Thomas Lauderdale, who appears with his band, Pink Martini, at the Count Basie tonight, discusses his music. Below, Owiso Odera and Roslyn Ruff in ‘Two Trains Running,’ at the Two River Theater. (Photo by Michal Daniel. Click to enlarge)
Friday, February 15
RED BANK: Two River Theater continues its presentation of August Wilsons Two Trains Running, with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $24 to $42 and are available online. 21 Bridge Avenue.
RED BANK: Pink Martini, “a rollicking around-the-world musical adventure” in the words of bandleader Thomas Lauderdale, sets up its tent at the Count Basie Theatre. Up to a dozen musicians create the Cosmopolitan World Music project, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $75 and are available online. A portion of ticket sales supports breast cancer awareness. 99 Monmouth Street.
Saturday, February 16
MIDDLETOWN: Christ Episcopal Church will offer two free hour-long art demo lessons for kids: 9:30 a.m. for grades one and two, 10:45 a.m. for grades three and four. All supplies included. Registration required by calling 732-887-1707. 90 Kings Highway.
LITTLE SILVER: Sickles Market hosts its annual Artist Weekend Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features art sales and demonstrations with works displayed from local creators. Showcased Saturday in the greenhouse: Painter Mike Quon, potter Donna Nicosia, photographer Susan Fairgrieve, jewelry designer Laurie Olefson and more. All proceeds from the art sales go directly to the artists. 1 Harrison Avenue.
RUMSON: Seventeen-year-old Tony award winner Trent Kowalik (Billy Elliot the Musical) headlines Rumson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Benefit at Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn from 1 to 4 p.m. Free Irish buffet, $10 cover. 132 East River Road.
RED BANK: Red Bank Public Library hosts another Artsy Smartsy session for kids ages 5 and up. Impressionist Claude Monet is this weekends topic, allowing participants to create their own Water Lily Pond from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration is required for this free program. 84 West Front Street.
RED BANK: Former students from the Monmouth Conservatory of Music will perform a special program of performances for this 4 p.m. alumni concert. Suggested donation is $20 (MCM students under 18 are free). 50 White Street.
RED BANK: The Basie welcomes back Michael Amante at 8 p.m. for Valentines program of operatic solos, Neapolitan folk songs and other musical surprises. Tickets range from $19.50 to $55. 99 Monmouth Street.
Sunday, February 17
LITTLE SILVER: Sickles Market continues its annual Artist Weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features art sales and demonstrations with works displayed from local creators. Showcased Sunday in the greenhouse: Painter Demetrius Patterson, mosaic artist Nancy Aufiero, photographer Kim Levin, handbag designers Hope & James Grimes and more. All proceeds from the art sales go directly to the artists. 1 Harrison Avenue.
MIDDLETOWN: The public library will host a benefit for the Bayshore area food pantry, Project Paul. Teens from the Count Basie Improv Group will perform at 2 p.m. Nonperishable food items or financial donations will be accepted in exchange for this free event. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: The State Ballet Theatre of Russia comes to the Count Basie at 3 p.m. for a full production of Prokofiev’s classic ballet. Tickets range from $15 to $45. 99 Monmouth Street.
