ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 2007 - Perhaps, by now, you’ve gotten a feel for how we think 2008 is going to shape up here at the Jersey Shore. If we were to put a catch-phrase label on it we would say “fun!” 2008 is going to be one “tons-of-fun” year for the entire region. The city of Millville is opening a “World Class” speedway, complete with amateur driver opportunities. Hello! The Thunderbolt Raceway and Motorsports Park is scheduled to open in June. For more information visit their web site at njmotorsports.com

MOTORSPORTS 2008 ZOOMS IN TO TOWN...

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 2007 - Race fans won’t have to wait until June to experience the thrill of “live” racing as Motorsports 2008 Race Car Show roars into Atlantic City January 18th - 20th. Over 250 Race Cars, along with Friday and Saturday night Midget Auto Racing, make this year’s show a great way to have fun with the whole family. NASCAR Driver Ken Schrader will be competing in Friday night’s event. For more information about tickets and exhibits check them out online at aarn.com

BOARDWALK HALL SET TO ROCK AGAIN...

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 2007 -A lot of poeple have been wondering about what will happen with all of the big shows that used to come into Boardwalk Hall under Caesars sponsorship since Harrah’s Entertainment bought them out a couple of years ago. After the Hall booked Madonna, The Eagles, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffet, Springsteen, and Christine Aguilera over the past couple of years, many thought it impossible to top that list of Triple A performers.

Well, we don’t know about using the term top, but the folks at Boardwalk Hall are slowly developing a sensational concert calendar in 2008, highlighted by Celine Dion on September 20th, 2008. Before that “really big shoo” there’s Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra on May 25th, Van Halen on March 28th, Keth Urban and Carrie Underwood on February 15th and R. Kelly on January 12th. Not bad, considering we haven’t even started the New Year.

LIVE JAZZ AND MUSIC AT FORMICA'S CAFE...

Everyone in South Jersey knows about Formica Brothers Bakery, located in the heart of Atlantic City's famed "Ducktown." The Formica's haveg 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 then 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.

The Annual Atlantic City Classic Car show rolls into town the weekend of February 28th to March 2nd.The long-running, eagerly awaited show has been coming to Atlantic City since the early days of casino gaming, and is a perfect way to say good-bye to winter and hello to spring. Check out the next issue of South Jersey Insider Magazine for special offers to this year’s show. In the meantime, you can check out the action online at acclassiccars.com

[art • exhibits • music • literature • theatre ]

ATLANTIC CITY

cityofatlanticcity.org • acsid.com

ATLANTIC CITY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & WINTER MEMBERSHIP SHOW...

acartcenter.org

Through January, The Atlantic City Arts Center presents Atlantic City High School Alumni Show, Look At Them Now, an invitational exhibit of city artists, and in partnership with Barbara Altmans Front Porch Radio Show, The Winter Membership Show, a show of our member artists on the theme "Atlantic City". 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.

[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" on Saturdays. 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 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.

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-the-art, 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.

• Dec. 20th - 23rd - Scott Bruce, Glen Jensen and Mike Donovan
• Dec. 24th - 30th - Joe Moffa, Mike Donovan & Kevin Knox
• Dec. 31st - Jan. 6th - Mike Eagan, Dave Russo and Louis Ramey
• Jan. 7th - 13th - Rick Crom, Dan Grueter and Andres Fernandez
• Jan. 14th - 20th - Chris Coccia, Ronnie Bullard and 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 Dinosaurs 3D, Beowulf and I Am Legend at press time. Tickets available at IMAX box office or through Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.