. Let It Ride pays 1,000 on royal flushes. Caribbean Stud pays 100-1 on royals on main game and jackpots that sometime reach hundreds of thousands of dollars on a side bet. .
Today, the most common poker-based games include Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. Let's check out their jackpots and your chances of winning them. Jackpot side bets also are available, but let's stick with the main games for now.
THREE CARD POKER: The biggest payoffs are in the Pair Plus portion of the game, with the biggest jackpot set at 40-1 on a straight flush.
That's barely bigger than the 35-1 on a single-number bet in roulette or the 30-1 on 2 or 12 in craps, though in Pair Plus, you have a chance at payoffs lower on the pay table, much like slots.
You have a 1 in 460 shot at a three-card straight flush.
Some tables have bigger payoffs for a mini-royal with Ace-King-Queen in the same suit. Payoffs vary, but some pay as little as 50-1 or as much as 200-1. Your chances of being deal a mini-royal are 1 in 5,525.
MISSISSIPPI STUD: A five-card stud-based game, Mississippi Stud has a pay table that maxes out at 500-1 on a royal flush.
That can be quite a large chunk of change. You open with an ante, then have three opportunities to add bets of one to three times that ante. By the end of the hand, you could have 10 times your ante on the table. A 500-1 royal payoff would look really nice.
As a five-card stud-based game, Mississippi Stud will average a royal once per 649,740 hands. There are 2,598,960 possible five-card hands in which card order doesn't matter. Four of those are royals -- one in each suit. So your chance of a royal is 1 in (2,598,960) divided by four, or 1 in 649,740.
Caribbean Stud and Let It Ride also are five-card stud games, so your chance at a royal in each of those also is 1 in 649,740.
Some Mississippi Stud tables have a Millionaire Progressive side bet. It's a $5 side bet with a Mega jackpot that starts at $1 million for a royal in spades, a Major jackpot for other royals, Minor jackpot for straight flushes and smaller payoffs for four of a kind, full houses, flushes and straights.
Your chance at the big jackpot is 1 in 2,598,960.
ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD'EM: Like poker-room Texas Hold'em. the "Ultimate" game is based on seven-card stud.
To start play, you must make equal ante and blind bets. As the hand progresses, you may make a play bet of up to four times your ante.
Ante and play bets are paid at even money if your hand beats the dealer.
The jackpot is on the blind bet, and you do not have to beat the dealer to win on the blind. It's paid according to a pay table that maxes out at 500-1 for a royal flush.
Just as in Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud, the payoff is on a five-card hand. The difference is that you see seven cards to make your best five-card hand.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220502
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/5-questions-with-magician-trickster-michael-carbonaro/article_8c4c5a12-ca5c-11ec-8e49-0b3a72d4e9fe.html
|
He’s an actor. He’s a magician. He’s a comedian. He’s a prankster. He’s Michael Carbonaro.
Best known from his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, Carbonaro brings his all-new “Carbonaro: Lies On Stage” show to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Music Box 8 p.m. Friday, May 6.
Promising to “conjure up a concoction of unbelievable magic, hysterical offbeat shenanigans and wonder for audiences of all ages,” Carbonaro, who has appeared in everything from soap operas (“All My Children”) to comedies (“Chappelle’s Show,” “30 Rock”) to legal dramas (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) says to expect the unexpected this weekend.
Here are 5 Questions with Michael Carbonaro:
SCOTT CRONICK: The first time I heard about you was from Penn Jillette, who comes here all of the time with Penn & Teller, and he brought you up as someone he’s impressed with. That’s a pretty nice reference.
MICHAEL CARBONARO: That’s huge. Incredible compliment. It’s humbling and startling to hear that. Both Penn & Teller are really cool. They are super supporters and very vocal about liking my show. And they actually invited me … I am doing seven weeks in Las Vegas this summer at their theater. They’ve never done that before. They are going away to Australia and letting me perform for seven weeks in the Penn & Teller Theater, which is amazing. And you can catch that show before Vegas, guess where? Right there at Borgata.
SC: Will this really be what people will see? Is this show new for those who have seen you in the past?
MC: It’s a brand-new show. I toured for a while before the pandemic and did a couple of Zoom magic performances, which was cool, but I will come back with a brand-new tour show. It’s all new magic. It’s totally fun. Wild. I get out there with a lot of family audiences. I got kids out there. I got adults. I got couples. It’s a mix of everyone, really, all ages. I do audience participation, play with them and have them come up and help out. I make two people disappear from the theater every night live on stage. They vanish right from stage. So if you’re looking to get rid of anyone, bring them down, and I can take care of that for you.
SC: You could have been a magician straight up but then you decided to put in some trickery and comedy in there. Where did that come from? Family?
MC: I have a very spirited family. We are all very funny, but there are no magicians. I took a liking to horror movies and Halloween and monsters. And the first thing I wanted to be was a special effects artist. So I used to buy a lot of makeup and special effect supplies at a local magic shop, so that got me in the door of a magic shop. Then I started seeing them do things behind the counter, picked up a few tricks, watched Copperfield specials every year, and I performed some magic, and I got off on making people laugh and being in the moment with me during these demonstrations. Special effects brought me to magic, and magic brought me to performing.
SC: How does that translate for people who only know the TV side of you when they see you live?
MC: It’s a totally different experience, and I play with that reality. I start to show them stuff that’s magic, and there are a lot of layers of lies and truths in the show where accidents happen that are planned, and you see all kinds of things and you are like, “Oh my God, that was part of it, and I didn’t know that was part of it.” And you learn very quickly that even though you know who I am, I can still get you. You will be pranked. You will be fooled. And that’s a lot of fun.
SC: Will there be more “The Carbonaro Effect?”
MC: No, it has come to an end. We did five seasons, over 100 episodes. I think as we we were finishing the fifth season, we were kind of in the air. I was feeling – and the crew was feeling – “I think we’ve done all we want to do here. But I don’t know.” But I think we felt it was coming to an end. We talked about revamping it, changing it, maybe coming back with it. And I ultimately felt it was time to move on. I am working on a brand-new TV seriesright now that I just got a development deal for, so it will take a little time to get it going, but it takes what I was doing before and brings in another sense of me as an entertainer, like a stage entertainer. It brings both worlds together. I have all these fans say, “Oh my gosh, I love your show so much and I wish I could be on it, but I can’t because I know who you are.” And I’m like, “That sounds like a dead-end career.” How about trying to get the fans to be part of what they love so much, which is what I am doing on the road right now and what I will turn into a new TV show.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220503
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/absecon-lighthouse-welcomes-all-to-its-annual-spring-festival/article_a0df388a-caef-11ec-80e6-27c920639258.html
|
One of the most enjoyable things about this time of year is that the mild weather of spring means a variety of fun outdoor events and festivals return to South Jersey. Of course the temps this spring have been a bit colder than normal, but with each week they improve ever so slightly and give us more reason to want to step outside and enjoy the season.
One event welcoming the arrival of spring itself is the Absecon Lighthouse Spring Festival, a free fundraiser for the Lighthouse which takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7, on the grounds of the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City.
If the Spring Festival name sounds new to you, that’s because last year it was known as the “Light & Sound Healing Arts Festival.” For 2022, they opted for a less new-agey sounding name, so people would understand that it was an event to be enjoyed by everyone.
“We wanted to expand the event in terms of vendors and attract a broader audience. And the other reason for the name change is because last year there was a light show on the lighthouse itself, but this year the festival will be ending before dark, so there will be no light show involved. Spring also seems more encompassing of everything, and the new name broadens the whole horizon of the event,” says Jean Muchanic, executive director for Absecon Lighthouse.
The sceneThe Spring Festival is unique in its scope in that guests can enjoy less traditional festival activities throughout the day such as yoga, meditation, drum circles and wellness workshops.
Over 40 vendors will be on site, selling a wide variety of items such as handcrafted purses, jewelry, home décor, clothing, crystals, charms, gem stones, soaps, candles, hair accessories, healing products, incense, sage, art, wellness products and more. There will also be onsite tarot card readers, should you be curious about your fortune.
Music lovers will be pleased to find performances from live bands, including Kind Magma, Cassius Kirk, See What Happens, Jacob Evan Smith and Debbie Bennett & Friends.
The festival will culminate in the afternoon with a Sound Bath meditation experience, where crystal singing bowls will be played using the lighthouse tower as a natural sound amplifier. During this meditation, guests are invited to relax on a blanket or yoga mat to experience the healing sound vibrations emanating from the lighthouse.
For kidsThe festival is family friendly as well, with an officially dedicated “Mindful Kids Corner” on the property which will feature dancing, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and arts and crafts activities for the children as well as face painting.
Pack a lunchUnlike many traditional festivals in the area, the Spring Festival is not focused on packing the location with carnival-style food trucks serving up deep fried Twinkies and the like. But that begs the question of what to do when you get hungry?
“What we are really trying to encourage this year is for people to pack a lunch, and bring a blanket and lawn chairs and spend some time enjoying the grounds,” Muchanic says. “Last year many people came to the festival who had never been to Absecon Lighthouse before and didn’t realize how expansive our lawn area is. We had so many people say ‘oh, I wish we packed a picnic,’ so we hope people remember to do that this year.”
The Rose SponsorshipBeing that the Spring Festival falls on the same weekend as Mother’s Day, Muchanic and her team at the Absecon Lighthouse have come up with a special way to honor the moms in your life. It’s called the Rose Sponsorship and it includes two tickets to climb the lighthouse plus a personal message of your choosing for the special woman in your life which will be displayed in the museum area during the Festival on Saturday and on Mother’s Day on Sunday. Cost of the Rose Sponsorship is $100.
“It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift for human moms, fur moms, plant moms, dads who are moms and all the moms,” Mechanic says.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/la-mesa-mr-gordo-offer-new-dining-options-for-mexican-holiday/article_7a95270e-ca57-11ec-858e-a36563b948f5.html
|
Americans’ appetite for Mexican food is insatiable.
According to statistics, Mexican food is the third most popular cuisine in the United States with 86 percent of Americans acknowledging they eat Mexican food on a regular basis. That makes the U.S. the No. 1 consumer of Mexican food outside of Mexico and represents about 8 to 10 percent of the total national restaurant landscape, and it continues to escalate every year. As of 2020, there were more than 65,000 Mexican restaurants in the country.
BUY TICKETS HERE!
So it shouldn’t be surprised that Mexican eateries are popping up in South Jersey like Dollar General stores.
And, just in time for May 5 — Cinco de Mayo, a holiday more popular here than in Mexico that commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1762 — two restaurants debuted recently: La Mesa in Galloway Township, and Mr. Gordo’s Taqueria in Ventnor.
Here’s what you can expect if you celebrate Cinco de Mayo at these two new additions to Mexican-American scene in South Jersey.
La MesaThe Background: Located in the former Dubliner and Katinas Kosmos location on Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway Township, La Mesa has been absolutely killing it since opening about a month ago.
La Mesa comes from the trio of Jonathan Santoro, a former bartender at HQ2 at Ocean Casino Resort and Haven and Vic & Anthony’s inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City; Drew Huggard, current owner of Romanelli’s Garden Café in Galloway and former general manager of Vic & Anthony’sand Grotto inside Golden Nugget; and Genadi Vasilev, a former server at Dougherty’s Steakhouse and Gallagher’s Steakhouse inside Resorts Casino Hotel and Vic & Anthony’s at Golden Nugget.
Do you see the common denominator? Yep, they all worked together at Vic & Anthony’s and decided it was time to exit the casino world and work for themselves.
“The truth is I was spending a lot of time at Romanelli’s hanging out with Drew because I had nothing else to do during the pandemic,” Santoro says. “So we talked about possibly expanding one of his businesses or starting something new, and then an opportunity came up when Drew was approached to take over the Kosmos location. It all seemed to just come together. We reached out to Genadi, and pulled him with us, and the rest is history.”
La Mesa is the trio’s vision to offer a different kind of Mexican experience than most.
“Really, we chose Mexican because there really isn’t anything in this area,” Santoro says. “You either have to get dressed up and spend a fortune in Atlantic City or settle for chicken wings and french fries somewhere. So we wanted to be in the middle, and we decided an elevated Mexican concept was the way to go.”
La Mesa went through a pretty radical transformation that includes a Mexican street look with brickwork, graffiti and string lights, and the kitchen is staffed nearly entirely of Oaxaca, Mexico, natives, including Chef Pablo Hernandez-Cruz, who also left Vic & Anthony’s to join his former colleagues.
“So far, so good,” Santoro says with a laugh. “Let’s just say we have zero regrets leaving the casino life behind us.”
The Food: La Mesa’s menu is smallish but hits all of the right spots. What we liked about it is that it succeeds at offering some unique items you won’t see at most other Mexican joints, including spicy chorizo meatballs ($12) with crema drizzle and lime; seafood ceviche ($14) with shrimp, scallops, mahi mahi and salsa fresca; empanadas ($12) with your choice of beef or chicken; Bang Bang Shrimp ($15) with onion habanero and coleslaw and a grilled Caesar salad ($9) for those at the table who might not love standard Mexican fare; and even two kids of soup, including Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup made with pork, hominy, red chiles, lime, shredded cabbage and cilantro that not enough Mexican stops offer.
Of course, the rest of the menu features what you would expect at most Mexican restaurants, including nachos ($12 to $14) with choice of chicken, steak, pork, chorizo or birria; queso fundido ($11) with homemade chips; quesadillas ($12) with choice of protein or veggies; a very cool Guac Trio with pork belly, pepper jam and sweet chili pepper toppings; a large array of tacos ($11 to $22) ranging from Fuego Cauliflower for the vegetarians out there to pork carnitas, steak, the very popular birria, grilled or fried fish, shrimp, chirizo, steak, chicken tinga and — our favorite – the al pastor with a very tasty pineapple salsa, queso fresco and chipotle aioli.
La Mesa even offers some nice entrees, with standouts including chicken enchiladas ($19) with mole, tomatoes, onion and queso fresco; barbacoa ($23), braised beef with rice; carne asada ($26), a grilled filet with steak fries and poblano peppers; and whole red snapper ($28) with pickled red onion and avocado.
Save some room for churros ($7) served with ice cream, choco flan ($8) with caramel drizzle and fresh berries; and tres leches ($8), a traditional sponge cake with fresh cream and berries.
The Drinks: The highlight of the night, for us, was La Mesa’s inventive cocktail menu. Yes, you can get your standard margarita, but why have that when you can try the Lavender-Rita ($13) made with Casamigos Blanco, Combier Orange liquor, Lavender, butterfly pea and egg white; and a Spicy Cucumber-Rita ($12) with Codigo Silver tequila, Combier Orange liquor, cucumber, jalapeno and Himalayan pink salt. Or get off the margarita train and jump on the Smoke Break ($11) with Banhez Smoky mezcal, elderflower, strawberry and tajin; or the Alibi You a Drink ($11) with locally made Mr. Fingers Alibi Gin, passionfruit and blueberry.
“I went in loving tequila already, so the cocktail menu is all me,” Santoro says. “This was the easy part.”
The Future: If the crowds continue at La Mesa like they have been, the trio would consider opening other locations, but first they want to open for lunch – probably after summer. More immediately, La Mesa hopes to offer takeout and delivery for lunch before opening their doors to the public at 3 p.m.
“With Stockton and the hospital so close, there is a lot of potential takeout and delivery business there that we can’t ignore,” Santoro says. “It’s been a great beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”
Mr. Gordo’s Taqueria The Background: Located in the former Domenico’s on the same block as the new Ventnor Square Theater, Mr. Gordo’s Taqueria is the sixth concept and seventh location from the Idell family featuring the husband and wife team of Robert and Jillian Idell and Robert’s parents Bob and Sharon Idell that have created amazing local concepts including Drip N Scoop in Ocean City and Somers Point, and Dead End Bakehouse, The Sand House, Sunrise Café and Dockside Kitchen in Ocean City.
“I always thought Mexican food was trendy, and while there are a lot of good Mexican restaurants around, there are not a lot of places that are modern Mexican where you can have a quick-serve experience whether you sit down and have a meal or takeout,” says Robert Idell. “We were familiar with the location and thought Mexican was something Margate and Ventnor was missing since there are tons of Italian places and other stuff. Mexican cuisine has such a super wide spectrum from Taco Bell to Chipotle to super authentic, so we wanted to be a modern, approachable concept that is authentic yet eases people into some of the spices and flavors of Mexican cuisine for those who might be a little reluctant to try it. We are more approachable.”
Led by Chef Gelasio Aguilar, a native of Mexico who has cooked at Carmine’s at the Tropicana for the last 15 years, Mr. Gordo’s shows the kitchen veteran bringing recipes from his home to Ventnor for the first time since coming to America.
“He welcomes everyone’s feedback, and everyone is so opinionated about Mexican food because everyone has experiences with it, but he takes that feedback and really uses it to make specials that the market requests,” Idell says. “It’s a work in progress, and we are enjoying it.”
The restaurant, which Idell describes as clean, simple and colorful in decor, seats about 70 inside with plans to expand seating with 30 more spots outside.
The Food: Mr. Gordo’smenu is relatively small, but a lot of things stand out. For starters, the Mexican shrimp cocktail ($14) is served with a mango citrus sauce, cucumbers, radish and red onions; chorizo fundido ($12) features a dip made with four cheeses and caramelized onions topped with chorizo and diced jalapenos and served with homemade tortilla chips; the chip dip sampler ($14) is for the dip lover with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, mango cucumber salad and fresh tortilla chips; and the tinga flautas ($11), corn tortilla tacos deep fried with spiced, shredded chicken tinga topped with tomatoes, lettuce, queso fresco and Mexican crema are the best you will have in the area.
Authentic tacos ($13 to $16), burritos ($12 to $15), quesadillas ($13 to $15) and chimichangas rule the menu in every variety from chorizo to steak asada, camarones (shrimp), carnitas, el pastor, but the birria tacos are really popular featuring braised beef bathed in chiles and spices and stuffed into fried corn tortillas with cheese, cilantro and onions. There’s also gringo-style tacos featuring seared mahi, blackened tuna, vegetables and chicken in soft flour tortillas.
Tortas – Mexican sandwiches served on a light and fluffy bun seared and spread with mayonnaise, refried beans, sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato and queso Oaxaca, include variations such as ham, chicken, chorizo and carne asada. And there are about a half dozen entrees ($19 to $38) including three variations of tinga enchiladas with house-made red and green salsa; charred skirt steak with chimichurri sauce and arugula salad; fajitas; and Mr. Gordo’s Parrillada, skirt steak, chicken, chorizo and shrimp with nopal cebollines (cactus pads) grilled jalapenos, guac, lime, rice, beans and tortillas is one of the most authentic items on the menu.
Desserts ($3.50 to $8.95) include choco flan, churros and fried ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
The Drinks: AlthoughMr. Gordo doesn’t have a licencia de licor, it does offer a margarita ($5 glass, $10 pitcher) that you can drink as a mocktail or add your own tequila at the BYO establishment. They also have some other great options including michelada ($4) – basically a better version of a Bloody Mary that you can add beer to — and horchata ($4) – a white rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon and sugar – as well as a bunch of flavors of Jarritos Mexican soda.
The Future: Whenit comes to the Idell family, expect more locations.
“We have already been approached about bringing it to the mainland,” Idell says. “A lot of people wish we had a liquor license, so that’s maybe something we are looking for with bigger square footage, as well. We are always open to looking at what’s in the market and how to grow it. But this is a great spot to start in.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/our-picks-for-where-to-wine-and-dine-mom-this-mother-s-day/article_3aabea8c-caf3-11ec-8321-4347195e5772.html
|
Some people criticize Mother’s Day as being a “Hallmark holiday,” cynically suggesting its only purpose is to earn money for greeting card companies. But even if Hallmark stands to make a buck or two, how can you not celebrate the person who has dealt with more of your nonsense since you were a little kid than anyone else on the planet?
BUY TICKETS HERE!
Don’t even give it a second thought – the big day is Sunday, May 8, so be sure to buy the flowers, buy the card and take Mom out to a really great meal this Mother’s Day. Not sure where to take her? That’s where we come in. Below are some of our picks for the best dining spots to celebrate Mother’s Day 2022.
Freddy J’s Bar & KitchenThis Mays Landing gastropub has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. Everything from fun cocktails and killer buffalo wings to kicked-up versions of American classics like burgers, chicken sandwiches and more, can all be found here. Those in the know also come for their weekend brunch, which we think makes for an excellent choice for Mother’s Day as well, as Mom can choose from a long list of items on the ala carte menu.
Some of our favorites include chicken and waffles with country gravy; the brunch burger, topped with pork roll, sriracha ketchup, American cheese and a sunny side up egg and served with red skin breakfast potatoes; or Freddy J’s short rib benny, made with braised short ribs, sunny side eggs and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin, served with a hash brown.
If dinner is more Mom’s speed, Freddy J’s will also offer a three-course Mother’s Day dining menu from 3 to 9 p.m. featuring a house chopped salad with candied pecans, veal Oscar with Yukon gold potatoes and a molten lava cake for dessert.
Freddy J’s is located at 5698 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing. Go to F reddyJs.com
AmadaGorgeous ocean views paired with an equally gorgeous Spanish style atmosphere make Amada at Ocean Casino Resort a slam dunk for Mother’s Day. This year the restaurant – which is a concept from Iron Chef Jose Garces — will offer a special brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a variety of authentic Mediterranean dishes such as paella pollo, ceviche, pomegranate and gin-cured salmon plus a made-to-order tortilla omelet station and both pasta and carving stations. Cost is $65 per person and reservations are strongly recommended. Ocean Casino Resort is located at 500 Boardwalk in Atalntic City. Go to TheOceanAC.com.
Gordon Ramsay SteakWhen you see Gordon Ramsay in the restaurant’s name, you know you’re going to be eating good. Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Resort is by far the fanciest and most high end of his Atlantic City restaurants, and we can’t imagine Mom not loving it too. For Mother’s day they will serve a three-course prix fixe menu which starts off with an amuse bouche of a king crab fritter with corn fondue followed by a wedge salad, lobster risotto and a Ramsay classic, the always amazing sticky toffee pudding served with brown butter ice cream for dessert. Cost is $95 per person and guests can also choose to upgrade their second course to a dry-aged Kansas strip steak for an additional $30. Harrah’s Resort is located at 777 Harrah’s Blvd. in Atlantic City.
CapriccioIf Mom likes things that take her breath away, one step inside Capriccio at Resorts should be more than enough to dazzle her, as it’s hands down one of the most strikingly beautiful restaurant in all of Atlantic City. They will serve a special four-course prix fixe menu for Mother’s Day this year that features an amuse bouche of wild mushroom ricotta dumplings followed by a first course choice of seafood bisque or Candy beet carpaccio; second course of either prime rib Delmonico, herb-encrusted halibut or angel hair pasta with grill ramps and spring peas in a garlic parmesan broth; and a wild berry cobbler ala mode for dessert. The meal is $65 per person and will be served between 4 and 10 p.m. Resorts is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to ResortsAC.com.
Seaview Hotel & Golf ClubSituated just beyond the rolling hills of its golf course, Seaview’s main dining room is grand and welcoming and the property itself is a true gem. Their Mother’s Day brunch has been a popular tradition for some time and this year will be no different. Folks can enjoy an extensive assortment of seafood, omelets, breakfast staples, entrées and more. Offerings include Yukon potato bisque with roasted asparagus and white truffle essence; dijon-crusted pork tenderloin “Paris” with sweet potato, grilled onions, and chocolate-raspberry pork demi-glace; broiled Florida snapper served with jasmin rice pilaf, and tropical fruit pico de gallo, plus a carving station featuring honey-glazed pulaski ham with cracked mustard and more. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., cost is $59.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under eat free. Seaview Hotel & Golf Club is located at 401 S. New York Road in Galloway. Go to SeaviewDolceHotel.com.
Chelsea Five GastropubIf breathtaking views of the ocean provided via floor-to-ceiling windows sound like Mom’s cup of tea, brunch at Chelsea Five Gastropub inside the Chelsea Tower at Tropicana Atlantic City may be the perfect call this Mother’s Day. At just $34.99 per person, it’s one of the best deals on our list, as this two-course meal features options like smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, a fruit and yogurt parfait or a chicken Caesar salad for the first course, and a long list of entrees such as bananas foster french toast, Maine lobster benedict and chicken and waffles for the second. The meal also includes a bread basket filled with muffins and pastries as well as coffee, tea and juice. Bloody Marys and Mimosas can be had for $6 each. Tropicana Atlantic City is located at 2831 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to Tropicana.net.
Vic & Anthony’s SteakhouseOne of the best, if not the best steakhouse in all of Atlantic City, dinner at Vic & Anthony’s at Golden Nugget Atlantic City is a wonderful way to pay tribute to any deserving mother. Sure its fancy and it’s swanky, but that’s part of its charm, and although they aren’t normally open on Sundays, form 5 to 9 p.m. on Mother’s Day they will offer an individual paella special prepared with pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, mussels, baby shrimp, chorizo, saffron, calasparra rice, asparagus and spring onion for $75 per person. And don’t worry, if Mom isn’t a seafood lover there is a full menu of tasty steaks and chops to choose from. Golden Nugget is located at 600 Huron Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to GoldenNugget.com/atlantic-city
La Mer Beachfront ResortIn case the name didn’t give it away, La Mer Beachfront Resort is located mere feet from the sand in Cape May and boasts an elegant and lovely setting for which to celebrate your mother and all she does for you. La Mer will present a spectacular Mother’s Day Brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8. Diners can enjoy a wide array of brunch fare along with handcrafted cocktails, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. Expect breakfast classics such as stuffed french toast, lump crab eggs Benedict and steak and eggs. Or if you are more in the mood for lunch, options like the crab cake sandwich, truffle macaroni and cheese or Waldorf chicken salad sliders will surely satisfy. La Mer Beachfront Resort is located at 1317 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ. Go to CapeMayLaMer.com
Bocca Coal Fired BistroOne of the tastiest spots in Margate to grab everything from burgers and wings to elegant seafood and pasta dishes, Bocca Coal Fired Bistro will offer a brunch buffet this Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal will feature both hot and cold stations, giving guests a chance to explore a wide variety of dishes including cinnamon Texas french toast, cheese blintzes, waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, filet mignon tips with mushrooms in a marsala sauce, peel and eat shrimp, salads, fruit and more. Cost is $29 per person, or $17 for kids ages 5 to 12. Kids 4 and under eat free with a paying adult. Bocca Coal Fired Bistro is located at 7805 Ventnor Ave. in Margate. Go to BoccaNJ.com.
Atlantic City Country ClubThe relaxing vibe present at Atlantic City Country Club makes for a pleasing atmosphere to enjoy a meal anytime thanks to the serene views of the green from the main dining room, but the whole atmosphere fits particularly well on a holiday such as Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day they will offer both brunch and dinner buffets for you to choose from. Brunch will cost $45 for adults and $19 for kids 12 and under and will have two seatings – from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. while dinner will run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. with a cost of $55 per adult and $19 for kids. Kids under 3 eat for free at both brunch and dinner.
At brunch, expect to encounter pastries, muffins, bagels, made-to-order omelets, a Belgian waffle station, a meat carving station with both herb-rubbed prime rib and oven-roasted turkey breast, and an array of entrees such as cinnamon-dusted French toast, clams in white sauce and chicken Madeira with mushrooms, among others.
The dinner buffet will feature the same carving stations as the brunch, as well as a pasta station and a long list of entrees, such as jumbo u-peel shrimp and mussels in red sauce. Assorted cakes will be served for dessert. Atlantic City Country Club is located at 1 Leo Fraser Drive in Northfield. Go to ACCountryClub.com.
Harry’s Ocean Bar & GrilleAnother absolutely splendid setting located directly across from the crashing waves of Cape May’s beach, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille boasts both indoor and outdoor dining, with a rooftop experience that is simply unmatched. Their Mother’s Day brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature specials such as bananas foster french toast, huevos rancheros and crab cake Benedict. Any of these will surely pair well with a lovely orange crush, and the version at Harry’s is easily the best in South Jersey. Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille is located at 1025 Beach Ave. in Cape May. Go to HarrysCapeMay.com.
Romanelli’s Garden CaféBoth breakfast and dinner menus will be offered this Mother’s Day at Romanelli’s, one of Galloway’s most consistently popular dining locales. Breakfast will feature a surf and turf Oscar omelette, California flatbread or raspberry Limoncello French toast while dinner boasts such delightful options as tuna tartare, roasted pepper and feta dip, chicken cordon bleu and a queen-cut prime rib, among others. Romanelli’s Garden Café is located at 279 S. New York Road in Galloway. Go to RomanellisGardenCafe.com.
Harbor Pines Golf ClubA fantastic destination for golf, dining and special events, Harbor Pines Golf Club will host a Mother’s Day Brunch between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Guests can enjoy an elaborate buffet, omelet station, an abundance of breakfast selections, lunch entrees, a carving station and plenty of desserts. Non meat-eating moms will appreciate a wide selection of vegan eats, including pancakes, vegan pesto pasta and lemon pepper cauliflower steaks. The cost is $39.95 for members and residents and $44.95 for the general public — kids under five eat free. Harbor Pines Golf Club is located at 500 St. Andrews Dr. Egg Harbor Township. Go to HarborPines.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/events/hellzapoppin-circus-sideshow-comes-to-a-c-for-a-night-of-shock-and-awe/article_a643364e-ca33-11ec-80b1-93e89928b733.html
|
There was a time when circus sideshows were just another common form of entertainment in America. A mixed bag of “freaks” — i.e. humans born with bizarre physical abilities or anatomical rarities – were paraded out exclusively for the ogling eyes of whoever paid the fee to enter the tent that day. The bearded lady … the lobster boy … the human unicorn … plus any number of sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists and the like were all part of the show.
BUY TICKETS HERE!
Much of it was horrifically exploitative and definitely not politically correct, which is likely why the sideshow as a concept began to fade from prominence in the middle part of the 20th Century.
But it never fully disappeared, and a handful of sideshows still exist today, each touring the country and entertaining crowds, some through more tasteful means than others.
One such show is the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow, a modernized sideshow that tips its cap to the history of the art form, but focuses more on incredible performances and talents than on merely presenting a lineup of physical “freaks” for crowds to gawk at. This week the show comes to Atlantic City 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Bourre.
Hezzapoppin’s founder and creative force is Bryce “The Govna” Graves. Unlike many folks who were simply born into the circus life or had it forced upon them by a parent looking to make a quick buck, Graves entered the sideshow biz on a whim on his own after years working in a variety of industries including window washing and artist management.
I had the opportunity to chat with him recently from his tour bus while he was on the road with Hellzapoppin. Here is what he had to say:
RYAN LOUGHLIN: Your business background includes everything from window cleaning to managing rock bands. How did you end up running a circus sideshow?
BRYCE GRAVES: I had a management company, and I had hired an authentic, old-style traveling circus sideshow to do an event that I was producing for a radio station in Dallas back in 2004. And the second I saw it set up with the circus tent and everything, I was in awe. I knew at that moment it was my job to let the world know that this sort of entertainment still exists, because not many people know that circus sideshows are still around , and there are not many of us left. There are maybe a dozen professional touring sideshows in the world. And not long after that, I decided to drop all my bands and leave literally everything that I had for the last 15 years prior to that. I left it all behind to start my own show.
RL: With thousands of videos on YouTube of people doing crazy stunts, is it harder to shock an audience nowadays?
BG: Not at all. It’s a totally different beast when you watch something on YouTube compared to seeing it in person. Even with our own videos that I use for advertising on social media, they just don’t do it justice. There’s nothing like seeing a show like this live.
RL: Without giving too much away, can you tell us about some of the core elements and characters in the show that Hellzapoppin consists of?
BG: We generally open the show with fire eating, and then we have Short E. Dangerously, the world-famous “half man” who has been with the show for 9 years. He does a really cool presentation with one arm handstands and glass walking on fire. And these are razor sharp bottles of glass that we break right in front of the audience. We have something called the human block head where I take a 6-inch drill bit that is on the end of a drill, and I drill it right into my nose all the way to the back of my skull. And these are all demonstrations of mind over matter. There are some shows that are only there to try and gross you out, but we don’t do that. We like to think we have a lot of integrity and a lot of comedy in our presentation and, of course, a bit of shock and awe. We have all kinds of amazing performers. It’s a rock ’n’ roll circus stunt show, and we only work with the best quality entertainers of this style. The true art form is learning to book the right performers.
RL: You worked for the Brothers Grim Sideshow for a while. How is Hellzapoppin different?
BG: Brothers Grim was an authentic, turn-of-the-century circus sideshow, and it was incredible. It was performed more to the traditional circus music and featured the circus costumes. But there were people hired on that show simply because of the way they looked. With my current show, you have to be an actual performer to be in the show. If you are a human oddity, that’s a plus, but we don’t hire people just because of the way they look. Hellzapoppin is a very modern rock ’n’ roll circus sideshow, whereas Brothers Grim was much more traditional in its scope.
RL: Do your performers regularly land in the hospital?
BG: Hellzapoppin means “anything can happen, and it probably will.” It’s another word for chaos, and we are trained professionals, but there is a margin of error even for professionals. Have they landed in the hospital? Yes. But it doesn’t happen very often, and that’s because these performers live and breathe what they do. They train all the time. If you see a really great circus performer, they don’t just get on the stage and do their thing. They prepare and rehearse each stunt for hundreds of hours, and the more training you do the less likely you are to get hurt.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/5-great-spots-to-enjoy-a-fresh-margarita-on-cinco-de-mayo/article_16f70eee-ca32-11ec-aadc-cf53668ae978.html
|
While you can enjoy a margarita just about anytime and anywhere, Cinco de Mayo offers a fun and festive day to do so, and this year it also sets you up with a totally valid excuse to booze it up a bit on a random weeknight. But sadly, not all margaritas are created equal. In fact, most of the ones you find at your average bar are pretty bad, swapping in sugary mixes in place of fresh lime juice and opting for cheap mixto tequilas instead of giving you the good stuff.
BUY TICKETS HERE!
We advise you steer clear of those entirely and instead check out one of our picks below. Here are five of the best spots in South Jersey to enjoy a fresh margarita on Cinco de Mayo.
Tacos El TioTacos El Tio is a large Mexican restaurant in Egg Harbor Township, but if you stop in, we suggest you head straight for the bar area and skip the sit-down experience entirely. That’s because it’s easily their strong suit, with a lengthy margarita menu that can be fun to sample your way through. One thing to note: They offer both hand-shaken and on-tap margaritas, but you definitely want to go for the hand-shaken variety because you can choose the type of tequila; the on-tap ones come with basic Jose Cuervo, which should always be avoided. Besides, nothing can compare to a freshly prepared cocktail. Try the Handcrafted Margarita made with fresh-squeezed lime and lemon juices, agave nectar and your choice of tequila. Tacos El Tio is located at 6400 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. Go to TacosElTio.com.
La MesaThey may be the new kid on the block, but this Galloway cantina’s cocktail game is already tight as a drum. They offer a nice list of both tequila and mezcal-based cocktails, but if you are looking for a particularly dressed-up and fancy margarita, we suggest you try the Lavender-Rita, a sophisticated blend of Casamigos blanco tequila, Combier orange liqueur, lavender, butterfly pea flower and egg white. The result is a cocktail that is as tasty as it is beautiful, as the butterfly pea and lavender serve as natural food colorings, producing a gorgeous dark-hued beverage of grand distinction. La Mesa is located at 325 E. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway. Go to La MesaNJ.com.
Casa Taco
& Tequila BarBetween The Quarter and the rest of Tropicana Atlantic City, there are probably at least 10 places you could go for a margarita, but if you go anywhere other than Casa Taco & Tequila Bar, you are making a mistake. One need only glance at their wall of tequila options — over 100 to choose from — to know they take this spirit seriously, and their margarita options are hands down the best in any casino, especially now that the former Veracruz at Harrah’s Resort is sadly no longer operating. We always enjoy the blood orange margarita, a combo of Patron Reposado, blood orange puree, triple sec and fresh lime juice that does a brilliant balancing act between sweet and tart. Unlike other fruit-flavored margs, you can actually drink more than one of these without feeling like you knocked back a gallon of pure sugar. Thumbs up to that. Tropicana is located at 2831 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to CasaTacoAC.com.
Taco Caballito TequileriaLocated in the space formerly occupied by Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill, Taco Caballito Tequileria is easily Cape May’s top spot for hand-crafted drinks and inventive Mexican grub. More than 70 tequilas sit behind the bar, along with a variety of mezcals, and both are used to make some seriously tasty margs. Options are plentiful, but the standouts include a prickly pear margarita made with Patron Silver, Cointreau, prickly pear juice, fresh-squeezed lime and cane sugar syrup; the blueberry margarita with jersey blueberries, Tres Agaves Private Barrel Anejo, blueberry simple syrup and lime juice; or the El Jefe, a monster of a margarita blending Casamigos Blanco, Cointreau, pineapple juice, fresh-squeezed lime and cane sugar syrup with chipotle sugar rim and a grand marnier float. Taco Caballito Tequileria is located at 429 Beach Ave. in Cape May. Go to Taco CaballitoTequileria.com.
Back Bay Ale HouseIt may not be a tequila bar, but if you are looking to kick back in a super-chill atmosphere with a super-large margarita on Cinco de Mayo, you really can’t go wrong with Back Bay Ale House. If you have never been to this Key West-inspired bar on the back bay of Atlantic City, it’s worth the trip. Their signature cocktails are known as “Basin Masons,” and they come served in either 16- or 32-ounce mason jars. For Cinco de Mayo you can’t go wrong with the Golden Margarita, a mix of Sauza Hornitos Plata 100% Agave Tequila, triple sec, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, orange juice and sour mix. Just be sure you call an Uber! Back Bay Ale House is located at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to BackBay AleHouse.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/la-mesa-mr-gordo-offer-new-dining-options-for-mexican-holiday/article_80d2fb6a-caf1-11ec-890e-df55d5203777.html
|
Americans’ appetite for Mexican food is insatiable.
According to statistics, Mexican food is the third most popular cuisine in the United States with 86 percent of Americans acknowledging they eat Mexican food on a regular basis. That makes the U.S. the No. 1 consumer of Mexican food outside of Mexico and represents about 8 to 10 percent of the total national restaurant landscape, and it continues to escalate every year. As of 2020, there were more than 65,000 Mexican restaurants in the country.
So it shouldn’t be surprised that Mexican eateries are popping up in South Jersey like Dollar General stores.
And, just in time for May 5 — Cinco de Mayo, a holiday more popular here than in Mexico that commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1762 — two restaurants debuted recently: La Mesa in Galloway Township, and Mr. Gordo’s Taqueria in Ventnor.
Here’s what you can expect if you celebrate Cinco de Mayo at these two new additions to Mexican-American scene in South Jersey.
La MesaThe Background: Located in the former Dubliner and Katinas Kosmos location on Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway Township, La Mesa has been absolutely killing it since opening about a month ago.
La Mesa comes from the trio of Jonathan Santoro, a former bartender at HQ2 at Ocean Casino Resort and Haven and Vic & Anthony’s inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City; Drew Huggard, current owner of Romanelli’s Garden Café in Galloway and former general manager of Vic & Anthony’sand Grotto inside Golden Nugget; and Genadi Vasilev, a former server at Dougherty’s Steakhouse and Gallagher’s Steakhouse inside Resorts Casino Hotel and Vic & Anthony’s at Golden Nugget.
Do you see the common denominator? Yep, they all worked together at Vic & Anthony’s and decided it was time to exit the casino world and work for themselves.
“The truth is I was spending a lot of time at Romanelli’s hanging out with Drew because I had nothing else to do during the pandemic,” Santoro says. “So we talked about possibly expanding one of his businesses or starting something new, and then an opportunity came up when Drew was approached to take over the Kosmos location. It all seemed to just come together. We reached out to Genadi, and pulled him with us, and the rest is history.”
La Mesa is the trio’s vision to offer a different kind of Mexican experience than most.
“Really, we chose Mexican because there really isn’t anything in this area,” Santoro says. “You either have to get dressed up and spend a fortune in Atlantic City or settle for chicken wings and french fries somewhere. So we wanted to be in the middle, and we decided an elevated Mexican concept was the way to go.”
La Mesa went through a pretty radical transformation that includes a Mexican street look with brickwork, graffiti and string lights, and the kitchen is staffed nearly entirely of Oaxaca, Mexico, natives, including Chef Pablo Hernandez-Cruz, who also left Vic & Anthony’s to join his former colleagues.
“So far, so good,” Santoro says with a laugh. “Let’s just say we have zero regrets leaving the casino life behind us.”
The Food: La Mesa’s menu is smallish but hits all of the right spots. What we liked about it is that it succeeds at offering some unique items you won’t see at most other Mexican joints, including spicy chorizo meatballs ($12) with crema drizzle and lime; seafood ceviche ($14) with shrimp, scallops, mahi mahi and salsa fresca; empanadas ($12) with your choice of beef or chicken; Bang Bang Shrimp ($15) with onion habanero and coleslaw and a grilled Caesar salad ($9) for those at the table who might not love standard Mexican fare; and even two kids of soup, including Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup made with pork, hominy, red chiles, lime, shredded cabbage and cilantro that not enough Mexican stops offer.
Of course, the rest of the menu features what you would expect at most Mexican restaurants, including nachos ($12 to $14) with choice of chicken, steak, pork, chorizo or birria; queso fundido ($11) with homemade chips; quesadillas ($12) with choice of protein or veggies; a very cool Guac Trio with pork belly, pepper jam and sweet chili pepper toppings; a large array of tacos ($11 to $22) ranging from Fuego Cauliflower for the vegetarians out there to pork carnitas, steak, the very popular birria, grilled or fried fish, shrimp, chirizo, steak, chicken tinga and — our favorite – the al pastor with a very tasty pineapple salsa, queso fresco and chipotle aioli.
La Mesa even offers some nice entrees, with standouts including chicken enchiladas ($19) with mole, tomatoes, onion and queso fresco; barbacoa ($23), braised beef with rice; carne asada ($26), a grilled filet with steak fries and poblano peppers; and whole red snapper ($28) with pickled red onion and avocado.
Save some room for churros ($7) served with ice cream, choco flan ($8) with caramel drizzle and fresh berries; and tres leches ($8), a traditional sponge cake with fresh cream and berries.
The Drinks: The highlight of the night, for us, was La Mesa’s inventive cocktail menu. Yes, you can get your standard margarita, but why have that when you can try the Lavender-Rita ($13) made with Casamigos Blanco, Combier Orange liquor, Lavender, butterfly pea and egg white; and a Spicy Cucumber-Rita ($12) with Codigo Silver tequila, Combier Orange liquor, cucumber, jalapeno and Himalayan pink salt. Or get off the margarita train and jump on the Smoke Break ($11) with Banhez Smoky mezcal, elderflower, strawberry and tajin; or the Alibi You a Drink ($11) with locally made Mr. Fingers Alibi Gin, passionfruit and blueberry.
“I went in loving tequila already, so the cocktail menu is all me,” Santoro says. “This was the easy part.”
The Future: If the crowds continue at La Mesa like they have been, the trio would consider opening other locations, but first they want to open for lunch – probably after summer. More immediately, La Mesa hopes to offer takeout and delivery for lunch before opening their doors to the public at 3 p.m.
“With Stockton and the hospital so close, there is a lot of potential takeout and delivery business there that we can’t ignore,” Santoro says. “It’s been a great beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”
Mr. Gordo’s TaqueriaThe Background: Located in the former Domenico’s on the same block as the new Ventnor Square Theater, Mr. Gordo’s Taqueria is the sixth concept and seventh location from the Idell family featuring the husband and wife team of Robert and Jillian Idell and Robert’s parents Bob and Sharon Idell that have created amazing local concepts including Drip N Scoop in Ocean City and Somers Point, and Dead End Bakehouse, The Sand House, Sunrise Café and Dockside Kitchen in Ocean City.
“I always thought Mexican food was trendy, and while there are a lot of good Mexican restaurants around, there are not a lot of places that are modern Mexican where you can have a quick-serve experience whether you sit down and have a meal or takeout,” says Robert Idell. “We were familiar with the location and thought Mexican was something Margate and Ventnor was missing since there are tons of Italian places and other stuff. Mexican cuisine has such a super wide spectrum from Taco Bell to Chipotle to super authentic, so we wanted to be a modern, approachable concept that is authentic yet eases people into some of the spices and flavors of Mexican cuisine for those who might be a little reluctant to try it. We are more approachable.”
Led by Chef Gelasio Aguilar, a native of Mexico who has cooked at Carmine’s at the Tropicana for the last 15 years, Mr. Gordo’s shows the kitchen veteran bringing recipes from his home to Ventnor for the first time since coming to America.
“He welcomes everyone’s feedback, and everyone is so opinionated about Mexican food because everyone has experiences with it, but he takes that feedback and really uses it to make specials that the market requests,” Idell says. “It’s a work in progress, and we are enjoying it.”
The restaurant, which Idell describes as clean, simple and colorful in decor, seats about 70 inside with plans to expand seating with 30 more spots outside.
The Food: Mr. Gordo’smenu is relatively small, but a lot of things stand out. For starters, the Mexican shrimp cocktail ($14) is served with a mango citrus sauce, cucumbers, radish and red onions; chorizo fundido ($12) features a dip made with four cheeses and caramelized onions topped with chorizo and diced jalapenos and served with homemade tortilla chips; the chip dip sampler ($14) is for the dip lover with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, mango cucumber salad and fresh tortilla chips; and the tinga flautas ($11), corn tortilla tacos deep fried with spiced, shredded chicken tinga topped with tomatoes, lettuce, queso fresco and Mexican crema are the best you will have in the area.
Authentic tacos ($13 to $16), burritos ($12 to $15), quesadillas ($13 to $15) and chimichangas rule the menu in every variety from chorizo to steak asada, camarones (shrimp), carnitas, el pastor, but the birria tacos are really popular featuring braised beef bathed in chiles and spices and stuffed into fried corn tortillas with cheese, cilantro and onions. There’s also gringo-style tacos featuring seared mahi, blackened tuna, vegetables and chicken in soft flour tortillas.
Tortas – Mexican sandwiches served on a light and fluffy bun seared and spread with mayonnaise, refried beans, sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato and queso Oaxaca, include variations such as ham, chicken, chorizo and carne asada. And there are about a half dozen entrees ($19 to $38) including three variations of tinga enchiladas with house-made red and green salsa; charred skirt steak with chimichurri sauce and arugula salad; fajitas; and Mr. Gordo’s Parrillada, skirt steak, chicken, chorizo and shrimp with nopal cebollines (cactus pads) grilled jalapenos, guac, lime, rice, beans and tortillas is one of the most authentic items on the menu.
Desserts ($3.50 to $8.95) include choco flan, churros and fried ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
The Drinks: AlthoughMr. Gordo doesn’t have a licencia de licor, it does offer a margarita ($5 glass, $10 pitcher) that you can drink as a mocktail or add your own tequila at the BYO establishment. They also have some other great options including michelada ($4) – basically a better version of a Bloody Mary that you can add beer to — and horchata ($4) – a white rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon and sugar – as well as a bunch of flavors of Jarritos Mexican soda.
The Future: Whenit comes to the Idell family, expect more locations.
“We have already been approached about bringing it to the mainland,” Idell says. “A lot of people wish we had a liquor license, so that’s maybe something we are looking for with bigger square footage, as well. We are always open to looking at what’s in the market and how to grow it. But this is a great spot to start in.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220504
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/after-a-bit-of-downtime-burlesque-show-returns-to-borgata-with-a-bang/article_c3de8278-d071-11ec-be94-87f487e52057.html
|
Back in 2013, the powers that be at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa had a meeting with Producer Allen Valentine about bringing a new production show to the resort. Various visions and ideas were thrown around and, from that, the concept of the Burlesque Show was born.
The show would feature a vaudevillian style that combined a variety of theatrical components from comedy to dance to the more risqué elements that the art form is notorious for.
As fun, sexy and exciting of a concept that it was, rarely does a production show of any kind stick around for more than a couple years in Atlantic City, so the fact that the Burlesque Show has just returned once again to Borgata for its eighth run is truly remarkable. COVID put the show on ice for a while, but it’s back in full force, with performances in the Music Box theater running through the end of September.
I caught up with Valentine recently and got a chance to get an insider’s perspective about the show’s history, its longevity and just how he and his team managed to make an old art form seem new again.
RYAN LOUGHLIN: The Burlesque Show has been popular in Atlantic City for years. What has been the key to its success?
ALLEN VALENTINE: I’ve been doing shows for 30 years, and I have never had one that was this successful. It’s incredible! It’s just a really fun night out at a variety show. That’s what this is. It has dance, comedy, music … and although it’s definitely for adults, it’s also tastefully done. For the casino crowd, they walk out of there really happy, and I think that has been the key to our success.
And the other secret for us was coming up with a brand-new show every year. We keep things fresh. It definitely has its challenges, but it keeps people coming back. I was in a lounge a few years ago and met a group of customers who had just seen the show, and this one woman said, “Oh my God, we’ve seen every version, and we can’t wait to see what you guys do next!” That felt really good.
RL: What made you think an art form as old as burlesque would work at Borgata?
AV: At that time, when I spoke to the team at Borgata and asked them what kind of show they envisioned, they told me they wanted something “sexy, elegant and fun.” And I remember right away I wrote those three words down. And it made sense because Borgata has always been a sexy, elegant and fun property. So they wanted something that was kind of in tune with that … and hip. I went back to them and pitched the concept of a contemporary take on a burlesque show. They said “OK,” so we did it. And every year since, we have done a reboot of the show.
RL: What’s new in the current version of the show?
AV: During our first year, my team and I were joking around and we said: “If we make it to 10 years, we will do a best of the Burlesque Show.” We usually have 6 to 8 months advance notice to put the show together, but due to COVID and some recent changes at Borgata, we only had a short window, so we decided to move it up and do the best of the Burlesque Show this year. What makes this show different is that we are doing some routines form many years ago and tweaking them a bit to keep them fresh. It’s the Burlesque Show’s greatest hits!
RL: With the show containing so many beautiful women along with the element of striptease, do you find that there are more men in the audience than might be at your average production show?
AV: Actually, it’s the opposite! We went down to New Orleans to do some research when we were planning the show because New Orleans is the birthplace of burlesque. We looked at so many shows, and we realized that these shows were actually really empowering for women, both on stage and in the audience. That kind of surprised us, but we immediately knew we needed to capture that. And I think we have. So our Burlesque Show has that. The men are the butt of the jokes, and there is a kind of “girl power” vibe to the show.
I would say that although it’s mostly couples, we do skew a bit more toward women in the crowd. And the age group is really broad, as well. We’re getting a lot of 20-somethings that have never seen burlesque before and, for them, it’s this new cool thing. And then you have people who are older who remember back when burlesque was extremely popular originally.
RL: Being that burlesque is an older art form, is it tricky to find performers who have experience with it?
AV: It’s strange … about 10 years ago burlesque had a big resurgence in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. So, because of that, there are a lot of burlesque girls out there who take their art very seriously. They sew their own costumes and most are professional dancers.
RL: How do you keep an adult-themed show tasteful?
AV: The girls actually don’t strip down all the way; they just go down to pasties. In Vegas the girls are fully topless, and legally we could do that here, too, but I think that it works better when you leave the audience wanting more, so to speak. So that right there really keeps the show elegant. It’s sexy, but it’s built around suggestion as opposed to presentation.
RL: What would you say to someone who has never seen a burlesque performance and thinks it’s just a strip show?
AV: The striptease is actually just a small part of the show. It’s heavy on dance, and we have taken some really old-school music, like Peggy Lee and Eartha Kitt, and put a contemporary twist on it. It’s a large production: We have some really big set pieces and a cast of 30 people, which looks huge on a stage of that size. And it’s hysterical! Not only do we have a great comedian named Chris Morris in the show who is hilarious on his own, but we do these blackout comedy skits that are only about 45 seconds long but are really funny. It’s an old vaudevillian thing, but it’s something that has really caught on with the crowds. We have a load of variety: We have aerialists who are getting down to skimpy costumes while up in the air doing an aerialist routine; we have a plate spinning routine that is hilarious and exciting, too. There are just a lot of really great elements to this show. Everyone should come see it.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/after-a-bit-of-downtime-burlesque-show-returns-to-borgata-with-a-bang/article_3c0365e6-cf93-11ec-9224-0f2e5d59fbe9.html
|
Back in 2013, the powers that be at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa had a meeting with Producer Allen Valentine about bringing a new production show to the resort. Various visions and ideas were thrown around and, from that, the concept of the Burlesque Show was born.
The show would feature a vaudevillian style that combined a variety of theatrical components from comedy to dance to the more risqué elements that the art form is notorious for.
As fun, sexy and exciting of a concept that it was, rarely does a production show of any kind stick around for more than a couple years in Atlantic City, so the fact that the Burlesque Show has just returned once again to Borgata for its eighth run is truly remarkable. COVID put the show on ice for a while, but it’s back in full force, with performances in the Music Box theater running through the end of September.
I caught up with Valentine recently and got a chance to get an insider’s perspective about the show’s history, its longevity and just how he and his team managed to make an old art form seem new again.
RYAN LOUGHLIN: The Burlesque Show has been popular in Atlantic City for years. What has been the key to its success?
ALLEN VALENTINE: I’ve been doing shows for 30 years, and I have never had one that was this successful. It’s incredible! It’s just a really fun night out at a variety show. That’s what this is. It has dance, comedy, music … and although it’s definitely for adults, it’s also tastefully done. For the casino crowd, they walk out of there really happy, and I think that has been the key to our success.
And the other secret for us was coming up with a brand-new show every year. We keep things fresh. It definitely has its challenges, but it keeps people coming back. I was in a lounge a few years ago and met a group of customers who had just seen the show, and this one woman said, “Oh my God, we’ve seen every version, and we can’t wait to see what you guys do next!” That felt really good.
RL: What made you think an art form as old as burlesque would work at Borgata?
AV: At that time, when I spoke to the team at Borgata and asked them what kind of show they envisioned, they told me they wanted something “sexy, elegant and fun.” And I remember right away I wrote those three words down. And it made sense because Borgata has always been a sexy, elegant and fun property. So they wanted something that was kind of in tune with that … and hip. I went back to them and pitched the concept of a contemporary take on a burlesque show. They said “OK,” so we did it. And every year since, we have done a reboot of the show.
RL: What’s new in the current version of the show?
AV: During our first year, my team and I were joking around and we said: “If we make it to 10 years, we will do a best of the Burlesque Show.” We usually have 6 to 8 months advance notice to put the show together, but due to COVID and some recent changes at Borgata, we only had a short window, so we decided to move it up and do the best of the Burlesque Show this year. What makes this show different is that we are doing some routines form many years ago and tweaking them a bit to keep them fresh. It’s the Burlesque Show’s greatest hits!
RL: With the show containing so many beautiful women along with the element of striptease, do you find that there are more men in the audience than might be at your average production show?
AV: Actually, it’s the opposite! We went down to New Orleans to do some research when we were planning the show because New Orleans is the birthplace of burlesque. We looked at so many shows, and we realized that these shows were actually really empowering for women, both on stage and in the audience. That kind of surprised us, but we immediately knew we needed to capture that. And I think we have. So our Burlesque Show has that. The men are the butt of the jokes, and there is a kind of “girl power” vibe to the show.
I would say that although it’s mostly couples, we do skew a bit more toward women in the crowd. And the age group is really broad, as well. We’re getting a lot of 20-somethings that have never seen burlesque before and, for them, it’s this new cool thing. And then you have people who are older who remember back when burlesque was extremely popular originally.
RL: Being that burlesque is an older art form, is it tricky to find performers who have experience with it?
AV: It’s strange … about 10 years ago burlesque had a big resurgence in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. So, because of that, there are a lot of burlesque girls out there who take their art very seriously. They sew their own costumes and most are professional dancers.
RL: How do you keep an adult-themed show tasteful?
AV: The girls actually don’t strip down all the way; they just go down to pasties. In Vegas the girls are fully topless, and legally we could do that here, too, but I think that it works better when you leave the audience wanting more, so to speak. So that right there really keeps the show elegant. It’s sexy, but it’s built around suggestion as opposed to presentation.
RL: What would you say to someone who has never seen a burlesque performance and thinks it’s just a strip show?
AV: The striptease is actually just a small part of the show. It’s heavy on dance, and we have taken some really old-school music, like Peggy Lee and Eartha Kitt, and put a contemporary twist on it. It’s a large production: We have some really big set pieces and a cast of 30 people, which looks huge on a stage of that size. And it’s hysterical! Not only do we have a great comedian named Chris Morris in the show who is hilarious on his own, but we do these blackout comedy skits that are only about 45 seconds long but are really funny. It’s an old vaudevillian thing, but it’s something that has really caught on with the crowds. We have a load of variety: We have aerialists who are getting down to skimpy costumes while up in the air doing an aerialist routine; we have a plate spinning routine that is hilarious and exciting, too. There are just a lot of really great elements to this show. Everyone should come see it.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/exit-zero-jazz-festival-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-stellar-lineup/article_3f40cc94-d074-11ec-9c9f-a76c3e6feb0c.html
|
When founder Michael Kline launched the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in 2012, he believed the multi-act, multi-day event would still exist a decade later.
“That journey has taken twists and turns in each and every festival,” Kline says.
The Cape May Jazz Festival preceded the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, but Exit Zero, which was started in the wake of the 2008 recession, has survived a number of national and local tragedies, including Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Atlantic City casino closings of 2014 through 2016 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival started as a once a year event but quickly evolved into a spring and a fall edition.
A Jazz LegendOver the years, Kline brought in famous jazz figures such as Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny and the late Chick Corea to Cape May for performances. This year, Kline booked National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Charles Lloyd to make his festival debut.
“I have been acknowledged with plaques and honors in many countries, which is always gratifying, but it was especially meaningful, to me personally, to be acknowledged here at home by the NEA and to join the pantheon of greats who preceded me,” Lloyd says.
Lloyd recorded more than 45 albums as a leader. He has had sidemen and band members, who later became well known in their own right, including drummer Jack DeJohnette, pianist Keith Jarrett and guitarist Gabor Szabo.
“Somehow, we find each other. There is a feeling, a glimpse of possibilities I hear, a simpatico ... I never feel like I am choosing someone — it’s more like the music and gravity pull us together,” Lloyd says about whether all of his group members share a similar trait.
During a career that started in 1959, Lloyd was voted “Jazz Artist of the Year” in 1967 by DownBeat magazine. He played extensively with the Beach Boys both on their studio recordings and as a member of their touring band during the 1970s. His album “Rabo de Nube” was voted the No. 1 recording for the 2008 Jazz Times Reader’s and Critic’s Poll.
Lloyd is still receiving accolades. Last year, he was named DownBeat magazine’s saxophonist of the year. He turned 84 years old this year.
“It’s always an honor to have that recognition at any age,” Lloyd says.
Up and ComersWhile Lloyd is a jazz legend, the Exit Zero Jazz Festival features many artists who are at the beginning of their careers.
The Brass Queens from Brooklyn, N.Y., formed in March 2019. They are an eight-piece, all-female brass band who are unusual in the male-dominated brass band genre. They have played at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., the Governor’s Ball Music Festival and the 2021 Met Gala, all in New York City.
“We were running up the stairs, and (actress) Keke Palmer congratulated us. I saw Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Justin Bieber ... Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X and Leon Bridges. It was a fun time, a dream,” trumpeter and arranger Minerva Johnson said about performing at the Met Gala.
Brass Queens played at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival for the first time last fall. Snacktime, a Philadelphia-based, seven-piece brass band, is becoming a jazz festival regular. This will be their third festival appearance after playing at the spring and fall editions of the festival last year.
Snacktime started during the pandemic. COVID-19 is declining, but Sam Gellerstein, the group’s sousaphone player, says his ensemble has been busier than ever.
“We’re playing six or seven days a week. We are still busy from stage shows to weddings. We played for the 76ers last night (May 8),” Gellerstein says.
Jazz Veterans, tooWith an appearance back in the fall of 2015, Conjunto Philadelphia serves as one of the jazz festival veterans. The group was inspired by the pre-Revolutionary Cuban music that can be heard on the Buena Vista Social Club album, which was released in 1997. That Grammy Award-winning release has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Unfortunately, for fans of Conjunto Philadelphia, the group’s festival appearance is the next to last currently scheduled gig by the full ensemble. Pianist Jeff Torchon, who is not Cuban, will be moving with his family this year to Japan to fulfill a three-year teaching contract.
“The heart of the group to me is doing my research so I can represent the music in a culturally sensitive way,” Torchon says.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/smithville-village-s-mayfest-means-another-weekend-of-fabulous-family-fun/article_13bcb0b6-d073-11ec-a0a9-2f8a6ba00476.html
|
There aren’t many spots in South Jersey more appropriate to spend a lovely spring day than Historic Smithville Village. A picturesque landscape packed with quaint shops, cobblestone walkways, rustic buildings and charming eateries all stationed around the serene waters of Lake Meone, the entire village is right out of a storybook, and its many annual festivals bring in thousands of visitors each year looking to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.
One of the oldest and most popular of those festivals is Mayfest, a two-day event packed with crafters, artists, food vendors, kids activities and more, which returns to Smithville 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15.
“Festivals like Mayfest are really important to us as they help to introduce people to Smithville that aren’t familiar with it already,” says Wendie Fitzgerald, owner of the Village Greene section of Smithville Village.
For many, a trip to Mayfest is an annual must-do, and that makes sense as it’s one of the longest running festivals Smithville has on its calendar.
“Mayfest is an oldie – it’s been around for more than 50 years! Everybody looks forward to it every year,” Fitzgerald notes.
Arts and craftersOne can easily spend several hours perusing the more than 120 vendors and artists that will be on site, and one of the unique things about an event such as this is the chance to pick up something handmade as opposed to the mass-produced stuff you’ll find at the local mall or big-box store.
“We have so many talented people here – there is a woodworker who creates gorgeous charcuterie boards, and a metal artist who does really neat metal work, too. We like to work with local artisans and crafters, so the person that is selling you the item is actually the one who made it, which is really fun,” Fitzgerald says.
Noshing around the worldWhile many events feature some form of munchies, Mayfest includes its own International Food Court, where one can sample culinary creations from around the globe all in one convenient setting. Everything from Italian to Greek to Thai food will be represented, as well as American classics including lemonade, funnel cake and kettle corn.
“The Greek pastries are just outstanding,” Fitzgerald promises.
We imagine she isn’t steering you wrong, but no matter what you are into, your tastes will likely be covered at Mayfest.
“This year the festival is bigger than it’s ever been! We have so many new food vendors for 2022. Now that there are cottage kitchens allowed in New Jersey, we have a lot of those types of businesses bringing in things like baked goods and other tasty treats,” Fitzgerald says.
Even more funBeyond shopping and chowing down, there is still plenty more for the whole family to enjoy at Mayfest, as the event will offer live music all day long and fun for the kids in the form of bouncy houses and face painters, but unlike your average street fair, at Smithville you can have a great time exploring the year-round treasures of the grounds themselves.
Frankly, we can’t imagine a trip to Smithville that doesn’t include hopping aboard the train for a breezy ride through the village or getting a leg workout on the paddleboats as you cruise Lake Meone in style. Poking around the shops before stopping at Scoops for some ice cream and a trip on the old-fashioned carousel are must-dos as well.
A few insider tipsOne unavoidable truth is that parking at Smithville during any festival can be difficult – and that is putting it mildly. Luckily, they are aware of this conundrum and will offer shuttle bus service leaving from Smithville Boulevard at the Smithville Square shopping plaza from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day of Mayfest.
If parking is difficult, that means big crowds. Over 12,000 people are expected to attend Mayfest, and if you are looking to avoid the masses, we have a little inside info for you: Most vendors will be set up and ready to go by 9:30 a.m., meaning early birds will be able to enjoy much lighter crowds and easier access to just about everything Smithville has to offer.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/don-t-behave-like-a-bunch-of-asses-make-sure-to-grab-your-burger-bash/article_7bc3ec16-cfc8-11ec-b4b3-97daa69de175.html
|
How many times have you experienced the following scenario?
You hear about a fun event, so you tell all your friends about it, and everybody agrees to go. They are psyched, they can’t wait, it’s going to be so great! Then, for no reason at all, you wait a few weeks before you get around to buying tickets, only to find out that now there are none left and your big plans are now a big fat flop. What a shame.
Well, guess what? This sad, uninspiring tale of procrastination is about to happen to YOU in real life if you don’t grab your tickets to Atlantic City Weekly’s Burger Bash V today!
And if this is the first you are hearing about this event, let us fill you in on what to expect …
Burger Bash V will run from 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs — Saturday, June 18, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City as a lineup of 15 to 20 of the best local restaurants will compete head-to-head to see who makes the best burger in South Jersey. With your admission, you’ll enjoy unlimited slider-sized versions from each spot!
The list of restaurants is still being finalized, but so far it includes Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall from Atlantic City, Golden Nugget’s Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Bill’s Bar and Burger, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township, Johnny Rockets from Bally’s Atlantic City, Ruby’s Diner from Resorts Casino Hotel, Surf Dog Bar & Grill from Woodbine, Tony Beef from Galloway Township and Somers Point, The Cove from Wildwood, A.C. Burger Co. from Harrah’s Resort, Bricker’s Burgers from Showboat, Makai and the new Serendipity from Ocean Casino Resort.
A trio of professional judges will be on hand to pick the grand champion, but there will also be a people’s choice category where YOU vote for your favorite burger of the day, so be sure to come hungry and ready to vote! In the end, the winners will be crowned in a variety of categories, and champions will be sent home with trophies and plenty of bragging rights.
The party will rock right out of the gate as local faves Quasimodo’s Bride will perform live throughout the event. Expect an incredible setlist packed with everything from classic rock covers to killer originals and then some!
We thought pounding down burger after burger with nothing to drink would likely make for an unpleasant afternoon, so we decided to throw a fully stocked bar in the middle of the room, just in case your thirst should become an issue, or if you feel the need to cleanse your palate with a shot of Casamigos.
OK, so let’s not screw this up by letting it sell out — because it WILL. So, grab tickets for everybody today and tell your buddies to Venmo you the cash, because Burger Bash V is NOT something you can afford to miss!
General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40 and include one-hour early admission, where you will have better access to seating and very small lines for burgers. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com before they sell out!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-taco-caballito-tequileria/article_21c217f2-cf95-11ec-ab12-6731e831409c.html
|
Last week, I found myself driving around during lunchtime on Thursday trying to decide what to eat. I knew I had a sandwich column to write, but I also knew it was Cinco de Mayo, and my urge to head to some type of Mexican restaurant was overpowering.
I popped in at Taco Caballito Tequileria, a fun spot in Cape May that is in the space once occupied by Cabanas Beach Bar. Being a lover of tequila, I was in heaven just walking up to the bar, where bottle after bottle of the agave-based spirit sat waiting to be poured.
Feeling festive, I ordered up a blueberry margarita while I scanned the menu for something that would qualify as a sandwich. The marg – made with Tres Agaves Private Barrel Anejo, fresh Jersey blueberries, blueberry simple syrup, lime juice and a sugar rim, was superb, and the fact that they used an aged anejo tequila as opposed to the more common blanco or reposados you usually see in margaritas was a nice touch.
It didn’t take long for me to make up my mind on what to order. Once I saw the short rib banh mi tacos, I was sold. A pair of short rib tacos with pickled onion, radish, carrots and cilantro served on bao buns with sriracha mayo – how can you go wrong? Answer: You pretty much can’t. Here’s what I thought of it:
The Bread: Bao buns at a Mexican restaurant? Apparently, yes. While they are anything but Mexican in origin, these bao buns that stood in place for the traditional tortillas were a stroke of sheer brilliance. Corn based and fried, they had a crispy exterior that you don’t normally find on a bao bun, and they were pillow-like inside, and that’s where the corn flavor really shined.
The Meat: Shredded short rib served as the protein in this case, and it did a fine job. Endlessly tender and brimming with rich meaty flavor, short rib may be a trendy cut of beef that has shown up on menus everywhere over the last 15 years or so, but much of the hype is deserved.
The Veggies: Some of my favorite vegetables, including pickled onions and finely julienned carrots, topped the “taco” and added texture and crunch, while the cilantro gave it a welcome boost of flavor too. The radish was a bit lost in the mix, which was fine with me, as I’ve never been big on radishes anyway.
The Condiment: Sriracha mayo! Sriracha is another one of those trendy ingredients that deserves every bit of its sudden popularity. It deepened the flavor of the mayo while also adding spice and a garlicky finish on the back end, all of which complimented the dish quite well. There should have been more of it, though, and it might have worked better if the bao buns themselves were dressed with it instead of just having the sauce resting atop the pile of ingredients. Either way, it was a welcome addition.
The Garnish: Who mentions the garnish? Me, that’s who. Well, sometimes anyway. In this case, a simple squeeze of a wedge of lime provided the tartness and acidity that the dish needed to be complete. It was the last piece of the puzzle.
The Bottom Line: Culinary creativity executed with skill and attention to flavor, the short rib banh mi tacos were every bit as tasty as I hoped they would be. Fun dishes like this are what bring people back to great restaurants again and again. And with a list of awesome cocktails to match, Taco Caballito Tequileria seems to have found a recipe for success.
The Score: 8.9
Taco Caballito Tequileria is located at 429 Beach Ave., Cape May. Go to TacoCaballitoTaqueria.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/headliners/headliner-spotlight/article_cbb08398-cf95-11ec-b3d9-1bac664d3da8.html
|
THE IRON MAIDENS
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Iron Maidens have established themselves among the most popular tribute acts in show business. The all-female band covers the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden through all eras of the original’s lengthy career, including its biggest hits as well as deeper cuts. Iron Maiden fans can expect to hear such songs as “The Trooper,” “2 Minutes To Midnight,” “Burning Ambition,” “Flight Of Icarus,” “Aces High,” “Run to the Hills,” “The Number of the Beast” “Wasted Years,” “Running Free” and others. The show also includes the all-female, heavy metal quintet Burning Witches from Switzerland. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, are available at Etix.com
More info:
BurningWitches.ch,
STRUGGLE JENNINGS
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 13
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: As the grandson of Waylon Jennings and the nephew of Shooter Jennings, Struggle Jennings hails from a family of legendary musicians. The Nashville.-born rapper’s early tracks, according to his website, “were often based around samples of his grandfather’s songs juxtaposed with eerie hip-hop beats as a backdrop for his intense and street-minded rhymes.” After serving a five-year prison sentence from 2011 to 2016 on a drug-related offense, Struggle Jennings has developed a large and loyal fan base who relate not only to his music but also to his personal journey. A cohort of Alabama-born rapper Yelawolf, Jennings first grabbed the public’s attention with his 2013 debut “I Am Struggle,” and in 2019 he collaborated with his oldest daughter, singer Brianna Harness, on an EP entitled “Sunny Days” that reached No. 3 on the Billboard Blues Albums charts. He also enjoyed ample success with his recently released solo albums “The Widow’s Son” in 2019 and “Troubadour of Troubled Souls” in 2021, the latter’s title track also being among his more popular songs. Others by Jennings, who bills himself “the Godfather of the burgeoning Outlaw Hip Hop Rock & Roll movement,” include “Black Curtains,” “God, We Need You Now,” “Fall in the Fall,” “Money, Sex, Drugs,” “The Struggle is Real” and “Climbing Mountains.” Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25 and $45, are available at Event brite.com
More info:
WYNONNA AND THE BIG NOISE
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 13
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect:Wynonna Judd is among the most widely recognizable female country singers ever, with a career spanning nearly four decades. She is probably best known as the younger half of the mother-daughter duo called the Judds that formed in 1983 and included her mother Naomi, who died April 30 after allegedly committing suicide, just one day prior to the Judds being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Together, the Judds scored 14 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Country chart. With a rich, commanding voice, Wynonna Judd was once dubbed by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline. She has received more than 60 industry awards and charted 20 No.1 hits — as both a soloist and with the Judds — on the Billboard Country singles chart, among them “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ole Days),” “She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw the Light” and “No One Else on Earth.” Wynonna’s band the Big Noise is led by her husband/drummer/producer Cactus Moser. The show takes place at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $59, $79 and $99, are available at Ticketmaster.com.
More info:
THE DEAD MILKMEN
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 13
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: The Dead Milkmen is a four-man punk rock band that formed in 1983 in Philadelphia. Three of the band’s original members still perform following a 1995 to 2008 hiatus, including vocalist and keyboardist Rodney Linderman, guitarist and vocalist Joe Genaro and drummer Dean Sabatino. The band’s original bassist, Dave Schulthise, died in 2004 and was replaced by Dan Stevens when the Milkmen reunited in 2008. The band distinguished itself in the hardcore punk scene of the early 1980s through its jangly sound and satirical humor delivered with thick Philly accents. They were a big attraction on college campuses throughout their first incarnation, from ’83 to ’95 and developed something of an underground following nationwide. In 2011, they released “The King in Yellow,” their first studio album in 16 years. The band remained fairly active on tour but released just one other album of original music since then, “Pretty Music for Pretty People” in 2014. Songs by the Dead Milkmen — whose name is derived from a character named Milkman Dead from the novel “Song of Solomon” — include “Bitchin’ Camaro,” “Punk Rock Girl,” “The Thing that Only Eats Hippies,” “Dark Clouds Gather Over Middlemarch,” “Big Words Make the Baby Jesus Cry,” “Welcome to Undertown,” “Prisoner’s Cinema” and others. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $22.50, are available at Anchor RockClub.com
More info:
VOYAGE: THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 13
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Hailed as a dead ringer for Steve Perry, who was the lead singer for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Journey during the San Francisco-based band’s most successful stretch, singer Hugo Valenti has fronted the Journey tribute band Voyage for more than 20 years. He is backed up by renowned musicians Robby Hoffman on guitar, Greg Smith on bass, Lance Millard on keyboards and Dana Spellman on drums. Voyage covers not only Journey’s vast cache of hit songs, such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Separate Ways,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” “Wheel in The Sky,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Stone In Love,” “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’” and “Oh Sherry,” but also many of the originals’ deeper cuts, such as “Patiently,” “Mother, Father,” “Edge of the Blade” and “Majestic.” The show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39. 45 and $48.89, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
STING
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Sting is a British musician, singer, songwriter and actor who first rose to fame in the mid-1970s as the frontman, songwriter and bassist for the London -based New Wave rock band the Police from 1977 to 1984. The Police won 17 Grammy awards throughout their history. Sting launched a solo career in 1985 and has released 15 solo albums since, most recently “The Bridge” in 2021. As both the Police’s frontman and as a solo artist, Sting’s music has incorporated elements of rock, jazz, reggae and classical sounds. His song “Every Breath You Take,” from the Police’s 1983 album “Synchronicity,” was the biggest hit in both America and Canada that year, topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for eight weeks. Sting was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Police in 2003. Having appeared in numerous films and television shows, and three Broadway productions, Sting received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. Other hits by Sting, either with the Police or as a soloist, include “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Walking On The Moon,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Can’t Stand Losing You,” “Driven to Tears,” “I’ll Be Watching You,” “Canary in a Coalmine” and others. The show takes place at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $99, $139, $169 and $229, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
MYSTERY SKULLS WITH SU LEE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Anchor Rock Club
What to expect: Mystery Skulls is a band centered around Venezuela-born lead singer/songwriter Luis Dubuc. The band is described as an “electronic, dance-oriented, neo-soul and vintage disco-influenced outfit” that takes its name from an episode of the Nickelodeon series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” Mystery Skulls’ self-titled debut EP was released in 2011 and included the hit single “Amazing.” The band has released seven other albums since , most recently “Beam Me Up” earlier this year, which includes the title track as well as the songs “Pleasure,” “Put My Records On,” “Be With You,” “Keep On Living,” “All Time High,” “Time Machine,” “3000 Light Years” and “Invincible.” Also performing at Anchor Rock Club on Saturday night will be South Korean musician Su Lee, whose popular songs include “I’ll Just Dance,” “Feel A Little Ugly Today,” “I’m A Little Sad Tonight,” “Slice of Life,” “When He Was His” and others. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $15, are available at AnchorRock Club.com
More info:
PASSAFIRE SPRING TOUR WITH
DRY REEF, GARY DREAD
& RICK HAZE
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Passafire is a four-man reggae band that released its seventh full-length album, “Strata,” in September 2021 on the band’s own record label. Since forming in 2003, Passafire had albums reach the top spot on both the Billboard and iTunes Reggae charts and has shared live stages with reggae legends Toots & the Maytals, the Wailers and John Brown’s Body. The band includes guitarist and lead vocalist Ted Browne, keyboardist Mike DeGuzman, bassist Will Kubley and drummer Nick Kubley. According to a review of “Strata” on the website DailyReggae.com, “In their seventh full-length release, the reggae-rock heavy hitters of Passafire show off their musical and songwriting expertise with songs that pull influence from a multitude of genres while still having the rhythms and vibes that fans of reggae music crave. The band has long been known for its eclectic blend of reggae and progressive rock, and it’s wonderful to see a group that continually strives to grow as musicians and put out their best in both their recordings and live shows.” The show also includes like-minded musicians Dry Reef, Gary Dread and Rick Haze. Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20 and $50, are available at Eventbrite.com. The $50 ticket allows access to a raised VIP sections and observation deck.
More info:
DJ PAULY D
When: 10 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
What to expect: The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s welcomes back popular DJ Pauly D, whose partnership with The Pool After Dark first formed eight years ago. Born Paul DelVecchio in Rhode Island, Pauly D is probably best known as a cast member of the reality television series and pop-culture phenomenon “Jersey Shore,” which ran on MTV from 2009 to 2012. According to his website, Pauly D’s eclectic track selection, unique style and infectious personality captivates crowds around the globe. His music library spans nearly every genre of club music, and he has the ability to mix in and out of Top 40 and house music, introducing an entirely new demographic to tunes they can dance to. The party starts at 10 p.m. with DJ B Lee and DJ Danny Rockz. Pauly D takes the stage around midnight at The Pool at Harrah’s Resort.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
DIONNE WARWICK
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City
What to expect: The New Jersey-born, six-time Grammy Award-winning singer Dionne Warwick returns to her home state Saturday night to perform her all-time greatest hits. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest hitmakers on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1955 and 1999, and the second-most charted female vocalist during that same timeframe. She ranks No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100’s “Greatest Artists of All Time” list. She has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the R&B Music Hall of Fame and won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Three of her songs — “Walk On By,” “Alfie” and “Don’t Make Me Over” — have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Many of Warwick’s family members were part of the Drinkard Singers, a popular family gospel group that performed throughout the New York metropolitan area from the late 1950s through the mid 1960s. Other major hits by Warwick include “Heartbreaker,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Then Came You,” “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and others. Her show takes place in the Grand Ballroom at Golden Nugget.
How much: Tickets, priced at $49, $59 and $69, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
RANDY RAINBOW
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
What to expect: Randy Rainbow is a 40-year-old, openly gay comedian and singer best known for spoof interviews that blend political satire and musical parodies. He grew up on Long Island, N.Y., and moved to Florida with his family at age 10, where he says on his website that his grandmother became his biggest comedy influence. “She’d talk back to the celebrities and politicians on TV,” he says. “She was a combination of Joan Rivers, Elaine Stritch, Betty White and Bea Arthur rolled into one.” In his early 20s, Rainbow — which is his real last name — moved back to New York to pursue a theatrical career. It was then he began blogging and making comedic videos, often faking phone conversations with famous people by editing real audio clips of those celebrities. Among them were “Randy Rainbow is Dating Mel Gibson,” “Randy Rainbow Calls Lindsay Lohan,” “Randy Rainbow Kicks It with Kanye West” and others. Rainbow’s cat Mushi has appeared in some of his videos. Rainbow gained a larger audience during the 2016 American presidential campaign when he made a series of spoof interviews and musical parodies skewering the election process and the candidates, especially Donald Trump, who became Rainbow’s primary subject following his nomination and subsequent election. Rainbow recently released his first full-length studio album called “A Little Brains, A Little Talent.” His show takes place at Harrah’s Concert Venue and his part of his Pink Glasses Tour.
How much: Tickets, priced at $44.50, $54.50 and $64.50, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
AN INTIMATE EVENING
WITH DAVID FOSTER
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: David Foster is a 16-time Grammy Award winner who was the chairman of Verve Records, which was one of the first major record labels for many early rock ’n’ roll bands and artists. Foster is a former studio musician and keyboardist who would go on to become one of the most successful songwriters and record producers in history, overseeing the production of albums that sold in the hundreds of millions. He created hits for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, and he co-wrote with Chicago band member Peter Cetera on such hits as “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the Inspiration” and “Glory of Love.” In 2008, Foster first stepped out as performer, and in 2018 he began touring behind a show he calls “An Intimate Evening with David Foster: Hitman Tour” that catalogs much of his greatest work throughout the years. His show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $79 and $89, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
ROBERT KELLY
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, May 14
Where: Resorts Atlantic City
What to expect: Raised in a three-bedroom house with 13 family members in suburban Boston, Robert Kelly’s comedy repertoire is deeply rooted in his own life and relationships. It is a brand of humor that has been labeled honest, abrasively funny, yet refreshingly vulnerable. When not touring, he hosts a top-rated podcast called “You Know What Dude?” on iTunes. Kelly was arrested as a teenager in 1987 and spent time in a youth detention center. He has since been clean and sober for more than 30 years, and before taking on stand-up comedy full-time, Kelly worked with juvenile delinquents. It was while attending a conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous that Kelly discovered his gift for making people laugh. His show takes place at Resorts Superstar Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20 and $25, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
VANESSA COLLIER
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15
Where: Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, Tuckerton
What to expect: Vanessa Collier is a singer and alto saxophone player who, according to her website bio, “weaves funk, soul, rock and blues into every powerful performance. With soulful vocals, searing saxophone and witty songwriting, Vanessa is blazing a trail and has already singled herself out as an artist of distinction.” In a recent edition of “American Blues Scene” magazine, legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy said of Collier, “There’s a young lady who came on stage with me (on a Rhythm & Blues Cruise), she’s playing an alto saxophone, and man, she was amazing.” Collier, whose voice has been compared to blue-rock stalwart Bonnie Raitt, has won two Blues Music Awards for “Horn Player of the Year” and has received seven Blues Music Award Nominations. A 2013 graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Collier has toured nationally and internationally and has released four critically acclaimed album, most recently “Heart on the Line” in 2020. Her third album, “Honey Up,” released in 2018, spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Blues Album chart’s Top 15. Her show is part of the Pavilion in the Pines music series hosted by the Lizzie Rose Music Room. The series takes place at the Atlantic Shore Pine Campground, 450 Ishmael Road, Tuckerton.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30 and $35, are available at LizzieRoseMusic.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, May 15
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater 4 p.m. every Sunday through June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/5-spots-to-enjoy-before-the-summer-crowds-come/article_7f84e2e8-cf95-11ec-afd1-83ec7974c926.html
|
As we inch closer and closer to the summer season, crowds slowly begin to increase here at the shore. While that is certainly a good thing for our economy, it also means that grabbing a table at your favorite hot spot may suddenly become a whole lot more difficult in a few weeks.
That’s why you need to make sure you find the time to hit certain places BEFORE the armies of vacationing families snag all the reservations. Of course, certain spots are more affected by the problem than others, which is why we have put together this list of five spots to enjoy before the summer crowds get here.
The Crab TrapThey do a damn good business all year round, but the crowds that pack their way in to The Crab Trap in Somers Point during the summer months are sometimes too much to bear. Luckily, the bar area is fun and friendly no matter when you go, and it serves as a fine spot to have a drink while waiting for your table. That said, we still think it’s best to hit this place soon, and when you do make sure to order a cup of their awesome creamy crab bisque or New England clam chowder, followed by one of their classic fried seafood entrees. Our pick is the Shrimp Feast, which includes three shrimp stuffed with deviled crab, eight fried shrimp and five scampi style shrimp for $27.95. The Crab Trap is located at 2 Broadway in Somers Point. Go to TheCrabTrap.com.
Lobster HouseMaybe it’s the absolutely massive sign that greets every car as they enter Cape May, but it seems nobody misses the opportunity to grab some fresh seafood at the Lobster House. Rather than brave the crowds that are on their way, we suggest heading there now. You can’t go wrong with an order of broiled Cape May scallops or baked and stuffed Jersey clams, but if you really want to splurge, order the lobster, which can be served broiled or steamed and is available in sizes all the way up to 3 pounds! Lobster House is located at 906 Schellengers Landing Road, Cape May. Go to TheLobsterHouse.com.
Hot Dog Tommy’sWith a line of eager customers that often stretches all the way down Jackson Street, it would be easy to mistake Hot Dog Tommy’s in Cape May for a trendy nightclub with a strict velvet rope. However, the reason everyone is lined up isn’t to be judged by some doorman, it’s to buy some of the most inventive and over-the-top hot dogs you will find anywhere in South Jersey. We are talking about items like the Glizzy Gladiator, a hot dog topped with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and bacon; or the Junkyard Dog with yellow mustard, Miss Mary’s chili, cole slaw and crunchy onions. Hot Dog Tommy’s is only open on weekends between now and Memorial Day when they switch to a daily schedule. Hit ’em up now while the line is still manageable. Hot Dog Tommy’s is located at 319 Beach Ave., Cape May. Go to HotDogTommys.com.
Manco & MancoManco & Manco is more or less the unofficial pizza of Ocean City, and any trip to the boardwalk in the summer months will easily prove that, as the line for a slice regularly crosses the entire width of the boards on any given night. For right now, the best time to go is during the week, as the location on 9th Street and the Boardwalk is open every day, and the shoobies have yet to fully descend on the city. Obviously the pizza is the thing to order here, and the plain slices are the stuff of legend, but we like to throw in a pepperoni slice or even a Sicilian once in a while just to keep things interesting. Any of them pair beautifully with an ice-cold birch beer, and when the breeze off the ocean hits just right, there are few meals on earth that can top that combo. Manco & Manco is located at 9th Street and the Boardwalk in Ocean City. Go to MancosPizza.com.
Terrace TavernLike much of the Jersey Shore barrier islands, Long Beach Island wakes up from hibernation sometime around Memorial Day and stays buzzing all the way through Labor Day. There are a handful of spots that are open already, and on weekends, Terrace Tavern in Beach Haven is one of them. An LBI staple for decades, this seafood leaning bar and restaurant is hard to miss, especially with the giant red crab on the roof beckoning you to come inside. Once you’re in, the menu is a delight, sporting everything from tasty apps like shrimp and lobster spring rolls with coconut dipping sauce to some killer entrees such as bacon-wrapped Barnegat Light scallops, which are coated in a cider glaze that brings things to a whole other level. Terrace Tavern is located at 13201 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven. Go to TerraceTavernLBI.com
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/exit-zero-jazz-festival-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-stellar-lineup/article_79ca0898-d07f-11ec-b72d-57b4112654bd.html
|
When founder Michael Kline launched the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in 2012, he believed the multi-act, multi-day event would still exist a decade later.
“That journey has taken twists and turns in each and every festival,” Kline says.
The Cape May Jazz Festival preceded the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, but Exit Zero, which was started in the wake of the 2008 recession, has survived a number of national and local tragedies, including Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Atlantic City casino closings of 2014 through 2016 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival started as a once a year event but quickly evolved into a spring and a fall edition.
A Jazz LegendOver the years, Kline brought in famous jazz figures such as Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny and the late Chick Corea to Cape May for performances. This year, Kline booked National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Charles Lloyd to make his festival debut.
“I have been acknowledged with plaques and honors in many countries, which is always gratifying, but it was especially meaningful, to me personally, to be acknowledged here at home by the NEA and to join the pantheon of greats who preceded me,” Lloyd says.
Lloyd recorded more than 45 albums as a leader. He has had sidemen and band members, who later became well known in their own right, including drummer Jack DeJohnette, pianist Keith Jarrett and guitarist Gabor Szabo.
“Somehow, we find each other. There is a feeling, a glimpse of possibilities I hear, a simpatico ... I never feel like I am choosing someone — it’s more like the music and gravity pull us together,” Lloyd says about whether all of his group members share a similar trait.
During a career that started in 1959, Lloyd was voted “Jazz Artist of the Year “‘ in 1967 by DownBeat magazine. He played extensively with the Beach Boys both on their studio recordings and as a member of their touring band during the 1970s. His album “Rabo de Nube” was voted the No. 1 recording for the 2008 Jazz Times Reader’s and Critic’s Poll.
Lloyd is still receiving accolades. Last year, he was named DownBeat magazine’s saxophonist of the year. He turned 84 years old this year.
“It’s always an honor to have that recognition at any age,” Lloyd says.
Up and ComersWhile Lloyd is a jazz legend, the Exit Zero Jazz Festival features many artists who are at the beginning of their careers.
The Brass Queens from Brooklyn, N.Y., formed in March 2019. They are an eight-piece, all-female brass band who are unusual in the male-dominated brass band genre. They have played at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., the Governor’s Ball Music Festival and the 2021 Met Gala, all in New York City.
“We were running up the stairs, and (actress) Keke Palmer congratulated us. I saw Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Justin Bieber ... Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X and Leon Bridges. It was a fun time, a dream,” trumpeter and arranger Minerva Johnson said about performing at the Met Gala.
Brass Queens played at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival for the first time last fall. Snacktime, a Philadelphia-based, seven-piece brass band, is becoming a jazz festival regular. This will be their third festival appearance after playing at the spring and fall editions of the festival last year.
Snacktime started during the pandemic. COVID-19 is declining, but Sam Gellerstein, the group’s sousaphone player, says his ensemble has been busier than ever.
“We’re playing six or seven days a week. We are still busy from stage shows to weddings. We played for the 76ers last night (May 8),” Gellerstein says.
Jazz Veterans, tooWith an appearance back in the fall of 2015, Conjunto Philadelphia serves as one of the jazz festival veterans. The group was inspired by the pre-Revolutionary Cuban music that can be heard on the Buena Vista Social Club album, which was released in 1997. That Grammy Award-winning release has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Unfortunately, for fans of Conjunto Philadelphia, the group’s festival appearance is the next to last currently scheduled gig by the full ensemble. Pianist Jeff Torchon, who is not Cuban, will be moving with his family this year to Japan to fulfill a three-year teaching contract.
“The heart of the group to me is doing my research so I can represent the music in a culturally sensitive way,” Torchon says.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_3ecbc38c-cfb0-11ec-8851-a71321d75413.html
|
Mayfest in Smithville
Historic Smithville presents Mayfest 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15.
The festival includes 100 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, nonprofit groups, live music and kids activities.
Located at Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville.
Cape May Music
Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+ Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival continues with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, Nora Jane Struthers performs 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Emlen Physick Estate Outdoor Stage. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 Cape May MAC members and $20 students under 18. Rain date Sunday, May 15.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues, and to purchase tickets, go to CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
Stockton’s Scholarship Benefit Gala at Hard Rock
Stockton University Foundation’s annual Scholarship Benefit Gala returns to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
The gala includes special performances by the Symphony Gold Jazz Trio, DJ Ahmed Kahn, Stockton a capella group Stockapella and a headline show by Live and Let Die, the Music of Paul McCartney featuring Tony Kishman, as well as photo booth, raffle, and top shelf cocktails.
Tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at Stockton.edu/gala. For more information, contact 609-652-4861. Located at 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
Spring Block Party in O.C.
After two cancellations during the pandemic, Ocean City welcomes back the semi-annual Spring Block Party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
With over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more, the Spring Block Party takes place along Asbury Avenue from 5th to 15th streets. OceanCityVacation.com
‘Two for the Road’
at Gregory’s
South Jersey Jazz Society hosts “Two for the Road” featuring the music of Mancini and Mercer with Eddie Bruce on vocals and Dean Schneider on keyboards 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar.
Call 609-927-6665 for reservations. Located at 900 Shore Road, Somers Point. SouthJerseyJazz.org
Lisa Oakley Memorial Foundation hosts Inaugural BLAST at Harrah’s
The Lisa Oakley Memorial Foundation hosts the inaugural BLAST 7 to 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Harrah’s Pool After Dark.
Serving as the Foundation’s premier event in its journey to raise money, awareness and support for all areas of progress in the fight against cancer, the BLAST includes dinner, presentations and a performance from Don’t Call Me Francis.
Tickets are $65 and $75 and can be purchased at the door, by emailing ryan@lisaoakleymemorialfoun dation.org or at TheBlast2022.com.
Located at 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City. LisaOakleyMemorial Foundation.org
Second Friday
at Noyes Arts Garage
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University hosts Second Friday 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13. Celebrate the openings of the newest exhibitions with shopping, art, light fare and music from Dan Barry.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Cape May Lighthouse
Under a Full Moon
Cape May Mac (Museums+ Art+Culture) offers a nighttime climb up the 199 spiral stairs to the Watch Tower of the Cape May Lighthouse 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 16.
During the Full Moon Climb, climbers enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 through 12. Located at 215 Light House Ave., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org
Captain Kidd Pirate Bonfire in North Wildwood
The inaugural Captain Kidd Pirate Bonfire, hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, takes place 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at 2nd and Surf avenues in North Wildwood. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12. Rain date is Saturday, May 21.
‘Proof’
at Full Moon Theatre
Full Moon Theatre presents “Proof” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, May 13 through 22, at Margate Community Church.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn, “Proof” centers upon disconnected family, uncertain love and a mind in question.
Tickets are $30, seniors $25. Cash or check only at the door. Located at 8900 Ventnor Parkway. Margate. FullMoonTheatre.org
Doo Wah Riders
at Ocean County College
The Doo Wah Riders, a high-energy country band with a Cajun twist, comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
Tickets are $25 and $35. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Sherlock Holmes
at East Lynne Theater
East Lynne Theater Company presents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, at The Cape May Presbyterian Church.
Produced in the style of a radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials just like the Sherlock Holmes radio series on NBC that premiered in 1930, the script was adapted by Craig Wichman, founder and producer of the nationally acclaimed Quicksilver Radio Theater.
General admission tickets are $28, $20 for full-time students and military, and free for kids under 12. Located at 500 Hughes St., Cape May. EastLynneTheater.org
Miss Tri-City
at Landis Theater
Landis Theater hosts the Miss Tri-City Pageant, a scholarship pageant for women ages 16 to 18 who live or go to school in Vineland, Millville and Buena, 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
Tickets are $15. Located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland. Landis Theater.com
‘Frozen Jr.’
at Levoy Theatre
The Levoy Theatre and Off Broad Street Players offer “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” 8 p.m. Friday, May 13.
Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” is the timeless tale of two sisters pulled apart by a mysterious secret. Loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, this all-kids production of “Frozen Jr.” is sure to thaw even the coldest heart.
Tickets are $18. Located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville. Levoy.net
High School students display at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park hosts “The Human Condition,” a collection of artwork created by Lower Cape May Regional High school students that visually explores what it means to be human, through May 27.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery
Bee Presentation
in Barnegat
The Barnegat Garden Club hosts a program about bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library.
For questions or to pre-register for the program, contact the Garden Club at BarnegatGardenClub@yahoo.com. Located at 112 Burr St., Barnegat. TheOceanCounty Library.org
‘Circle Mirror Transformation’
at Eagle Theatre
Producing artistic director Angela Longo and managing director Matthew Reddin offer “Circle Mirror Transformation” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, May 12 through 29, at Eagle Theatre.
Directed by Tai Verley, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is an award-winning early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker in which a six-week community center drama class allows five unique individuals the chance to reimagine their lives.
Tickets are $35. Located at 208 Vine St., Hammonton. Eagle Theatre.org
Carol Neugebauer
in Ocean County
Artist and author Carol Neugebauer signs copies of her newly published debut, “Love Letters From the Lord,” 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Ocean County Library Tuckerton Branch.
Admission is free but registration is required at TheOceanCounty Library.org/Events. Located at 380 Bay Ave., Tuckerton.
Local Artists
at Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May. Light refreshments will be served.
Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
‘Clique 21’
at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig
at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Artists show
at Riverfront
Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
Regional Artists
at SOMA NewArt Gallery
SOMA NewArt Gallery announces its first exhibition of the 2022 season featuring three regional solo artists: Carol King Hood, Molly Sanger Carpenter and Jimm Ross, on view through June 5.
Contact the gallery at stevesoma gallery@gmail.com for additional information. Located at 31 Perry St., Carpenters Square Mall, Cape May. SomaGallery.net
Game Boards
and Inn Signs exhibit in O.C.
The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center presents “A Solo Exhibition of Game Boards and Inn Signs by George Bono” through May 26.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter. org
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220511
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_3ecbc38c-cfb0-11ec-8851-a71321d75413.html
|
Mayfest in Smithville
Historic Smithville presents Mayfest 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15.
The festival includes 100 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, nonprofit groups, live music and kids activities.
Located at Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville.
Cape May Music
Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+ Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival continues with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, Nora Jane Struthers performs 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Emlen Physick Estate Outdoor Stage. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 Cape May MAC members and $20 students under 18. Rain date Sunday, May 15.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues, and to purchase tickets, go to CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
Stockton’s Scholarship Benefit Gala at Hard Rock
Stockton University Foundation’s annual Scholarship Benefit Gala returns to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
The gala includes special performances by the Symphony Gold Jazz Trio, DJ Ahmed Kahn, Stockton a capella group Stockapella and a headline show by Live and Let Die, the Music of Paul McCartney featuring Tony Kishman, as well as photo booth, raffle, and top shelf cocktails.
Tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at Stockton.edu/gala. For more information, contact 609-652-4861. Located at 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
Spring Block Party in O.C.
After two cancellations during the pandemic, Ocean City welcomes back the semi-annual Spring Block Party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
With over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more, the Spring Block Party takes place along Asbury Avenue from 5th to 15th streets. OceanCityVacation.com
‘Two for the Road’
at Gregory’s
South Jersey Jazz Society hosts “Two for the Road” featuring the music of Mancini and Mercer with Eddie Bruce on vocals and Dean Schneider on keyboards 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar.
Call 609-927-6665 for reservations. Located at 900 Shore Road, Somers Point. SouthJerseyJazz.org
Lisa Oakley Memorial Foundation hosts Inaugural BLAST at Harrah’s
The Lisa Oakley Memorial Foundation hosts the inaugural BLAST 7 to 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Harrah’s Pool After Dark.
Serving as the Foundation’s premier event in its journey to raise money, awareness and support for all areas of progress in the fight against cancer, the BLAST includes dinner, presentations and a performance from Don’t Call Me Francis.
Tickets are $65 and $75 and can be purchased at the door, by emailing ryan@lisaoakleymemorialfoun dation.org or at TheBlast2022.com.
Located at 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City. LisaOakleyMemorial Foundation.org
Second Friday
at Noyes Arts Garage
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University hosts Second Friday 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13. Celebrate the openings of the newest exhibitions with shopping, art, light fare and music from Dan Barry.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Cape May Lighthouse
Under a Full Moon
Cape May Mac (Museums+ Art+Culture) offers a nighttime climb up the 199 spiral stairs to the Watch Tower of the Cape May Lighthouse 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 16.
During the Full Moon Climb, climbers enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 through 12. Located at 215 Light House Ave., Cape May. CapeMayMac.org
Captain Kidd Pirate Bonfire in North Wildwood
The inaugural Captain Kidd Pirate Bonfire, hosted by North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, takes place 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at 2nd and Surf avenues in North Wildwood. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12. Rain date is Saturday, May 21.
‘Proof’
at Fool Moon Theatre
Fool Moon Theatre group presents “Proof” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, May 13 through 22, at Margate Community Church.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn, “Proof” centers upon disconnected family, uncertain love and a mind in question.
Tickets are $30, seniors $25. Cash or check only at the door. Located at 8900 Ventnor Parkway. Margate. FoolMoonTheatre.org
Doo Wah Riders
at Ocean County College
The Doo Wah Riders, a high-energy country band with a Cajun twist, comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
Tickets are $25 and $35. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Sherlock Holmes
at East Lynne Theater
East Lynne Theater Company presents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, at The Cape May Presbyterian Church.
Produced in the style of a radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials just like the Sherlock Holmes radio series on NBC that premiered in 1930, the script was adapted by Craig Wichman, founder and producer of the nationally acclaimed Quicksilver Radio Theater.
General admission tickets are $28, $20 for full-time students and military, and free for kids under 12. Located at 500 Hughes St., Cape May. EastLynneTheater.org
Miss Tri-City
at Landis Theater
Landis Theater hosts the Miss Tri-City Pageant, a scholarship pageant for women ages 16 to 18 who live or go to school in Vineland, Millville and Buena, 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
Tickets are $15. Located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland. Landis Theater.com
‘Frozen Jr.’
at Levoy Theatre
The Levoy Theatre and Off Broad Street Players offer “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” 8 p.m. Friday, May 13.
Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” is the timeless tale of two sisters pulled apart by a mysterious secret. Loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, this all-kids production of “Frozen Jr.” is sure to thaw even the coldest heart.
Tickets are $18. Located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville. Levoy.net
High School students display at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park hosts “The Human Condition,” a collection of artwork created by Lower Cape May Regional High school students that visually explores what it means to be human, through May 27.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery
Bee Presentation
in Barnegat
The Barnegat Garden Club hosts a program about bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library.
For questions or to pre-register for the program, contact the Garden Club at BarnegatGardenClub@yahoo.com. Located at 112 Burr St., Barnegat. TheOceanCounty Library.org
‘Circle Mirror Transformation’
at Eagle Theatre
Producing artistic director Angela Longo and managing director Matthew Reddin offer “Circle Mirror Transformation” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, May 12 through 29, at Eagle Theatre.
Directed by Tai Verley, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is an award-winning early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker in which a six-week community center drama class allows five unique individuals the chance to reimagine their lives.
Tickets are $35. Located at 208 Vine St., Hammonton. Eagle Theatre.org
Carol Neugebauer
in Ocean County
Artist and author Carol Neugebauer signs copies of her newly published debut, “Love Letters From the Lord,” 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Ocean County Library Tuckerton Branch.
Admission is free but registration is required at TheOceanCounty Library.org/Events. Located at 380 Bay Ave., Tuckerton.
Local Artists
at Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May. Light refreshments will be served.
Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
‘Clique 21’
at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig
at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Artists show
at Riverfront
Renaissance Center
Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts features an Associate Artist Member Show through Saturday, May 14.
A group exhibit representing all mediums and subjects from local landscapes, portraits, abstracts and representational, the Associate Artist Member Show is hung in the Main Gallery. In Witt Gallery, “Step Out of Reality—Celebrating the UNREAL” brings abstract art to its furthest state in a group exhibit. And in the Associate Artist Alcove, works from Donna Pio and Ramon Perez are on display.
Located at 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com.
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
Regional Artists
at SOMA NewArt Gallery
SOMA NewArt Gallery announces its first exhibition of the 2022 season featuring three regional solo artists: Carol King Hood, Molly Sanger Carpenter and Jimm Ross, on view through June 5.
Contact the gallery at stevesoma gallery@gmail.com for additional information. Located at 31 Perry St., Carpenters Square Mall, Cape May. SomaGallery.net
Game Boards
and Inn Signs exhibit in O.C.
The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center presents “A Solo Exhibition of Game Boards and Inn Signs by George Bono” through May 26.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter. org
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220514
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_b6af85f4-d529-11ec-81eb-e3f12d793c89.html
|
SCHISM: TOOL TRIBUTE
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Having formed in Manhattan more than 20 years ago, the band Schism strives to “engage in the raw talent, mysticism, math and magic that is Tool,” according to the band’s website. “We started this back in 2001, after seeing Tool at Hammerstein Ballroom,” says the band’s guitarist and co-founding member Keith Williams on the band’s website. “We simply loved the music and wanted to share it live with other Tool-minded fans.” The tribute band also includes lead vocalist Angelo Rivera, bassist Pierson Milazzo and drummer Don Pusateri. The original Tool formed in Los Angeles in 1990 and won four Grammy Awards. The tribute band borrows its name from a hit song on Tool’s 2001 album “Lateralus,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was later certified double platinum. Other hit songs by Tool include “Sober,” “Forty Six & 2,” “Vicarious,” “Pushit,” “Wings For Marie,” “Third Eye,” “The Pot,” “Pneuma,” Right in Two,” “Descending” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $15, $20 and $30, are available at Etix.com
More info:
SCOTTY AUSTIN
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Scotty Austin is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Parsons, Tenn., who began learning how to read music in kindergarten, and first performed live in his family’s church band as a child. By the late 1990s, Austin started to expand on his knowledge of music genres, earning fourth place in the world during the International Blues Challenge while representing Memphis. In 2014, Jeff Hanson, manager for the internationally renowned rock bands Creed and Saving Abel, asked Austin to front the Mississippi-based Saving Abel after founding lead vocalist Jared Weeks left to start a solo career. Austin remained the lead vocalist for Saving Abel, which formed in 2004, through 2021. Songs by Austin include “Rebel Yell,” “Trash the Brand” and “15 Minutes of Fame.” Hit songs by Saving Abel include “Addicted,” “The Sex Is Good,” “Drowning,” “Bringing Down the Giant,” “18 Days,” “Mississippi Moonshine,” “Angel Without Wings,” “Sailed Away,” “Contagious” and others. Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Avenue in A.C.
How much: Tickets, priced at $15, are available at Eventbrite.com
More info:
RING OF COMBAT 76
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where: Tropicana Atlantic City
What to expect:Lou Neglia`s Ring of Combat brings its 76th mixed martial arts (MMA) event to the Showroom at Tropicana on Friday night. The fight card is stacked with talented up-and-comers, with the ROC Lightweight title on the line between Virginia’s Cedric Gunnison and North Carolina’s Nick Rodrigues. The co-main event features a pair of tough featherweights going at it, including New Jersey’s own Sergio DeBari taking on John Ramirez. Neglia is a former three-time world kickboxing champion who founded Ring of Combat in 2002 as a means for East Coast MMA fighters to get more exposure in the sport. ROC has since sent more than 150 fighters to the UFC — considered the upper echelon of MMA fighting — with six becoming UFC champions, including Matt Serra, Frankie Edgar, Chris Weidman, Eddie Alvarez, Aljamain Sterling and Chris Oliviera. Other fights tentatively scheduled for Friday night’s card include Anthony DeLemme versus John Caldone, Jimmy Drago versus Kasheem Peterson, Armando Gjetja versus Cristian Lopez, and A.T. McCowin versus Kareen Kline.
How much: Tickets, priced at $53, $63 and $78, are available at Ticketmaster.com.
More info:RingOfCombat.com,
MR. SPEED: KISS TRIBUTE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Landis Theater in Vineland
What to expect: Taking its name from a song off the fifth studio album by heavy metal giant KISS, which formed in 1973 in New York City, Mr. Speed boasts more than 25 years as a KISS tribute band. The group says on its website: “Our passion for KISS is real. We believe in bridging the gap between KISS fans from the ’70s and the new legions of the KISS Army.” In 2012, Mr. Speed was crowned “The Best KISS Tribute Band in the World” out of more than 200 competing bands at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, with the winner being announced by Tommy Thayer, KISS’ lead guitarist since 2002. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, KISS rose prominence with shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. KISS is regarded as one of the most influential and best-selling rock bands of all time, having sold more than 100 million records and earning Top 10 status among MTV’s “Greatest Metal Bands of All Time.” KISS hits include “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Strutter,” “God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You II,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Deuce,” “Got To Choose,” “Hotter Than Hell,” “C'mon and Love Me,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Beth,” “Christine Sixteen” and others. The Landis Theater is located at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
How much: Tickets, priced at $30, are available at ETix.com
More info:
ANNA VISSI
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
What to expect: Anna Vissi is a Greek singer, songwriter and actress who has performed professionally in Athens, Greece, since 1973, having first released singles of her own songs while a student at the University of Athens. Vissi has produced more than two dozen albums in her career, most of which have been certified at least gold in the two countries, and has also starred in three theatrical productions. She was one of the first Greek artists to introduce Western pop and dance elements into the Greek styles of music call laïko and entehno. Her 2005 single “Call Me” made her the first Greek artist to top the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club chart. She has had several other successful singles as well, among them her signature song “Dodeka.” Other hit songs by Vissi, all performed in the Greek language, include “Methismeni Politia,” “Oso Exo Foni,” “Pragmata,” “Ta Mathitika Hronia,” “Treno” and “Gkazi.” Her show takes place at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall.
How much: Tickets, priced at $85 and $125, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, May 21
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Fronted by gregarious lead singer Johnny Lyon since 1974, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has been hailed as the ultimate party band, and is a major forerunner to what became known as the New Jersey Sound. Lyon, who has been called the Godfather of the N.J. Sound, co-founded the Jukes with Steven Van Zandt, who helped establish the rhythm-and-blues, horn-driven style of music that the Jukes are renowned for. Van Zandt wrote many of the Jukes’ earlier songs before leaving to become a member of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which has always maintained a longstanding, professional relationship with the Jukes. The Jukes regularly perform covers of such E Street Band hits as “The Fever” and “Fade Away” during shows, and their horn section is dubbed the Miami Horns due to Van Zandt’s famed distain of cold weather. Signature songs by the Jukes include “Havin’ a Party,” “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” “Talk To Me,” “Hearts of Stone,” and a cover of the ’60s hit “Walk Away Renee.” Other songs Jukes fans will likely hear include “Got to Get You Off My Mind,” “How Come You Treat Me So Bad,” “Broke Down Piece of Man” and “I'm So Anxious.” Joining Lyon on stage are guitarist Glenn Alexander, keyboardist Jeff Kazee, bassist John Conte, drummer Thomas Seguso, and the Miami Horns trio of trumpet player Chris Anderson, saxophonist John Isley and trombonist Neal Pawley. Their show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25 and $35, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
RICARDO ARJONA
When: 8 p.m.Saturday, May 21
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Ricardo Arjona is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter-musician and one of the best-selling Latin-American artists of all time, having sold more than 80 million records since his 1985 debut. He is often referred to as El Animal Nocturno, or the Nocturnal Animal, which is also the name of his mega-successful fourth studio album from 1993. Arjona’s music ranges from ballads to Latin pop, rock, Cuban, Tejano and Norteño music. Four of Arjona’s 18 studio albums reached No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, and seven reached No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. Among his hit songs are “Fuiste Tú,” “El Problema,” “La Mujer Que No Soñé,” “Minutos,” “Historia de Taxi,” “Pingüinos en la Cama” and “Cómo Duele.” Arjona was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards. His show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $80, $100, $151, $176 and $201, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
STEVEN WRIGHT
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Hailing from suburban Boston, Mass., comedian Steven Wright has become renowned for his lethargic-sounding voice and slow, deadpan delivery of jokes and one-liners, often focused on ironic, philosophical or bizarre situations. Having first appeared on stage in the Boston area in 1978, Wright ranked as high as No. 15 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 50 Greatest Stand-Up Comics of all time. In 1982 he debuted on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” where he so impressed the host and studio audience that he was invited back again less than a week later. His website biography states: “I was born. When I was 23 I started telling jokes. Then I started going on television and doing films. That’s still what I am doing. The end.” Wright’s 2006 Comedy Central stand-up special, “Steven Wright: When the Leaves Blow Away,” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album. He also received an Emmy nomination for his role in the comedy-drama TV series “Louie,” which ran from 2010 to 2017, and in 1989 he won an Oscar in the category of Best Short Live-Action Film for “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings,” which he co-wrote and starred in. His show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $22.20, 30.02 and $39.45, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
POPA CHUBBY
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where: Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, Tuckerton
What to expect: Born Theodore Horowitz in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1960, but best known by his stage name Popa Chubby, this blues/rock singer and guitarist has built a large, loyal following over several decades. Celebrating 30 years of hard-rocking blues, his musical chops are as impressive as his appearance is imposing, with a shaven head on a rotund frame, tattooed arms and wild facial hair adding to his aura. He is an exceptional guitar talent with a deep, powerful voice that belts out original material as well as covers of his heroes growing up in the Bronx, among them blues greats Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf, and rock royalty Jimi Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin. The show is part of the Pavilion in the Pines music series hosted by the Lizzie Rose Music Room. The series takes place at the Atlantic Shore Pine Campground, 450 Ishmael Road, Tuckerton.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35 and $40, are available at LizzieRoseMusic.com
More info:
‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ STAR THORGY THOR
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Thorgy Thor is the stage name of Shane Thor Galligan, a drag performer from Brooklyn, N.Y., who was among 12 contestants on the eighth season of “RuPaul's Drag Race,” a reality competition series entering its ninth season on VH1 that documents famed drag queen RuPaul’s “search for America's next drag superstar.” Thor describes herself on her website as “a self-taught performer who never had a drag mother to teach her the tricks of the trade.” Thor began dressing up in women’s clothing as a kid. Her first official performance-based role in drag was as the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a rendition of the musical comedy “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” She then entered and won drag competitions, including a Glam Award that honors the best in New York City nightlife, and is a cast member of “Dragnificent!” on TLC. Thor is also an accomplished violinist and cello player, who says she had the honor of playing solo violin, viola and cello as part of Thorgy and the Thorgestra with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and several other orchestras, and has debuted a solo show at Gramercy Theater in NYC in 2019. Among the advice she imparts on her website is: “Treat everyone you meet with respect on your way to the top, because you may need their help on the way down. And please wear deodorant and have good breath while working in nightlife.” Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Ave, Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $25, are available at Eventbrite.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, May 22
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater, and at 4 p.m. every Sunday through June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220516
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/jersey-legend-southside-johnny-enjoying-being-back-on-road-again/article_41fd3996-d532-11ec-a1f2-23a01a7a06b0.html
|
Over a 40-plus-year career, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have never had a major hit single, and chances are most people wouldn’t recognize frontman Southside Johnny Lyon if they saw him walking down the street near his Jersey shore home.
Lyon, though, has no complaints about where his musical life has taken him or about the busy touring schedule he maintains with the current lineup of the Jukes.
“The business is fine. We’re not making millions of dollars or anything like that, but there’s a lot of work,” he says in a phone interview. “It seems as though everybody enjoys being on the road. Everyone has kids – I don’t – but everyone else does, but most all of them are grown, and I don’t know, we’re happy for the work because, you know, there are a lot of bands that never get the chance to tour. I’ve been touring for 40-some years. It never really gets old to me.”
That doesn’t mean Lyon should not have had a bigger success. In particular, his first three albums with the Jukes (“I Don’t Want to Go Home, “This Time It’s for Real” and “Hearts Of Stone”) are widely credited with defining the Jersey sound and featured quality songs written by local buddies Little Steven Van Zandt (who produced the early Jukes albums) and a certain guy named Bruce Springsteen.
Lyon and the Jukes have made fine albums since then (including 1986’s “At Least We’ve Got Shoes,” 1991’s “Better Days” and the group’s most recent release, 2015’s “Soultime!”), but that initial trio of highly acclaimed albums established the group’s rousing mix of rock ’n’ roll and horn-fueled soul are cherished favorites of many of the band’s fans. Several songs from those albums (“Talk To Me,” “The Fever” -- both Springsteen-penned gems -- “I Don’t Want to Go Home” and “Love on the Wrong Side of Town”) continue to be featured in the band’s live show.
Lyon remains proud of those three albums, released in 1976, 1977 and 1978, respectively, although he will allow that he’d love to re-do them today to improve the sound quality of those early efforts. The music, though, holds up.
“They just were such great songs,” Lyon says. “We were really in a ferment of creativity. Bruce, Steven and all of us were just really locked in, and I think some great songs came out of that. So it doesn’t bother me to do those songs. That’s where I started from. I’m very grateful to people for actually liking those songs. It gave me a chance to get on the road, which was one of the things I always wanted to do, even when I was very young.”
By the time of those albums, Springsteen was starting to put the Asbury Park music scene on the national map, thanks to his classic third album, 1975’s “Born To Run.” Lyon and Van Zandt - who joined Springsteen’s E Street Band in 1975 - were two other charter members of a rich scene that formed in Asbury Park in the late 1960s.
One early hub of activity was a hangout called The Upstage, which Lyon frequented along with Van Zant, Springsteen and a number of future musicians in the Jukes and Springsteen’s E Street Band. Housed on the top floor of a three-story building that included a Thom McAn shoe store on the first floor and a coffee shop on the second floor. The club, a no-alcohol venue that stayed open until 5 a.m., was equipped with speakers, amplifiers and a drum set.
“We just met everybody up there,” Lyon says. “We would jam and learn how to play and learn how to play with each other, and different songs. I’d want to go in and do some blues things. Steven would come and he would want to do some Yardbirds or that kind of thing. It was just a real melting pot of musicians. And we had an apartment, Steven and I and a couple of other guys in Asbury Park, I guess, less than a half a mile away. We used to hang out there, and we would go to the club. I was the designated singer. Steven was the designated guitar player. ‘Big Bobby’ (future Lyon and Bon Jovi collaborator Bobby Bandiera) and (original E Street Band member) Vini Lopez was the drummer, Garry Tallent (another original member who is still in the E Street Band) was the bass player. So if people came in that wanted to jam, there was a band available, a lot of musicians available that would go up and let the guy play guitar or sing or whatever it was.”
The various musicians on the Asbury Park scene cycled through each other’s early bands (For instance, Van Zandt played for a time in the early Springsteen band Steel Mill, while Lyon was part of Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom, a short-lived successor to Steel Mill) as Springsteen, Lyon and Van Zandt eventually emerged on the national stage.
“We had a big pool of musicians, and everybody was supportive of each other, and we still are,” Lyon says. “We wanted everybody to succeed. When Bruce started making records, we thought ‘There it is.’ He definitely should be the first one. He’s just got this motivation and this great talent. It was just one of those things where everybody, we all felt like we were in one big group together, and the rest of the world would just have to put up with how we were going to live and what we were going to do.”
Some five decades later, Lyon is still living his dream, touring worldwide and making albums at a fairly steady clip.
He has started work on the next Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes album, teaming up with his longtime songwriting partner and keyboardist in the Jukes, Jeff Kazee, to write songs for the project.
“We’ve got a number of songs,” Lyon says. “But I think we’re fairly on our way. And with this band, it’s really quick. You send some MP3s of arrangements you think of (to the band members) and they come up with their own parts. You go into rehearsal, and then once we’re in the studio, it only takes a couple of weeks. I sing, they play, we get a take we like and (that’s it). It’s because these guys are that good. You don’t have to worry about mistakes or anything like that.”
Fans can expect Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes to deliver their usual crowd-pleasing shows now that the group is back touring after the pandemic.
“We have five or six songs that I know people want to hear. Every time I start them, people get excited, and that carries you through, even though we’ve done them a thousand times. But we leave a lot of room on stage for us to try and improvise and do some old stuff or some cover things,” Lyon says. “We might do some new material, too.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220516
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/honor-thy-burger-at-burger-bash-v/article_58eb6e30-d531-11ec-ad42-274e02ab81b7.html
|
You may or may not be aware of it, but May is National Burger Month. If you are anything like us, you have likely spent the last few weeks trying to figure out the best way to honor this beloved culinary treasure during this special time.
Sure, you can eat a few burgers this month and call it a day, but why think small? A better plan is to pick up a few tickets to Burger Bash V and get set to pay homage to the almighty burger in a major way!
Burger Bash V will run from 1 to 4 p.m. - noon for VIPs - Saturday, June 18, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City as a lineup of 15 to 20 of the best local restaurants will compete head-to-head to see who makes the best burger in South Jersey. Some may be loaded up with unique sauces and outrageous toppings while others may stick to the classic backyard-style for the win. It’s anyone’s game! And with your admission, you’ll enjoy unlimited slider-sized versions from each spot.
The list of restaurants is still being finalized, but so far it includes Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall from Atlantic City, Golden Nugget’s Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Bill’s Bar and Burger, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township, Johnny Rockets from Bally’s Atlantic City, Ruby’s Diner from Resorts Casino Hotel, Tony Beef from Galloway Township and Somers Point, The Cove from Wildwood, A.C. Burger Co. from Harrah’s Resort, Bricker’s Burgers from Showboat, Makai and the new Serendipity from Ocean Casino Resort.
A trio of professional judges will be on hand to pick the grand champion, but there will also be a people’s choice category where YOU vote for your favorite burger of the day, so be sure to come hungry and ready to vote! In the end, the winners will be crowned in a variety of categories, and champions will be sent home with trophies and plenty of bragging rights.
The party will kick ass right out of the gate, as local rockers Quasimodo’s Bride will perform live throughout the event. Expect an incredible setlist packed with everything from classic rock covers to killer originals and then some!
Washing down those burgers won’t be a problem either, as there will be a fully stocked bar in the middle of the room packed with craft beers, fun cocktails and drink specials.
Every year this event sells out and every year people end up kicking themselves for not jumping on this sooner, so avoid that mistake and grab your passes today!
General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40 and include one-hour early admission, where you will have better access to seating and very small lines for burgers. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com before they sell out!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220516
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/spring-is-here-but-there-are-no-rules-when-you-can-enjoy-any-type-of/article_da4ae6c0-d52e-11ec-8532-8b32fcab291c.html
|
This week’s Wine Q+A focuses on a wide spectrum of topics, from sparkling wine, to reds, to food pairing. While we often consider wine in terms of seasons and celebrations (for example, rosé in the spring, red in the winter, and bubbly for special occasions), there are no real rules surrounding when you can enjoy certain types of wine. The main factor is finding what you like, and allowing yourself to explore it.
Email me your wine-related questions at Michael@passionvines.com, or text me at 609-248-6065. I will use this column to provide answers, and hopefully some helpful tips and insight.
Q: Mary B. from Brigantine asks, “I see most wines have a vintage, but not most sparkling wines. Why?”
A: Hi Mary! This is a great question. Vintage is arguably one of the most important factors in the winemaking process. The year printed on wine labels refers to the year in which the grapes in the bottle were harvested, and the climate of the growing season greatly impacts the finished wine. Years with varying temperatures, levels of rainfall and other noteworthy weather events can lead to vast changes in wines of different vintages. Vintage variation is part of what makes wine exploration so fun, as each bottle provides evidence of weather and soil activity during its particular harvest season.
Certain categories of wine – including sparklers like Champagne and Prosecco – will not typically carry a vintage date on their labels. We refer to these wines as “non-vintage,” or “NV.” It is a longstanding practice in sparkling wine production to blend juice from different harvest years, which results in non-vintage wines. While vintage variation is a hallmark and expectation of many still (aka non-sparkling) wines, consistency is key when it comes to bubbly. As many regions known for sparkling wine production tend to be cooler (France’s Champagne region has an average annual temperature of only 50 degrees Fahrenheit, for example), climate conditions can create a challenging environment for grapes to grow and ripen. The grapes that persevere are hardy with a strong acidity (vital for sparkling wine), but yields can be unpredictable. Blending vintage years safeguards winemakers from the whims of the climate, and it also allows them to offer a consistently delicious product year after year.
If a region experiences a particularly stellar growing season, winemakers may decide to produce a vintage sparkling wine. These bottles will be more expensive because there are fewer to go around, and they will offer more distinctive and unique flavor profiles.
For an excellent example of NV Champagne, try Nicolas Feuillatte Brut (Champagne, France; on sale $32.99). If you’re seeking something even more special, Pol Roger Brut Rosé 2015 (Champagne, France; $141.99) is one of my favorite vintage Champagnes of the moment. For a NV Champagne flavor profile without the price tag, check out Dibon Cava Brut (Catalunya, Spain; $12.99). Spanish Cava is made using the same method as Champagne, so you will find lots of similarities between the two.
Q: Jack M. from Ventnor asks, “I took your Wine Foundations class at Seafood Fest and I loved it! I learned that I like reds with low acid. Can you recommend some?”
A: Hi Jack! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed our Wine Foundations class. For those who are unfamiliar, this is an exercise in which we add several ingredients to a neutral “base wine” in order to identify the main structural components of acidity, tannin, alcohol and residual sugar. We’ve found this to be an incredibly useful practice in determining the wine flavor profiles that we enjoy, and we’re very grateful that you found it to be helpful, too!
When searching for wines with a lower level of acidity, be mindful of growing region. In cooler areas, grapes will not overripen and they will maintain a strong structure of acidity. For this reason, I’d recommend avoiding reds from northern Italy (think Barbera and Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo and Barbaresco) and Pinot Noirs from Oregon and New Zealand. If you focus on warmer growing regions (think Argentina, Australia, and France’s Bordeaux and Rhône regions), you’re likely to find a delicious red that suits your palate. Check out Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2019 (Mendoza, Argentina; $11.99), Château Sainte-Marie Bordeaux Supérieur 2018 (Bordeaux, France; $14.99), Isle Saint Pierre Rhône Rouge 2020 (Rhône, France; $11.49), and Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2019 (Barossa, Australia; $20.99).
Lower acid red wines pair nicely with a wide range of foods, provided the food is also lower in acidity. Lean meats and grilled vegetables will shine with a low-acid red, while a tomato or citrus-based dish will likely overpower the wine.
What I’m Drinking Now: Cascina del Colle Bio Zero Wines from Abruzzo, Italy.
Bio Zero Bianco 2020 and Rosso 2020 recently landed on our shelves at Passion Vines, and they are the perfect wines to transition into the summer season. The white is 100 percent Trebbiano and offers a soft mouthfeel with notes of chamomile, honeycomb, and yellow plum. The red is 100 percent Montepulciano and brings notable impressions of berries, black cherry, fresh herbs, and peppercorn with light tannins that make it the perfect partner for pizza and grilled foods. Added bonus: both wines are produced organically with no added sulfites, and they are delicious!
I’ll finish with a question for you. Email me the answer, and I’ll reply with a prize.
Q: Which of the following is considered a noble grape of Italy’s Chianti region?
A) Nebbiolo
B) Dolcetto
C) Sangiovese
D) Nero d’Avola
E) All of the above
Drink Passionately,
Michael
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220516
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/headliners/good-draw-on-wrong-game-vexes-video-poker-player/article_376c81d2-d50d-11ec-8e6f-7bd17781974e.html
|
Reader Brady got lucky and drew a big, winning video poker hand during an early May morning. He just isn't sure how to feel about it.
"I should know better by now," Brady said. "I've been playing video poker long enough, almost 40 years. Since I retired last year, my wife and I play just about every week, but I changed video poker machines without checking the game."
That can be a problem. Nearly all modern video poker machines have a menu of games. It's up to you to choose Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild or any of the other games offered.
Best drawing strategies vary according to game and pay table, so playing a different game than you intend can have consequences. Brady found one of those consequences.
"There was a whole row of Game King machines with lots of different games. Deuce Wild is my favorite, so that's what I was playing.
After a while, my wife Elena decided to play with me. She usually sticks to slots, but once in a while will play video poker. There was no seat next to me, but down the way there were two open together. So I moved and we took those two.
"I looked at the screen and saw it was on quarters, the same as I'd been playing, so I didn't need to make a change. That was brain cramp No. 1 on my part."
It seems Brady had checked only the denomination and not the game the previous player had chosen. Games and pay tables make a difference in strategy, and there can be consequences.
"Brain cramp No. 2 came when I was dealt a 2 along with a 5, 8, Jack and Ace of mixed suits," Brady said. "I reflexively held the 2 and tossed the rest like any good Deuces player.
"On the draw, I got three more 2s and a 9. Hooray! I had four deuces. But only 400 credits were added to the meter instead of the 1,000 I was expecting."
"What happened? It turns out the player before me was playing Double Double Bonus Poker."
A Double Double Bonus player would have celebrated that draw. Brady wasn't celebrating.
"I was kicking myself and at the same time trying to convince myself I was really lucky," he said. "The four 2s on Deuces Wild would have been worth 1,000 quarters instead of 400. But if I had switched the game to Deuces Wild, I probably wouldn't have been dealt the same hand or gotten the same draw. My timing would have been completely different."
He also would have made a different draw. In Double Double Bonus, the highest average return with that start is to hold the lone Ace, and the next best play is to hold Ace-Jack.
"I was really trying to be happy, but Elena could see it was really eating at me. She said, 'All right. You got lucky and you know it. You could have gotten nothing on that draw, and probably should have since you held the wrong card for the game. You need an attitude adjustment. We're taking an early lunch.'
"So we did. There was one restaurant open, a sports pub, and we went for sandwiches. My wife said I had to buy with my winnings to get in the winners celebration frame of mind.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220516
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/chili-knockout-spicy-food-fest-brings-the-burn-to-a-c/article_9c13a1e2-d5f3-11ec-97ae-ff9ff3d2735f.html
|
When you are served a plate of food, do you find yourself constantly reaching for a bottle of Tabasco? Are you visibly upset when the group you’re with requests the “mild” wings? Do you scoff at those who reach for a glass of milk after a bowl of five-alarm chili?
If so, you would be wise to get yourself down to The Orange Loop Arena at Bourre between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21, for the Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Fest, a celebration of culinary heat unlike any other.
The festival is the latest creation from the demented minds of Jon Henderson and his team at Good Time Tricycle Productions, the folks behind such fun events as The Atlantic City Beer & Music Fest, Witch-Craft and Knee-High Knuckle Buster Micro Wrestling, among others.
Kicking things upAmerica’s love affair with spicy food is a relatively new concept. For years we were known for shying away from anything deemed “exotic” and often sticking to a basic “meat and potatoes” approach to cuisine, but in the last several decades, spicy food has permeated almost every angle of American dining, from habanero-infused cocktails to Nashville hot chicken and beyond.
“The interjection of Latin influence and the influence of other food cultures in America really caused everyone to step up their spice game. Once other cultures introduced us to spicy grub, it was only natural for Americans to begin to glom on, because in this day and age a lot of people like a little boost in their flavors,” Henderson says.
As for the Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Fest, Henderson sees it as an incredible opportunity for foodies too.
“When you talk about people who have a passion for food, it’s all about flavor discovery. And at an event such as this, there’s a huge opportunity for flavor discovery. Sometimes that little bit of burn makes the discovery that much better.”
Though the Spicy Food Fest will make its debut this year, according to Henderson, it was a long time in the making.
“This isn’t something we came up with spontaneously; this idea has been sitting on my shelf since 2018,” he says. “We were going to produce this event in 2020, but then 2020 happened and 2021 was more about getting back on our feet, so finally this year we decided to do it, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The foodBasic admission to the Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Festival will earn you entry to the event and the opportunity to purchase a variety of fiery items from a long list of local restaurants, but, for 10 bucks more, you can also be an official chili judge. That means you’ll receive a tasting pass that will allow you a 2-ounce tasting of chili from each of the 20 restaurants in attendance. You’ll receive three voting tickets, which will enable you to cast your vote for your favorite chilis of the day. The votes will be tallied at the end of the event, and a $5,000 grand prize will be awarded to the winning chef, with $2,500 of it going to the charity of their choice.
“It’s a competition, but it’s also philanthropic,” Henderson notes.
Though chili is a big part of the event, the restaurants will get to spread their spices a bit further and really get creative, bringing the heat to everything from cheesesteaks to wings to spicy noodles – and beyond.
“Chili is awesome, but not everybody likes chili, so we decided to add the spicy food component to have the restaurants feature a broader variety of dishes that have a spicy kick,” Henderson says.
The list of restaurants throwing their chefs hats into the ring of fire include local favorites like Cuzzie’s Pizza, Ducktown Tavern, Essl’s Dugout, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Bourre, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, Wingcraft and Crossroads Bar & Grill, just to name a few.
The drinksWith this much spicy food around, you’ll likely be reaching for a cool drink to take the edge off, but be careful what you order, as even some of the cocktails at the Chili Knockout will pack a peppery punch.
Spirit purveyors like Alibi Gin and Little Water Distillery will offer their own signature spicy cocktails as well as some tamer ones, and beers and will be available from Dogfish Head Brewery along with hard seltzers from High Noon and more.
The funAs with every Good Time Tricycle event, there will be shenanigans going on throughout the day to keep you entertained between bites of flaming hot food.
Several competitions will take place, including a pepper eating contest in which seven contestants will take the stage and attempt to chomp their way through some of the hottest peppers around, and a second contest called “So, You Think You Know Hot Sauce?” where eight contestants will be tasked with tasting and identifying specific ingredients within each hot sauce and ultimately will have to guess the identity of sauce they are consuming.
“Hot sauces are complex, so we want the contestants to actually try these hot sauces and be able to say say, ‘OK, here are the ingredients.’ It’s really about how sophisticated your palate is,” Henderson says.
The winners of each contest get $100 and bragging rights, while the losers just get a mouth full of fire.
In addition to contests, there will be live music from party band The Fight Back Home as well as Conjunto Imagen, who will bring their arsenal of spicy Latin tunes to the mix.
The saucesMuch of the spicy food craze in America was built around the popularity of hot sauces, and at the Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Fest, folks will have the chance to purchase handcrafted sauces from many Jersey-based companies, including Jersey Girl Hot Sauce Co., Whitehouse Station Sauce Company, Hank Sauce, Hot Graham Sauce Company and many more. The sauces run the gamut from sweet and flavorful to hellishly hot — and all points between.
“We’ve got more than 20 hot sauce companies coming, and we know how people like to stock their cabinets with unique hot sauces. You’ll be able to choose from some really great flavors from around the state and beyond,” Henderson promises.
Wimps are
welcome, tooEven though the majority of the eats at the festival will have some element of heat to them, don’t worry: Your wimpy friend who can’t take the pain will still enjoy the day, too, as there will be non-spicy options. Roughly 80 percent of the dishes will be spicy to some degree, with the rest falling on the tame side.
“I like food that is hot, but still edible, but I’ve got friends who like to burn their faces off. So everybody’s palate is significantly different, and that’s what makes this fun. Ultimately the entire thing is a food celebration,” Henderson says.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/legendary-comic-steven-wright-returns-to-a-c/article_7c1ef9f8-d603-11ec-aaae-4fb2b586c540.html
|
Go to Steven Wright’s website and his biography reads: “I was born. When I was 23, I started telling jokes. Then I started going on television and doing films. That’s still what I am doing. The end.”
That does sum it up, but it turns out the legendary comedian and star of movies like “Half Baked” and “Reservoir Dogs” does have more to say about his career.
Known for his lethargic-sounding voice and slow, deadpan delivery of subjects ranging from the philosophical to the bizarre, the Grammy- and Emmy-nominated comedian and Oscar winner is back on the road, coming to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Music Box 9 p.m. Saturday, May 21.
Talking to Wright was like talking to an old friend even though we never met, and here’s what he had to say:
SCOTT CRONICK: Steven, what’s it like getting back out there performing live again after COVID?
STEVEN WRIGHT: It was the longest I never did a show — 2 years and three months — but my mind didn’t stop. I was writing and stuff during that time. It was interesting not to do it. I just started doing it last weekend, and it was good to be in front of the audience. The audience, even though I don’t know them personally, they are like my friends. It’s like we are hanging out at the show together. So it’s good to be back.
SC: Did you miss performing?
SW: I didn’t really miss it. I didn’t even think about it until a month before I was going to do it, which surprised me in itself because I like doing it, so you think I would miss it. It was just a different way of being alive, not doing it.
SC: So did you write new material that we will see this weekend?
SW: Every day I drink some coffee, and for an hour and a half my mind goes insane, so I write down whatever goes on in my head — some of it could be jokes – but I write down everything … it could be anything. I just like writing stuff down. So I keep the jokes off to the side. And when I just did these shows I started doing some of the new stuff, and that’s how it is. The show is like a painting – it’s never finished.
SC: And you do paint, too, right?
SW: Oh yeah, I drew and painted since I was in fifth grade. That was my first creative thing long before I wrote anything. I didn’t write anything until college, but I drew and painted for years and years. I do acrylics and abstract – completely abstract. At first I tried to draw very realistically until I was in high school. Then I went to museums and saw surrealism, and that changed everything. I think that includes my comedy material, too … to think in a surreal way.
SC: Acting has been a big part of your career, but we wanted to know: What was your motivation for your guy on the couch character in “Half Baked?”
SW: (Laughs) My motivation was: The director says, “Lay there,” and I said, “All right.” People love that movie. They have never seen it or they have seen it 50 times, and they own it. There’s no in between.
SC: Are you a weed guy?
SW: I used to be in college. But now, coffee is a very powerful drug … at least for me it is.
SC: Speaking of “Half Baked” and Chappelle, he was recently attacked right on stage just after Chris Rock was attacked at the Academy Awards. And Chris Rock was at the Chappelle show when he was attacked, too, which is crazy. Did anything ever happen to you like that?
SW: The only thing that happened to me like that was like 30 years ago. I don’t know if you have ever seen me perform, but I pace from one side of the stage to the other, and I went to one side, and when I turned around to go back to the other side, there was a woman standing right there … standing on the stage like 5 feet away from me. She got on stage when I was facing the other way. I don’t know why no one stopped her. And she just had this weird colorful dress, and she must have been on drugs or something because she was just looking at me with these weird eyes, and I was just stunned, not that she did anything, but you are just not used to seeing someone on stage except you. That was the only thing that happened.
And Chris Rock being there at the Academy Awards and at the Chappelle thing …You know that famous picture of Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby? There’s a guy standing there with a white hat — he’s the sheriff — and he has a white cowboy-type hat, and I read that that guy was also at Pearl Harbor when they bombed Pearl Harbor. Then he’s standing there aside Oswald when he gets shot. When I saw Chris Rock was there at the Academy Awards and then he’s there at the Chappelle thing, it reminded me of that guy.
SC: When I was young, I saw you on Johnny Carson so many times. That was a showcase for comedians that’s just not there anymore. Did you enjoy that time in your life?
SW: That show changed my whole life. I went in there in August 1982, and Johnny Carson really liked me, and I sat down and talked to him. That show was so powerful because there weren’t all of these networks and everything. It was like magic if it went well. The next day my whole career and my whole life was different … the next day! I went on there many times, and he was always nice to me. A guy named Peter Lassally was the producer there, and he saw me in a little club in Cambridge, Mass., and three weeks later I went on there. So I owe it to him and Johnny Carson. What a break that he sees me in a club and then – bam! – I’m on there. It was one of the best times of my whole life.
SC: Was it arrogant for Carson not to call others to the couch, or was it something as a comedian to earn?
SW: I never really thought it was arrogant. He just reacted how he felt about it. It’s his show (laughs).
SC: When you won an Oscar for Best Short Live-Action Film for “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings,” which you co-wrote and starred in, your Oscar speech was: “I am really glad we cut out the other 60 minutes.”
SW: Oh you read that huh? Yeah, that was another miracle fluke. We made a short film for HBO and handed it to them, and they decided to play it in theaters in New York and Los Angeles. It was unbelievable.
SC: You were ranked the 15th greatest comedian by Rolling Stone. Is that right or were you ripped off?
SW: What number was it?
SC: 15 … that’s pretty good.
SW: That’s unbelievable. That’s insane. I also think it’s kind of impossible to line it up like that. I have two ways of thinking about it: I am happy about it; and I think it’s impossible.
SC: You have had a great relationship with Louis C.K., working as a producer on “Louie” on FX and then you acted in his stage show “Horace & Pete,” which might be my favorite piece of acting you ever did. Louis is such a genius, and you seem to enjoy that relationship.
SW: Oh, thank you! I was going to say that he’s a genius. He’s one of those guys from another planet. Like, how can they be doing all of this? Like Woody Allen and Richard Pryor, there are certain people that are just amazing, and Louie is so prolific and still doing specials and only putting them on his website. I love knowing him. We have a blast hanging out. I completely admire him. He’s on the Mount Rushmore of comedians in the last 35 years, in my opinion.
As for “Horace & Pete,” it had Steve Buscemi and Alan Alda, who was like 78 years old and remembering these long paragraphs where he would have to talk for a minute without stopping, and he was a nice person, too. I am glad Louie had me in there, and I am glad you liked it so much. I think it’s a very unique thing that he created.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_2fb8427a-d524-11ec-9520-f3985c59c91f.html
|
‘Proof’ at Fool Moon Theatre
Fool Moon Theatre presents “Proof” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, through May 22, at Margate Community Church.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn, “Proof” centers upon disconnected family, uncertain love and a mind in question.
Tickets are $30, seniors $25. Cash or check only at the door. Located at 8900 Ventnor Parkway, Margate. FoolMoonTheatre.org
Cocktails by the Beach for Gilda’s Club
The 10th Annual Cocktails by the Beach event to benefit Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club (CSCNJ) takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Ma’Kai Restaurant inside of Ocean Casino Resort.
The event includes island inspired delicacies, open bar of beer, wine and craft cocktails as well as a silent auction with lots of exciting items up for grabs.
Single tickets are $95; $175 for a pair. Space is limited to the first 200 RSVPs.
Located at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. GildasClubSouthJersey.org/Fundraising-Events/
Cara’s Love Golf Tournament Dinner
The Cara’s Love Charity hosts its inaugural golf tournament noon Thursday, May 19, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Greate Bay Country Club.
Due to overwhelming response, registration for golf is now closed. Dinner, emceed by Former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale, includes raffles, door prizes and more. Tickets for dinner are $55.
Located at 901 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, Somers Point. CarasLoveGolf.com
Chili Knockout and Spicy Food Festival
Good Time Tricycle presents the first Chili Knockout and Spicy Food Festival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21, on South New York Avenue.
A food festival devoted to exploring all things flavor, Chili Knockout and Spicy Food Festival is a “you-be-the-judge” event where winning restaurants take home a championship belt and a cash prize to be split between restaurant chef and restaurant’s charity partner.
Tickets are $25 per person for judges, $15 per person for the non-chili folks, and free for kids 12 and under.
Located at 114 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. ChiliKnockout.com
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall May Beer Dinner
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall presents their final beer dinner of the season 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.
Dinner includes a surprise welcome beer followed by chorizo sopes first course paired with Fiddlehead Helles Lager, grilled watermelon steak second course paired with Lawson’s Double Sunshine Ruby Red Grapefruit Double IPA with Grapefruit, grilled chicken third course paired with Allagash Little Sal Blueberry Sour and beignets dessert paired with Forgotten Boardwalk Lucy the Elephant Golden Milk White Cream Stout.
Tickets are $55.
Located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. TennAveAc.com
Tequila Pairing
Dinner at La Mer
The Pier House at La Mer presents their May pairing dinner series featuring tequila 6 p.m. Friday, May 20.
The pairing dinner showcases a four-course menu paired with specially selected tequilas including chicken mango tostada first course, seared scallops second course, carne asada fourth course, and dulce de leche empanada dessert.
Tickets are $85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at 609-898-2244.
Located at 1317 Beach Ave., Cape May. CapeMayLaMer.com
9th Annual Tournament Fore Charity
The Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the Jewish Family Service (JFS) present the 9th Annual Tournament Fore Charity 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Harbor Pines Golf Club. Golfers enjoy fun contests, food and drink stations throughout the course and prizes while supporting essential programs and services for children, families and seniors.
Singer golfer fees are $225 and include greens fees, cart and food stations. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Located at 500 Saint Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor Township. JFSAtlantic.org.
Ventnor Chef’s Night Out
Hosted by Ventnor City Beautification Committee, Ventnor Chef’s Night Out, a local restaurant dine-around of scrumptious food and sweets, with great local music and art, takes place 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 22.
Participating restaurants include Aroma, Isabella’s, La Padella, North Beach Café & Creamery, Nucky’s Kitchen & Speakeasy, PJ Buckets, Pulia, Rainbow, Red Room, Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, Sapore Wood Fire Pizza, Stella Water Dog, Zorro’s Pizza, Community Liquors, Custards Last Stand, Peace Pie, Sasscer’s Cheesecakes, Sundaze Ice Cream and Ventnor No. 7311. Tickets are $45 and are limited. Call Shelly 267-980-7632, Marsha 609-335-6390 or Rose 484-432-5593 for tickets.
Ventnor Chef’s Night Out on Facebook.
Absecon Lighthouse
Spring Festival
Inlet Community Partners present the rescheduled Absecon Spring Festival noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Rain date May 22.
The festival, a fundraiser for “Abby” the Lighthouse, includes live music, over 40 vendors, yoga, sound bath, meditation, drum circle, mindful kids corner, workshops and awareness alley, as well as discounted lighthouse climbs. Guests are invited to pack a picnic and stay for the day.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City. Absecon Lighthouse.org
Spring Heart Walk
in Ocean City
The American Heart Association Spring Heart Walk, led by Anthony Suppa and Jake Ottinger of South State Inc., takes place 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors and funds raised fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in South Jersey.
Check-in takes place at 8:20 a.m. at Ocean City Civic Center. Contact Emma Kimenhour at Emma.Kimenhour@heart.org to learn about engaging your workforce in Heart challenge events.
Located at 840 E. 6th St., Ocean City. SNJFallHW.org
Sea Isle City Flower Sale
Sea Isle City Garden Club hosts annual flower sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, at Dealy Field Basketball Courts. Hanging floral baskets, pots filled with colorful blossoms, herbs and annuals in flats and 4.5 inch nursery pots are available for purchase.
Proceeds from the flower sale benefit the Garden Club’s charitable efforts.
Located at 6108 Central Ave., Sea Isle City. VisitSICNJ.com
Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival
The Wetlands Institute’s 9th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival kicks off 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21.
Festival events include options like a Horseshoe Crab workshop presented at The Wetlands Institute as well as three guided walks held at select beaches throughout Cape May County including a migratory bird walk at Stone Harbor Point, Shorebird viewing at Cooks Beach, sunset birding at the beach at Stone Harbor Point and more.
Tickets are $25 adult non-members, $20 children non-members, $20 adult members, $15 children members. Tickets include a choice of two festival events on Saturday as well as admission to the institute 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and May 22.
Located at 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor. Wetlands Institute.org
‘Alice in Wonderland’ Fantasy Adventure
Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company brings their Fantasy AdventureFest back to Historic Smithville with the premier of their original comedic musical “Riddlesbrood’s Alice In Wonderland” 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22.
“Riddlesbrood’s Alice in Wonderland” is the featured free outdoor attraction at the annual two-day Fantasy Advenurefest which includes a variety of vendors with fantasy and adventure themed art, artistry and collectibles.
Prior to the show, Riddlesbrood offers children an opportunity to have “Tea with Alice” 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20.
Located at 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Absecon. HistoricSmithville.com
Charlie Apicella
Trio at OCC
The Charlie Apicella Trio featuring Don Braden comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22.
New York City based jazz guitarist Charlie Apicella is the founder of Iron City.
Tickets are $24 adults, $20 seniors. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Philippe Cousteau at Ocean County College
Multi Emmy-nominated TV host and producer as well as author, speaker and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau, comes to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Tickets are $15. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
‘Frozen Jr.’ at
Levoy Theatre
The Levoy Theatre and Off Broad Street Players offer “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22.
Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” is the timeless tale of two sisters pulled apart by a mysterious secret. Loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, this all-kids production of “Frozen Jr.” is sure to thaw even the coldest heart.
Tickets are $18.
Faculty Chamber Recital at Ocean County College
Ocean County College musical faculty members DoYeon Kim, Beomjae Kim, Jee Sun Lee and Brian Gilmore perform an afternoon of rich, lyrical chamber music featuring trios for flute, cello and piano by Carl Maria von Weber and Philippe Gaubert as well as Beethoven’s “Spring Sonata” for violin and piano 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at OCC’s Grunin Center.
Tickets are free but advance registration is required. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
ArtsFest at Appel Farm
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center announces ArtsFest 2022 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Appel Farm.
This free event is a celebration of the center’s many exciting art-making and arts education activities that have happened live and online this past year as well as a chance for Appel Farm’s many partners and members of the community to come together to experience fun, hands-on workshops, performances, exhibits and more. Registration is recommended and can be made at appelfarm.org/arts-fest-22
Located at 457 Shirley Road, Elmer. AppelFarm.org
Cape May Music Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+ Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival continues with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony perform a mini-concert during a chef’s selection luncheon 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Vintage BYOB at the Emlen Physick Estate. Tickets are $50.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues and to purchase tickets, go to CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
High School students display at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park hosts “The Human Condition,” a collection of artwork created by Lower Cape May Regional High school students that visually explores what it means to be human, through May 27.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May. VisitFerryPark.com/Gallery
‘Circle Mirror Transformation’ at
Eagle Theatre
Producing artistic director Angela Longo and managing director Matthew Reddin offer “Circle Mirror Transformation” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. through May 29, at Eagle Theatre.
Directed by Tai Verley, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is an award-winning early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker in which a six-week community center drama class allows five unique individuals the chance to reimagine their lives.
Tickets are $35. Located at 208 Vine St., Hammonton. EagleTheatre.org
Third Friday in Millville
Presented by PNC Arts Alive and sponsored by Christy Funeral Home, Third Friday at Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 20.
The free event showcases new exhibits including Fur, Feathers & Fins in Main Gallery, Jason Antonelli and Colleen O’Hara Stonehouse in Associate Artist Alcove, Wetlands Revisited exhibit by Judy Abbott in Witt Gallery, Silent Voices: Children of Glass exhibit by Mary Ann McKay in Atrium Gallery and Lakeside Middle School photo club exhibit in Atrium, includes live music from Trainwreck, and offers the opportunity to participate in a People’s Choice Ballot and create a self-portrait for the “Line of Faces” pop up exhibit.
Located at 22 N. High St., Millville. RRCArts.com
Local Artists at
Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May. Light refreshments will be served.
Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
‘Clique 21’ at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig at
Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
Regional Artists at
SOMA NewArt Gallery
SOMA NewArt Gallery announces its first exhibition of the 2022 season featuring three regional solo artists: Carol King Hood, Molly Sanger Carpenter and Jimm Ross, on view through June 5.
Contact the gallery at stevesomagallery@gmail.com for additional information. Located at 31 Perry St., Carpenters Square Mall, Cape May. SomaGallery.net
Game Boards and Inn Signs exhibit in O.C.
The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center presents “A Solo Exhibition of Game Boards and Inn Signs by George Bono” through May 26.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/exit-zero-transforms-cape-may-s-ferry-park-into-a-destination-of-its-own/article_157671c4-d5fc-11ec-a0b8-577a3f86b352.html
|
Like airports, your average ferry terminal isn’t a spot most people look forward to spending a lot of time in. It’s a place to pass through on your way to a grander destination. It’s a necessary and convenient function of one’s journey, but not much more — and it certainly doesn’t serve as an attraction unto itself.
Unless you are talking about Ferry Park in North Cape May, that is.
Recently purchased by the folks at Exit Zero, the Cape May-based company known for having its hands in everything from pubs and publishing to jazz festivals, Ferry Park is in the process of undergoing a two-year renovation, with many of its main features already open or set to open shortly. It includes no fewer than four dining locations, as well as shopping, an art gallery and both indoor and outdoor space for special events, concerts and more.
Exit Zero Owner Jack Wright and his partners Lawrence Green and Patrick Lougue are the masterminds behind the project.
Wright is a native of Scotland and the man who started Exit Zero Magazine back in 2004. He followed that up by opening a series of restaurants, including the popular Exit Zero Filling Station, a sort of twist on an American roadhouse located on the site of a former gas station in North Cape May. The Filling Station opened in 2018 and has become known for its creative takes on things like curries, burgers, chicken sandwiches, Asian foods and more.
“It doesn’t make any sense, but the people really like it,” Wright says with a laugh. “You don’t always want stuff to make sense, you want it to be exciting.”
Fast forward to December 2020 — Wright and his team were offered the chance to come up with a proposal for the space at the Cape May ferry terminal. They did just that, bid on it and won.
“I did not expect to get it, because we were the least experienced restaurant group bidding, but we really believed in our concept and we ended up getting the contract,” Wright says.
Up to a million passengers pass through the ferry terminal on their way to or from the ferry itself, which connects travelers heading back and forth from Cape May to Lewes, Del., each year. But Wright isn’t making that group the sole focus of his customer base. He sees Ferry Park as a destination of its own.
“We don’t really know how many of those ferry boat customers are getting out of their cars or what their habits are, so we are just going to treat that side of it as gravy – it’s a lot of gravy, but it’s gravy,” he says. “Our whole plan is to attract the locals and the regular Cape May visitors. We do that really well at Cape May Filling Station, and we’ve got a really loyal following through that as well as our magazine and social media. We are able to promote ourselves, and we can get the people to come out. The Ferry Park site is incredible, and it’s been sort of criminally underused for years since they built the building. We looked at the space and realized that this is absolutely a destination. And we truly believe that.”
There are multiple plans in the works for Ferry Park, and a variety of events are already scheduled for this summer, including weekly movies and concerts on the green as well as yoga and tai chi.
But right now, perhaps the most exciting aspects of Ferry Park are the bars and restaurants, several of which are open for business currently.
The dining conceptsThere are four concepts in total: A casual waterfront bar/restaurant known as Boat Drinks, which specializes in breezy summer cocktails served in creative presentations along with apps, salads, paninis and desserts; Café 64, which is a combined coffee shop and retail location where you can grab a wrap, a latte or a breakfast sandwich as well as T-shirts and all varieties of Exit Zero swag; the soon-to-open Exit Zero Ferry Station, a twist on the Exit Zero Filling Station concept which will feature favorites from that spot like the Thai shrimp soup and the Hot Chick Sandwich, but will also expand upon that menu offering fun items like bang bang mussels, a Cajun flounder sandwich and a variety of Chinese dishes.
“I want the dishes to sort of make sense together, but also to come from totally different directions and to excite you. When you turn the page in a magazine you need to be excited by the next story, and when you look at our menu I want you to be excited by the next dish,” Wright says.
The crown jewelYou can have a great dining experience at any of the spots at Ferry Park, but if fine dining is what you seek, the unequivocal choice is The Lookout.
Located on the second floor of the ferry terminal, the hexagon-shaped room is a truly breathtaking space to behold. Massive walls of floor-to-ceiling windows offer exquisite waterfront views (which are only topped by the sunset versions that take place each night).
A beautiful mahogany bar sits off to the right upon entering, while tones of deep blues and stark whites serve as a tasteful backdrop to the whimsical nautical details found in things like the pewter dining utensils, leather-bound menus and octopus-shaped lighting fixtures and chandeliers, all of which somehow manage to find themselves at the intersection of elegant and hip, without being hokey in the slightest.
An outdoor deck is accessible from the space, as well, where guests will find comfy seating around modern style firepits, offering a relaxing space to enjoy the views along with an expertly prepared cocktail or two from cocktail guru Green’s impressive list of libations.
The dining experience is seafood heavy, with some exquisite starters leading the way like the grilled oysters with parmesan, butter and breadcrumbs ($16); or the clams casino with peppers, onions and bacon ($16). But other options, such as the tomato and burrata ($15) — a tasty appetizer prepared with prosciutto, arugula, pistachio and lavender honey served with a blood orange vinaigrette, help to vary things up a bit.
Other raw bar favorites include oysters and clams on the half shell (market price), poached shrimp with lemon and cocktail sauce ($19), and both hot and cold seafood towers. ($75, $100)
Main course standouts include a pan-seared duck breast served with Brussels sprouts, parsnips and heirloom carrots with a carrot ginger puree and a cherry compote ($40); a macadamia-crusted ahi tuna with baby bok choy, furikake rice and seasonal fruit salsa in a citrus and sweet soy butter sauce ($41); and a particularly heavenly Scottish Salmon Wellington, served wrapped in a buttery puff pastry with creamed spinach, mushroom duxelles and asparagus in a seafood demi-glace which is a personal favorite of Wright’s.
There are three steak options including a dry-aged New York strip ($55), an 8-ounce filet mignon ($52), and the standout of the three — a generously marbled, dry-aged bone-in cowboy ribeye ($64) that was truly exceptional.
The steaks can be enhanced with add-ons such as a crab cake ($15) or a 10-ounce, cold-water lobster tail (MP) or a variety of complimentary sauces and jams including chimichurri, compound butter, béarnaise, Hollandaise, au poivre and a fabulous bacon shallot jam.
Standard sides like asparagus ($8), mashed potatoes ($6) and hand-cut fries ($7) are available, as well, with the risotto ($8) being among the best and most reasonably priced versions of the dish that we have tasted.
The futureThough taking on a project of this magnitude certainly seems intimidating, the Exit Zero team is brimming with confidence in their ability to deliver a fantastic product for years to come.
“For us, it’s really about the experience,” Wright says. “I look around Cape May County, and I don’t see anything like this with this level of waterfront views and these sunsets and the outdoor space and all the incredible food at the restaurants. I think our only problem in the future will be not having enough parking spaces — but that’s a good problem to have!”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/on-a-roll-at-sack-o-subs/article_4cb4c374-d530-11ec-9ead-671ddc51a979.html
|
Editor’s note: This will be the last week for On a Roll for a little while, as the column is taking the summer off. Beginning next week, I will launch a pair of brand new food review columns that will alternate each week throughout the summer season — one will be about cocktails and apps and another all about ice cream! I can’t wait to have you join me on those new culinary adventures, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as all the others I have had the pleasure of sharing with you in the past.
— Ryan
P.S.: Fear not, On a Roll will be back before long!
As much as I enjoy checking out the latest place with the most unusual sandwich, I’m also a sucker for the classic sub shops of South Jersey, spots like Sugar Hill Sub Shop, White House Subs, Ernest & Sons and, the subject of this week’s On a Roll, Sack O’ Subs in Absecon.
Sack O’ Subs opened up their first shop in Ventnor back in 1969 and have been slowly expanding ever since, with a total of six locations spread throughout the area. I was in Absecon recently, so I decided to call in an order at that location, as I was starving and not in the mood for the formalities of any type of sit-down meal.
Sack O’ Subs serves their sandwiches on Atlantic City sub rolls, but you can also choose a wrap, Kaiser roll or various other breads should you prefer them. The menu offers many options from classic Italian subs and cheesesteaks to BLTs and the like, but never strays into overly inventive or over-the-top territory. Knowing that, I decided to order a classic veal parm sub and added Italian long hots to spice things up a bit. Here is what I thought of it:
The Bread: As expected, an Atlantic City sub roll served as the vessel for my sandwich. This one was on the softer side, and it had some trouble maintaining its structural integrity against the marinara sauce. That was partially due to the fact that whoever made my sandwich was a bit heavy handed with the sauce, causing it to run all over the outside of the roll. That’s OK, as I don’t mind getting a little messy if I need to. Taste wise, the bread was excellent and had the perfect density to it as well.
The Meat: I had to take some major points off for the veal, which was a skimpy, mostly favorless cutlet of minimal size. Nothing stood out about it other than its shortcomings, and there needed to be about twice as much meat on the sub overall as it was barely visible (see photo for visual proof).
The Cheese: The mozzarella was fine, and there was a good amount of it, which added a gooey stringy pull to each bite. Fresh mozzarella would have been a nice touch, but the standard kind did its job to a satisfactory level.
The Veggies: I added long hots to the sub to kick things up a bit. I enjoyed the spice that these added, although it may have been a little overpowering at times. That one is on me though.
The Sauce: A standard marinara with a hint of sweetness.
The Bottom Line: I have had some good sandwiches at Sack O’ Subs in the past, and I know they are capable of greatness, but this veal parm sub was simply uninspired and forgettable. It didn’t taste bad per se, but it also didn’t give me any reason to return, either. I have to give credit to places that refuse to rest on their laurels and have the hunger and the drive to put together menu items that wow you with flavors and presentation. This felt like the opposite. I know I called in the order, but that wasn’t the only thing that was phoned-in that day.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/5-great-spots-to-bar-hop-with-a-beverage-in-hand/article_9c2f775c-d54c-11ec-848f-9fc003c89049.html
|
One of the great pleasures of “fun” cities like New Orleans or Las Vegas is the ability to wander around outdoors with a drink in hand taking in the scenery. In recent years, Atlantic City has joined the party, making it legal to enjoy a cocktail while strolling outside in certain areas of the city, including the Boardwalk, the Orange Loop and Gardner’s Basin. Now that the weather is finally deciding to become somewhat spring-like, we can’t wait to grab a drink and roam a bit. Here are some of our favorite spots to bar hop with a beverage in hand:
Rhythm & SpiritsArguably the best cocktail bar in all of Atlantic City, this Orange Loop favorite makes for a great spot to pop in, grab a drink or two while you munch on one of their outrageously delicious apps like their famous Salami Toast. Any one of the drinks on their seasonal cocktail menu is sure to be great on the go, but if you are looking for something to celebrate the warm weather, try their Endless Summer Martini made with Coconut Cartel Anejo Rum, coconut water, pineapple juice and vanilla cream. Grab one to-go and parade around the Loop happily till the last drop. Rhythm & Spirits is located at 129 S. Tennessee Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to RhythmAndSpirits.com.
Landshark Bar & GrillWhether you are a fan of Jimmy Buffett or not, it’s hard to resist the vibe at Landshark Bar & Grill. Multiple levels of both indoor and outdoor spaces set the stage at this year-round beach bar and make it a fun place to roam about and, on a nice day, there are few bars that can beat the atmosphere. When you are ready to move on, ordering a to-go drink in one of their whimsical 22-ounce blender-shaped drinking vessels only ups the fun factor. Don’t expect craft cocktails, though, most of their creations are brightly colored and sweet, but once in a while that’s OK. Landshark Bar is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to AtlanticCity.LandsharkBaraAndGrill.com.
Wet Willie’sThere is beauty in the simplicity of Wet Willies. A bar backed up by a small army of constantly churning frozen daiquiri machines, you’ll be presented with a choice of many flavors of which you can mix and match and layer till your heart’s content. Be aware the potency on these drinks can vary greatly, with several varieties being capable of taking down many an unsuspecting customer in a matter of minutes. If you want to make your bar crawl last a while, go with something a bit less booze heavy, such as the Sour Apple or Pina Colada flavors. Or if you are hoping to wake up in a strange motel room reeking of stale Newports and regret while sporting a face tattoo you have no recollection of getting, you’ll probably want to try flavors like the Shock Treatment or Call-a Cab. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. Wet Willies has locations on the Boardwalk outside Resorts and inside the Quarter at Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to WetWillies.com.
Biergarten
Atlantic CityAn open-air outdoor biergarten located right on the Boardwalk? This was a fantastic idea from Day 1, and it works as perfect stop to bar hop at on a sunny day. They specialize in authentic German and European brews, and there is something irresistibly fun about hoisting those beer steins high in the air as you toast to good times with good friends. The tap list is solid and includes local brews and standards like Bud Light and Guinness, but we think a Spatan Lager or Hofbrau original is the way to go here. Biergarten Atlantic City is located at 2701 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to BiergatenAC.com.
Back Bay Ale HouseGardner’s Basin feels a bit like a secret hideaway that only the locals and those in the know are aware of and, frankly, we like it that way. It’s a great place to mosey around with a drink in hand while you enjoy the views of the back bay and the marina-area casinos. The best spot to grab that cocktail is at Back Bay Ale House, an indoor/outdoor space with a fun Key West vibe and a drink menu loaded up with fun options like the Bob Marley, a house specialty made with sweet tea vodka, lemonade and mint. Back Bay Ale House is located at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave. in Atlantic City. Go to BackBayAleHouse.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220518
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/bally-s-new-renovations-offerings-make-park-place-and-boardwalk-legendary-again/article_392bf548-dada-11ec-8ba5-ff47879e9919.html
|
Two years ago, when Bally’s Atlantic City was purchased by a company then known as Twin River Worldwide Holdings, its leadership promised major investment, massive renovations and a casino resort experience comparable to its city competitors.
This weekend, Bally’s Atlantic City makes those promises come true.
So much has happened in the last two years, including Twin River buying the Bally’s name and becoming Bally’s Corporation, the openings of the FanDuel Sportsbook, Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis Italian restaurant, Water Dog Atlantic City casual comfort food restaurant and bar, Red Bowl 88 Asian dining option, Carluccio’s Pizza in its food court and a completely revamped players rewards card system.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Bally’s Atlantic City will debut the rest of its incredible transformation.
“We have been putting our nose to the grindstone and getting the property where it needs to be,” says Phil Juliano, executive vice president of casino operations and chief marketing officer for Bally’s Corporation. “It has been hard but it has been fun.
Here’s what to expect this weekend at the new Bally’s Atlantic City:
Renovated Rooms
The key to success in Atlantic City is for a casino to offer beautiful rooms to its guests and – most importantly – its players.
This weekend Bally’s will unveil 750 newly renovated rooms and suites in its Bally’s Tower, comprising more than half of Bally’s total room product.
“With a design inspired by the heart and soul of the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk,” the new rooms feature a “contemporary and clean design reflective of a bright and soothing coastal environment” so “guests will experience a refreshing coastal environment inside and out,” according to a press release.
Each room features a lighter and brighter color motif, new flooring with carpet inlays, tiled bathrooms with modern vanities and illuminated mirrors, plus all-new showers.
The complete tower transformation enables Bally’s to have a wide array of room types, including 112 corner deluxe king rooms that will function as junior suites with extra space and views from the living room and “bathrooms that can’t be matched offering a spa-like experience with a separate shower and freestanding deep-soak tub, plus ocean or bay views” since there are windows in the bathroom, a true hotel rarity. The junior suites also feature a separate sitting area with a settee, lounge chair and coffee table.
“In Atlantic City, you make your money on the weekends and in the summer, so you have to have an appealing room product, and we had anything but,” Juliano says. “Those rooms have not been touched in a long time. We wanted rooms that were warm, inviting, clean and fresh. And they came out so nice. They have incredible views. If you think about it, how many hotels have you been in with a window in the bathroom? They came out beautifully.”
In addition to fully remodeling the suites on the 45th to 48th floors, Bally’s combined a select number of rooms to create 16 new penthouse-style suites complete with dining areas, pool tables, wet bars, custom rainfall showers and more for VIP guests.
“The second part was we needed more suites,” Juliano adds. “So we designed these super suites with bars and fireplaces, and they are really knocked out and a great size. We are now ready for a gangbuster summer. We have been operating with 200 to 250 less rooms each weekend while they were bring finished. They will all be back this weekend, and I know we have been growing without these rooms, so when we get them back I know we will grow much faster.”
Hotel Lobby and Carousel Bar
Perhaps one of Bally’s biggest eyesores was its lobby and adjacent bar. That is no longer the case as a refreshed hotel lobby will represent a whole new experience from arrival to departure starting this weekend.
The design includes a complete refresh from carpet to walls and a reimagined front desk with new finishes transforming the arrival experience to align with the stunning new guest rooms.
The new Carousel Bar – a 360-degree rotating bar similar to the famous Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans minus the actual carousel design elements – will serve as the new lobby’s centerpiece attraction.
Overlooking the lobby and casino floor, the Carousel Bar features an elevated, 24-seat, rotating bar that is the first of its kind in New Jersey. Guests can enjoy modern cocktails with Atlantic City flavors such as Saltwater Taffy, Cotton Candy, funnel cake and more. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are wondering, it takes 8 minutes to do a complete 360 while sitting at the bar.
“It’s a must-see attraction, but I had no idea it would come out as spectacular as it has,” Juliano says. “The whole lobby is being redone, as well, so the whole lobby and rotating bar creates a whole new sense of arrival for the property. It gives it a completely different feel and look with multi-colored lights and rotating bar and entertainment. It will be a high-energy spot year round, and I am really excited about it. It will be a conversation piece, no doubt.”
The ribbon cutting will take place 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26.
The Yard – Beers, Eats, & Beats
One of the most striking pieces of property in Atlantic City is undoubtedly Bally’s courtyard, the former site of Harry’s Oyster Bar.
This weekend, guests will be introduced to the inside portion of The Yard – Beers, Eats & Beats, a beer garden-style venue offering live entertainment, a gastropub-style menu, a curated tap list featuring local and national brewers and a wide range of craft cocktails under a giant glass dome.
One of the beers will be Bally’s Signature Pale Ale, an exclusive ale that is the product of a collaboration between New Jersey’s own Spellbound Brewing and Bally’s Atlantic City. There will also be ’90s-themed arcade games, lounge-style seating and an indoor and outdoor stage for live entertainment.
Later this summer – hopefully by July 4 weekend - The Yard will expand to offer an exterior experience that will undoubtedly become a major hang on beautiful days.
“We had this opportunity, and we started to think what we wanted to do and realized we had an opportunity to serve a demographic we weren’t serving at all – and that was the younger demographic,” Juliano says. “So we had this ability to create an indoor and outdoor space and realized what a terrific experience it could be. We are excited about the possibilities The Yard offers for that younger demographic but also for everyone. That space is perfect for any imaginable gathering that anyone could think of.”
The ribbon cutting will take place noon Thursday, May 26.
Bally’s Legends VIP Beach
Bally’s already owns arguably the best beach bar in Atlantic City, so it made sense for the new ownership to up the ante by offering Bally’s Legends VIP Beach. Located just off the Bally’s Beach Bar, this designated beach is for Bally Rewards Legend members and offers private lounge seating and a beachside butler service including towel service, specialty passed amenities, cool towels, beach massages, security and private food and beverage offerings and service. Reservations must be made by Legend members contacting their host.
The ribbon cutting will take place 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26.
Entertainment and Promotions
Of course, it wouldn’t be a grand opening celebration without entertainment, and Bally’s is delivering that this weekend – big time!
In addition to live radio remotes, there will be live music at Bally’s Beach Bar, The Yard, Carousel Bar, Jerry Longo’s and Water Dog, from bands including Don’t Call Me Francis and Dead Reckoning to various DJs.
But the biggest attraction will be a fireworks show by Grucci 9 p.m. Sunday, May 29, that can be seen from the boardwalk, The Yard, Johnny Rockets and Bally’s Beach Bar.
And, since Bally’s is a casino after all, players will be able to take part in Bally’s $125,000 Jeep Giveaway on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28. Bally’s will give away a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited plus thousands in prizes. Bally Rewards members can earn entries now through May 28. Entries can be activated 6 to 9:45 p.m. at a kiosk each night as there will be a grand prize drawing 10 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
Plus, gamblers will receive 10x entries on Thursdays and Sundays all month. Also, you can self-park for free with a Bally’s Players Card when you spend $50 or more at any restaurant – excluding Saturdays and holidays – or earn 5 Bally Bucks playing slots or tables.
Go to the Players Club for complete details regarding all promotions.
Bally’s Future
After such massive renovations over the last two years, it may seem like Bally’s wouldn’t have much left to renovate. But Bally’s is a relatively big property, and its ownership will consider other investments, including additional room renovations, attention to its spa and more.
“We want to get through this summer after all of these major changes and then evaluate where we are and where we are going,” Juliano says. “This is Park Place and the Boardwalk. The fact that this place had been run down and not paid attention to was criminal. The world knows Park Place and the Boardwalk. And now we are living up to that address, and we are proud to be part of that.”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/big-developments-define-summer-2022-for-ocean-casino/article_1e30aa5a-daac-11ec-86da-17c9830fabe5.html
|
Ocean Casino Resort has just announced over $85 million in property development set to debut throughout the summer. Updates include the completion of over 460 hotel rooms and suites, The Gallery Bar Book & Games, and multiple new food and beverage outlets.
“Ocean is committed to providing the best guest experience in Atlantic City,” said Bill Callahan, General Manager for Ocean Casino Resort. “Between our new hotel product, the addition of The Gallery Bar, Book & Games and various new food and beverage outlets, there will be more reasons than ever to come to Ocean this summer.”
Ocean’s New Hotel Rooms and Suites ($72 million)
Available July 1, the new 463-square-foot Contemporary Blu rooms draw inspiration from the colors and patterns of the shoreline, further elevating Ocean’s hotel offerings. The beach-inspired flooring and wallcoverings create a calming atmosphere, while the soft-touch fabrics mimic the style and forms reminiscent of this modern, yet iconic building. Pops of color complement Ocean’s breathtaking views, while the luxurious bathrooms feature marble flooring, a double vanity, and an oversized shower.
Continuing the beach-scape aesthetic, the newly built suites offer elevated interior finishes and additional amenities such as a dining area, wet bar and generous lounge seating for guests to host small gatherings. The Social Suite is the perfect space for a getaway vacation. Thoughtfully styled furniture including a large sofa, brilliant lighting and distinctive accessories, as well as a freestanding soaking tub in the bathroom, make these suites the ideal respite from a fast-paced world.
The Gallery Bar Book & Games ($5.2 million)
The Gallery Bar Book & Games will officially open to the public on Friday, July 1, and will feature a 100-foot elevated bar and lounge, video poker, blackjack and roulette tables and 140 feet of LED walls. The Gallery, located in the center of the casino floor, will set the stage for social betting, big game nights and after-hours experiences. A 17-foot open-air staircase will connect to Balcony Bar, a mezzanine bar and lounge where guests will enjoy the ultimate VIP sportsbook experience.
Serendipity3
The iconic Serendipity3 will make its Atlantic City debut on Wednesday, June 1. Located across from Villain & Saint and The District, the famed New York City landmark and home of the world famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate will offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience, with great food and dream-sized desserts.
Additional Offerings and Development
Ocean will be home to the newest and most picturesque Starbucks in Atlantic City when it makes its debut later this summer. Situated next to Topgolf Swing Suites, Ocean’s Starbucks will feature awe-inspiring views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Ocean recently completed an expansion of its casual Asian restaurant, Zhen Bang, adding 60 seats and almost 1,000 square feet of supplementary dining space.
Increasing Ocean’s retail offerings, Sole Mates will present a welcome addition to Ocean’s shopping arsenal and is scheduled to debut Memorial Day Weekend.
Bottled-Wine Spirits & Tastings will offer an elevated wine experience, featuring an Enomatic dispenser with unique vintages for sample and sale. Opening early fall, Bottled will also offer a wide selection of imported and domestic cheeses, cured meats and handpicked accoutrements.
New for the summer, guests can explore the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk with bike rentals located directly outside in Ocean’s Porte Cochere.
Finally, Ocean’s new and improved website, TheOceanAC.com launched last week, showcasing the property as a premier destination on the East Coast while providing a seamless user experience for booking hotel, food and beverage, entertainment, spa and nightlife. The innovative site introduces light and airy design elements that embrace Ocean’s visual components through multimedia galleries of video, animations, and user generated content.
Ocean Casino Resort is located at 500 Boardwalk in Ocean City. Go to TheOceanAC.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/showboat-debuts-indoor-go-kart-experience/article_c45d8264-daba-11ec-b9f4-dbbac7c5982a.html
|
Do you feel the need for speed? If so, there’s no better option in Atlantic City than Showboat Raceway at Lucky Snake, which will celebrate its grand opening 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28.
The brand-new, indoor go-kart experience will feature a 40,000 square foot track with an “Escaping Las Vegas” theme.
Drivers will have the opportunity to record their experience with 4K cameras attached to the helmets. A go-kart racing league is currently in the works. Drivers can win prizes from vacation packages at the Showboat Hotel to prizes at the Lucky Snake arcade.
The raceway is the latest attraction to Owner Bart Blatstein’s family fun concept at the resort, which also features the Lucky Snake Arcade, the largest arcade on the East Coast with 80 pinball machines and a variety of classic, modern and virtual reality games as well as redemption and prize challenges. A waterpark is also expected to open in 2023.
The Raceway grand opening will feature DJ Caution at 11 a.m. followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon that will feature Blatstein, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and others.
Attendees of the ribbon cutting can win prizes from $5 to $15 gift cards, free room stays, free go-kart rides and T-shirts when they spin the wheel while enjoying free popcorn and more.
Go to ShowboatHotelAC.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/things-to-do-for-all-of-you/article_7df7d468-daac-11ec-9c5a-83fc8d7b6c90.html
|
Arc of Atlantic County hosts Celebrate!
The Arc of Atlantic County presents Celebrate! An Evening with Arc of Atlantic County 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at The Deck at The Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel and Marina.
Celebrate! is The Arc of Atlantic County’s signature fundraising event where guests enjoy food, beverages, live entertainment, dancing, silent auction, unique sports memorabilia, a 50/50 raffle and more.
Tickets are $75 per person. Located at Huron and Brigantine Blvd., Atlantic City. TheArcAtlantic.org
Free concert honoring first responders
A free concert honoring police and fire personnel as well as first responders and all branches of the armed services takes place 5:15 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Brighton Park Amphitheater in Atlantic City.
The afternoon of patriotism and celebration features Jim Craine and The Atlantic City All Stars Band including Atlantic City’s singing lifeguard Jim Craine with Stan Richards on guitar, Jim Hines on bass, Ray Nunzi on drums and Jack Griffith on keyboard. An after party at The Irish Pub takes place after the concert. Special Guest Jim Yester of The Association will join the band for some of their legendary hits.
Located at 124 Park Place, Atlantic City. JimCraine.com
Unlocking of the Ocean in O.C.
The Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge takes place Friday, May 27, on the Ocean City beach next to the Music Pier. The official Unlocking of the Ocean welcomes the summer season and takes place at noon. The event is followed by the Business Persons Plunge, in which participants dress in business suits, carry briefcases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season.
Located at 825 Boardwalk. OCNJ.us/BizPlunge
Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes
The Memorial Beach Challenge begins 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The challenge, which supports 31 Heroes, an organization dedicated to serving service members, veterans and their families, includes a SEAL-approved soft sand obstacle course, kids fun run and Memorial Paddle Out.
Registration is $70 for obstacle course, $30 for fun run. Located at 825 Boardwalk. MemorialBeachChallenge.com
The Wildwoods unlock the ocean
The Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony, the Wildwoods’ official start of the summer tourist season, takes place 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, on the beach at Andrews Avenue next to the Wildwoods Convention Center. The ceremony features tourism, state, county and city officials as well as guest speakers. Additionally more than 300 elementary school children participate in the “unlocking” using an oversized, ornate “W” key delivered by a professional sky diver.
Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. DooWW.com
All-New Wildwoods Island Shuttle launches
The all-new Wildwoods Island Shuttle launches service on Memorial Day Weekend with a joint press conference from the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA), mayors from Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood and officials from the Jitney Association 11:45 a.m. Friday, May 27.
The press conference takes place immediately after the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony and includes the display of two brand new Wildwoods Island Shuttles for viewing and photo opportunities.
Wildwoods Island Shuttle begins service Thursday, May 26, starting with weekends-only service Memorial Day Weekend through Sunday, June 19, when service transitions to daily service. A free Jitney Surfer App allows riders to view a map of shuttle routes and real-time locations. Cost is $3 one-way and $4 on the late-night route.
Located at Boardwalk and Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood. WildwoodsNJ.com
Fitness in the Plaza Boot Camp in Wildwoods
Two special Memorial Day Weekend workouts take place 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 27, and Monday, May 30, at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood with instructor Dion leading Bootcamp Circuit Training.
Cost is $10. Located at 3400 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. DooWW.com
Crest Best Swim Fest
The Crest Best Swim Fest begins 7:45 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest. The event features a Freedom Mile with a 1-mile open water swim and freedom quarter-mile with a 500-yard open water swim.
Athlete check-in begins at 6:15 a.m. Slots are $53 for quarter-mile, $63 for one-mile.
Located at 7118 Park Blvd., Wildwood Crest. RunSignUp.com/CrestBestSwimFest
Memorial Day Weekend craft show
The Boardwalk Craft Show takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 28, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29, on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. The rain or shine event includes crafts, vendors with original pieces and unique products.
Located between Leaming and Burk avenues on the Boardwalk. BoardwalkCrafts.com
Patrick Corcoran 5K Run to Remember
The annual “Run to Remember” 5K and 1-mile walk takes place 9 a.m. Sunday, May 29, in North Wildwood. The race benefits veterans and those that have lost loved one in service to their country. Registration is $30.
Located at 16th and the Beach, North Wildwood. NWWVetRun.com
Concerts on the lawn at La Mer
Live concerts on the lawn resume this summer at La Mer Beachfront Resort 6 to 9 p.m. weekends from Memorial Day through the end of June.
Located at 1317 Beach Ave., Cape May. CapeMayLaMer.com
Toy Show in Richland
Shoreline Vintage & Antiques and Farpoint Toys co-host “It’s a Toy Show” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Shoreline Vintage & Antiques in Richland.
The event features toy vendors and shoppers, bounce house, car track and food trucks as well as a flea market.
Located at 1343 Harding Highway, Richland. ShoreLineVintage.com.
Platt and the Honeycutters at OCC
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters come to Ocean County College’s Grunin Center 8 p.m. Friday, May 27.
The Asheville, N.C.-based band is lyrically driven with country roots music often inspiring introspection about life on the road, heartache or hope.
Tickets are $20. Located at 1 College Drive, Toms River. GruninCenter.org.
Micro Wrestling at Showboat
Micro-Wrestling All Stars invade Atlantic City with “Red, White, Black and Blue” 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28, at Showboat Hotel with an action-packed, all-star lineup of over-the-top, politically incorrect, anti-establishment wrestling and sports entertainment.
Tickets are $25, $30 and $75. Located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. ShowboatHotelAC.com
Bodybuilders at Showboat
The Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) Jersey Natural Open takes place 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at Showboat Hotel.
The amateur bodybuilding event, an OCB Pro Qualifier, includes men’s bodybuilding, men’s physique, men’s classic physique, figure, bikini and wellness divisions. Tickets are cash only at the door and are $40 adults, $20 under 18.
Located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. OCBOnline.com
Memorial Day parade in EHT
Hosted by the Veterans Advisory Board, the Egg Harbor Township Memorial Day Parade takes place 9 a.m. Monday, May 30, in Egg Harbor Township.
The parade begins with mobilized units at Diamond Drive, traveling west on Zion Road to North Mount Airy Avenue, where marching units join in before continuing west on Zion Road to Ocean Heights Avenue to Veterans Memorial Park for the Memorial Day ceremony.
Regional gymnastics championships in Wildwoods
The United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs returns to Wildwoods Convention Center with Regional Gymnastics Championships 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 27, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 29.
Expect talented athletes competing on floor, balance beam, uneven bars and vault, with competitions choreographed to music.
Located at 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. USAIGC.com
Wildwood Farmers Market
The downtown Wildwood Farmers Market kicks off for the summer season 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Byrne Plaza.
Featuring Jersey Fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, gifts and more, the farmers market takes place every Saturday through the summer.
Located at 3400 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. DOOWW.com
Sunrise on Sunday veteran flag service
The Wildwoods present a free ceremony at sunrise Sunday, May 29, and every Sunday morning throughout the summer, to raise the casket flag of a veteran and to honor and remember all veterans at Lou Booth Amphitheater. Visitors arrive 10 minutes prior to sunrise to participate in a 20-minute tribute and inspirational message.
Located at 2nd and Ocean avenues, North Wildwood. Call 610-823-7879 for information.
Cape May Music Festival returns
Cape May MAC’s (Museums+Arts+Culture) annual Cape May Music Festival continues with 15 indoor and outdoor music events held through Thursday, June 30.
This week, New York Chamber Ensemble presents “ChamberJazz with Ted Rosenthal and The New York Chamber Ensemble: A Tribute to Billy Strayhorn” 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at The Episcopal Church of the Advent. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 Cape May MAC members, $20 students under 18.
Also this week, the award-winning Atlantic Brass Band, under the baton of Salvatore Scarpa, performs 7 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at Rotary Bandstand. Admission is free.
For more information about concerts, performers or venues and to purchase tickets, go to CapeMayMac.org or call 609-884-5404.
High School students display at Ferry Park
The Gallery at Ferry Park hosts “The Human Condition,” a collection of artwork created by Lower Cape May Regional High school students that visually explores what it means to be human, through May 27.
Located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May. Go to FerryPark.com/Gallery
‘Circle Mirror Transformation’ at Eagle Theatre
Producing artistic director Angela Longo and managing director Matthew Reddin offer “Circle Mirror Transformation” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. through May 29, at Eagle Theatre.
Directed by Tai Verley, “Circle Mirror Transformation” is an award-winning early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker in which a six-week community center drama class allows five unique individuals the chance to reimagine their lives.
Tickets are $35. Located at 208 Vine St., Hammonton. EagleTheatre.org
Local Artists at Harbor Gallery
The Harbor Gallery, located at New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May, features the work of local artists — woodcutter Bruce Beiber, painter Annette Patton and nature artist Meghan Kolk — for the month of May. All featured artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support the Nature Center of Cape May.
Located at 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. NJAudobon.org
‘Clique 21’ at Noyes Arts Garage
ArtC presents “Clique21” at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. The unique exhibition brings together New Jersey’s brightest artists and photographers in a collaborative show that offers the perspective of artist as art. The exhibit showcases both the photographers’ unique portraits as well as work by each artist.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
Morgan Craig at Noyes Arts Garage
The work of Philadelphia-based artist Morgan Craig is on display at Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University through June 26. Craig creates large-scale, colorful paintings of abandoned buildings to document society’s industrial past.
Located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. ArtsGarageAC.com
‘Landscapes of the Mind’ exhibition in Hammonton
The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and the Regional Center for Women in the Arts presents “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibit at Kramer Hall in Hammonton through June 3. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
This invitational exhibition showcases the work of seven women visual artists from the greater Philadelphia region including Christine Stoughton, Fran Gallun, Katherine Fraser, Linda Dublin Garfield, Mary Putman, Susan Foley Urban and Valetta Valetta. Closing reception takes place 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Located at 30 Front St., Hammonton. NoyesMuseum.org.
Regional Artists at SOMA NewArt Gallery
SOMA NewArt Gallery announces its first exhibition of the 2022 season featuring three regional solo artists: Carol King Hood, Molly Sanger Carpenter and Jimm Ross, on view through June 5.
Contact the gallery at stevesomagallery@gmail.com for additional information. Located at 31 Perry St., Carpenters Square Mall, Cape May. SomaGallery.net
Game Boards and Inn Signs exhibit in O.C.
The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center presents “A Solo Exhibition of Game Boards and Inn Signs by George Bono” through May 26.
Located at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. OceanCityArtsCenter.org
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/burger-bash-chefs-bring-their-a-game-to-the-nugget-at-burger-bash-v/article_50e251c6-daa5-11ec-92fd-efd21528c340.html
|
With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, chances are you’ll end up attending at least one backyard barbecue over the next few days. And it’s likely you’ll end up eating a hockey puck-esque, not-so-tasty burger prepared by a vastly unqualified “chef” wearing an apron that says “Grill Sergeant,” or some other equally unfunny pun. Don’t worry, he watched a few episodes of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” as well as a YouTube video on how to grill like a pro, so this should all work out splendidly. Now get ready to force feed yourself a quarter pound of guilt and social pressure on a sesame seed bun. Welcome to flavortown? We think not.
In between unsatisfying bites, don’t forget to remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be this way. Burgers can be great. In fact, in the right hands they can be AMAZING. And that’s why you need to grab your tickets for Burger Bash V today!
Burger Bash V will run from 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs — Saturday, June 18, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City as a lineup of about 15 of the best local restaurants will compete head to head to see who makes the best burger in South Jersey. Some may be loaded up with unique sauces and outrageous toppings while others may stick to a classic style for the win. It’s anyone’s game! And with your admission, you’ll enjoy unlimited slider-sized versions from each spot.
The list of restaurants is still being finalized, but so far it includes Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall from Atlantic City, Golden Nugget’s Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse and Bill’s Bar and Burger, Deauville Inn from Strathmere, Essl’s Dugout from Egg Harbor Township, Johnny Rockets from Bally’s Atlantic City, Ruby’s Diner from Resorts Casino Hotel, The Cove from Wildwood, A.C. Burger Co. from Harrah’s Resort, Bricker’s Burgers from Showboat, Makai and the new Serendipity from Ocean Casino Resort.
A trio of professional judges will be on hand to pick the grand champion, but there will also be a people’s choice category where YOU vote for your favorite burger of the day, so be sure to come hungry and ready to vote! In the end, the winners will be crowned in a variety of categories, and champions will be sent home with trophies and plenty of bragging rights.
The party will be rockin’ right out of the gate, as local rockers Quasimodo’s Bride will perform live throughout the event. Expect an incredible setlist packed with everything from classic rock covers to killer originals and then some!
Washing down those burgers won’t be a problem either as there will be a fully-stocked bar in the middle of the room packed with craft beers, fun cocktails and drink specials.
Every year this event sells out, so grab your passes today!
General admission passes are $30, and VIP passes are $40 and include one-hour early admission, where you will have better access to seating and very small lines for burgers. Get yours at ACWeekly.com or Eventbrite.com before they sell out!
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/bigger-bets-for-better-rules-can-damage-your-bankroll/article_6c153fb4-dabc-11ec-a08a-5b093cf8f755.html
|
A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:
Q. Is the difference in house edge between blackjack games where the dealer stands on all 17s or hits soft 17 large enough that I should bet more to get the better rule?
At the casino nearest me, the cheap tables are $10 minimum, dealer hits soft 17, six decks, blackjacks pay 3-2, split pairs up to three times except only once on Aces, you can double down on any first two cards, and you can double down after splitting pairs.
The $25 and up tables are the same game except the dealer stands on all 17s.
I move my bets up and down a little, but my average is probably a little short of $20. Maybe $17.50, $18, something like that.
Am I better off staying at the $10 tables or upping my bet so the dealer always stands on 17.
A. When the dealer hits soft 17, it adds about 0.2 percent to the house edge.
With the rules you describe, the house has a 0.4 percent edge if the dealer stands on all 17s, but 0.62 if the dealer hits soft 17.
If you wagered the minimum of $10 a hand for 100 hands at the hit soft 17 table, your bets would total $1,000, and your average loss would be $6.20.
At your wagering level of about $18 a hand, the bet total is $1,800 and the average loss is about $11.16.
Now let's move to the other table. The house edge is lower, but when you risk the minimum of $25 a hand, your bets total $2,500. Your average loss is $10, a little less than the $11 and change when you average $18 at the hit soft 17 table.
The situation changes rapidly if you increase your bets. At a $30 average, the average loss per 100 hands at the better-rules table increases to $12.
Even if you discipline yourself to stay at $25 a hand, betting more money puts extra pressure on your bankroll. If you're betting too large a percentage of your gambling budget per hand, there's the danger that a normal losing streak could wipe you out.
Having the dealer stand on all 17s is a plus for players. But that plus is more than offset if increased bets take you outside your wagering comfort zone.
Q. Listed video poker payback percentages apply only with expert play, right? When you say 10-7-5 Double Bonus Poker pays 100.17 percent, that assumes expert play.
Most players will get less, so casinos are still making money on those games. So why are they disappearing? It seems like every time I go, I see fewer video poker games with good pay tables. What's the incentive to eliminate profitable games?
A. Yes, casinos make money on games such as 10-7-5 Double Bonus Poker. Average players get between 97 and 98 percent on those games, not 100.
But casinos make more money if the public accepts reduced pay tables such as 9-6-5 Double Bonus. It takes expert play to get 97.8 percent on that version, and average players get closer to 95 percent. The same goes on any video poker game. Most of those we see are reduced-pay versions of Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Double Bonus and others.
Video poker also is lower in the mix at many casinos than it once was. Video slots have taken over some of the space once devoted to video poker. There's less pressure on slot directors to appeal to demanding video poker players as long as there are enough players to fill a smaller number of reduced-pay games.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220524
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_3dde292a-d851-11ec-8ad7-1f4893bce4b4.html
|
THE BURLESQUE SHOW
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, May 26
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: The popular “Burlesque Show” is back at Borgata’s Music Box theater for its eighth season, running 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29. There is no show on July 21 and Sept. 22. Produced by Allen Valentine, the “Burlesque Show” pays tribute to the revue-style showmanship of vaudeville, with elements of dancing, comedy, acrobatics, magic and satirical parodies of everyday life. There is an adult-themed, striptease component to it, but one that is designed to highlight the show's playful nature rather than anything brazenly lewd or risqué. One review of the show on TripAdvisor.com stated: “The Burlesque Show at Borgata was an absolute hoot. We really enjoyed it very much. It was tastefully done with a talented and attractive cast of dancers, and hilarious comedy sketch type acts.” The show is fast-paced and features stars of burlesque showmanship from around the globe.
How much: Tickets, priced at $17.30, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
NELLY
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 27
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
What to expect: Born Cornell Haynes Jr. in Austin, Texas, Nelly is a rapper and singer who launched his music career with the four-man hip hop group St. Lunatics in 1993. He began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album “Country Grammar” featuring two Top 10 hits on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart, including the title track and the single “Ride Wit Me.” The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and, with more than 8 million copies sold, became Nelly's best-selling album to date. His second album, “Nellyville,” produced the No. 1 hits “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” along with the Top 5 single “Air Force Ones.” Nelly went on to release six other studio albums, most recently the nine-track “Heartland” in August 2021 that included several contributions from guest artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Blanco Brown, Breland, Darius Rucker and others. Nelly has won three Grammy awards and nine Billboard Music awards. In 2005, he starred in the remake of the film “The Longest Yard” alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other hit songs by Nelly include “Just a Dream,” “Lil Bit,” “Grillz,” “My Place,” “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” “Batter Up” and “Ms. Drive Me Crazy.” His show takes place at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall.
How much: Tickets, priced at $59, $79 and $99, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
PRIMUS: A TRIBUTE TO KINGS
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 27
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Primus is a rock trio that formed in El Sobrante, Calif., in 1984. The group describes its style as a blend of alternative metal, funk and progressive rock and has released nine studio albums since 1990, most recently “The Desaturating Seven” in 2017. The trio is comprised of bassist/lead vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim Alexander. On their latest tour, Primus pays homage to the legendary Canadian prog-rock trio Rush, performing Rush’s fifth studio album “A Farewell to Kings” in its entirety. Released in 1977, “A Farewell to Kings” is the album that launched Rush into international stardom and gave the band widespread recognition beyond its native Toronto. The album featured the song “Closer to the Heart” that was Rush’s first charted single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Written by late Rush drummer Neil Peart, the song was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Primus also recently released a new, three-song EP entitled “Conspiranoid” that includes an epic, 11-minute opening title track that the band will perform live. The show takes place at Borgata’s Event Center.
How much: Tickets, priced at $48.89, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
THE BOXMASTERS
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Probably best known as an Academy Award-winning actor and film producer, Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton has teamed with J.D. Andrew as the frontmen and songwriters to the Boxmasters since 2007, with Thornton a drummer-vocalist and Andrew a guitarist-vocalist. The group has released 12 studio albums since 2008, most recently, “Help...I'm Alive” in April. According to the band’s website, the Boxmasters’ music spans a wide array of influences, most notably the rock ’n’ roll of the 1960s. Fans of the band will recognize odes to the Beatles, Byrds, Beach Boys, Mothers of Invention, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and others. Having opened over the years for ZZ Top, Steve Miller, George Thorogood and Kid Rock, the Boxmasters have built a rabid cult fanbase across the United States and Canada as both opening acts and headliners. According to their website, several longtime friends have contributed to the sound of the band over the years, but the core has always been Andrew and Thornton. “As primary songwriters, the sound of the Boxmasters has been an evolution as the duo constantly strive to find new inspiration, new sounds and new ways of expressing what is in their hearts and on their minds.” Their show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39.45 and $48.89, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
THE DISTRICTS WITH MOLLY RINGWORM AND STARBERRY
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 28
Where: Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City
What to expect: The Districts is a rock trio from Lititz, Pa., that formed in 2009 when its members — lead vocalist/guitarist Rob Grote, drummer Braden Lawrence and guitarist Pat Cassidy — were all still in high school. The band describes its sound as a combination of indie, alternative and garage rock with shades of folk/roots rock. The band recently released its fifth studio album, “Great American Painting,” and has four other albums and three EPs to its credit. Its 11-track, 2020 album “You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere” included the hit song “Cheap Regrets” along with the well-received tracks “Hey Jo,” “Velour and Velcro,” “And the Horses All Go Swimming” and others. Also performing is the South Jersey quartet Molly Ringworm, whose name was spun from singer/songwriter Sarah Holt’s father’s “endearing name for a 1980s teen movie star,” according to the band’s Facebook page. Molly Ringworm just released an EP called “Seems” that “pairs nuanced narratives with dynamic arrangements.” The show also includes the five-person, Philadelphia-based band Starberry. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
SHAMAN’S HARVEST
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 28
Where: Bourré in Atlantic City
What to expect: Shaman's Harvest is a country/alternative/metal band from Jefferson City, Mo., that includes lead vocalist Nathan Hunt, lead guitarist Derrick Shipp, rhythm guitarist Josh Hamler and drummer Adam Zemanek. The band, which formed in 1997, recently released its seventh studio album called “Rebelator” that features the hit songs “Bird Dog” and “Voices.” The band’s sixth studio album, “Red Hands Black Deeds,” released in 2017, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and No. 9 on the Billboard U.S. Independent albums chart. It included the hit singles “The Devil In Our Wake” and “The Come Up.” Four songs that charted well from Shaman’s Harvest’s 2014 album “Smokin’ Hearts & Broken Guns” include “In Chains,” “Ten Million Voices,” “Dangerous” and “Dirty Diana.” Bourré is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $20, are available at Eventbrite.com
More info:
BOOGIE WONDER BAND
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 28
Where: Resorts Atlantic City
What to expect: An 11-member group from Canada called the Boogie Wonder Band is, according to its website, “the funkiest, most celebrated, disco-loving band in all the land. The Boogie Wonder Band is party central, bringing traditional disco to a whole new level and getting crowds into the music like few others can.” The band blends classical instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, trumpets, trombones with spectacular, multicolored costumes that capture the essence of the 1970s disco scene. Band-member names also reflect the times, such as Apollo Johnson, Foxy B. Bellucci, Boogie Cindy, Marky de Sax, Spank Williams, and Pistol Pete. Songs disco fans can expect to hear include “Stayin' Alive” and “Night Fever” by the Bee Gees, “Shake Your Booty” by KC and the Sunshine Band, “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer, “Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste of Honey, “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps, “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc., “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and others. Their show takes place at Resorts Superstar Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35, $45 and $55, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
DAVE CHAPPELLE
When: 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: Dave Chappelle is a stand-up comedian and actor from Washington, D.C., probably best known for his satirical comedy-sketch TV series “Chappelle's Show,” which ran from 2003 to 2006. After leaving the show, Chappelle returned to perform stand-up comedy following a brief hiatus. He has been labeled “the comic genius of America” by Esquire magazine, and ranked No. 9 on Rolling Stone magazine’s “50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.” Among his many accolades are five Emmy and three Grammy awards, the latter all in the category of Best Comedy Album of the Year. On May 4, Chappelle was attacked by a deranged man while performing at the “Netflix Is A Joke” festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Fellow comedian Chris Rock, who was also a festival headliner and involved in a similarly bizarre incident back in March, when he was slapped by actor Will Smith during the Oscars, got on stage and asked “Was that Will Smith?” Chappelle has appeared in major roles in several films, his first coming in the 1998 comedy film “Half Baked,” which he co-wrote. He began doing stand-up in 1990, and in 1992 he won critical and popular acclaim for his television appearance in “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam” on HBO, which began his rise to fame and led to regular guest appearances on late-night TV shows such as “Politically Incorrect,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Howard Stern Show” and “Late Night with Conan O'Brien.” He will perform at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $199, $249 and $349, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
ACROSS THE POND TOUR WITH THE STRUTS
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, May 29
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: The Struts is a four-man, glam-metal band that formed in Derbyshire, England, in 2012. The foursome consists of lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies. The Struts have cited Queen, the Killers, the Smiths, Def Leppard, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and My Chemical Romance among their major influences. The band has released three albums and three EPs since forming, with their 2014 album “Everybody Wants” reaching No. 15 on the U.S. Billboard Rock chart, and their 2018 album “Young and Dangerous” reaching No. 13 on that chart. Their third album, “Strange Days,” came out in October 2020, and reached No. 11 on the BBC Albums chart. Some of the band’s better-known songs include “Put Your Money on Me,” “One Night Only,” “Primadonna Like Me,” “Bulletproof Baby,” “21st Century Dandy,” “In Love With a Camera,” “Another Hit of Showmanship,” “Strange Days” and “I Hate How Much I Want You.” Their show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39.45, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BEATLES-ZEPPELIN-DOORS TRIBUTE
BY MAGICAL MYSTERY DOORS
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 29
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
What to expect: Magical Mystery Doors is a five-man tribute act that combines the music of three legendary bands that had enormous influences on popular music — the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Doors. The show involves a captivating visual presentation including a stunning array of lighting and special effects. Fans of the original bands will hear such hits as “Break On Through,” “Hello, I Love You” and “L.A. Woman” by the Doors; “Come Together,” “Dear Prudence” and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles; “Misty Mountain Hop,” “When The Levee Breaks” and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, plus medleys of each band’s music and an amalgamation of songs by all three. The show takes place Sunday at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall, and every Sunday through Sept. 4
How much: Tickets, priced at $29 and $39, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BEARDFEST PRE-PARTY
WITH WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29
Where: Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City
What to expect: The Beardfest Pre-Party is hosted bythe band Out of the Beardspace, which started as a New Jersey-based group of friends who have been making music together since they were teenagers. The band is set to release its third studio album called “Like Moths To a Flame.” Their show Sunday at Anchor Rock Club is serving as an album release party as well as a prelude to the 10th anniversary of Beardfest, which is “a three-day celebration of creative energy that strives to enliven the artist in everyone” that takes place June 16 to 19 in Hammonton. The new album includes the songs “Sneaky Toad,” “The Fall,” “Spooky Beard,” “Cluckaroons,” “Booch” and “Flex.” The band features lead vocalist and guitarist Jeremy Savo, guitarist Zach LoPresti, keyboardist Sam Gutman, drummer Ethan Feinstein and bassists Matt O’Neil and Kevin Savo. Also performing is the Philadelphia-based band Worldtown Soundsystem, whose style is described as a blend of worldwide musical influences, and whose mission is “to celebrate global culture through music and art.” Another Philly-based band, Red Meat Conspiracy, bills itself as an unorthodox quartet that performs hard-hitting, electronic jam-funk-rock music. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
How much: Tickets, priced at $15, are available at AnchorRockClub.com
More info:
World.town,
TAB BENOIT
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 29
Where: Exit Zero Ferry Park in North Cape May
What to expect: Tab Benoit is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and virtuoso blues guitarist from Houma, La., who twice won the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award presented by the Blues Music Awards, which is described as the highest accolade afforded musicians and songwriters in the blues music genre. Benoit was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and has released 18 albums since his 1993 start. Popular songs by Benoit include “Shelter Me,” “Nothing Takes the Place of You,” “Muddy Bottom Blues,” “For What It's Worth,” “A Whole Lotta Soul,” “Little Girl Blues,” “One Foot in the Bayou,” “The Blues Is Here to Stay,” “Cherry Tree Blues,” “Crawfishin',” “Too Many Dirty Dishes,” “Louisiana Style” and “Bayou Boogie.” He will be joined by special guest Lightnin' Malcolm. The show is part of the Exit Zero Ferry Park Summer Concert Series.Exit ZeroFerry Park is located at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May.
How much: Tickets, priced at $10, $30 and $50, are available at Eventbrite.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, May 29
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater, and at 4 p.m. every Sunday through June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
REVEREND HORTON HEAT WITH THE KOFFIN KATS
When: 8 p.m. Monday, May 30
Where: Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City
What to expect: The Reverend Horton Heat is the stage name of singer-songwriter and guitarist James Heath, who is known for his riotous sense of humor and rowdy stage performances. The name is also a reference to his Dallas, Texas-based trio that formed in 1985 and plays a style of music called psychobilly. Psychobilly has been described as a fusion of rockabilly and punk rock and “a loud frantic music that takes the traditional countrified rock style known as rockabilly and ramps up its speed into a gritty, sweaty, honky-tonk, punk-rock pace.” Heat has been called the “Godfather of Modern Rockabilly and Psychobilly.” His trio also includes upright bass player Jimbo Wallace and drummer Jonathan Jeter. Popular songs by the group include “Rock the Joint,” “It's Martini Time,” “Let Me Teach You How to Eat,” “I Can't Surf,” “Psychobilly Freakout,” “Wiggle Stick,” “Nurture my Pig!” and “The Big Red Rocket of Love.” Also performing is another psychobilly trio called the Koffin Kats, which was founded in 2003 in Detroit by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Koffin and lead singer and upright bassist Vic Victor. The Anchor Rock Club is located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/primus-pay-tribute-to-prog-rock-forefathers-as-a-tribute-to-kings-tour-rolls-into/article_7455ee38-d852-11ec-be86-1fca7fcedf04.html
|
When it comes to technically complex rock music, two of the biggest bands to ever wade in those waters are Rush and Primus. While they come from different generations, the former has greatly influenced the latter, and soon Primus will pay tribute to Rush in Atlantic City as its “A Tribute to Kings” tour comes to town 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Rush are no longer active, but were darlings of the ’70s prog-rock era, while Primus’ nearly indescribable brand of weirdo cartoon hillbilly funk alt-metal somehow made it to the Billboard charts in the 1990s. Though they are worlds apart stylistically, the bands feel distinctly related, as each share the unique classification of being three-piece acts devoted to complex musical arrangements, with a bassist who also handles lead vocal duties.
Each show on the tour - which began last year and is now in its second leg - consists of the band performing Rush’s iconic 1977 album “A Farewell to Kings” in its entirety, along with a nice chunk of original Primus tunes, with ’90s classics such as “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver” “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” and “My Name is Mud” regularly appearing in setlists.
I had a chance to chat with Primus frontman/bassist Les Claypool about his thoughts on songwriting, lyrical inspirations and what it’s like to perform the music of his childhood heroes live. Here is what he had to say:
RYAN LOUGHLIN: You are now embarking on the second leg of the Farewell to Kings tour. Were you the kid in the ’70s listening to Rush in his bedroom every night?
LES CLAYPOOL: I was listening to Rush quite a bit in my teen years, yeah.
RL: How influential was (Rush bassist and lead vocalist) Geddy Lee on your playing?
LC: When I was first starting he was very influential. Rush was the first concert I had ever seen. He was the champ.
RL: Has it been enjoyable to play someone else’s music for a change?
LC: I think more than anything it’s just been enjoyable to play this music because it was such a big part of all of our upbringings. And it’s now become a great posthumous tribute to (former Rush drummer) Neil (Peart). We planned this whole thing long before he left the planet, it just kept getting moved for various reasons, including the pandemic. But yeah I enjoy it. It’s been a lot of work, because you can’t go out there and fake Rush. You have to work on that s--t. So, we spent a long time working on it. It’s like a little mini vacation during the set each night.
RL: Rush is one of the most technically proficient bands in rock history. Do you feel a certain pressure to play the parts live exactly as they did?
LC: Yeah – pressure because Rush fans are not only extremely picky and scrutinizing, but also because we are Rush fans ourselves, and we want to play things correctly and do it justice. There’s a few ways of approaching tunes – you can make it your own, or you do it as close to the original as you possibly can and that is what we are doing with the Rush stuff.
RL: Over the years, Primus’ lyrics have focused on some unique and quirky subject matter. Where do you find lyrical inspiration?
LC: Like most writers, I just write from experience. A lot of the lyrics are surprisingly dark, but they are presented in the velvet glove of some colorful character. But if you look at some of the characters, like Jerry from “Jerry was a Racecar Driver” or Mud from “My Name is Mud,” they’ve got some demons. I grew up in a semi-rural environment and a lot of my characters reflect the type of individuals I grew up with. There is a lot of substance abuse and working class issues and whatnot within the framework of all these characters. It’s like a cross between a Capra film and a Tarantino movie.
RL: You have a new EP called “Conspiranoid” and recently released the song “Zelensky, the Man with the Iron Balls,” both of which are clearly topical and influenced by specific global and political issues affecting the world currently. Do you find yourself more drawn to these types of topics now than you may have been in the past?
RL: It’s just such a prevalent element in our lives these days, you know? But even going back to the early days, the very first song I wrote for Primus was “Too Many Puppies,” which is a metaphor for soldiers being killed in war. And that is still very relevant today. So I have always had songs that touch on these topics, but it’s generally through the eyes of one of these Capra-esque characters.
RL: Does it surprise you that music as eccentric and unique as yours has found such sustained success for so many years?
LC: It’s a ridiculous thing. But it’s also a wonderful thing. It gives me hope that we are all not just drowning in the mainstream. That’s why we named our (1991) album “Sailing the Seas of Cheese.” Because it was our first major label release, and we were literally being marketed alongside Gerardo. We were entering the world of Guns N’ Roses and all these bands that were part of pop culture that we didn’t really identify with, but all the sudden we were being marketed right alongside them. So we were going to sail the seas of cheese and somehow we managed to keep it going for 30 years.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/summer-s-unofficial-kickoff-is-a-weekend-worth-celebrating-in-south-jersey/article_ff365b40-db6e-11ec-8e7c-579040121510.html
|
Memorial Day Weekend – it’s known as the unofficial kickoff to summer, and because of that, we think a proper celebration of some sort is in order. In other words, it’s not the weekend for sitting home and binge watching shows on Hulu or whatever other timesuckers you normally engage in. Memorial Day Weekend is a time for celebrating the beginning of the actual “most wonderful time of the year” (sorry Christmas), by getting out and enjoying a parade, festival, concert or other fun activity. Here are a few ways you can take in the spirit of summer this weekend:
Wildwood’s Kite Festival
“Hey - go fly a kite!”
This phrase has been used for decades as a less foul-mouthed way to let someone know you are unhappy with them and would like them to leave, but as semi-hostile suggestions go, it’s one of the friendliest. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an afternoon spent watching a colorful kite soar high into the air on an almost summer day? There is a certain magic and majesty about the way nature and this man-made invention come together in a graceful, windswept ballroom dance in the sky.
This weekend, the 36th annual International Kite Festival returns to the beaches of Wildwood for what is sure to be one of the most visually stunning events you can attend all year. After so many years, the festival has become a must-do event in Wildwood for many folks.
“2022 marks the event’s 36th year, which speaks volumes in and of itself,” says Beatrix Pelton, owner of Sky Festival Productions, the company behind the festival. “With every year comes more kite flyers, additional and different kites in the sky and added activities for a robust and constantly-growing kite festival.”
The fun kicks off on 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, with the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony on the beach at Andrews Avenue. Kite festivities follow with the opening of the Kite Sales Tent, a kite social and, at 9 p.m., an illuminated kite fly at the Rio Grande Avenue beach behind the famous “WILDWOODS” sign.
The Kite Festival continues Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, starting at 9 a.m. each day with a series of events geared toward introducing those with little or no experience to the sport of kiting. Guests can join in the Kite Candy Drop, the Running of the Bols, and the Rev Meg Fly, fly a kite on the Learn to Fly Field; or watch the professional Fighter Kite Competition. Free kite exhibits and workshops on the beach will also take place throughout the day.
Beginning 7 p.m. Saturday, The Wildwoods International Kite Festival Auction will be held inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. The auction is open to the public, and an impressive array of unique kites and collectibles will be up for bid.
Two days of “playshops” are planned as well for Saturday and Sunday. Presented by George Peters, the playshops are designer-intensive and focus on the creative limits of one’s mind.
Things will wind down 9:30 a.m. Monday May 30, as the World Indoor Kite Competition closes out the festival at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Kite fliers will showcase their ability to fly kites indoors without wind, and all performances will be choreographed to music.
“It is the largest and longest running Kite Festival on the East Coast, and here is something to see or do for every demographic and age from 1 to 100. It is like no other event you have has been to,” Pelton promises.
For more info, go to SkyFestivals.com.
Free Memorial Day concert with ‘The Singing Lifeguard’
Though it’s thought of as the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day’s true meaning is to honor the men and women of our nation’s military who were lost in battle.
Beginning 5:15 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Brighton Park Amphitheater in Atlantic City, there will be a free concert from Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Stars honoring all members of the military past and present and their families, as well as police, firemen and first responders.
For those unfamiliar, Craine is something of an Atlantic City legend. Commonly known as “The Singing Lifeguard,” the man is a true performer and regularly weaves comedy into his magnetic onstage persona. For this show, he will perform with his backing band The Atlantic City All Stars, which boasts Stan Richards on guitar, Jim Hines on bass, Ray Nunzi on drums and Jack Griffith on keyboard.
If that lineup wasn’t enough to get you to head down and check it out, the band will also perform several songs with special guest Jim Yester of famed ’60s rock act The Association.
An afterparty will take place at the outdoor deck at The Irish Pub following the show. Brighton Park is located at 124 Park Place, Atlantic City. For more info, go to JimCraine.com
Have a ‘ball’ at Resorts
You know it’s summer when the beach balls come out. At Resorts Casino Hotel, they REALLY come out as their Memorial Day Weekend tradition involves dropping 5,000 of the inflatables onto the boardwalk in celebratory fashion. Last year’s event was a virtual ball drop, but this year the festivities are back in full swing, and the Beach Ball Drop will be held in person 5 p.m. Friday, May 27.
There is an entire day’s worth of warm-up attractions happening, so you might as well get there early and enjoy. At 10 a.m. the live radio broadcast from WMMR begins, with the official Opening of the Sea ceremony at 1 p.m. After that, expect contests, games and giveaways all leading up to the big drop.
This year a brand-new, pop-up bar concept will debut just in time for the festivities as Bar One transforms into an under-the-sea themed space called Coral Lounge. The bar’s exterior will be wrapped and draped like an underwater abyss, and once inside you’ll be made to feel like you’re in a coral reef. Keep an eye out for occasional mermaid sightings and sample from their new cocktail list that includes must have drinks such as The Diving Horse, Orange Crush and Jersey Hurricane.
Resorts is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Go to ResortsAC.com.
Parades
Nothing says Memorial Day quite like a parade. A surefire way to bring a community together in celebration, many towns in South Jersey will host parades this weekend, and with weather looking decent all weekend long, the chances of it “raining on your parade” are slim. Here are a few worth checking out:
Egg Harbor Township will host its Memorial Day Parade 9 a.m. Monday, May 30. The parade, which is hosted by the Veteran’s Advisory Board, will commence with mobilized units starting at Diamond Drive, traveling west on Zion Road to North Mount Airy Avenue, where the marching units will join in. The parade will continue west on Zion Road to Ocean Heights Avenue and down Ocean Heights Avenue to Veterans Memorial Park for the Memorial Day ceremony.
Attendees will enjoy a mix of military vehicles, antique cars and various organizations marching in the parade. For more info, go to EHTGOV.org.
Absecon’s festivities will begin with a Children’s Patriotic Bicycle Parade at 8:15 a.m. followed by the Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m. with a tribute ceremony at Absecon Veteran’s Park to follow. The parade can be viewed along New Jersey Avenue through downtown, on Shore Road between Station Avenue and the Jonathan Pitney House and along Church Street.
The annual Memorial Day Parade in Somers Point it set to begin at 11 a.m., so if you are the type to sleep in, this may be your best bet if you still want to enjoy the festivities.
The parade will begin at the intersection of Dawes Avenue and Shore Road and will proceed to City Hall, concluding with a ceremony at Patriots Park. Veterans, scouts, military vehicles, antique cars, bands and decorated children’s bicycles will all be participating.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/appy-hour-at-the-point/article_bee5e010-daa6-11ec-98b7-2bb20e469a25.html
|
Welcome to Appy Hour. In this new column I’m going to spend the summer stopping in at bars and restaurants where I can enjoy some apps and drinks in a relaxed setting. I’ll be kicking back with warm breezes and cool cocktails in spaces where the views are as tasty as the snacks. Come along and join me!
— Ryan
The Point opened in 2019, yet somehow it has taken me three years to stop in for a visit despite having a strong interest in the place and a love for all things tiki. Finally, on a foggy Friday afternoon, I made it in.
Located on the bay in Somers Point in the space formerly occupied by Baia, I imagine The Point is a jaw-dropping location visually speaking when the fog isn’t making everything from the bridge to the bay itself completely invisible.
What’s also unique is that there is no main building to enter of any kind. A bamboo wall divides the parking lot from the entrance, and once you are through, the space is 100 percent dedicated to the open air with swaying palm trees, thatched tiki bars and sand under your feet. Seating options include hi-top tables, VIP-style lounge areas with comfy looking couches that can be reserved and a large covered area with a dancefloor where bands perform.
The Sips
My friends and I grabbed a table and glanced over the menu. A long list of just about every vacation-style summer drink seemed to find its way onto the list of cocktails, from pina coladas and margaritas to orange crushes and strawberry daiquiris, giving us much to sort thought and making picking just one a harder decision than expected. But far be it from me to complain about having too many options for cocktails.
One thing I have to take a few points off for is the fact that despite this being presented as a “tiki bar,” the menu contained very few traditional tiki drinks. There was no Mai Tai, no Pearl Diver, no Singapore Sling and no Fog Cutter to be found anywhere. But they did have one classic tiki drink listed, the Tiki Zombie Punch, a mix of Myers’s Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Don Q 151, orange, pineapple and lime juices and a splash of grenadine, so that’s what I went with.
Zombies are famously potent drinks – I have had many that would easily spell the end of a night for a less-seasoned drinker, and this version did indeed have three types of rum in it, one of which being the high proof Don Q 151. Somehow, despite all these, the drink didn’t taste overly boozy. Instead, the pineapple and orange juice flavors were the most dominant. Not sure if that was due to weak pours on the rum or simply the strength of the juices, but either way it made for a tasty drink, although I expected a bit more of a buzz to follow.
I followed up the Zombie Punch with two more drinks: The Blueberry Mule, a summery sipper made with fresh Jersey blueberries, Stoli Blueberi Vodka, blueberry simple syrup and ginger beer, was as refreshing as it sounds, with a delicious, but not too syrupy blueberry flavor, which was fizzed up nicely by the ginger beer.
The Sneaky Monkey reminded me of an alcoholic version of a Frappuccino, with Kahlua, Myers’s Dark Rum and RumChata laying the base of this frosty cocktail, while the addition of frozen banana brought in a tropical touch that matched the atmosphere of the bar perfectly.
The bites
Options for apps at The Point include items such as pot stickers, seared chilled tuna, chips and dip and more. We ordered a pair of apps – crispy shrimp and mango tossed buffalo style and Polynesian chicken skewers.
The shrimp were coated in batter and stretched out lengthwise Asian-style with fresh diced mango scattered about. Although I found them to be quite tasty and perfectly cooked, there simply was nothing “buffalo style” about them. They were lightly drizzled with a sweet/spicy glaze that was delicious, but nothing about it would remind you of the legendary buffalo sauce you have tasted down the street at Charlie’s or anywhere else for that matter. Puzzling, but no harm/no foul as the app was a winner either way.
The Polynesian chicken skewers were quite good, as well. Chargrilled and coated in a Tahitian BBQ sauce, the skewers managed to be tender and immensely flavorful, thanks to both the tangy zip of the sauce and the fact that they wisely opted to use chicken thighs, a far more flavorful choice than the boring old white meat you find everywhere else.
The skewers were served atop a bed of “tiki coleslaw,” which was crunchy, sweet and refreshing, and made for a nice bonus.
Would I go back?
A waterfront tiki bar with killer apps and a vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Somers Point, The Point checked off a lot of boxes and impressed me quite a bit. Though the tiki purest in me would like to see some more traditional tiki drinks find their way to the menu, even without them, this is a really fun spot. I came during the afternoon on a Friday, but can only imagine that once the band gets going Friday nights here are the stuff of legend. Yeah, I’m coming back - probably more than once.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/newly-opened-moonshiners-bar-and-grill-in-mays-landing-is-here-to-stay/article_2e4d63c6-db7c-11ec-b02c-3719ce31f867.html
|
How do you not love a roadhouse? You know the kind of place - often located on a rural stretch of road with a parking lot full of Harley Davidsons and simple, straightforward aesthetics that somehow add to the charm. A great roadhouse is the kind of spot where you can come as you are and throw back a beer and some snacks with your buddies and have a damn good time doing it.
Moonshiners Bar and Grill fits the definition of a roadhouse in just about every way. The building has been there since the 1930s and has the battle scars to prove it. It’s been through several changes of moniker in that time, too. Most recently it was known as the Laureldale Pub, but current owner Lou Novak Jr. bought the place at the end of 2021 and changed the name to Moonshiners after reading up on the history of the building.
“I found out that Route 50 had a real history with moonshine during prohibition. They used to run it from Philadelphia down through the backroads here to get to the shore points in and around Atlantic City,” he says.
Novak is a native of South Jersey and worked in law enforcement for many years, but after retiring he bought his first bar/restaurant in the Hilton Head area of South Carolina and quickly realized he had a love for the business.
“I found out that I kinda had a knack for it. The restaurant grew and grew, and we just had a really good time with it. It was really fun to create the whole atmosphere, and now I have a passion for it,” he says.
After his first bar was a success, he opened several more down South and even one in Arizona, but the Garden State was calling to him.
“I was born and raised in New Jersey, and my family is here, so I wanted to come back and open up my ‘forever bar.’ I looked at a lot of places in the area, but I kept coming back to Laureldale Pub. The old-style feel to it drew me in. It’s got great bones, and I knew I could do something with it.”
The Space
The layout at Moonshiners is as simple and straightforward as you might expect. The front door opens to a large, oval-shaped bar that is the focal point of the room. Just beyond lies a smattering of tables with a fireplace that adds coziness in the colder months – and that’s it. Its charm is in its simplicity, and it’s fun to look around and wonder if these walls could talk what they might say.
Out back there is a patio area with more seating, and a bar will be arriving for the summer season to make the space even more appealing for warm-weather day drinking and the like. Novak has big plans for the outdoor space as a whole, which sits on a massive plot of land.
“We have seven acres of land here, so we can do a lot with it. I want to hold my own festivals – I’d like to do a food truck fest, and I’m planning on having antique car shows and other events, as well,” he says.
The Food
Though Laureldale Pub had a respectable menu, Novak knew he wanted to change things up when he took over.
“We basically revamped the entire menu,” Novak says. “We’re doing hand-cut french fries, handmade burgers, a great French onion soup and fun things like our Slammin’ Shrimp Tacos,” Novak says.
In order to create the menu, he enlisted the chef team of Kyle Francis - aka “Moose” - and Carly DeFabio, a soon-to-be-married couple that already work together like a well-oiled machine.
“They had some great ideas that were right in line with what I wanted to do,” Novak says. “They came over and fell in love with the kitchen, and the rest is history.”
Starters include the aforementioned French onion soup ($7), as well as other classics like chili ($6); a hummus plate served with vegetables and flatbread for dipping ($11); and the Slammin’ Shrimp – Moonshiners version of bang bang shrimp, served on a bed of lettuce with tuxedo sesame seeds ($13) is also available in taco form with an Asian-style slaw ($16).
The wings at Moonshiners made a big splash at Atlantic City Weekly’s Wing Wars event this year, and it’s easy to see why. Eleven styles are available to choose from, including garlic parm, sweet and spicy and slaughter sauce, which is the hottest of them all. Unlike many spots, Moonshiners makes their own blue cheese and ranch dipping sauces in house, giving a nice boost to the overall wing experience.
Sandwiches – including a bevy of cheesesteak options - are hard to overlook, especially with creative takes like The Big Moose, a chopped cheeseburger sub with fried onions, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and a house-made secret sauce ($15); or the King Louie, a spin on a French dip with beefsteak cooked in French onion soup, topped with provolone cheese and served with a side of soup to dip in ($16) – tempting you along the way.
Other entrée options run the gamut from pub staples like fish and chips ($13), chicken fingers with french fries ($12) and an array of specialty burgers, to the latest addition to the menu – hand tossed pizzas.
“We just added them to the menu recently, and everyone has been going nuts for them,” Novak notes.
The 16-inch pies are available with a variety of toppings from your basic cheese ($13) to buffalo chicken ($16), pepperoni ($14) and garden style ($16), among others.
The Cocktails
You can’t call a bar Moonshiners and not have any moonshine, right? Luckily, Novak was on top of that, and the bar now offers a variety of moonshine cocktails as well as flights of various flavored and unflavored moonshines from brands like Midnight Moon and Ol’ Smokey. There’s even a house-made. green apple variety that is tasty enough to sip like a glass of iced tea.
“The flights are really great because you get to taste the different varieties that we have all in one sitting. It’s perfect for people who want to try moonshine, but aren’t sure what to order,” Novak says.
A Place for Everyone
Though the thought of a roadhouse may conjure up some rough-around-the-edges imagery, Moonshiners is a spot where anyone can come in and enjoy themselves. In fact, Novak wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love to come here and tell my old stories and talk to all the customers. I’m a people person,” he says. “And we are like family here – from the bartenders to the cooks, we take care of each other and it’s like a home away from home. This is my ‘forever bar.’”
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/nightlife/5-places-that-are-back-in-full-swing-for-the-summer/article_e01cca6a-d857-11ec-8c93-7376318e2ae8.html
|
Every year, much of the Jersey Shore spends nine months like a hibernating bear, just waiting for the right season to spring back to life. With Memorial Day weekend upon us, that time has come, which means most of your favorite bars to party at all summer long are now buzzing with all the excitement and fun that you remember so fondly from last year.
Here are five places that are back in full swing for summer:
Kix
No matter what type of bar experience you prefer, Kix in Sea Isle has you covered, as the sprawling complex features six different watering holes, including the main nightclub, several outdoor bars and lounges as well as smaller onsite bars and even a liquor store. Live bands are a regular thing here every weekend with mainstays like The Chatterband popping up weekly, and 9 p.m. Sunday May 29, The E Street Shuffle will kick off the summer in true Jersey Shore style with a night of Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits. Should you want the ultimate in convenience, Kix has its own hotel attached, so you can simply wander back to your room when the night is over. Kix is located at 120 63rd St., Sea Isle City. Go to KixSeaIsle.com.
Laguna Grill & Rum Bar
There are beach bars, and then there is Laguna Grill. An absolutely stunning space located right on the sand in Brigantine, Laguna Grill feels almost tropical with its palm trees and ocean views stretched across a massive beachfront area. The place gets busy, but somehow it never feels overcrowded, making it the perfect spot for anyone who hates the hot sweaty vibe of many Jersey Shore nightclubs. The drink menu is loaded up with frozen concoctions with some killer rum runners and tasty flavored mojitos for those who prefer a non-frozen cocktail. A full food menu is available as well with both indoor and outdoor dining should you get hungry. Bands perform on the outdoor beach stage, and you can kick back and watch them with feet in sand and drink in hand. It doesn’t get much better than this. Laguna Grill & Rum Bar is located at 1400 Ocean Ave., Brigantine. Go to LagunaGrillAndRumBar.com.
The Ocean Drive
A Sea Isle City hotspot for decades, The Ocean Drive – or the O.D. as the cool kids call it – sits at the entrance to town on Landis Avenue just as you come off of Sea Isle Boulevard, and it will once again be ground zero for summer partying starting this weekend. Bar-hoppable to most of the other party spots in town, expect big crowds and a packed dance floor as popular local bands like Gypsy Wisdom, Kristen & the Noise and The Benderz take the stage regularly, as well as Secret Service, who play 4 p.m. every Sunday for the legendary happy hour. The Ocean Drive is located at 3915 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City. Go to TheOD.com.
Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant
Is there a more famous bar on LBI than Joe Pops? It’s been synonymous with summer and wild nights since opening its doors in the 1930s, and this year it’s under new management, so we are excited to see what changes may come. The main room is sure to be bedlam, as the lineup on the big stage is loaded up each night for Memorial Day Weekend with some heavy hitters from the cover band scene, with Screaming Broccoli on Friday, The Benjamins Saturday and The Nerds on Sunday. Need a quick break from the volume? Check out their outdoor tiki bar, which has just received a facelift for the summer. Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant is located at 2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom. Go to Facebook.com/joepopsshorebar.
The Princeton Bar & Grill
If you’ve never been to The Princeton in Avalon you are missing out on one of the best spots in this sleepy seaside town. Divided into several spaces, the main bar is a gorgeous room accented with brick and modern industrial style lighting fixtures where you can grab drinks and nosh on tasty seafood dishes and a variety of killer apps. Walk through the door to their Rock Room and the vibe does a complete 180, which is jarring in the best possible way. It feels like stepping back in time to an old-school, ’80s-style rock club - and that’s exactly what it is. Bands bring the house down all summer long, and you can’t help but sing along while remembering that nights like this are what it’s all about. The Princeton is located at 2008 Dune Drive, Avalon. Go to PrincetonBar.com.
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220525
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/sponsored/meet-the-business---one-stop-xteriors/article_0da709f4-dd22-11ec-ac34-b3f2e1fbf572.html
|
The Press of AC is proud to support local businesses. We you to get to know some of local business owners. Here is some facts about One Stop Xteriors.
One Stop Xteriors provides comprehensive home remodeling and home improvement services in Mays Landing, NJ and surrounds.
What put the 'X' in One Stop Xteriors? (Can you explain the origin of your business name)
I wanted to do something different as when I was deciding a name one stop interiors or one stop exteriors so I got rid of in and ex and replaced it with an x for interior and exterior of that makes sense.
When did you start One Stop Xteriors?
2015
How does being a family-run business impact your work?
It allows me to be there for my daughter and future child.
What sets One Stop Xteriors apart?
We strive to be the best.
What does curb appeal mean to you?
Eye candy lol
Top 40 Under 40... What's it like being a young entrepreneur?
Not easy and hard to start with nothing and no help.
What's your crew mean to you?
Family
How do you balance work and family?
Pretty well
What's your favorite room in a house?
| true
| true
|
both
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220527
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/this-a-c-wrestling-tournament-is-a-real-game-changer/article_96b81e48-dd2e-11ec-92e0-1b7729b2d59c.html
|
When you are talking about wrestling, terms like “survival” and “game changer” could come across as a little over the top.
But that is exactly what wrestling fans will experience 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 5, as the seventh Game Changer Wrestling Tournament of Survival, is back for the fourth consecutive time at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.
GCW will feature a slew of great matchups, including Shane Mercer, Matt Tremont vs. Slade, Drew Parker vs. Cole Radrick, and Hoodfoot vs. Rina Yamashita.
There are only two GCW Tournament of Survival entrants who have experience. Matt Tremont was in the second Tournament of Survival in 2017. Unfortunately, Tremont made it to the final round but fell short of a victory against Nick Gage. Shane Mercer was in the fifth Tournament of Survival in 2020. Mercer’s experience ended briefly after being knocked out of the first round by the referee’s decision against Eric Ryan.
Newcomers of the Tournament of Survival are more than credible for the event. For example, Drew Parker defeated Alex Colon, a three-time Tournament of Survival champion in the GCW Ultraviolet Championship. Rina Yamashita has appeared in two GCW events. Hoodfoot has been in 11 GCW events and has defeated Matt Tremont before. It would be exciting to see them go against each other again. Slade has appeared in five GCW events. Cole Radrick has been in many GCW events. With each entrant familiar with GCW events, it will be a perfect balance of matchups and exhilarating to see who comes out victorious among these professionals.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Tournament of Survival, it usually consists of eight to nine rounds. For example, in the fifth Tournament of Survival, there were four first-round matches. After the first round, there were two semi-final matches. Then there was one final round for the winner of the tournament. In between all of that, there were two matches that had no effect on the tournament: A regular match; and a six-way scramble match.
Deathmatch Hall of Fame
Are you a GCW phanatic? If you are, you can see former professional wrestlers get inducted into the Deathmatch Hall of Fame 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Showboat. This event is a ceremony for the 2022 class to be inducted into the hall of fame. The ceremony will feature the late JC Bailey, “Wifebeater” Matthew Prince and “Mr. Insanity” Toby Klein. Bailey wrestled professionally from 2001 to 2010. Prince had an eight-year professional wrestling career from 1998 to 2006. Klein had a whopping 21-year career as a professional wrestler from 1997 to 2018. It will be an honor to see them being inducted into the deathmatch hall of fame. A well-deserved accomplishment after their wrestling careers.
Cage of Survival
Do you like the thrill and excitement of a cage match? Then look no further. At 5 p.m. Sunday, GCW will host its first-ever cage of survival match at the Showboat. The match will feature Matt Cardona, LuFisto vs. Masha Slomovich, and John Wayne Murdoch vs. Alex Colon in the GCW Ultraviolet Title Cage of Survival match.
The title match will be the one to see since Colon and Murdoch have both gone against each other before. The last time Murdoch defeated Colon in the Ultraviolet title was in March. Colon has his opportunity to reclaim the title. You can see all three of these events this weekend. It will be an exciting weekend to see some GCW wrestling.
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/tito-puente-jr-brings-the-spirit-of-his-father-s-music-to-somers-point/article_d6312a58-dd22-11ec-81b2-2b7c78c6a543.html
|
When it comes to salsa, mambo and Latin jazz as a whole, there is no bigger legend than the late Tito Puente. A native of Spanish Harlem and a master bandleader, pianist and percussionist, Puente rose to fame in the 1950s and help familiarize the world with the infectious rhythms of Afro-Cuban, Latin and Caribbean music. His signature song “Oye Como Va” was famously covered by the band Santana back in the late ’60s and is one of the most famous Latin songs ever recorded.
Puente passed away in 2000, but today his youngest son Tito Puente, Jr. keeps his legacy alive, performing much of the same music that his father made popular so many years ago. He comes to Somers Point for a live concert with his Latin Jazz Big Band as part of the South Jersey Jazz Society’s Spring Jazz Series 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at William Morrow Beach in Somers Point.
We had a chance to chat with Puente about his musical inspirations, his upcoming show and what it’s like to be a performer with so much to live up to. Here’s what he had to say:
RYAN LOUGHLIN: Did you always want to be a musician when you were growing up, or was there ever a time where you wanted to do something that wouldn’t be so tied to your father’s legacy?
TITO PUENTE, JR.: My first inclination during high school was to become a mortician and go into the field of forensics. I studied forensic science and planned to go to school for that. I went to the local morgue and saw some dead bodies and everything. But then my father said, “Why would you want to do something like that when you can play music and bring joy to people?” And that turned my plans upside down, and I went back to being a full-fledged musician. But I did have a fascination with forensics, and I loved the technology and how we were advancing scientifically. And, at the time, I didn’t like mambo music! I liked rock music. I was always into heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, Slayer and Metallica. Those were my bands back then, and my father didn’t understand that. But I got the chance to travel with him and learn about Latin music and the culture and history and what he brought to the table as a genius musician, composer and arranger.
RL: What inspires you musically?
TPJ: Something that my father taught me was: “Surround yourself with creative people and thus you will be creative.” I love the comradery of hanging out with other musicians, whether they are singers or play brass, percussion or whatever. That to me is the best thing in the world. I love surrounding myself with that, because just being around other musicians is where I find inspiration.
RL: Latin Jazz has been a popular fusion for some time. What makes those two genres meld so naturally?
TPJ: It’s the roots of it all. The fusion comes from two cultures (African and Latino) that both endured so much hardship and then had to deal with becoming Americanized, as well. And my dad was one of those people from that background. He grew up in Spanish Harlem, which is only two blocks from the black sections of Harlem, and he is probably one of the only Hispanics that has his face in the Apollo Theater. Puente means “bridge,” and my father was the bridge bringing two cultures together. Latin and jazz go together like ketchup and mustard on a New York City hot dog!
RL: Tell us about the show you have coming up on the beach in Somers Point– what can fans expect?
TPJ: I expect everybody to bring their dancing shoes! I’m going to take everyone on a journey of mambo music, of the five-decade career of my father and of the music of Tito Puente. It’s a great ride, from the start of his career all the way through his passing in 2000. I like to tell a few stories and teach everyone a little about mambo, too. And the show is built for dancing – I don’t have any ballads, so you’re not going to be sitting down!
RL: Has the shadow of your father’s fame and reputation been a blessing or something to overcome?
TPJ: Now that I am in my 50s, I have come to embrace who I am. I don’t have the white hair like my father, so I’m still considered a young buck! My father was considered the king of Latin music. I can never compare to the king. I just try and bring that Puente vibe because I am related to him. I love my father. He will always be the titan and one of the legendary icons of this genre. I just want everybody to come to the show and enjoy his music.
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/june-is-here-for-beer/article_bb84d134-dd2f-11ec-bea6-df8dac681c79.html
|
June is rife with events. The largest and best beerfest on the East Coast lands at Bader Field this weekend. The 16th iteration of the Atlantic City Beer & Music Fest takes place 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5.
It will be out over this large venue with 150-plus breweries, live music, games, vendors, food trucks and demonstrations. Great bands will be playing all day at each session while you get to taste the best beers of the state, region and country. If you want to get in some exercise before the Sunday session, sign up for the Hops Trot 5K Run beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Casino Resort and enjoy a few beers en route to Bader Field and then attend the Fest.
Want to kickoff the weekend before the Fest? New Jersey Craft Beer is hosting a pre-party at Chickie's and Pete's in Tropicana 5p.m. Friday, June 3. There will be collaboration beers available and lots of local brews.
In Hammonton on June 11, a Food Truck Festival will bring out the local breweries to serve their beers with some outstanding cuisine.
Axe and Arrow will be hosting its Sour Mania II on Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12, with live music, new swag and lots of new beers. They hope to pour eight new beers never before offered there.
Icarus in Lakewood will be reprising its Lagerfest Saturday, June 18. Expect to see seven collaboration beers and live music.
On Saturday, June 25, The New Jersey Brewers Association will once again host its Annual Battleship New Jersey Beer Festival 1 to 5 p.m. with a VIP opening at noon. Come and enjoy over 30 of N.J.'s best breweries. Tickets are $50 general admission and $75 for VIP.
Brews News
Looking into summer, Cape May will bring back Coastal with Brett, a spin on their top-selling Double IPA Coastal Evacuation, available mid-June on tap across New Jersey. They will also distribute Bay Daze, their new 4.7% abv session sour throughout New Jersey at the end of June. This year is Cape May Brewing Company’s 11th year of operations, and with that comes a new Anniversary Ale to enjoy - Anniversary Ale 11 - an 8% Hazy Double IPA featuring Citra, Sabro, Cashmere, and Bru-1 hops.
Garden State in Galloway is expecting to use local fruits from Howie Farms to expand their Summer tap lineup. They are going to collaborate with Rich Howie to perfect their peach habanero wheat, Hot Peach Summer as well as brew up some new refreshing fruit beers. They are also planning on collaborating with 220 Second To None Baseball Training to produce a pale ale.
Manafirkin in Manahawkin is all set for the summer with a slamming lineup of beers. Shake Your Melons watermelon shandy is heading the list accompanied by First Degree Burn, a strawberry jalapeno IPA and Quik Escape, a strawberry hefeweizen. They are also planning a barrel-aged two beer collaboration with Penelope Bourbon. Look for BaBa Bluey release on July 4th weekend.
Iron Hill is now distributing throughout N.J. and recently released its Lemon Cerveza, a Mexican-style lager with a bold lemon flavor.
Behr in Cape May is moving along and brewed up its first 2XIPA, Two Two, an 8% hop bomb with Citra, El Dorado and Mosaic hops. They also introduced Winnie ESB brewed with biscuit, honey and caramel malt as well as 10lbs of honey from nearby Seashore Honey.
Gusto in North Cape May is reprising its Float The Boat Pale Ale to support the restoration of CG-36538, an historic Coast Guard vessel planning to be a floating maritime museum.
Climax in Roselle Park is contributing its Hefeweizen to the summer beer fray.
Forgotten Boardwalk in Cherry Hill will be at the Brigantine Farmers Market every Saturday with a rotating selection each week. Continuing their 1916 Shore Shiver IPA anniversary beers, they will release 106 Years Years Later, a NEIPA. Also one of their fan faves is Funnel Cake which will now be in 16-ounce cans. Free Parking Pilsner is coming back out, as well as Bright Idea Helles Lager, Aviators Club Wild IPA and many more. Keep an eye on their social media for updates.
A recent visit to Battle River Brewing in Toms River proved to be an impressive early afternoon event. With 28 beers on tap and an array of cans to take home we could have spent the day. In downtown Toms River, it was surrounded by restaurants and next door to Garden State Distillery, the indoor and outdoor seating was plentiful and the beertenders knowledgeable and helpful.
7 Tribesmen in Wayne is brewing up some amazing beers. They just tapped Plum Awakening, a fruited pastry sour alongside their Jersey Delite Blueberry beer. For IPA fans, they have Double Triple, a 3x IPA as well as Hop Machina, a triple dry-hopped brew.
Celebrations
Last Wave celebrated the 5th anniversary with two special collaborations: A Peach Lemonade Shandy made with Frye Brewing; and a Fruited Coffee Sour made with Soursop, Alphonso Mango and natural, unwashed coffee beans, which was brewed in collaboration with Urban South of New Orleans. They will also release two special sour beers in bottles under the name Horizon Lines.
Upcoming celebrations will be Czig Meister in Hackettstown noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 11, for their 6th Anniversary, as well as 7 Tribesmen for their 2nd in Wayne. There will be live music, anniversary beers, vendors and more. Frye Brewing in Point Pleasant and Jughandle in Tinton Falls will also be hitting benchmarks this month!
Saturday, June 18, marks the 4th Anniversary of Bonesaw in Glassboro from noon to 11 p.m. It will also celebrate the Grand Opening of their Lager Loft, a 4000-sq.-ft. space built in an Old World European pub style with one of the largest bars in the Northeast. It will be used as a reservation space and taproom overflow. Hope to see you there
Planted Seeds are Sprouting
It seems that growth is the story here in the Garden State. Double Tap Brewing in Whippany is almost ready to pour to the public as is Artis Brewery in Freehold. Farm Truck Brewing in Medford jumped all its hurdles and should be brewing as you read this. Check their social media for soft openings and a Grand Opening noon Wednesday, June 25. Farmers and Bankers in Woodstown is moving closer to having beer to serve. The tanks are full and bubbling away. Look for their opening date. Expansions also continue. Bucket Brigade in Cape May Court House has their new system up and running and is hoping to replenish the dwindling supplies of beer. Dr. Brewlittle's is still in the planning stage but will be underway soon. Mudhen in Wildwood has completed its building expansion with 5 new tanks and a four head canning line allowing more distribution. Fort Nonsense moved into new digs at 220 Franklin Road in Randolph increasing their space indoors and out. Last Wave in Point Pleasant is moving forward with its second location in Asbury Park, and Slack Tide in Clermont has begun the construction on its new site.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
Mark
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/attheshore/dining/sundaes-in-the-summer-at-fine-fellows-creamery/article_407f5e20-dd23-11ec-92fd-d78cc59bb709.html
|
Hey everybody-
Temps are rising, and that means the madness of summer is mere seconds away! You remember summer, right? It’s that time when bikini-clad hotties from all corners of the earth descend upon the shore to frolic along the beach while surfers and lifeguards with ego-crushing physiques straight from the cover of a $6 romance novel wax up their chests and prepare for another season of looking better than everyone else.
Meanwhile, there you sit in that same sand, pale and shirtless, sunburnt and self-conscious, rocking a dad bod that’s one Snickers bar away from utter failure, yet still promising yourself that one day you’ll be hardbodied and handsome just like they are. You’ll beat them at their own game, surf the biggest wave and save the prettiest girl from the depths of drowning as you carry her to the sand for some mouth-to-mouth while the muscles of your Apollo-esque body effortlessly ripple in the summer sun.
(Pause for snickering)
Listen chubbs, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s never gonna happen. You can’t beat ’em, and you probably shouldn’t join ’em either, so it’s time to forget about bathing suits, gym memberships and diets that you’re definitely NOT going to start tomorrow and focus on the one tangible reality that’s heading your way and mine this summer – a hell of a lot of ice cream.
That’s right, ice cream season is upon us! OK, fine: Some of us eat our fair share of ice cream all year long, but there is something about knocking down a giant sundae, triple-scoop waffle cone or massive milkshake during the heat of the summer that makes it extra satisfying.
So, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do here in my new column. Join me every other week as I uncover the tastiest frozen treats at the Jersey Shore. Get ready for Sundaes in the Summer!
Ice cream with an oceanfront view? Sign me up. That’s exactly what Fine Fellows Creamery in Cape May has to offer, as it’s located right on Beach Avenue, and if you snag a spot by the window, you can gaze at the waves between spoonfuls. The shop has a classic soda fountain vibe, but with a more modern aesthetic and the colorful design of the interior is pleasant and fun.
Fine Fellows offers a tempting selection of ice cream flavors and incorporates them into some fun creations including milkshakes, warm waffle dishes and a lineup of sundaes that are truly unique. What makes them so? Well, for starters, each of them is named after a legendary ’80s music act, and they tend to lean toward the synth-rock groups with sundaes like The Cure (chocolate ice cream, peanuts, hot fudge and caramel corn), the Tears For Fears (Guatemalan ripple ice cream, hot fudge and almonds in a waffle bowl) and the brilliantly titled Depeche A La Mode (pralines and cream ice cream, salted caramel sauce and potato chips on a liege waffle).
In the end I went with the Lauper — a tribute to the Brooklyn native behind “True Colors,”“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and the often overlooked classic “Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” – which is made with strawberry ice cream, Fruity Pebbles cereal, gummi bears and marshmallow sauce. Here’s what I thought of it:
The Concept: I love an inventive sundae, and one themed after an ’80s rock star is always gonna scratch me right where I itch. Big points for this right out of the gate. It took me quite a bit of willpower not to order The Cure, as they are my favorite band of all time, but the ingredients in the Lauper ultimately swayed me.
The Ice Cream: Fine Fellows doesn’t make their own ice cream, but they do use Bassett’s, the legendary Philly-based company that has been in the ice cream game since 1861. The strawberry flavor was rich and creamy as is to be expected with a high butterfat ice cream like Bassett’s. It lacked any actual pieces of strawberry, though, which was a shame, as that always makes an ice cream flavor just a little bit better.
The Toppings: Although Fruity Pebbles were listed in the description, somehow my sundae ended up with rainbow sprinkles subbed in instead. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a rainbow sprinkle as much as the next guy, and these were a welcome and tasty addition, but I was expecting Fruity Pebbles, which are a personal favorite of mine and a far less common topping to come across, so their absence was a bit disappointing.
The Lauper was also topped with gummi bears. I am a pretty big fan of these on their own, but have never tried them as an ice cream topping before, and now I understand why. The cold of the ice cream hardens the bears to a rubber-like consistency, so there is a lot of chewing to be done to get each bear down and they don’t blend particularly well with the ice cream either. I found myself avoiding them with my spoon as I ate the sundae. I imagine the bears might be fun for kids, but for me it’s a one and done as a topping.
Whipped cream and a pair of cherries toppe d the whole thing off and were awesome. I always love when a spot goes out of their way to not cut corners, and the homemade whipped cream was divine. I love a maraschino cherry on just about any sundae, but they paired particularly well on the Lauper thanks to its fruit flavored base.
The Sauce: Marshmallow sauce was gooey and sweet as expected. A mild flavored sauce, it managed to come through nicely and enhance the strawberry flavor with a subtle hint of vanilla. I should have asked for extra sauce, though. Next time I will.
The Bottom Line: While the gummi bears were a misstep, the Lauper still managed to be a tasty and delicious treat overall. But next time, don’t forget the Fruity Pebbles.
The Score: 7.3
Fine Fellows Creamery is located at 313 Beach Ave., Cape May. Go to Facebook.com/finefellowscreamery
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/blogs/casino_answer_man/vplayers-find-up-and-down-sides-of-streaks-at-craps-and-roulette/article_838b4b5a-e059-11ec-8a46-53177fa68b4e.html
|
For better or worse, streaks happen in casino games.
Craps-playing reader Artie and roulette fan Rosa checked in during May tell of streaks that caught their attention. Artie saw the downside of probability, while Rosa made her biggest roulette haul.
The streaks were unusual and certainly meaningful to Artie and Rosa, but for the casino, they’re part of the normal run of ups and downs. Eventually, all streaks fade into statistical insignificance.
Let’s let the players tell their stories.
ARTIE: I was playing craps with my normal method. I make a pass bet and follow with a couple of come bets. I like to have three numbers in action, all backed with odds.
The casino was moderately busy and there were five other players at my table. I’d just finished a good roll. I made five passes, made some nice money and was feeling pretty good about the world.
The next five shooters all went point-7. No one made any money. There wasn’t even a 7 or 11 on the comeout. Just losers.
A little extreme, right?
The first shooter rolled a 6. Everybody was rooting him on, but no luck. Next roll was 7.
On down the line, another 6 and another 7. Then a 9 and 7, and a 4 and 7.
Barely five minutes after my roll, there was only one shooter left before back around to me.
The fifth shooter was a big burly guy they were calling Jimmy. He had a really nice touch, a big slow arc that would hit the wall and come to a dead stop on the first bounce. Nobody had left the table yet, but everybody was talking about a break.
Jimmy’s first roll was an 8, just like you’d hope. Next roll looked good out of his hand, but the dice stopped on 4-3. ANOTHER point-7.
I was betting $10 on pass, then $10 on come. I lost all the passes, but won the comes on the 7s.
But I lost my odds. It was a 3x, 4x, 5x table, so I lost $30 in odds on the 4, $40 on the 9 and $50 each on the two 6s and the 8s. In all, I lost $220 in that stretch without a single pass. Awful.
I stuck around to see if I could repeat my good roll. I did make a point to break the streak, but sevened-out right after. Time to leave.
ROSA: I don’t usually bet single numbers. I’m a red or black, odd or even kind of girl.
But the board at the roulette wheel showed the number was 6 the last two times and three of the last eight. Also, twice in the last 10 the number was 18.
My birthday is 6-18, so I said to myself, “Self, if you’re ever going to risk single numbers, this is the time.”
Instead of $10 on red and $10 on odd, I bet $10 on 6 and $10 on 18.
Six came up right away, so I had a 35-1 payoff. Next was an 18, so I won 35-1 again.
I’d never won more than $200 in a session, and here I was with $700. I thought would faint.
I decided to double up for one last bet, $20 each on 6 and 18, and 6 came up again! I won $1,400. I was so nervous, my hands were shaking..
I just couldn’t go on. I took the money and ran. I didn’t even want to know if the streak went on. I just needed to calm down. I may never play single numbers again, but wow, that was exciting.
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-c-beer-music-fest-returns-to-bader-field-for-another-year-in-the-sun/article_f0581b2c-e0e1-11ec-bd7b-73bc9dff5623.html
|
Like the Miss America Pageant, historic championship boxing matches and the famous diving horse shows on the Steel Pier, beloved events that return year after year in Atlantic City eventually become part of the fabric of the city’s identity, and those are the things that keep people returning year after year.
Such is the case for the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival, but unlike the aforementioned events, this one is very much alive and well, and it will return for two sessions 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Bader Field in Atlantic City. Now it its 16th year, the festival is the biggest and most successful event of the year for Jon Henderson and his team at Good Time Tricycle Productions.
So what is the secret of its success?
“I don’t know,” says Henderson with a surrendering sigh and an earnest chuckle.
Obviously, it’s a tough question for anyone to answer. After all, if you knew the magic formula for what makes an event successful, every event would be a huge hit, but in the case of the Beer & Music Fest, its willingness to keep expanding and evolving seems to play a big role.
Since its humble beginnings in 2006 as a simple beer festival with fewer than 30 breweries present, the event has grown to become the premier festival of its kind on the East Coast, with attendance north of 25,000 and big-name rock acts, live seminars, games and hundreds of breweries on hand for all to enjoy.
“There is a reason we have become the Super Bowl of East Coast beer festivals,” Henderson says. “People are not just anticipating walking around and having a bunch of beers, but walking around and having an experience with all of the music and games and other interactions. It’s a liquid carnival.”
When the festival announced its return in 2021, many were unsure if it would be able to take place, or if COVID restrictions would force another cancellation. It ended up happening, though some people were still lukewarm to the idea of attending a large gathering of this type. This year, those concerns seem less prevalent.
“Last year was the first one we missed since 2010,” says Keith Hastings, a longtime attendee of the Beer & Music Fest. Hastings and his friends were forced to skip last year’s event due to COVID concerns but are planning to return this year.
“We haven’t been to it since it moved to Bader Field, so it will be fun to check out how it feels in a whole new space, Hastings adds. “And last time we went it was still held in March, so the warm weather will be a big change, too, but that just means the cold beer will taste even better!”
Cold beer is a damn good reason to check out the festival, but it’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Never been to the fest? We’ll break it down for you so you’ll know what to expect.
The Location
For the second year in a row, the A.C. Beer & Music Festival will take place at Bader Field. Its home up until 2021 had been the Atlantic City Convention Center, but a combination of the success of last year’s outdoor event and an inability for The Convention Center and Henderson to come to an agreement led to Bader Field once again hosting.
What’s changed?
The event, which has traditionally had three separate sessions to choose from has been switched to two. That’s not to say the festival itself is scaled back in any way, just that the times have been condensed. Gone is the Friday evening session, instead there will be two afternoon sessions, one on Saturday and another on Sunday.
The Beer
OK, so you probably aren’t signing up to spend a day at something like this unless you have a decent appreciation for a cold and sudsy one. Chances are your appreciation will grow exponentially at the Fest, as there will be more than 150 breweries on site, offering everything from IPAs to sours and all points between.
“This is an immense opportunity for beer discovery,” Henderson says. “No, there are not going to be seltzers or any of those other ready-to-drink beverages here. This is a beer festival. A lot of people have fallen off of craft beer for this hard seltzer craze lately. People need to come back and start drinking great beer again, and that’s what this event is all about.”
Even those staunch craft beer loyalists may be in for some surprises though according to Henderson.
“A lot of places have changed their game up since COVID, and you are going to definitely see some new offerings from a lot of your favorite breweries,” he notes. “And there a bunch of new breweries that are hitting the festival for the first time like Twin Lights and Paradox and many others. There will be plenty of new things to try.”
For the full list of participating breweries, go to ACBeerFest.com.
The Music
Even those dreaded seltzer lovers may still have reason to show up at the Fest this weekend, as the lineup of bands performing is once again packed with recognizable names from the world of punk and hard rock. Saturday’s session will feature punk rockers Alkaline Trio as the headliner, along with sets from Thrice and Goalkeeper, while Sunday’s session will see pop-punk staples New Found Glory headlining with Four Year Strong and Be Well also taking the main stage.
There will also be a separate acoustic stage with Saturday’s lineup to include Away Game, Cult Tides, Last Minet and Suburban Sensi; while Sunday will feature sets from Cat Manning, All Systems Go, Familiar Things and Dylan Calvelli.
Eatin’ and shoppin’
As is the case with just about every Good Time Tricycle event, attendees can expect to find a myriad of tasty morsels from local restaurants like Essl’s Dugout, Josie Kelly’s Public House, Wholly Bowls and Tony Boloney’s, as well as a long list of interesting and unique vendors peddling everything from candles and pickles to hot sauce and grain-free dog treats.
Other fun stuff
Beer and music may be the focus, but there is more than just guzzling suds and rockin’ out to be done at this event. Guests can expect the return of favorite activities like the Hops Trot – a 5K race which takes place on Sunday and has participants chugging beers at various bars in Atlantic City as they race all the way to Bader Field – plus popular standbys like the silent disco, and new additions such as Lazer Tag, giant-sized corn hole games, cooking seminars, mixology demos and live carnival-style entertainment.
“We’ve got a huge barrage of carnival entertainment,” Henderson promises. “We are bringing in performers, experiences and then some!”
Age restrictions, designated drivers and more
In case you planned to have some newly behind-the-wheel 17-year-old kid serve as your personal butler, driver, valet, bodyguard and beer fetcher for the day, forget it. Guests must be 21 years of age to enter the Beer & Music Fest, and there are no exceptions made.
That said, avoiding driving at all costs is important at an event such as this, and should one of your buddies opt to be the designated driver, there are discounted tickets available for that noble soul who was nice enough to volunteer to ferry you and your boozed up friends to and from the event. Designated Driver tickets are $25 and are sold only at the box office before a particular session begins. Designated drivers must carry a valid state-issued identification and must be accompanying a paying, full-priced A.C. Beer Fest attendee. Designated driver tickets do not sell out.
If nobody wants to be the one stuck driving, Jitney packages are available to reserve on the event website for $1,250. They come with 13 tickets to the event and a freshly gassed-up Jitney along with a driver that will travel up to 50 miles to and from Atlantic City to pick up and drop of your whole crew (up to 13 people), so nobody has to even think about getting behind the wheel.
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/free-concert-with-the-singing-lifeguard/article_59cdccd8-ddf8-11ec-b9c3-7fb4967c24d5.html
|
Local legend Jim Craine is back for another live show! Beginning 5:15 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Brighton Park Amphitheater in Atlantic City, there will be a free concert from Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Stars honoring all members of the military past and present and their families, as well as police, firemen and first responders.
For those unfamiliar, Craine is something of an Atlantic City legend. Commonly known as “The Singing Lifeguard,” the man is a true performer and regularly weaves comedy into his magnetic onstage persona. For this show, he will perform with his backing band The Atlantic City All Stars, which boasts Stan Richards on guitar, Jim Hines on bass, Ray Nunzi on drums and Tony DeLuca on keyboard.
An afterparty will take place at the outdoor deck at The Irish Pub following the show. Brighton Park is located at 124 Park Place, Atlantic City. For more info, go to JimCraine.com
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
https://atlanticcityweekly.com/arts_and_entertainment/headliner-spotlight/article_25b9e83e-dd15-11ec-ba1c-5f176eaaf51b.html
|
THE BURLESQUE SHOW
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, June 2
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: The popular “Burlesque Show” is back at Borgata’s Music Box theater for its eighth season, running 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 29. There is no show on July 21 and Sept. 22. Produced by Allen Valentine, the “Burlesque Show” pays tribute to the revue-style showmanship of vaudeville, with elements of dancing, comedy, acrobatics, magic and satirical parodies of everyday life. There is an adult-themed, striptease component to it, but one that is designed to highlight the show's playful nature rather than anything brazenly lewd or risqué. One review of the show on TripAdvisor.com stated: “The Burlesque Show at Borgata was an absolute hoot. We really enjoyed it very much. It was tastefully done with a talented and attractive cast of dancers, and hilarious comedy sketch type acts.” The show is fast-paced and features stars of burlesque showmanship from around the globe.
How much: Tickets, priced at $17.30, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
LIT WITH SPECIAL GUEST HUXLEY
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2
Where: The Levoy Theatre in Millville
What to expect: Lit is a four-man band that formed in 1988 in Orange County, Calif., and is considered one of the preeminent bands to have come out of what is known as the post-grunge era. Referring to its style as “pop-punk,” Lit has released seven studio albums, including the 12-track “Tastes Like Gold” album earlier this year that features the hit song “Kicked Off The Plane.” The band is also well known for its songs “Miserable,” “Zip-Lock,” “Lipstick & Bruises,” “Happy in the Meantime” and “My Own Worst Enemy,” which won the Billboard Music Award for Modern Rock Song of the Year in 1999. The album that song appeared on, “A Place in the Sun,” was Lit’s most successful album to date, reaching double-platinum sales status. The band includes three original members: Lead vocalist Ajay Popoff, his brother and lead guitarist Jeremy Popoff and bassist Kevin Baldes. Drummer Taylor Carroll has been with Lit since 2018. Also performing at the Levoy is the five-man, New Jersey-based band Huxley, which recently released its self-titled debut EP, and lists among its influences Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, and Stone Temple Pilots. The Levoy Theatre is located at 126-130 N. High St., Millville.
How much: Tickets, priced at $34 and $39, are available at Etix.com
More info:
TOWER OF POWER
When: 9 p.m. Friday, June 3
Where: Resorts Atlantic City
What to expect: Tower of Power is an R&B and funk-oriented band that is world-renowned for its exceptional horn section. The 10-man band has incorporated several different horns into its repertoire since its 1968 founding in Oakland, Calif., among them trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, clarinet, flute, and alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. Three founding members remain with Tower of Power since its start, including lead vocalist and saxophonist Emilio Castillo, backing vocalist and saxophonist Steven Kupka, and drummer David Garibaldi. Tower of Power has had several songs make the Billboard Hot 100 list, among them “You're Still a Young Man,” “So Very Hard to Go,” “This Time It's Real,” “You Ought to Be Havin' Fun,” “Ain't Nothin' Stoppin' Us Now,” “Down To The Nightclub,” “Only So Much Oil in the Ground,” “What Is Hip?” and “Don't Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).” The band has released 20 studio albums, most recently the 14-track “Step Up” in 2020. Tower's horn section has been employed on several other artists' recordings over the years, among them Otis Redding, Aaron Neville, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Huey Lewis, Little Feat, Heart, Paula Abdul, Santana, Stevie Nicks, the Grateful Dead and Cat Stevens. Their show takes place at Resorts Superstar Theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $56, $66 and $76, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
JOE ROGAN
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
What to expect: The New Jersey-born Joe Rogan is a comedian, actor, color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts organization since 1997, and former host of the stunt/dare game show “Fear Factor” that aired from 2001 to 2006. He also hosts “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which is an uber-popular podcast in which he discusses current events, comedy, politics, philosophy, science and other subjects with a variety of guests. Profoundly inspired by comedian Richard Pryor’s 1982 film “Live on the Sunset Strip,” Rogan began his own stand-up comedy career in the Boston, Mass., area in August 1988. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1994, he signed an exclusive developmental deal with Disney and appeared as an actor on several television shows, including the sitcoms “Hardball” and “NewsRadio.” In 2000 he released his first comedy special, “I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday,” and released his sixth and most recent comedy special, “Joe Rogan: Strange Times.” on Netflix in 2018. He launched “The Joe Rogan Experience” in 2009, and by 2015 it was one of the most popular podcasts in the world, regularly receiving millions of plays per episode. Spotify obtained exclusive distribution rights to the podcast in 2020 for $100 million. As well as providing color commentary for the UFC, the 54-year-old Rogan is a former full-contact karate champion himself, winning the title of Grand Champion in the U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championships at age 19. His show takes place at Hard Rock’s Mark G. Etess Arena.
How much: Tickets, priced at $79, $99, $149 and $185, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
NEW YORK BEE GEES
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4
Where: Bally’s Atlantic City
What to expect: The New York Bee Gees tribute show is comprised of some of Long Island, New York’s most versatile and exceptionally talented singers and musicians, many of whom performed for such renowned groups as the Meatloaf, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, Herman’s Hermits, the Alan Parsons Project and others. The show is a tribute to the music of the Bee Gees, a British trio that included brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. The Bee Gees formed as a group in the late 1950s but came into prominence during the disco music era of the mid-to-late 1970s. The group’s soundtrack album to the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever” won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and is one of the best-selling albums in history. The Bee Gees wrote all of their own hits, as well several major hits for other artists. They have been regarded as one of the most important and influential acts in pop-music history. The New York Bee Gees tribute show mimics the look, sound and style of the three brothers, including Peter Mazzeo as Barry Gibb, Tom Flyntz as Robin Gibb and Manny Focarazzo as Maurice Gibb. The group also includes vocalist Tammi Wolfe and a backing band. Hits by the Bee Gees that fans will hear include “Stayin; Alive,” “Night Fever,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Jive Talkin’,” “Too Much Heaven,” “I've Gotta Get A Message to You,” “Nights on Broadway,” “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?,” “How Deep Is Your Love?” and others. Their show takes place at Bally’s Grand Ballroom.
How much: Tickets, priced at $39 and $49, are available at TicketWeb.com
More info:
CHRISTINA P
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
What to expect: Christina Pazsitzky, best known by her stage name Christina P, is a Canadian-born, stand-up comedian, podcaster and, according to her website bio, “mother of two young, savage boys.” Her one-hour 2017 Netflix stand-up special “Christina P: Mother Inferior” received rave reviews and featured her personal takes on the realities of motherhood, growing older and reflections on own childhood. One online review called it “intelligent, thought-provoking and not to be missed.” She has also released the comedy specials “It’s Hard Being a Person” in 2011, “Man of the Year” in 2015, “The Degenerates,” in 2018 and her third Netflix special, “Mom’s Genes,” earlier this year. Christina P’s hugely successful podcast “Your Mom’s House” is co-hosted with her husband, comedian Tom Segura, and has been one of the top-rated comedy podcasts on iTunes since it was launched in 2010. The podcast touts: “If you enjoy seventh-grade humor, you’ll love ‘Your Mom’s House.’” She also hosts the popular podcast “Where My Moms At?” in which she discusses all things mom. Christina P has an intense love of dogs and believes “anyone who doesn’t share this love is emotionally deficient.” Her show takes place at Borgata’s Music Box theater.
How much: Tickets, priced at $35.68 and $39.45, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
BEATLES-ZEPPELIN-DOORS TRIBUTE
BY MAGICAL MYSTERY DOORS
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
What to expect: Magical Mystery Doors is a five-man tribute act that combines the music of three legendary bands that had enormous influences on popular music — the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors. The show involves a captivating visual presentation including a stunning array of lighting and special effects. Fans of the original bands will hear such hits as “Break On Through,” “Hello, I Love You” and “L.A. Woman” by the Doors; “Come Together,” “Dear Prudence” and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles; “Misty Mountain Hop,” “When The Levee Breaks” and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, plus medleys of each band’s music and an amalgamation of songs by all three. The show takes place Sunday at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall, and every Sunday through Sept. 4
How much: Tickets, priced at $29 and $39, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
’80s LIVE
When: 4 p.m.Sunday, June 5
Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel
What to expect: The ’80s Live show is hailed as a highly entertaining, nostalgic, feel-good production that ignites images and recollections of a decade when the music, lyrics and driving beats electrified a generation. The show will feature the hits of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aerosmith, Wham, INXS, Duran Duran, Paula Abdul and others. The ’80s Live show promises to “transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these songs pumping through their boomboxes,” according to event producer Allen Valentine. The revved-up, high-energy concert will get audience members to “step out of your DeLorean time machine and back into a fun, nostalgic romp through the greatest hits of the 1980s.” The show takes place Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves theater, and also 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12.
How much: Tickets, priced at $24 and $29, are available at Ticketmaster.com
More info:
| true
| false
|
y0_only
|
atlanticcityweekly
|
20220531
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.