IN THE ARTS

Lorenn Peer & The Top Dror Jazz Band will perform Saturday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m. in the Jazz at the J concert series. The concert will include a special performance by Art Topilow on piano. The jazz band is comprised of seven top-notch musicians led by saxophonist Dror Ben-Gur with vocals by Peer. Tickets are $25; seniors and students $20, through the box office at (732) 531- 9100 ext. 142 or e-mail lgoldfarb@jcca.org.

The Monmouth County Arts Council and friends held a "Celebration of Excellence" Oct. 5 to celebrate the arts and the contributions of Bob and Joan Rechnitz, founders of Two River Theater in Red Bank. A joint Legislative resolution to honor and salute the Rechnitz's dedication and patronage of the arts was presented. Those who attended also got a sneak peak at the new MCAC artzine, "X.it" that will hit the stands in the spring of next year with a fresh look at the arts in Monmouth County.

Legendary prop comic Gallagher will bring his signature mayhem and hilarity to Pollak Theatre on the Monmouth University campus, Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. Warning: Those in the first few rows are in for the ultimate in audience participation when Gallagher takes his infamous sledge-o-matic to an assortment of items that make a spectacular mess. Tickets: $48 - $24 available at the box office at (732) 263-6889 or buy online at www.monmouth.edu/arts.

HABcore in Red Bank will host its 2nd Annual Artist Studio Tour in Long Branch and Monmouth Beach Oct. 20, 1 to 5 p.m. There will be an after-party reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Shore Institute for the Contemporary Arts, 20 Third Ave., Long Branch. HABcore provides housing and services to people at risk of homelessness. Donations: $10 for the tour; $30 for four people; and $5 for the reception. Any questions, call Ellen Davis (732) 544-1975, or e-mail to: edavis@habcore.org

All Saints' Memorial Church in Navesink, will present its 26th annual Candlelight Chamber Music Concert, "An Afternoon of

Savvy theatre patrons know a good deal when they see one and were waiting in line to buy $10 tickets at The Count Basie Theatre Oct. 12, Columbus Day. Tickets sales are generally dismal on the holiday, but instead of resigning themselves to lost revenue, theater officials decided to hold a Columbus Day sale, offering $10 tickets to specific events for that day only.

"West Side Story" will be reprised by Phoenix Productions for the 50th anniversary of the musical theater classic. Red Bank-based Phoenix produced the show just four years ago and audiences and performers alike requested the company bring it back. Phoenix will add some surprise touches to the staging of the Leonard Bernstein musical about ethnic rivalry and tragic young love. Performances at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank are: Nov. 3, 9 and 10 at 8 .p.m.; Nov. 4 and 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $26- $29 with discounts for seniors and groups. Call (732) 842-9000 or (732) 747-0014.

Bach," Sunday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. The program will include works for violin, flute, piano and voice. Admission is $20 and concert proceeds will contribute to the preservation of the historic landmark church complex. All those attending are invited to a reception for the performers following the concert. Call Judith Stanton at (732) 212- 9505.

Hilary Duff and Evan Ross film a scene from "Greta," a coming of age story filming in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and surrounding areas. Screenwriter Michael Gilvary grew up in Fair Haven and set the script in New Jersey. Whitewater Films scouted the area and decided to shoot the film in the towns where the story is set. Filming is taking place in various area locations, including the historic beachfront casino building on the boardwalk. Production at the Jersey Shore's beachfront will continue throughout the month of October. "Greta" will be released in approximately 18 months.

The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra will perform in concert Oct. 21 at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Conductor Roy Gussman conducts Hye Jin Koh, the Young Artist Concerto Competition winner. Preconcert talk 2:15 p.m.; concert 3 p.m. Tickets: $30, $25 seniors, $5 students. For tickets or information, call: (732)747-2063 or visit www.monsym.org.

Monmouth Museum's Fall Light Lunch and Lectures series will present "The Art of Quilting," Monday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. The lecture will cover the three key elements of quilts as works of art - color, design and message. Jane Johnson, quilter and fiber artist, will display her art quilt pieces and discuss them as examples of traditional and modern designs. The museum is located on the campus of Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. A light lunch is included in the fee of $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call the museum at (732) 747-2266 for reservations.

The New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch, is once again staging a tastefull fund-raising event. The third annual "An Eclectic Evening: A Food, Wine and Martini Tasting" will be held Monday, Oct. 22, at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 9:30 in the grand ballroom. The event has sold out the past two years so it is important to call early for tickets. All funds raised will support the nonprofit theater's general operating budget. Tickets are $95. Call Teresa Staub at (732) 229-3166 ext.104.

Author Helen Pike ("Asbury Park's Glory Days") will lead a three-part memoirwriting workshop for the Red Bank Regional HS Adult Services in Little Silver, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7 to 9 p.m. The theme of the workshop is "How Jersey Are You?" There will be handouts to help get you started. Call (732) 842-8000 ext. 428.

Halloween is in the air as the Garden

State Horror Writers present some of their most frightening stories at Middletown Township Public Library Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The program will include stories from the anthology "Dark Notes from the Garden State," plus their newest anthology, "Dark Territories." Join the GSHW for a scary adventure, and for some tips on the art, craft and passion of horror writing.

A special "Daily Double" benefit for The

Two River Film Festival will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24. The event will feature the premiere of "First Saturday In May" at 7 p.m. at the Clearview Cinemas, 36 White St., Red Bank. A reception at Bodega Shoppe, 15 Mechanic St., at 5:45 p.m. will precede the screening and a reception will be held at 8:40 p.m. at Ashes, 33 Broad St., Red Bank. To RSVP, contact VJ at (917) 604-7329 or vj.carbone@ focusfeatures.com.

Compiled by Gloria Stravelli