ATLANTIC CITY - Lead singer and frontman, Steven Tyler and Aerosmith head for Borgata on September 22nd to rock, roll and shake the Event Center to its core. Will the structure be able to withstand the hard driving rythmns, scorching guitar licks and pounding percussion Aerosmith brings to the stage? Only those left standing after the gig will know for sure. For the most comprehensive – read complete and up-to-date – list of top entertainers coming to Atlantic City over the next four months go to page 37.

Bubba Mac Mid Atlantic Blues Festival September 29th

ATLANTIC CITY - Bubba Mac, the local band leader who has an uncanny resemblance to the late Jerry Garcia of Greatful Dead fame, is bringing the Mid- Atlantic Blues Festival to Atlantic City September 29th and 30th. The two day Blues Blast will feature some of the biggest names on the Blues circuit today. Saturdays lineup includes Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials (11:00 - 11:50), Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang (12:05 – 12:55), Who Dat (1:10 - 1:50), Bubba Mac Blues Band (2:00- 3:00), Legends of Chicago Blues Featuring: Hubert Sumlin, “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, George “Mojo” Buford, and Calvin “Fuzz” Jones (3:20 – 4:10), Dirty Dozen Brass Band (4:25 – 5:15), Tab Benoit (5:30 – 6:20), and Bobby Rush (6:35 – 7:30.) On Sunday the Blues continues with Rooster and the Chicken Hawks (11:00 – 11:50), Terri Showers (12:00 – 12:50), Big Bill Morganfield (1:05 – 1:55), John Lee Hooker Jr. (2:10 – 3:00), Bernard Alison (3:15 – 4:05), Shemekia Copeland (4:20 – 5:15), Ronnie Baker Brooks (5:30 – 6:25), and Kenny Neal (6:40 – 7:35.) There is also an unbelievable "After Party' at the House of Blues at Showboat featuring the world famous "Radiators." The Insider highly recommends a visit to this outstanding two day festival. For tickets and information call 1-888-333-3091, or visit them online at bubbamac.com

Margate Fall Funfest By The Bay returns...

September's finest festival returns for two full days of family fun on Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th, featuring more than three dozen interactive educational exhibits, and demonstrating artisans, a juried fine arts and crafts show, a nonstop entertainment extravaganza provided by Wizard Entertainment, midway rides, games, pony and boat rides, 5K and 1-mile runs, a treasure hunt and canine beauty pageant, fantastic food, and much more. Bayside along Amherst Avenue from Coolidge to Decatur Avenue, Margate, New Jersey Chopper Expo rides into AC September 29th and 30th...

The weekend of September 29th and 30th is going to be one big weekend in Atlantic City no doubt about that, The Chopper Expo & Sports Bike Show is the East Coast's largest indoor custom motorcycle & sports bike show. This year is loaded with all kinds of celebrity bikers and babes. For more information call (609) 748-4167, or visit them online at chopperexpo.com

AC Food & Wine Festival...

Mark your calendar for the weekend of October 12th to the 14th as the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival sets up shop at the convention center. There is so much going on at this year’s show we couldn’t possibly fit it all here. Check out their ad on page 2 for a full look at the impressive line-up of activities and events. Of course, there will be plenty of tastings and samples for attendees as well as a plethora of cooking related items.

Celebrity chefs, music, entertainment and plenty of shopping for gourmet products. For more information call 441-1047, or check them out online at gourmetshows. com. There’s also an exclusive and valuable two for one admission special for readers of this fine publication. Go to gourmetshows.com/insider for this terrific offer. For a complete list of all of the super September events taking place in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean Counties, as well as Atlantic City’s Casinos, see pages 26, 30, 35 and 40 respectively.

“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.

BOB STERLING BAND TO PLAY AT DANTE HALL NOVEMBER 2ND...

bobsterling.net

November 2nd • Now there's a real good reason to head to Dante Hall Performing Arts Center in the heart of Ducktown on Mississippi Avenue in Atlantic City...The Bob Sterling Band will be performing on November 2nd. Up 'til now the Hall has presented a variety of musical, theatrical and vocal performances. All of which have served the Dante Hall audiences well. The Bob Sterling Band is a "don't miss" presentation as music lovers will be awed by the guitar prowess of Sterling, and the highenergy output of his band. Dante Hall is located at 14 North Mississippi Avenue. For more information and fall schedule call 344-8877, or visit the web site noted above.

[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 to September 16th, then Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to october 7th. check out their valuable coupon offer on page 27. 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.

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.

PHASE II NOW OPEN AT THE WALK...

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, has unveiled Phase II of the extremely successful shopping center.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is one of over 40 more retail shops and eateries that are part of the opening. Here's an Insider tip for those who don't

[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 u 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

MAKE IT TO FORMICA'S CAFE LIVE MUSIC NIGHT...

Everyone in South Jersey knows about Formica Brothers Bakery, located in the heart of Atlantic City's famed "Ducktown." The Formica's having been baking the best bread in the world since 1919. In addition to the original Atlantic City Italian Sub bread they also prepare delicious gourmet breads and pastries. In fact, their dinner breads are so delicious they provide most of the fresh product you see at your favorite casino or local restaurant. Frank Formica opened the Cafe a couple of years ago and has turned it into one of the most happening spots in Atlantic City. Formica's Cafe, located at 2310 Arctic Avenue (right across the street from the "World Famous" White House Sub Shop) serves Seattle's Best coffee, and all of Formica's fresh baked goods are available for eat in. Don't miss the authentic Italian tomato pie. Now, on Saturday nights, Frank presents sensational guitarist and musician, Bob Mower, along with musician friends who show up to jam for the audience. The evening has become an overwhelming success. Bob Sterling of the Bob Sterling Band likes to show up on Saturday nights as well. And, the combination of Mower and Sterling is just terrific. If you can hum the tune Bob Mower can play it, and if you like your music played with intelligence and substance than Sterling's your man. Meanwhile, the audience has grown tremendously week after week. It's definitely Atlantic City's hottest spot right now. The music coming out of that joint is some of the best anywhere, and that includes the casino stages of Atlantic City.

I would definitely put this one on the "to do" list.

LOCAL ARTISTS FEATURED AT AC ART CENTER...

acartcenter.org

Through September • The Atlantic City Arts Center presents Hispanic Heritage month in September. Hispanic artists presented in partnership with the Hispanic Alliance of Atlantic County. 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 - want to lug a bunch pf packages around while you're in town; you can drop-ship your packages home via the UPS store located on the first floor of the Atlantic City Convention Center at the foot of The Walk on Miss America Way. Send your packages home safe and secure, while you continue to enjoy your Atlantic City mini-vacation 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, and 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 9pm, 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.

• Sept. 3rd - 9th • Pretty, Funny Women
• Sept. 10th - 16th • Mike Eagan, Nancy Ryan & Todd Paul
• Sept. 17th - 23rd • Paul Lyons, Jim Lauletta & Dan Grueter
• Sept. 24th - 30th • Rob Sherwood, Billy Garan & Kevin Knox
• Oct. 1st - 7th • Butch Bradley's "No Last Call"

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 Harry Potter & The Order Of the Phoenix and Dinosaurs 3D, at press time. Tickets available at IMAX box office or through Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

[sports / running ]

ATLANTIC CITY

active.com

48TH ANNUAL ATLANTIC CITY MARATHON

active.com

October 16th • Get ready to lace up your running shoes and register for the 48th annual running of the Atlantic City Marathon. This huge event is present-