The sun is shining; spring has sprung! There are so many things to smile about, and this weekend, you can not only smile yourself, but also make others happy by showing your charitable side.

On Thursday, April 30, check out the Help Tim Smile Event at Providence Night Club in Atlantic City. Timothy Smith is a southern New Jersey native who was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that has left this college freshman to endure more than 13 surgeries and many physical and emotional challenges. This event was inspired by Smith's perseverance to go through life, although he's had to overcome so many obstacles, and always doing it with a positive attitude. For a cover charge of $20, you can enjoy this lively, social event and be helping a fellow New Jersey native in the process. All proceeds will be donated to Smith and his family to help pay for his surgeries, and if you are unable to attend the party, you can always make an online donation at www.helptimsmile.org. Providence Night Club is located inside The Quarter at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. You can reach Providence by calling 609-345-7800.

Another thing to smile about is your undying love for comics. Comic books are no longer an underground sensation for the delightfully dorky. With major motion pictures breaking box office records, comic books are one of the hottest readers around. Brenner's Brew in Bridgeton is hosting "Cartoon Characters: 3 Creators," an event that showcases and honors three major players in the comic book world: Kevin Quigley, Darryl S. Thompson and Michael Bianco. Their art will on display beginning Saturday, May 2, the opening day of "Cartoon Characters: 3 Creators." You can swing by Brenner's on Friday, May 1, for a meet and greet with the artists as well as live music by Robert White. Friday's meet and greet goes from 6 to 9 p.m. For more info, call 856-451-5885.

Also on tap for Saturday is a band that will have you running for the hills of Vineland, as Hangar 84 once again brings in an unbelievable act: Runner Runner. The band comes from California, but one of its members, Ryan Ogren, grew up in Vineland. If you remember the local band Don't Look Down, an act that toured with major pop-punkers such as Fall Out Boy, Anberlin and The Plain White T's, then you know Ogren.

Ogren is also known on the mainstream music scene for joining the tech crew of the band Relient K. But between running chords and checking mics, Ogren missed playing the music himself, and Runner Runner was born. Other members in Runner Runner include musicians from the bands Over It and Rufio. Catch Runner Runner live at Hangar 84, located at 20 S. 6th St. in Vineland, at 7 p.m. Call 856-692-6283.

And don't forget that this wonderful first week of May marks Cinco de Mayo, and Gregory's Restaurant in Somers Point is celebrating in a big way. Due to the fact that Gregory's is known for its Taco Tuesdays, a tradition that began in in 1979, having Cinco de Mayo fall on a Tuesday this year is cause for a big, midweek party filled with giveaways and live music throughout the night.

The party, drink and Mexican food specials start at 4 p.m. and include two tacos for $2, grilled fajitas for $5.79, nachos and quesadillas. You can even buy a bucket of six seven-ounce Coronas for $8 or pints of Dos Equis draft for $2. This "Fiesta Grande" also will offer a complete Mexican dinner menu, prepared especially by resident Chef Paul Gregory. Gregory's is located at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point, and you can call them at 609-927-6665.

Original Music

Bogart's Books (210 N. High St., Millville, 856-327-3714) - Friday: Tom Moran, 5 p.m., Liat, 7 p.m.; Saturday: American Cancer Society Contest and Cook-Off with live music by Dan Godbey, 4 p.m.

Brain Church (129 N. High St., Millville, 856-825-4738) - Friday: Live music by Ryan Quinn and Robert Price, 7 p.m.

Brenner's Brew (21 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, 856-451-5885) - Friday: Meet The Artists reception for Cartoon Characters: 3 Creators event with live music by Robert White, 6 p.m.; Saturday: Cartoon Characters: 3 Creators ceremony featuring the works of Kevin Quigley, Darryl S. Thompson and Michael Bianco, free.

Le Grand Fromage (25 Gordon's Alley, Atlantic City, 609-347-2743) - Friday: Nothin 2 Sumthin Entertainment presents Pre-Summer Party with live music and DJ, raffles, and a $15 beer bar, $5 cover, must be 21-years-old, 9 p.m.

Mad Batter (19 Jackson St., Cape May, 609-884-5970) - Matt Hayden, free, all ages, 7 p.m.

Live Music

Barista's Coffee House (68 Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 14, Galloway Township, 609-568-5519) - Friday: The Michael Pedicin Quartet, 7 p.m.

The Boiler Room (Congress Hall at end of Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 609-884-8421) - Friday: Billy D. Light, 9 p.m.

Bojo's Ale House (222 High St., Millville, 856-327-8011) - Thursday: Ladies Night with Charlie Maines, 8 p.m.; Friday: Hung Jury, 8 p.m.; Saturday: Dance Party with DJ Chris, 8 p.m.

Bridgewater Pub (22 S. Laurel St., Bridgeton, 856-455-9551) - Thursday, Monday and Tuesday: open pool tables; Friday and Saturday: Live rock music, 9 p.m.

The Brown Room (Congress Hall at end of Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 609-884-8421) - Friday: Ann Oswald Duo, 7:30 p.m.

Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern (101 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, 609-492-1065) - Friday: Dennis Linde, 6 p.m.; Saturday: Ricky Shades, 6 p.m.

Bullshots Pizza Pub (2309 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, 609-344-0055) - Saturday: Live music, changes every week, 10 p.m.

Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill (Beach and Decatur avenues, Cape May, 609-884-4800) - Saturday: Sensational Soul Cruisers, 9 p.m.

DiDonato's Bowling Center and Cocktail Lounge (1151 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, 609-561-3040) - Friday: Singer/Songwriter Showdown hosted by JAS Nature, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Formica Brother's Bakery (2310 Arctic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-344-8723) - Saturday: Bob Mower and the Cole Brothers with Frankie Formica, Jr., 7 p.m.

Formica Brother's Bakery (200 N. Tilton Road, Kensington Square Shopping Center, Northfield, 609-646-6565) - Friday: Live music, 7 p.m.

Fuel House Coffee Co. (Bain's Deli, 636 E. Landis Ave., Vineland, 856-563-1400) - Friday: Alex Radus and Ryan Carr, 7 p.m.; Saturday: To Die For Management Presents, $10, 7 p.m.

Goodnight Irene's (2708 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, 866-493-5281) - Friday, Saturday and Wednesday: Live rock music, 8:30 p.m.

Hangar 84 (20 S. 6th St., Vineland, 856-692-6283) - Friday: Fear Before The March Of Flames, Every Minute Can Kill, Visions of Another, By Sundown, 6 p.m.; Saturday: Runner Runner, Liam And Me, Cheezy and the Crackers, Luminous, The Super Guys, Andrew Jude, 6 p.m.; Sunday: There For Tomorrow, Versa Emerge, Conditions, Alert The Media, 6 p.m.

JP Prime (206 Olde New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, 609-729-4141) - Thursday and Sunday: Frank Drake as Frank Sinatra, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: with Lois Smith and Bill McGrady, 7 p.m.

JR's Tavern (650 New Road, Somers Point, 609-653-9853) - Thursday: Quizzo and Karaoke and DJ Ronnie, 9 p.m.; Friday: DJ Sparkles, 10 p.m.; Saturday: Free pool, noon to 5 p.m., DJ Joey, 10 p.m.; Sunday: Free pool, noon to 5 p.m.; Monday: World Tavern Poker, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Pool League; Wednesday: DJ Joey, 10 p.m.

Kelly's Corner Pub (2721 Arctic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-348-4925) - Thursday: The Frankadelics, 9:30 p.m.

Laguna Grill (1400 Ocean Ave., Brigantine, 609-266-7731) - Saturday: DJ Frannie, 9 p.m.; Monday: Revolver, 9 p.m.

Library III Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge (6605 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 609-645-7655) - Thursday: Patty Blee, 7 p.m.; Friday: Acoustic Fish, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Sharon Sable, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Patty Blee, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Acoustic Fish, 7 p.m.

Liquid Bar (Trump Plaza Casino, Atlantic City, 609-441-6000) - Friday: Live entertainment, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Teddi Fusco, 8 p.m.; Wednesday: Show Time Karaoke with Michael James, 8 p.m.

The Looking Glass Caf� (16 N. High St., Millville, 856-327-1666) - Wednesday: live music, 6 p.m.

Ma France Creperie (506 9th Street, Ocean City, 609-399-9955) - Friday: Music night, 6 p.m.

Mangia by the Greens (3016 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township, 609-926-3900 ext. 5) - Thursday and Monday: World Tavern Poker; Friday: DJ, 8 p.m.; Wednesday: Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.

Merighi's Savoy Inn (4940 Landis Ave., Vineland, 856-691-8051) - Friday: Friday Night Flashback in the Savoy Bistro with DJ Nicky G, hits from the 50's, 60's and 70's, no cover, reservations suggested, 9 p.m. to midnight; Saturday: Andy DiMacale, 9 p.m.

Mountain Bar (Bally's Atlantic City, 609-340-2000) - Thursday: Rock Band 8 p.m.; Friday: DJ, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Sports TV, 2 p.m., Dance Force, 5 p.m., Special K, 10 p.m.

Old Oar House Irish Pub (123 N. High St., Millville, 856-293-1200) - Thursday: Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.; Friday: Danny Eyer Band, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Retrospect, 9 p.m.

Ram's Head Inn (White Horse Pike, Absecon, 609-652-1700) - Friday and Saturday: Johnny Arnett, 5 p.m.

Ri-Ra (Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-348-8600) - Thursday: DJ Vito G, 10 p.m.; Friday: Sugar Buzz, 10 p.m.; Saturday: Big House, 10 p.m.

Sea Oaks Golf Club (99 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor Township, 609-296-2656) - Friday: House DJ, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Saturday Night Live with live entertainment, 9 p.m.

Sofia (9314 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-822-9111) - Friday: Live music, 8 p.m.; Saturday: Old World Mediterranean Dinner and Dancing with Tony Malandro and Kathleen Angela, 8 p.m.; Wednesday: Live jazz with Gil Lewis, 6:30 p.m.

S.R. Riley's (101 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, 856-459-1109) - Friday: J. Jody Janetta and Dark Hollow, 7 p.m.

Steve and Cookie's (9700 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-823-1163) - Thursday: Joe and Friends, 7 p.m.; Friday: Lew London and Chris Sooy, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Joe Mancini, 7 p.m.; Sunday: Joe Mancini and Paula Jones, 7 p.m.; Monday: Madeline Sandman and Bill McGrady, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Lew London and Chris Sooy, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Joe and Friends, 7 p.m.

A Touch of Italy (Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp., 609-646-1855) - Thursday: Bob and Doug, jazz, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Bob and Alex, 7p.m.

Tre Figlio Restaurant (500 W. White Horse Pike, Pomona, 609-965-3303) - Friday and Saturday: Live piano player, 7 p.m.

Trinity Pub (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6900) - Friday: Chris and Rich, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Sparkles, 10 p.m.

Tomatoe's (9300 Amherst Ave., Margate, 609-822-7535) - Thursday and Friday: DJ Steve-O, 7 p.m.; Saturday: live saxophone by Jacob, 6 p.m., House DJ, 9 p.m.; Sunday: Jazz Trio with Sharon Sable, 6 p.m.; Monday: The Odessa Brothers, 7 p.m.; Tuesday: Chic, 6 p.m.; Wednesday: Tony C., 6 p.m.; DJ Steve-O, 9 p.m.

Tuckahoe Inn (Route 9, Tuckahoe, 609-390-3322) - Thursday: Johnny's Cousin Steve, 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: Live music, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Bob Campanell, 5 p.m.

Tun Tavern Brewery and Restaurant (Sheraton Hotel, 2 Convention Blvd., Atlantic City, 609-347-7800) - Thursday: Ladies Night with drink and appetizer specials, 9 p.m.; Friday: Live music, 7 p.m.; Saturday: Live music, 9 p.m.; Wednesday: Live Classic Rock music, 9 p.m.

The Wave (Trump Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, 609-441-8511) - Friday: Back In The Day Party with DJ Jim Stritch, 9 p.m., Saturday: Don't Call Me Francis and DJ Jim Stritch, 10 p.m.

Yesterday's Tavern (316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora, 609-390-1757) - Friday: The Jack Chamberlain Band with Brandon Ireland, 9 p.m.

Karaoke and Quizzo

The Dubliner Irish Pub and Grill (Downtown Plaza, 325 Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township, 609-652-2210) - Thursday: Quizzo, 8 p.m.; Friday: Live music, 6 to 9 p.m., Reggae DJ Frio and Flip Cup, 10 p.m.

Pistol Pete's Beef N' Beer Saloon and Restaurant (1000 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville, 609-484-1000) - Thursday through Saturday and Monday: Karaoke with Frankie Showboat, 10 p.m.; Tuesday: Karaoke with Ronnie, 10 p.m.; Wednesday: Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Planet Rose Karaoke Lounge (inside the Quarter at the Tropicana, Atlantic City, 609-344-6565) - Open 7 days a week, 7 p.m.; Sunday: Happy Hour Specials, 7 to 9 p.m.

W.L. Goodfellows and Co. (310 E. White Horse Pike, Absecon, 609-652-1942) - Friday, Monday and Wednesday: Karaoke, 8 p.m.

DJs and Dancing

32 Degrees Luxe Lounge (inside the Quarter, Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-348-6700) - Thursday: Antidote Party with DJ Ronnie D, 10 p.m.; Friday: DJ Rico, 10 p.m.; Saturday: VIP After Hours Party with DJ Jason E, 11 p.m.

A Dam Good Sports Bar (The Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-347-7770) - Thursday, Friday and Saturday: House DJ, 10 p.m.; Sunday through Friday: $5 40 ounce beers and $8 bottles of wine.

Blue Marlin (200 S. Pitney Road, Galloway Township, 609-748-5000) - Thursday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.

Boogie Nights (inside Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, 800-336-6378) - Friday and Saturday: Boogie Nights 70's and 80's Dance Party, 9 p.m.

Bulldog's Bar and Grill (743 White Horse Pike, Cologne, 609-965-4433) - Friday: DJ Dance Party hosted by J2 Productions, 10 p.m.; Sunday: World Tavern Poker, free to play, 7 and 10 p.m.

Chickie's and Pete's (6055 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 609-272-1930) - Friday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party; Quizzo, 9 p.m.

Firewaters (Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-344-6699) - Thursday, Friday and Saturday: DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.

Foundation Room (inside Showboat Casino, Atlantic City, 800-522-4700) - Friday: DJ Pauly Day, 9 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Redline, 9 p.m.

Game On! (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6800) - Friday: DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m.; Saturday: Red Carpet Event with DJ Sonatra, DJ Card-One and DJ Lit, champagne toast at 1 a.m., party starts at 10 p.m.

mixx (Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City, 609-317-1000) - Saturday: DJ Eric Cubechee, 10 p.m.

mur.mur (Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City, 609-317-1000) - Friday: DJ Eli Escobar, 10 p.m.; Saturday: Official No Doubt Afterparty with music by DJ Vice, 10 p.m.; Monday: mur.mur Monday with music by Rock-It Scientists, 10 p.m.

The Pool (Harrah's Resort, 609-441-5165) - Friday: The Pool After Dark with live DJ, 10 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Smooth, 10 p.m.; Wednesday: SINDUSTRY Night, 10 p.m.

Providence (Inside the Quarter in the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, 609-345-7800) - Thursday: Help Tim Smile Event, $20, 7 to 10 p.m., DJ Big Ben, 10 p.m.; Friday: DJ Jason Smith and Clinton Sparks, 10 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Abrupt, DJ Brinka and DJ RobLow, 10 p.m.

Sonsie (Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, 609-345-6300) - Saturday: New York DJ, 10 p.m.

Testa's Good Guys Pub (5698 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, Mays Landing, 609-625-1926) - Friday: DJ Dance Party with DJ Sonny, 10 p.m.; Saturday: DJ Dance Party with DJ Joe, 10 p.m.

Toad Fish Bar & Grill (222 Bridgeton-Fairton Road, Bridgeton, 856-455-1300) - Friday: DJ Greg Fink, 9:30 p.m.

Towne Tavern (694 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, 856-455-3474) - Saturday: Live DJ and Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Whiskey Grille (20 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Atlantic City, 609-345-3290) - Monday: In The Biz nights with Happy Hour drink specials, live DJ, 10 p.m.

Xhibition Bar (inside Harrah's Casino, 800-242-7724) - Saturday: House DJ Dance Party, 9 p.m.

The Top 5 Places to Party This Week

Cabanas in Cape May

One of the most sensational summer bands has been hiding out during these cold months, but now that the thermometer is escalating again, the Sensational Soul Cruisers, left, are showing its face for fun in the sun. Catch the Soul Cruisers at Cabanas in Cape May on Saturday at 9 p.m. Call 609-884-4800.

Ego Bar and Lounge in Atlantic City

On Friday, you'll be screaming, "Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto!" at the top of your lungs once you enter the Ego Bar and Lounge inside Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and find yourself immersed in some serious Styx music. Rockin' The Paradise is a tribute act known for its dead-on renditions of all your favorite Styx classics. Call 609-449-5138.

Game On! in Atlantic City

Game On! is doing something it has never done before - rolling out the red carpet. Your favorite gametime hangout is transforming into a swanky, upscale party place on Saturday with its first-ever Red Carpet Event. DJ Sonatra from Atlantic City, DJ Card-One from San Diego and Game On's resident DJ Lit, will all be on hand to play your favorite tunes throughout the evening. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at 1 a.m., and the entire party goes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Call 609-345-6800.

Eden Lounge in Atlantic City

On Cinco de Mayo, get your Mexican-inspired party on at the Eden Lounge inside Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. Enjoy traditional Mexican music with a kick of contemporary fun by the DiCupe II Band. Shake your hips and lick the margarita off your lips all night long as the party starts at 8 p.m. For more Cinco de Mayo fun, call 609-441-5165.

mur.mur in Atlantic City

There's no doubt this weekend has been taken over by No Doubt. One of the biggest reunion concerts of the decade is kicking off right in our backyard - inside the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. And even if you couldn't get your hands on a pair of tickets for the show, you're always welcome at the afterparty, which happens on Saturday at mur.mur with music by DJ Vice. The party starts at 10 p.m., and keep your eyes open for Gwen and the gang! Call 609-317-1000.