Don’t even bother trying to curb your appetite at Red Bank Riverfest, which runs through Sunday in Marine Park. Details in the poster below. (Click to enlarge)
Friday, May 31:
RED BANK: Come sample the savory and sweet flavors at Riverfest, the annual three-day music and food festival in Marine Park. Stroll the “artisans alley” for handmade items and artwork, cruise the Navesink River, or dance your butt off in front of the waterfront stage to the likes of Brian Kirk & The Jirks, Woodfish, the Moroccan Sheepherders and the Jazz Lobsters. Free entry; no pets allowed.
MIDDLETOWN: The Middletown Arts Center hosts a Luau Party for kids ages 5 and older, offering crafts, limbo contests and games. Pizza and snacks will be provided. The luau runs from 6 to 9 p.m. 36 Church Street.
LINCROFT: Works by Pam Cooper, a mixed-media sculpture artist, comprise the newest installment of the New Jersey Emerging Artists series at the Monmouth Museum at Brookdale Community College. The opening reception features paper sculptures that incorporate domestic items as well as Xerox transfers of the artists drawings. The exhibit runs normal museum hours until June 30; the opening reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
RED BANK: The Count Basie Theatre welcomes Matthew and Gunnar to perform a musical tribute to their father, Ricky Nelson. Also featured are rock legends Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Duprees, Larry Chance and the Earls, and special guest Classic Sounds Acapella Entertainment. Tickets are $40, $45, $50 and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Visit the Monmouth Civic Chorus for its May concert of Maurice Durufles Requiem and Tarik ORegans Triptych. Featured are soprano Felicia Moore, baritone Jesse Blumberg and organist Karin Gargone. Directed by Ryan Brandau. Tickets are $25 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. 255 Harding Road.
TINTON FALLS: Kristian Rex rocks the house at CJ McLoones starting at 9 p.m. 560 Shrewsbury Ave.
RUMSON: Cover This appears at Molly Maguires Black Point Inn. The show begins at 9 p.m. 132 East River Road.
Saturday, June 1:
RED BANK: The Art Alliance of Monmouth County hosts the opening reception of the Ebba Osborne Memorial Award exhibition, Sea Life and Draw A Bunny, with judge Kay Bosniak. The event is open to members and non-members and runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
RED BANK: Screenwriter Peter J. Fox comes to the Count Basie for Flick Edu: The Evolution of American Cinema, which follows New Jersey and its role in American cinema. The show features clips from different eras in Hollywood history such as the Silent era, Classical Hollywood, the New Hollywood, and the Contemporary. Admission is free, but tickets are required from the box office. The show begins at 5 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street.
MIDDLETOWN: The first-ever GaelFEST, a festival to celebrate all aspects of traditional Irish culture, arrives at Christian Brothers Academy. GaelFEST begins with an Irish Mass at 10 a.m. and follows with a packed schedule; music, food, sports, storytelling, arts and crafts, and literature. Joanie Madden and her all-star ensemble make their debut and promote Irish music, song and dance. Other traditional Irish groups like Blackwater, The Erin Loughran & Mickey Coleman Band, and Girse & Trinity will perform. 850 Newman Springs Road.
RUMSON: Go green at the rain barrel benefit fundraiser at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. Rain Barrels are $125 and the event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. 74 Ridge Road.
MIDDLETOWN: Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with the Frank Patrouch Folk Band at the Middletown Public Library. The show begins at 2 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: The Wild Bill Mojo Band stops by the Walt Street Pub. The mojo begins at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Put on your Pink Lady or leather T-bird jacket and sing your heart out at Sing-a-long-a Grease at the Count Basie. The evening begins with a vocal warm-up, follows with a lesson on how to use your free goody bag during the film and suggestions for appropriate heckles and accompanying actions. Join Danny, Sandy and the rest of the gang for a musical night. Tickets are $15. The show begins at 7 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Music and entertainment floods the streets for the first night of the annual StreetLife. The 13thannual event, running Saturday nights through August, features live music at locations scattered around the downtown to get you going and keep you moving all night. This week’s musicians include The Corporation, Thomas Johnston, Zeke Moffit and Strumberry Pie, joined by magician The Dork of Deception, sketch artist Mike Quon, and sculptor and potter Mare Akana. StreetLife runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 2:
RED BANK: Shop 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 & West Front Street.
RED BANK: Open mic at 8 p.m. with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan at Jamians Food & Drink. 79 Monmouth Street.
LINCROFT: Take a stroll to celebrate strength at the National Cancer Survivors Day Walk at Thompson Park. Rain or shine, choose the one-mile or three-mile scenic route. All proceeds go toward the free programs at the cancer support Community of Eatontown and Toms River. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 p.m. There will also be refreshments, music, and awards. Newman Springs Road.
RED BANK: Mark your calendars at the Two River Theater 2013/14 season announcement. Join board members, staff and special guests for the new lineup and preview of the upcoming season. Refreshments will follow the announcement and free general seating will be available, tickets must be reserved in advance. The night begins at 7:30. 21 Bridge Avenue.
