Food + Beverage

Asbury Park Eats

Not many beach towns can touch Asbury Park's culinary culture Article by Debra Pascali-Bonaro | Photography by Provided When Travel + Leisure crowned Asbury Park the Best Beach Town in America, the honor didn’t just celebrate the legendary music scene or the mix of boardwalk nostalgia and indie creativity. It also recognized something locals have known all along: Asbury Park has become one of the most exciting culinary destinations on the Jersey Shore. Walk down Cookman Avenue on a summer...

Arts + Culture

Theater rocks Asbury Park

The Asbury Park Theater Company (APTC) is making a difference in the community Article and Photography by Christina Smith Nestled in the heart of a city known for its music and arts, the Asbury Park Theater Company (APTC), a non-profit organization, is bringing the magic of live theater to the Jersey Shore.       The company was founded in 2019 by a passionate group of local theater professionals and theater goers.  From its earliest productions, APTC set a high bar, presenting acclaimed works...

Arts + Culture

The Soul Kitchen brings community together

  JBJ Soul Kitchen provides a healthy, locally sourced menu in a welcoming restaurant setting to both in-need and paying customers Article by Ed Condran | Photography by JBJ Soul Kitchen JBJ Soul Kitchen Executive Chef Rob Nitti knows his clientele. After prepping a barbecue at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River during a sun-dappled September Saturday afternoon, Nitti, while examining the line of folks waiting to enter the community restaurant, noted that customers would enjoy the delicious food...

Arts + Culture

From Springsteen's Asbury Park to Prince's Minneapolis

Prince's "Purple Rain" resurfaces as a musical headed for Broadway Article and Photography by Ed Condran There's a huge music common denominator that connects Asbury Park and Minneapolis. The former has Bruce Springsteen and the latter, Prince. Both have had an incredible impact on the world of music. Each reached the upper echelon courtesy of incredible talent and uncommon work ethic. Unlike the Garden State's larger than life Frank Sinatra and Minnesota's iconic Bob Dylan, both Springsteen...

Arts + Culture

The Beat Goes on For Glenn Alexander

The venerable Jersey musician rocks on post-Southside Johnny Article by Ed Condran It's not easy replacing an icon. When Ronnie James Dio succeeded Ozzy Osborne as Black Sabbath's vocalist in 1980, the metal icon was not initially accepted. "It took awhile to be embraced," Dio said during a 2009 interview. "But early on in Philadelphia, somebody unfurled a banner, which said, 'Welcome the Reverend Ronnie James Dio.' It was fine after that." Part of the reason Dio succeeded was due to the...

Arts + Culture

Kristen Ann Carr Fund aims for a cure

The Carr Fund continues to raise money in the fight against sarcomas Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Kevin Mazur, Marc Levine When Kristen Ann Carr was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in 1992, not much was known about the disease which attacks bone and soft tissue. Carr, a vibrant young woman, passed away at 21. However, her family and friends have made a difference in her name by establishing the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, which provides grants for cancer research and seeks...

Arts + Culture

Karma Karma Karma Community

A local grassroots effort is making a difference Article by Christina Smith | Photography by Christina Smith, Saint Stephens' Church What began as a grassroots effort to bring essential items to families in need has evolved into a powerful, multi-state nonprofit organization. Community Karma was founded in 2005 in San Francisco by Celia Cattani, who, along with friends from her corporate network, wanted to channel their professional skills into meaningful community work. They began with...

Arts + Culture

A River Runs Through It

Paradise is just a drive away in West Virginia Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Ed Condran, Jay Young After my son Milo's baseball teammate learned that he had visited his 50th state shortly after reaching his 16th birthday, my third child was asked about his favorite destination. After Milo waxed about his unforgettable experiences on Hawaii's Big Island, catching 22 pounds of King salmon off the coast of Ketchikan and skiing down the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain in Northern Idaho, the...

Entertainment

Hozier's unique house of style

The Irish rocker will headline the Sea.Hear.How festival Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Provided by Hozier          Hozier is a throwback, who is one of the most stylish rockers on the circuit. That's evident with a glance at the striking cover art for each of his albums. His eponymous breakthrough release features a faceless Hozier with a sliver of the ocean replacing his eyes, nose and mouth. The aquatic theme also had an impact on his 2019 album, "Wasteland, Baby!". Hozier aka...

Entertainment

Asbury Park's stylish photographer

Danny Clinch has brought the Transparent Clinch Gallery, Sea.Hear.Now festival and cool to Asbury Park Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Danny Clinch When Danny Clinch frequented the Stone Pony during the '90s his camera was akin to an extra appendage. "I always brought it along just in case Bruce Springsteen showed up," Clinch said.  The Toms River kid, who became one of the most respected photographers in the world of rock and pop culture, snapped shots while standing with a surprised...