Roctober Clam Bake in Asbury Park, and 7 other things to do this weekend
Gabriela L. LaraccaSure it's October, but people are still flocking to the Jersey Shore to make the most of the fall season.
With festivals, concerts, plays and more, there is plenty to do this weekend.
Cross & Orange in Asbury Park will host the 'Roctober Clam Bake from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Kennedy Park, 104 Grand Ave. The menu includes New England clam chowder, steamed clams, grilled shrimp, Maine lobster, sausage, corn on the cob, potato salad and coleslaw, plus a commemorative pint glass. The cost is $65.
A cash bar will be available, plus live music.
Tickets must be purchased in advance on eventbrite.com. For more information, call 917-864-3383.
Suzanne Vega brings 'New York Songs and Stories' to Red Bank
Singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega will be in Red Bank on Thursday night at 8 for an intimate engagement at The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts on Monmouth Street.
Vega is touring in support of the 2020 live album "An Evening of New York Songs and Stories." Recorded in 2019 at Café Carlyle in Manhattan, "New York Songs and Stories" features Vega classics such as "Tom's Diner" and "Luka," as well as a cover of quintessential New Yorker Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side."
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Per Count Basie Center for the Arts Policies, all attendees older than 12 must present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or results a negative test taken within 72 hours. Patrons 12 and younger will not be required to show test results, but will have to remain masked.
The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Arts is at 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank; call 732-842-9000 or visit thebasie.org.
The Bradley Ramble rescheduled for this Sunday due to weather
The Bradley Ramble music festival, which was originally set for last Sunday, is rescheduled to this Sunday at 1 p.m. The featured artists who are rocking the Bandshell at Riley Park this year include Emily Grove, Brian Erikscon, Chris Fox & The Beasts, Pepperwine and house band Tired Starlings.
The festival is inspired by a series of shows dubbed “The Midnight Rambles,” which were hosted by The Band drummer Levon Helm starting back in 2003. Helm’s house band, which performed on the show, backed several renowned artists, including Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Elvis Costello and more.
The Bradley Ramble is produced by Little Silver resident Dave Ballard and Fair Haven resident Mike DeSantis, who first put on the show in Little Silver in 2018. The festival takes place twice a year, in the spring and fall, following Helm’s original format for “The Midnight Rambles,” which pairs local singer/songwriters with the house band.
Admission is free, but attendees should bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Riley Park is at 615 Main St., Bradley Beach; Click here or contact Dave Ballard at dballard@gmail.com for more information.
'Una Bella Serata' celebrates Italian Heritage
The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center and Amerigo Vespucci Society will be hosting Italian Heritage Night, affectionately dubbed "Una Bella Serata" a.k.a., "A Beautiful Evening" on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
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The free festival will offer spoken word performances by Emanuel Di Pasquale and Frank Valentino, and musical performances by Domenico Riccio DC and Paolo Riccio. There will be complimentary food and beverages by Caputo's Pastry Shoppe, Castorino Espresso, Dalvero Imports and Long Branch Distillery.
In addition, various works of art from local artists will be on display.
Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center is at 577 Broadway. For more information, click here or contact the Center at 732-222-7000.
'Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting' follows Jackie Robinson's rise to fame
The Middletown Arts Center, in collaboration with the Dunbar Repertory Company, will present “Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting,” at 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20. Free parking is available on site.
Written by Ed Schmidt and directed by Mark Antonio Henderson, the play takes place a week away from Major League Baseball’s opening day in 1947. Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey will call on Jackie Robinson to break the color barrier and become MLB's first Black player.
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The Middletown Arts Center is at 36 Church Street, Middletown; To purchase tickets or for more information, visit middletownarts.org or call 732-706-4100.
Try a new taco spot
Jack's Goal Line Stand in Long Branch has long been a favorite for great food and drinks, and they've upped the ante with the addition of Chupacabra Taqueria & Cantina at their recently acquired Richard's Deli next door.
The new spot, which opened earlier this month in the deli's back lot, is open for dinner and serves tacos filled with barbacoa, al pastor, asada and more, plus beer, tequila, margaritas, frozen cocktails and more.
Chupacabra Taqueria & Cantina is at 155 Brighton Ave., Long Branch; visit jacksgoallinestand.com or call 732-870-8800.
Celebrating 50 years of American history
The Old Wall Historical Society will be hosting their 50th Anniversary Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allgor-Barkalow Homestead Museum in Wall Township.
The free event will feature pumpkin and face painting, live music, refreshments and more.
The 2nd NJ Brigade, a nonprofit group of volunteers led by Mike Millings and dedicated to commemorating the American Civil War, will host a Civil War Encampment display. In addition to the display, field nurse portrayer Michelle Catona will be present, followed by Abby Belcastro, who will recount stories as a camp follower.
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The Allgor-Barkalow Homestead Museum is at 1701 New Bedford Road, Wall. For more information, call 732-681-3806 or visit the Society’s Facebook page.
2021 Fall Classic Car Show in Atlantic Highlands
The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2021 Fall Classic Car Show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along First Avenue, the main business district in Atlantic Highlands. A rain date has been set for the following Saturday, Oct. 23.
The show will feature over 150 cars. All years, makes, models and classes are welcome to register, including domestic, imports, vintage, antique, collector, classic, modified, muscle, hot rod, custom and trucks. DJ Walter Cooper of Soundz Unlimited will bring the beats, and local businesses will be offering special sales and promotions.
While the show is free to spectators, the fee for show vehicles is $15 in advance, $20 on Saturday. Goodie bags will be available for all registered vehicles, and over 20 trophies will be awarded to participants.
Vehicle registration is available at ahchamber.org, or by contacting organizer Lori Anne Oliwa at info@atlantichighlands.org or 732-757-7443. For more information, contact Oliwa directly.
Gabriela L. Laracca recently joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
Alex Biese and Sarah Greisemer contributed to this story.