Guitar slinger Matt O’Ree rocks Jamian’s, and an exhibit of contemporary at at Gallery U are among the weekend highlights. (Click to enlarge)

Friday, June 7

SHREWSBURY: Stay in touch with old friends using new technology. Alexander Saulon demonstrates how to use Skype and Facebook to connect with friends and family by using the guide he created to teach his mother. He will also discuss Internet security issues associated with social media websites. First Friday for seniors starts at 11 a.m. Middletown Public Library, 1001 Route 35.

RED BANK: VASARA, a group exhibition of contemporary art, celebrates its opening reception at Gallery U featuring mixed-media artwork by more than 20 talented artists. The reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. 80 Broad Street.

RED BANK: Marty & the Martians invade the Walt Street Pub. The show starts at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.

RED BANK: “Guitar King of the Blues” Matt O’Ree stops by Jamian’s Food and Drink. The show starts at 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.

RED BANK: Watch a day in the life of Garry Essendine, the main character of ‘Present Laughter’, as he attempts to juggle all of the events going on in his life. Written by Noel Coward, ‘Present Laughter’ is a comedy sure to have you falling off your seat. It also features Tony Award nominees and is directed by David Lee (‘Frasier’/’Cheers’). Tickets are $20 to $42 and the show starts at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.

RED BANK: The Robert Redford film, The Company You Keep, starring Shia Labeouf, is the featured “Flick” of the Count Basie Theatre film series. A young reporter digs up an ex-fugitive turned respectable citizen – played by Redford – whose shady past comes back to haunt him. Tickets are $8 and the film begins at 8. 99 Monmouth Street.

MIDDLETOWN: Discuss Amy Hill Hearth’s “Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society” at this month’s Directors Choice Book Discussion at the Middletown Public Library.  The discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.

Saturday, June 8

SHREWSBURY: Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Presbyterian Church Strawberry Festival. The day consists of a BBQ, homemade desserts, handcrafts, plants, jewelry, home décor, books, DVDs, and of course, strawberries. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 353 Sycamore Avenue.

RUMSON: The private 46^th annual black-tie fundraiser festivity, “The White Ball,” visits Rumson. Presented by The American Cancer Society, the waterfront ball provides fine dining, The Zoo, dancing, live and silent auctions. The gala runs from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. North Ward Avenue.

RED BANK: Saloon singers Pat Guadagno and Rich Oddo stop by Jamian’s Food and Drink. The show begins at 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.

SHREWSBURY:  Saddle up and join Tracy Brennan and her horse, Runnin’ Robbo (Beau) as they demonstrate how to properly ride sidesaddle as a part of the June celebration of New Jersey equestrian culture. Learn about the progression of women’s horse riding styles throughout history, with photo ops for children and a display of Amy Greer horse photography at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library. The event begins at 11 a.m. 1001 Route 35 North.

RED BANK: Join poets Chris Bogart, Gregg Glory and Deborah LaVeglia for this month’s River Read Poetry Series at the Red Bank Public Library with a chance to participate in an open mic following the reading. The event runs from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 84 West Front Street.

RED BANK: The town of Red Bank becomes a concert venue for Streetlife, a summertime Saturday night concert event that takes to the sidewalks and storefronts of the town. Lineup and locations are to be announced. Streetlife runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sunday, June 9

RED BANK: HABcore, Tent City, and Family Promise lead a panel discussion on homelessness. Hosted by Red Bank Humanists at the Red Bank Charter School, the discussion continues during lunch at Panera Bread in Shrewsbury. The discussion begins at 10:30 a.m. 58 Oakland Street.

SANDY HOOK: Learn about the science of the shorelines and how to care for and preserve them. Ocean Fun Day is filled with coastal environment themed exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children’s activities. Ocean Fun Day runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 22 Magruder Road.

NAVESINK: “A Little Night Music” is a Tony Award winning musical about love in the summertime. The Stone Church Players take on Stephen Sondheim’s refined comedy at All Saints Episcopal Church. Show times are at 2 an 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and $10. 202 Navesink Avenue.

RED BANK: Shop around the Farmers Market and help support surrounding local businesses at The Galleria Red Bank. Located in the parking lot, the market features fresh, locally grown produce as well as special crafts and eateries. The Farmers Market is a weekly event that runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until mid-November. Corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street.

RED BANK: The Tower Hill Church concert series presents “An Evening of Handbells” led by Adam Peithmann, director of music ministries and featuring ten high school Calvin Ringers. They will be performing theme music from works like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Prisms.” The concert begins at 7 p.m. 255 Harding Road.