Arts + Culture

Johnny Come Lately

Johnny Rzeźnik isn't the new kid in town but he's embraced New Jersey. It's where he is raising his daughter Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Conni Freestone It's not easy being the headliner at a show in which everyone knows Bruce Springsteen will follow as the unannounced guest. However, that's how it was for Johnny Rzeznik when he performed at the Light of Day benefit show at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank in January.  "That experience is daunting at best and downright...

Arts + Culture

If You Build It They Will Come

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music will blow you away Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Christina Smith and Conni Freestone No one would have thought twice about a museum dubbed The Bruce Springsteen Center considering the impact of the most legendary rocker New Jersey produced. Toss in that there are more than 40,000 artifacts ranging from guitars to childhood notebooks on display. That's more than enough to validate a name affixed to a destination that will...

Education

Our Fathers

A tip of the cap to the men who made us into what we are today Article and Photography by Jimi Bonaro and Ed Condran This is a story of two fathers, who made an indelible mark on their sons, Leading off is Jimi Bonaro. Coming Full Circle Publisher’s Son Becomes Publisher Of all the jobs I had as a kid, and the career I've had for the majority of my life, all seemed to prepared me for what I believe to be, my finest and most fulfilling career, Publisher of Asbury Park City Lifestyle magazine...

Arts + Culture

The Boss of Springsteen's Archive

Eileen Chapman somehow manages to curate Bruce Springsteen's archive and hold court on Asbury Park City Council Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Christina Smith When the scruffy but confident teenage version of Bruce Springsteen performed at the Brick Town Skating Rink in 1968, the emerging singer-songwriter left an indelible impression with Eileen Chapman. The future Boss, who was an apprentice at the time, opened for Grand Funk Railroad and the Freehold native captivated the crowd. ...

Arts + Culture

Ladies Are 'Cooking' Up Business

My Fav Female-Owned Businesses on Cookman Ave Article and Photography by Angelica Niedermeyer Angelica's favorite Female Owned businesses on Cookman Ave   My favorite thing about Asbury Park is the power of women, especially in the storefronts. You look around Cookman Avenue and they own the block. Check out these five places that I can’t walk by without stopping in and saying, “Hiii” to my besties and leaving with a bag of glorious goodies.    A Cup of Literature, by Aubrey Chesna and...

Arts + Culture

Eileen Chapman rocks!

It's about community service for Eileen Chapman Article and Photography by Christina Smith On any given evening in Asbury Park, music drifts through the streets spilling out of clubs, echoing from stages, and carrying across the boardwalk. It’s part of the city’s identity, woven into its past and present. Few people understand that connection more deeply than Eileen Chapman, whose life and career have been shaped by the soundtrack of the Jersey Shore. From managing legendary venues like The...

Food + Beverage

Food for Thought: Healthy options in Asbury Park

There's plenty of healthy choices for vegans in town Article and Photography by Angelica Niedermeyer What separates Asbury Park from much of the Jersey shore is that it's a late night town. One of the benefits is having plenty of late night options that are delicious and varied. There are plenty of choices for vegans and those who are gluten free in Asbury Park.   Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos Mogo’s absolutely melt in your mouth bowls are my favorite go-to late night bite. For a vegan or...

Fitness

Alternative spring cleaning

Your house isn't all that needs spring cleaning. Article and Photography by Kimberly Kubicke What if cleansing felt nourishing? What if you could eat as much as you’re heart desires? You may have tried cleanses in the past that left you feeling starved, depleted, exhausted and afraid to venture far from the bathroom. Ayurveda does it differently.  Our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal. Often, we just need to get out of the way. Once we do, the body’s innate intelligence kicks into...

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Spring Getaway

The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale offers a much needed spring break experience Article and Photography by Ed Condran           Fort Lauderdale was synonymous with spring break revelry from the '60s through the '80s.      The South Florida resort Mecca has made a comeback.       According to a Spirit Airlines report, Fort Lauderdale is the most searched beach destination for the 2026 spring break season, outpacing rivals, such as Miami and Cancun.         The difference between the Fort...

Education

Real Estate is the best investment

Wall Township realtor Meghan Carroll can help you purchase your next home Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Meghan Carroll         "You will all be confronted with opportunity. You must take advantage of it. Because if you don't take advantage of your opportunity, you'll never realize your dreams."-English restauranteur and television personality Marco Pierre White.           Meghan Carroll can relate to White's take since the Wall Township realtor was at a career crossroads a decade...