Monmouth University's Performing Arts Series will present one of the world's leading comedy troupes, Second City, in their uproarious political satire titled "Truth, Justice or the American Way" at Pollak Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Second City skewers American politics and morality, while also exploring the little things in life that make us laugh. Second City will hold two workshops on improvisation, comedy writing, and performing the day of the show. Space is limited. For tickets, contact the box office at (732) 263-6889. The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch presents Rich Rose and Friends on Friday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. With Neil Young and Bob Dylan as musical inspirations, the band's sound can be described as a combination of rock, country, bluegrass and folk. Their original songs convey messages about everyday struggles. Cover charge is $3. SICA is located at 20 Third Ave. For more information, call (732) 263-1121, e-mail to: info@sica.org or visit www.sica.org.

Reggae, steel drums, and dance will highlight the Asbury Park Caribbean Beach Party, a weekend of Caribbean-themed free entertainment and cuisine on the Asbury Park beach and boardwalk on Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20, noon to 5 p.m.

Highlights will include a dunking game with members of the Asbury Park Fire and Police Departments on Sunday, and entertainment by DJ Goose of WBLS radio, M'Zum drum and dance ensemble, reggae group Ras Rootz, and steel drum artists Utopia Pan Soul.

The final Red Bank Movies in the Park date is Tuesday, Aug. 22, when "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" will be screened. Based on the children's story by Roald Dahl, the fantasy stars Gene Wilder as a recluse with a chocolate factory. Rain date is Aug. 29.

"A Shore Thing," an exhibit of recent paintings by John Reilly, Califon, is at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave. The exhibit, which will run through Sept. 2, features oil paintings done on location along the New Jersey Shore between Sandy Hook and Spring Lake. Scenes are of children and adults lost in the joy of their summer vacations. Spontaneity and enthusiasm are at the core of this work. Hours at the cultural center are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (732) 229-4527

The first Jersey Shore Film Festival will take place Aug. 19-26 at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center of the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal. The film festival will feature screenings, activities and after parties. A schedule of films and activities can be viewed at www.jerseyshorefilmfestival.com.

Singer Julie Budd will perform a special concert at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 7:30 p.m. "Julie Budd: A Tribute to American Jewish Composers" will feature the music of notable Jewish composers such as Oscar Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields, Cy Coleman, Marvin Hamlisch, Herb Bernstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Budd's credits range from concerts to television to film, to the New York stage. Tickets are $26; $54 patron seats, and can be purchased by calling (732) 531-9100, ext. 14.

The Unlimited Potential Theater Co. (UPTCo) of VSA arts of New Jersey, New Brunswick, is seeking original unpublished plays for the "Work in Process Forum" that will be held Nov. 18 and 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at North Brunswick Township High School. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. Through the forum, UPTCo will provide opportunities for participants to share and develop new plays in an environment where participants may edit, revise, workshop and produce work. Three submissions will be chosen for staged readings. UPTCo was founded to expand opportunities for young individuals and adults with and without physical disabilities to take part in all aspects of the performing arts. For more information, call VSA at (732) 745-3885 or (TTY) (732) 745-3913.

The Arcadian Chorale will hold auditions for new members Sept. 5 and 12, 6-7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Route 34 and Franklin Street, Matawan, where the chorale rehearses. In particular, the group seeks male singers for its fall program and for the spring performance of Verdi's "Requiem." Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m. For information, call (732) 583-4007 or visit www.arcadianchorale.org.

The Two River Theater in Red Bank will present "Ain't Misbehavin" a musical journey to the nightclubs of 1930s Harlem where jazz, swing, ragtime, and rhythm and blues ignited the cultural explosion of the Harlem Renaissance. This joyous tribute to the talents of legendary songwriter Fats Waller won three Tony Awards including Best New Musical. The musical will open Sept. 30 and run until Oct. 22. Tickets are $30-$54. Subscriptions and group tickets are on sale now, single tickets available after Sept 5. For tickets or more information, call (732) 345-1400 or visit www.trtc.org.