Layonne Holmes (right) and the Motor City Revue roar into Sandy Hook as the up-next act in the summer beach concert series. Weather permitting, Tuesday night marks the twice-scheduled debut of Red Bank’s Dog Days of Summer.
[UPDATE, July 20, 2 p.m. Once again, the Dog Days event is being postponed, this time because of high temperatures, RiverCenter announced. The event is tentatively scheduled to be held Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m.]
Gripe all you will about summer traffic, summer crowds, summer expenses: the season for warm-weather diversion can seem especially fleeting when viewed through the frosted panes of our extended polar-vortex winters. And between Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon, we’ve got a whole range of excuses for getting out of the house, beginning with the latest in the 2015 series of Red Bank Dog Days of Summer .
Tuesday, July 21, 6 pm: Presented by Red Bank RiverCenter and the borough of Red Bank, the canine-friendly Dog Days returns to Monmouth Street, which will be partially closed to vehicular traffic between the hours of 6 to 9 pm, as dogs and their human handlers are invited to stroll and sniff around a vendor marketplace, enjoy streetside table dining, and stop in at participating stores displaying a paw-print decal in their windows. This being July, attendees are invited to dress up themselves and their pets for a “Patriotic” themed costume celebration. Co-sponsor Red Bank Veterinary Hospital will be on hand with water stations, cleanup areas, dog first aid, nutritionists and other informational tables. Event organizers ask that owners please leash all dogs (no retractable type leashes), and to make sure their animal’s vaccines are current. Take it here for additional information.
Tuesday, July 21, 8:15 pm: The summer series of free outdoor movies continues at Riverside Gardens with Shore Flicks presenting Michael Keaton as the playful title demon in Tim Burton’s supernatural comic romp Beetlejuice. Bring nonperishable food items (for Lunch Break and other local charities) along with the folding chairs and beach towels – and follow Shore Flicks on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-the-minute information on weather-related cancellations or other schedule changes.
Wednesday, July 22, 11 am: The folks at the Monmouth County Park System invite all ages to Bayshore Waterfront Park (Port Monmouth Road at Wilson Avenue in Middletown Township) for a weather-permitting session of Seining at the Bayshore — a close-up look at local marine life, captured in a seining net and released back in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. It’s open to ages 5 and up; under 18 accompanied by adult (sorry, no groups) – and more info can be had by calling (732)787-3033 ext. 2.
Wednesday, July 22, 3 – 6 pm: Midweek canoe rentals continue on Marlu Lake at Lincroft’s Thompson Park, with the Park System offering boats and all equipment for a cost of $15 per boat (accommodating 1 to 3 people) per two-hour rowing session. It’s open to ages 3 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by adult), and payable by cash or check.
Wednesday, July 22, 6 – 7 pm: Free Zumba classes continue at Riverside Gardens every third Wednesday through late September (in rotation with free Yoga and Pilates sessions). Open to all who’d love to unwind after a hump-day workday or kick off a summer evening in energized style, it’s presented free of charge by Red Bank Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Community YMCA, with no registration necessary and (for Zumba workouts) no gear to bring, other than water. Call (732) 530-2782 for weather-related updates and other information.
Wednesday, July 22, 6 pm: The summertime series of free Sandy Hook Beach Concerts continues on the portable stage and sandy seating of Beach Area E, with natural A/C, complimentary sunsets and party-starting sounds brought to you by the Sandy Hook Foundation. Tonight, Springsteen-veteran vocalist Layonne Holmes joins her bandmates in the  Motor City Revue for a set of 1960s/’70s soul, pop and R&B hits from Berry Gordy’s marvelous music factory and beyond. Beach wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis – and in case of severe weather forecast, cancellations are made at 2 pm on the day of the show. Check the website or call (732) 291-7733 for details.
Thursday, July 23, 2 – 7 pm: Continuing its second annual weekly stand through September, the Sea Bright Farmers’ Market commandeers the municipal parking lot at the town’s center for an offering sponsored by the borough council in partnership with the Sustainable Sea Bright Committee and the nonprofit Community Green Market Organizers. Featured are locally grown fruit and produce, freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade jams and jellies, raw honey, locally roasted coffee, pasture raised meats and poultry, farm fresh cheeses, yogurt and eggs and much more. Follow the market on Facebook or Twitter (@SB_FarmMarket) for a complete listing of weekly vendors and special events.
