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Hard-hitting Action
Roller Derby Weekend checks into the Wildwoods
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Be ready for wild hip-checking and adrenaline-fueled action when the first Roller Derby Weekend blasts into the Wildwoods. The hard-hitting event promises a full day of bone-crushing games, plus a parade in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center and a host of other skate-inspired activities.
With scary names like Mos Deathly, Kharma Chaos and BreakHer Baker, hundreds of male and female roller derby skaters from throughout the country are expected to attend the Colossal Coastal Roller Expo, hosted by the Wildwoods Convention Center, the South Jersey Derby Girls, Wildwood Harley-Davidson, the Alton Motel and the City of Wildwood.
"It looks to be all-out derby mayhem," promises Billy Rae Siren, whose out-of-rink name is Raechel Morera. She is expo chairman and co-captain of the Derby Girls' All-Star Travel Team. "(You'll see) many different styles of play showcased and loads of hard-hitting derby action."
Morera, whose slogan is "One-Hit Wonder," no doubt will show off the leg whip, one of her signature moves in which she wraps her leg around an opponent's and whips the opponent in front of her.
"She's phenomenal," says Morera's sister, Melissa, who goes by Mos Deathly in the rink. "It's a very difficult move and only a few people can do it."
The Moreras, of Mullica Hill, founded South Jersey Derby girls in 2007. They say the expo aims to spread a love for roller derby to this region. South Jersey Derby Girls has grown to include both men and women.
"We'll be recruiting," Melissa Morera says. "It's pretty difficult, but not so difficult that someone who's never skated before couldn't do it. It's great cardio exercise and strength training, plus you get pretty agile."
Kathy Sexton, owner of Wildwood's Alton Motel, joined the Derby Girls after meeting some of its members during a tournament in the Wildwoods last fall. She has yet to come up with a fearsome roller derby moniker for herself.
"It's great exercise and team camaraderie," Sexton says. "It's also very competitive."
The weekend will also include roller derby workshops, mixers and more activities. Go to www.ccrollerexpo.com.
•••
The roller-derby excitement ties in perfectly with the 17th Annual Boardwalk Classic Car Show on the Boardwalk. Hundreds of classic cars of all makes and models will be on display from Thursday to Sunday. They include custom, imports, tuners, trucks, classics, modified and street rods. A car hop gathering takes place Thursday. The Boardwalk car display runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There will be an additional display Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The top 40 cars and the best of show will be chosen. This event is free to spectators. Call 609-675-5502 or visit www.ThunderMoto.com.
Colossal Coastal Roller Expo
WHEN: Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10; Roller Derby action at noon
Saturday, May 9
WHERE: Wildwood Harley-Davidson, 127 W. Rio Grande Ave., and Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk,
Wildwood
HOW MUCH: Tickets to Saturday's derby action are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $25 for VIP seating; kids under 10 admitted free. Military and student tickets are offered for $10 with ID. Tickets are available at Wildwood Harley-Davidson, 127 W. Rio Grande Ave., or the Alton Motel, 235 E. Wildwood Ave.
MORE INFO: Call 609-729-8600, 609-522-7151 or 609-729-9000 or go to www.ccrollerexpo.com or
Cotton at Appel Farm
New Jersey's alt/rock-blues powerhouse Daniela Cotton brings her deeply felt songs to Appel Farm in Elmer 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Cotton draws from such diverse influences as Mavis Staples, the Rolling Stones, PJ Harvey, Etta James, Billie Holliday and Led Zeppelin. She has opened for a variety of rock and blues musicians, including Buddy Guy and Etta James and rock giants Jon Bon Jovi, Gregg Allman, Lynyrd Skynard and Little Feat. "Rare Child," her latest CD, was ranked in the Top 10 albums downloaded on iTunes the first week after it was released. Tickets are $18 at
www.appelfarm.org or call 800-394-1211. Appel Farm is at 457 Shirley Road, Elmer.
Breast cancer run/walk
The seventh annual Shirley Mae Run and Gilda's Club Walk to benefit the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund takes off from the steps of the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, May 9. More than 250 breast cancer survivors will take part in a survivor's parade prior to the run/walk. Survivors are treated to a breakfast provided by the Taj Mahal. One-On-One Personal Fitness Training hosts an aerobic warm-up for participants, followed by the 5K run and two-mile walk. First-, second- and third-place run finishers take home cash prizes from $250 to $750. Children 12 and under can take part in the Kids' One-Mile Run at 10 a.m. Free self-parking is available until 11:30 a.m. in the Taj Mahal and Showboat Casino-Hotel garages. Go to
Celebrate women with Roche
Gina Roche, known as one of the region's most versatile vocalists, invites you to bring a mom you know and love to enjoy a captivating performance by her quartet at Dante Hall in Atlantic City's Ducktown section at 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 8. Roche, who has performed on "Good Morning America" and alongside artists such as McCoy Tyner and Gerald Veasley, brings a Brazilian flavor to her blend of jazz, blues and original songs. She is joined by guitarist Ricardo Vogt, drummer Allison Miller and acoustic bassist Tim Lekan. Tickets are $20. Doors and box office open at 7:45 p.m. Dante Hall is at 14 N. Mississippi Ave. Call 609-344-8877 or go to www.dantehall.org or www.ginaroche.com.
Posted in Events on Thursday, May 7, 2009 3:15 am
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