Elvis Birthday Bash in Red Bank, and more things to do at the Jersey Shore and beyond
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"It's Now or Never."
Actor and musician Scot Bruce kicks off the Elvis Birthday Bash Sunday at the Count Basie Center for the Arts with his 1950s era show on the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Bruce's resemblance to the young Elvis Presley (who was born Jan. 8, 1935) has taken his live show across the U.S. and all over the world. Recently, he had the honor of performing with the legendary Jordanaires, Presley's original backup singers.
Bruce also performs at Disneyland on a regular basis, and tours with the "Legends of Rock & Roll – Buddy, Roy & Elvis."
Mike Albert, “The World’s Finest Elvis Impressionist,” plays the second half of the evening. His portrayal has earned endorsements by Presley’s own musicians and back-up singers.
Albert regularly performs with the Jordanaires, and his style, charisma and ability to get the audience involved in the show have proved to be quite the crowd pleaser, according to a release.
He makes it a point to keep the Bash fresh, with an ever-changing song lineup.
"Special requests are often delivered to audiences who are 'All Shook Up,' " the release says.
Go: "The Elvis Birthday Bash," 7 p.m. Sunday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, $20 to $40; 732-842-9000, https://thebasie.org/events/the-elvis-birthday-bash-2/.
Here are other things to do at the Shore and beyond this weekend, including a Disney on Ice show in Newark and an absolutely fabulous one-man show off-Broadway in New York.
'Dream' in Lakewood
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Strand Theater in Lakewood is asking a question: "Is His Dream Here Yet?"
What would you say? What about if people were to ask if you're prejudiced?
"Is His Dream Here Yet," which takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, is a drama with mini skits that allows audience members to examine themselves. Find out if you judge people by the content of their character or otherwise.
Note that the show is not suitable for audience members under 16.
Go: "Is His Dream Here Yet?, 7 p.m. Friday, Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, $12; 732-367-7789, etix.com/ticket/v/16572/the-strand-theater.
Happy anniversary to Icarus Brewing
Icarus Brewing Co. in Lakewood will celebrate its seventh anniversary with a weekend celebration.
The lineup features new beer releases, including Mega Yacht Shake; Maple Peanut Butter Unflown Pleasures; TDH Drinking Crayons: Triple Nectaron; and Liquid Swords: Calamansi.
There also will be live music from NGXB, Rob Deselich, and Grateful Dave!.
Plus there is a pop-up pizzeria, and new merchandise — and that’s just Day 1. There is lots going on Saturday, and even more on Sunday.
For more information, visit them on Instagram @IcarusBrewing or on Facebook.
Go: Icarus Brewing Co. seventh anniversary bash, begins at noon Friday, 1790 Swarthmore Ave., Lakewood; 732-276-6273, icarusbrewing.com.
More: Family-friendly Jersey Shore restaurants your kids are sure to have a blast at
'Savage Waters' showing in Surf City
In the award-winning documentary "Savage Waters" by Mikey Corker, a tantalizing passage in a 19th-century treasure hunter’s journal inspires a family of modern-day adventurers to find and surf a spectacular wave in some of the most remote and dangerous waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Lighthouse International Film Society is screening the film Friday at Surf City Firehouse.
For renowned skipper and thrill-seeker Matt Knight, the challenge of sailing to such an unpredictable and uncharted region is impossible to resist. Joined by world-class big wave surfer Andrew Cotton, plus family and friends, the group faces serious injury and life-threatening challenges as they fulfill their quest.
The film is narrated by Charles Dance.
Go: "Savage Waters," 7:30 p.m. Friday, Surf City Firehouse, 719 Long Beach Blvd., $12 online, $14 at the door; lighthousefilmfestival.org.
New Jersey Symphony in Red Bank
The New Jersey Symphony presents one of the foremost concert violinists in the world in three performances this weekend, including at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich will play Beethoven’s monumental violin concerto. Music Director Xian Zhang conducts. Hadelich also performs at 8 p.m. Friday at the Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, and at 3 p.m. Sunday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Also featured on the program is a piece originally commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony for the virtual 2020–21 season, "i am a white person who _____ Black people," by Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain.
Roumain, who goes by his monogram DBR, was limited in the original version to just strings and percussion, but has expanded the piece for this performance to include wind and brass instruments. This will be the first performance of the piece in front of a live audience.
Go: New Jersey Symphony, featuring Augustin Hadelich and DBR, 8 p.m. Saturday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, $25 to $95; 800-255-3476, njsymphony.org/events.
'Out of the Snow' in Toms River
Looking for a break from the winter chill? “Out of the Snow,” an exhibit of art by local author-illustrator-explorer Katy Tanis, is on display at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library through Jan. 31.
The exhibit, in the Second Floor Gallery, features cold-weather animals in unexpected environs: Penguins in New Zealand’s forests, polar bears frolicking in fireweed blooms, and even our local foxes in sandy dunes.
“My work not only aims to share that spark of wonderment but also to ignite a passion for conservation of endangered species and ecosystems,” Tanis said in a news release, adding that she employs bold designs and color saturation to increase the appeal of the creatures she depicts. “I hope those who view my work will share my reverence for the biodiversity of Earth."
Go: “Out of the Snow,” through Jan. 31, Ocean County Library, Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., free; 732-349-6200, theoceancountylibrary.org/events.
Disney on Ice in Newark
Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to New Jersey with a new magical adventure. Audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey, Minnie and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales.
"Find Your Hero" plays through Monday, Jan. 15, at Prudential Center in Newark. It comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn Jan. 18 to 21.
Join Mirabel as she sets out to save her family’s beloved Casita, all while learning that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity.
Journey alongside Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, on their quest to protect the kingdom. Dive “Under The Sea” and test the power of true love with The Little Mermaid. And be there as Belle boldly tames the fearsome Beast.
Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, and 1 p.m. Monday.
Go: Disney on Ice presents "Find Your Hero," through Monday, Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, $23 to $150; ticketmaster.com/search?q=disney+on+ice+newark.
'Make Me Gorgeous!' in New York
The new year just got a little more "Gorgeous" as audiences have a few more weeks to see the true story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam" Marlowe.
"Make Me Gorgeous!" tells the tale of an overlooked trailblazer in LGBTQ history. Marlowe took on many roles in life: private hairdresser to the stars; the madam of a notorious prostitution ring in Hollywood; an author; a female impersonator; a private in the U.S. Army; a Christian missionary; a mortuary cosmetologist; a newspaper columnist. For her final decade, Marlowe was a woman, having transitioned to Kate Marlow.
The limited off-Broadway engagement starring Wade McCollum has been extended through Feb. 25 at Playhouse 46 At St. Luke’s. Written and directed by Donnie, McCollum also contributed additional material.
The 90-minute one-man show is fun and entertaining. The charismatic McCollum is engaging and frequently interacts with the audience. He's the man of a 1,000 voices, playing so many characters I lost count. He sings well, too. The Broadway veteran ("Wicked") is set to star in "Water for Elephants" this spring.
Starting Feb. 1, Darius Rose, aka Jackie Cox of "RuPaul's Drag Race" fame, takes over the role. "Make Me Gorgeous! "plays at 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays.
Go: "Make Me Gorgeous," through Feb. 25, Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's, 308 W. 46th St., $39 to $89; GorgeousPlay.com.
More: Sirens Seafood, serving platters, sandwiches, chowder and more, now open in Middletown
More: Grab a beer and see the horses at this new brewery in Monmouth County
Sarah Griesemer contributed to this story.
Have an event coming up at the Jersey Shore? Tell us about it. Email Bill Canacci at bcanacci@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore things to do include Elvis Birthday Bash in Red Bank
