The orchestra seats have been covered in plastic at the Count Basie for tonight’s appearance by fruit-smashing comedian Gallagher. Still: pity the housekeeping crew. Troubador Pat Guadagno, below, is at Jamian’s Saturday. (Click to enlarge)
Friday, August 8:
SHREWSBURY: Take a ride over to the Monmouth County Eastern Branch Library as big rigs from Shrewsbury Public Works line up for touch-a-truck. Big Truck Day is both kid and adult friendly, and begins at 11 a.m. 1001 Route 35 North.
SHREWSBURY: The Master Gardeners of Monmouth County demonstrate vermicompost, using worms to make nutrient-rich soil at the Monmouth County Library Eastern Branch. The compost demonstration begins at 11 a.m. 1001 Route 35 North.
MIDDLETOWN: The Manga Club gets a special visit from voice actress Michele Knotz – voice of May in Pokémon as well as video games, audio books and more – at the Middletown Main Library. J*Con: A Manga Club Special Event, features food, games, anime, manga, prizes, cosplay, as well as a Q&A with the manga star. Register in advance online, the event begins at 12:30 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: Dig Into Reading at the craft party hosted at Red Bank Public Library, where kids can create rock paintings and animal fossils. The party lasts from 3 to 4 p.m. 84 West Front Street.
RED BANK: Have a smashing good time with Gallagher at Count Basie Theatre. After four decades of sidesplitting laughs, four heart attacks, one previous retirement and watermelon smashing, the comedian is retiring his Sledge-O-Matic. Tickets are $20, $25, $30, and $40 and the show begins at 8 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: The Jukebox Criminals steal the show at JamianÂ’s Food & Drink. The show begins at 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.
SHREWSBURY: Satisfy your sweet tooth. The original “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” is Shore Flicks‘ free summer movie of the week, starting at 8:15 p.m.. Bring lawn chairs and blankets as well as nonperishable food donations for local food pantries. Check Shore Flicks Facebook and Twitter for weather updates and cancellations. Shrewsbury Borough Hall, Broad Street/Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue.
MIDDLETOWN: This week, Middletown Main Library book club meets to discuss “The Red House” by Mark Haddon, a novel about estranged siblings who meet for a weeklong vacation. The discussion begins at 9 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: Guns4Hire hold up the Walt Street Pub. The New Jersey based acoustic trio starts the show at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
Saturday, August 9:
SHREWSBURY: Field paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka present a dino-filled show with music, puppets, fossils, show-and-tell, and a touch of magic. The All American Dinosaur Show is a free educational event taking place at the Monmouth County Library Eastern Branch and begins at 2:30 p.m. 1001 Route 35 North.
RED BANK: Learn about Audiobooks and eBooks at the Red Bank Public Library when Erik Stevenson demonstrates how to browse, check out and download free audiobooks and eBooks to a computer, eReader, or MP3 player using the libraryÂ’s eLibraryNJ service. Beginners as well as experience electronic media users are encouraged to attend the session, that lasts from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 84 West Front Street.
MIDDLETOWN: Brush up on your bilingual skills with the conversational French study group held at the Middletown Main Library. No registration is necessary and the session begins at 11 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux), and John Conte and Jeff Kazee (Asbury Jukes) marry their musical talents for a benefit concert for The Cancer Support Community/The Diney Goldsmith Center at Two River Theatre. The concert features a tribute to the early songs of Elton John, including “Tiny Dancer,” “Levon,” and other tracks from his early career (1970-1972). Early Elton begins at 7:30 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.
RED BANK: Saloon singers Pat Guadagno and Rich Oddo stop by JamianÂ’s Food and Drink. The show begins at 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: New Jersey singer/songwriter Bob Burger returns to the Walt Street Pub for a sizzling Saturday night set beginning at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
Sunday, August 11:
RED BANK: The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market presents fresh produce from local farms and highlights area eateries and unique crafts. Support the community and gain knowledge about local business development. The market runs every Sunday through November form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street.
RED BANK: Test out your pipes at Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan. JamianÂ’s Food & Drink is the place to find musicians, new ideas, classic covers, and a relaxed hangout spot. Open Mic runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 79 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Frank Talk’s Gilda Rogers leads a discussion with Cissy Houston, Grammy Award winner and late mother of Whitney Houston, focusing on Houston’s bestselling memoir, “Remembering Whitney” and features a special performance by The Anointed Sons of Jersey. Tickets are $40 and $75 and include a signed copy of the book. An Intimate Conversation with Cissy Houston runs from 4 to 7 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.
