The entire Jersey Shore is dripping with entertainment...and take it from the Insider, while the casinos offer the big names, some of the bands playing the local beach concert scene you'll be hearing from in the very near future...

SOUTH JERSEY, N.J. – Atlantic City's casinos are loaded with entertainment this summer. Some of the biggest names in show business will be coming to town over the next three months – hint to you first time visitors, September is the real gem, weatherwise, here at the shore – and as great as the big name entertainment is, those in the know, read locals with a high music acumen, head for the free beach and park concerts presented by various municipalities along the shore from Long Beach Island in Ocean County, to Ventnor, Atlantic City's bedroom community, to Somers Point, where Tony Mart's once raged with rock 'n roll; the towns of South Jersey know how to throw a party. Best of all, some of the bands presented combine original music with old time 70's rock, and foot stompin' progressive jazz funk.

One band that comes to mind, and is an absolute "must see," is The Bob Sterling Band currently scheduled for Kennedy Plaza on July 4th at 2pm, and then Newport Avenue and the beach in Ventnor on Thursday July 12th. Bob's band is a compilation of top flight musicians who take Bob's compositions and deliver a fresh driving sound, highlighted by Sterling's prodigious guitar playing. Sterling mixes in his sensational originals with recognized rock and jazz other bands won't even attempt to play, simply because the songs require real musicianship... and talent. How many bands have you heard pull off Carlo Santana's Europa? Sterling not only delivers a note for note rendition, but has actually taken it up a notch, if that's possible. Truth is, we could go on and on about the sounds of the Bob Sterling Band, but I'm already fifty words over my editorial budget for this clip. Check him out for yourself and then send me an e-mail. I already know what it's going to read.

Jim Craine and his band is also another "Don't Miss" show. Jim's a throwback to the days when songs were sung from the heart, words had meaning, and the musicians were top notch.

With the Jim Craine Band you get it all, and the set list is huge. When sensational keyboard player Tony Deluca (Ventnor, Aug. 9th) is playing with the band, which is much of the time, you'll also be treated to a comedic portion to the show which is simply hysterical...as in funny. Craine and Deluca make a great team, and their show is highly recommended. Tim Lekan, Gina Roche are a couple of other names that are worth your time when you see them scheduled. Towns offering free music all summer are; Atlantic City, Ventnor, Egg Harbor Township and Somers Point in Atlantic County. Ocean City, Cape May, Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood and Wildwood in Cape May County.

[antiques]

ATLANTIC CITY

BAYSIDE ANTIQUES

Open All Year • We met Gerald Stevenson back in 1996 when we first started this magazine. He was one of the few businesses located in the now bustling Gardner’s Basin. Back then it was just Gerald, Jeff George of Atlantic City Cruises, Maryanne and Ross Constantino of the Flying Cloud Restaurant, and the then, Ocean Life Center, now the Atlantic City Aquarium.

Gerald, like the other four business people mentioned, believed in the future of the Basin as a viable and exciting Atlantic City attraction, and it’s there where he chose to operate his very successful Antique Shop. Gerald specializes in buying entire estates, and has recently taken an interest in buying older art pieces. Whether buying or selling, Gerald is a pleasure to deal with, and is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to antiques. For more information call 347-7143.

SMITHVILLE

"DAYS OF OLD" ANTIQUE CO-OP

Open All Year • Over 16,000 square feet of independent antique and collectible dealers. Located on Route 9, Old New York Road (one mile south of Historic Towne of Smithville). For more information call 652-7011.

[art • exhibits • music • literature • theatre ]

ATLANTIC CITY

cityofatlanticcity.org • atlanticcitynj.com acsid.com • chickenbonebeach.org stockton.edu/pac

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS

All Summer • Atlantic City has so much going on this summer it’s hard to keep track. We did our best, and so did the folks in charge of putting these things together. Outstanding entertainment is planned for just about every night of the week. Most are free to the public, and offer a wonderful array of talent from the local, regional and national stage spotlight. There are shows on Thursday Nights as the Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series takes place. There are also other shows at Kennedy Plaza, and there are performances by bands at Gardner’s Basin through the summer as well.

CHICKEN BONE BEACH SUMMER JAZZ SERIES

Thru July & August • The Chicken Bone Beach Summer Jazz Concert Series heats up the Boardwalk in front of Kennedy Plaza on Thursday evenings from 7pm - 10pm. All shows are free, and include a local jazz performer as well as a big name act. For more information call 441-9064, or visit them online at the address above.

• July 5th • Julius Tolentino
• July 1 2th • Melissa Nadel & Pete Chavez Trio
• July 19th • Eric Wortham & Tony Day Trio
• July 26th • CBB Youth Jazz Ensemble
• Aug. 2nd • AZUCA & Suzette Ortiz Quintet
• Aug. 9th • Plan B & Exit 45
• Aug. 1 6th • Eric Frazier & Mysterious Traveler
• Aug. 2 3rd • Maurice Brown & Leo Jordan, Jr.
• Aug. 30th • Helen Sung & Hassan Abdullah Quintet

STOCKTON GOES BACK TO THE BEACH...IN OCEAN CITY

Through July • If you're looking for the Stockton Goes To The Beach Concert Series, usually held on Friday evenings at Kennedy Plaza, you'll have to head to America's Greatest Family Resort to catch it this year. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey has moved the popular music series to the Ocean City Music Pier, an indoor arena, built over the ocean, and a perfect spot for an evening of excellent music. See page 34 for a complete schedule. Call 652- 9000 for more information.

SOMERS POINT

spjazz.org

BEACH CONCERT SERIES

Through July & August • The summertime in Somers Point would not be the same without that sensational summer- long special event known as the Friday Night Concerts on the Beach Series. This series has become part of the fabric that makes the summer season so great along the Jersey Shore. The Somers Point Community Education and Recreation is presenting another great series this year. Concerts start at 7pm, and in the past have featured such great bands as The Danny Eyer Band, Bob Campanell & The Shakes, The Bob Sterling Band, and the Bubba Mac Blues Band. For more information call 927- 7161 ex. 256.

VENTNOR

ventnornj.org

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Through July & August • Hey, the home town of the publisher of this magazine has a free concert series too, and it features some very hot talent as well. Joe Folis, Chris Sooy, Tony DeLuca, and Bob Sterling are just some of the names of bands who have played the Ventnor Beach Series at Newport Avenue and the Beach. A real treat.

Concerts go from 7pm to 9pm. Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket.

• July 12th • The Bob Sterling Band
• July 19th • Ruth Wyand vJuly 26th • The Rocco Brothers
• Aug. 2nd • The James D Orchestra
• Aug. 9th • Tony DeLuca
• Aug. 16th • The Usual Suspects
• Aug. 23rd • Johnny D'Angelo Quartet w/ Judy Cahill
• Aug. 30th • Jim Craine - Farewell To Summer

LOCAL ARTISTS FEATURED AT AC ART CENTER...

acartcenter.org

Through July & August • The Atlantic City Arts Center keeps it local in July and August as Cape May Artists are featured. Specifically, Southern New Jersey watercolor artists. There's also an exhibit from the Philadelphia Sculpture Society featuring a juried selection of sculptures by regional artists. There's also Sheila Grabarsky featuring "Synapses" in July, and the Annual Summer Membership Show, featuring a juried show of their member artists on the theme “Changing Times” in August. The Atlantic City Art Center is open year round, and is located on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City at New Jersey Avenue. It is open daily from 10AM - 4PM. Admission and parking are free. More information is available by calling 347- 5837.

AC FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Open Year Round • The Atlantic City Library is over one hundred years old and still getting better. There are all kinds of programs, events and celebrations planned for this month. The Library also has a host of daily programs and projects which change regularly. Located at One Tennessee Avenue. Call 345-2269 for more information on events and programs.

AC HISTORIC MUSEUM

Open Year Round • featuring The Al Gold Photography Gallery - “Starshine: There’s No Business Like Show Business in Atlantic City” - A spectacular ride through the pages of Atlantic City’s famed history through the camera lens of one of Atlantic City’s most famous photographers and archivists, Al Gold. The Atlantic City Historical Museum is located on Garden Pier, New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk. For more information call 347-5839.

DANTE HALL PRESENTS A VARIETY OF SHOWS...

dantehall.org

Open Year Round • Add Dante Hall Theatre of the Arts to the list of things worth visiting in “Ducktown,” and Atlantic City, as the renaissance continues with Atlantic City’s only theatre for the arts. Dante Hall is located at 14 North Mississippi Avenue. For more information and spring/summer schedule call 344-8877, or visit the web site noted above.

• July 15th • Neighborhood Reunion
• July 16th • Monday Night Monologues Presented with Dambra Sabato
• July 29th • Philadelphia Clef Club Community Big Band
• August 4th & 5th • Broadway By Request with the Shaken Not Stirred Players

[attractions]

ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC CITY AQUARIUM...

atlanticcityaquarium.com

Open all year • The Atlantic City Aquarium is just one of the city’s many terrific attractions outside the casinos. The aquarium features the best “Live” coral tank in the area. There’s also a Piranha tank, a live shark touch tank, and a live presentation called “Dive & Dine.” Certified Aquarium personnel get into the tank and feed the vast variety of fish, including the beautiful manta rays. That’s worth a visit alone. Kids of all ages, as well as nature enthusiasts, love the AC Aquarium and the many wonderful things to do while there. For more information and complete operating schedule call (609) 348-2880.

ATLANTIC CITY CRUISES & PARASAILING...

atlanticcitycruises.com

Open Through Oct. • Cruisn’ 1 has been creating an afternoon of fun for visitors since 1996 in Historic Gardner’s Basin. Now, Captain Jeff George has added Parasailing to the daily line-up of activities available to adventure and sightseeing enthusiasts. Cruising daily, check out their valuable coupon offer on page 29. Parasailing is in full swing, and advanced reservations are required. Cruisn’ 1 is also available for Private Charters, Conventions, Corporate Parties, and Special Occasions, and features catering options for any occasion, from casual to “white glove” service. For information and reservations call 347- 7600.

WILD CAT THRILL BOAT RIDE...

wildcatthrillboatride.com

Open Through Sept. 30th • The Wild Cat Thrill Boat Ride is one of the newest and most exciting attractions in Atlantic City. The attraction joins a host of other terrific things to do at Historic Gardner's Basin, which is a delightful place to spend an afternoon or evening. The Wild Cat operates seven days a week during the summer, and features a thirty minute "adrenaline rush" thrill ride guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your excitement meter jumpin'. The Wild Cat also tames at sunset for a "Purrfect Evening Sunset Cruise," an intimate, Mediterraneanstyle experience. For schedule, information and reservations, visit the website or call 404-5723.

ATLANTIC CITY LIGHTHOUSE...

abseconlighthouse.org

Open Year Round • Absecon Lighthouse - It’s only 150 years young and it’s the third tallest lighthouse in the USA, and that makes the Absecon Lighthouse a must visit for lighthouse enthusiasts any time of the year. There are also many events planned throughout the rest of the year to further enhance the milestone 150th year celebration. For more information call 449- 1360.

NEW SHOPS SCHEDULED TO OPEN AT THE WALK FOR PHASE II

acoutlets.com

Open Year Round • Atlantic City Outlets at The Walk, the Center City Outlet Shopping District which features over 75 national and international name brand retailers with merchandise at up to 70% off, is now unveiling Phase II of the extremely successful shopping center.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is the first of 40 more retail shops and eateries scheduled to open in 2007. These are mostly company owned stores, and you can drop-ship your packages home at the UPS store. Let’s say you’re from out-of-the-area and you don’t want to be lugging loads of packages along with your luggage when you leave. When you're finished shopping, simply head over to the UPS store located inside the Atlantic City Convention Center, at the base of "The Walk" on Miss America Way, and send your packages home safe and secure, while you continue to enjoy your minivacation free from the extra load. Check out their web site above for special events and promotional opportunities, or call 872-7002 for more information.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Open Year Round • Open seven days - year round - One of the most visited attractions in Atlantic City, this marvelous museum of the weird, wacky, and wonderfully outrageous is constantly updating, adding, and discovering new and unusual items for its “World Renowned” exhibit. New York Avenue and the Boardwalk. For more information, call 347-2001.

[comedy clubs]

ATLANTIC CITY

borgata.com • thecomedystop.com

BORGATA COMEDY CLUB

Open Every Day • Borgata has comedy seven days a week, and the “Street Buzz” is pretty good on the quality of the performers. Tickets are $20, and shows start at 9PM. For performers and more information call 317-1000.

THE COMEDY STOP CABARET & CAFE

Open Every Day • Wait ‘til you experience the new Comedy Stop Cabaret & Cafe at the “Quarter” at Tropicana. Everything is state-of-theart, complete with a beautiful bar and cafe. Cafe opens at noon every day. Show times for the Comedy Cabaret are Sunday through Thursday at 10pm, and Friday and Saturday at 9pm and 11:15pm. Regular ticket prices are $22 Sunday through Friday, and $25 on Saturday. All shows are non-smoking. Tickets are available at the Tropicana Box Office, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

• July 2nd - 8th • The "No Last Call" Show with Butch Bradley, John Roy, Mike Young, Bryan Callan & Kyle Cease
• July 9th - 15th • The "No Last Call" Show with Butch Bradley, Sebastian Manascalco, Rueben Paul & Johnny Sanchez
• July 16th - 22nd • The "No Last Call" Show with Butch Bradley, Gene Pompa, Brett Ernst & John Caparula
• July 23rd - 29th • Scott Bruce, Bob Seibel & TBA
• July 30th - Aug. 5th • Al Ducharme, Karen Rontowski & Bobby Collins

FRIDAY NIGHT IS LOCALS’ NIGHT

The best entertainment value in South Jersey. No doubt about that; get two tickets for a cash price of $30.00, plus a free bag of popcorn. Must present two forms of identification, including a valid New Jersey Driver's License from Atlantic, Cape May or Ocean Counties.

[movies]

ATLANTIC CITY

IMAX FEATURES MOVIES DAILY...

Open Year Round • The IMAX Theatre was showing Spiderman 3 and Dinosaurs 3D, at press time. Tickets available at IMAX box office or through Ticketmaster at 1-800-736- 1420.

[sports / baseball / fishing / surfing ]

ATLANTIC CITY

acsurf.com

AC SURF BASEBALL

Through July • Atlantic City Surf Home Games - Score big with the Atlantic City Surf Baseball games at Sandcastle Stadium. From special promotions to special deals and prizes, the Surf is kickin’ it up all summer long. And don’t forget to take advantage of “Thirsty Thursdays,” which feature $1 Bud Drafts every home game on Thursday in July. Tickets are available in advance at the Surf box office, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, and a full schedule for the season, call (609) 344-SURF.