'Hot Rod Lincoln' star
cruises into Somers Point
What Is It: Commander Cody keeps riding along. This 1970s star, who had a smash song with "Hot Rod Lincoln," seems to show up around here every few summers, and he always entertains his crowds. Tonight, the Commander Cody Band headlines the popular, and free, Friday beach concert in Somers Point.
What To Expect: There are almost too many influences to list in Commander Cody's music, but they include country, boogie-woogie and old-time Western swing. His audiences "like to hear the old blues, but they don't want a whole set of blues. I like the swing, but no one wants to hear more than one swing song in a row. And so I mix it up," the Commander explained to The Press a few years back.
Event Info: Showtime is 7 p.m. on the William Morrow Beach, on Bay Avenue between Higbee and New Jersey avenues, Somers Point. Free. For more details and a complete summer schedule, see somerspointbeachconcerts.com.
'Annie' at Surflight
What Is It: Calling "Annie" a classic is like calling today's weather forecast hot - it's a gross understatement. It has now been 35 years since this musical brought the tale of Little Orphan Annie to the stage, and in those decades, several of the songs have been popular enough to add to even Daddy Warbucks' fortune. "Annie" is now back on the stage at Beach Haven's Surflight Theatre through July 21.
What To Expect: It may be a "Hard Knock Life" we're living, but "Annie" is the ultimate feel-good story of the plucky, red-haired kid who gets abandoned at an orphanage during the Great Depression, then gets out to befriend the president of the United States and find a home with billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. And as everyone knows by now, Annie can bet her bottom dollar that the sun will come out - "Tomorrow."
Event Info: Curtain time is 8 p.m. today and Saturday at Surflight Theatre, 201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven. Performance times and days vary through July 21. Tickets are $36 to $54 for adults, half-price for kids 12 and younger. For complete schedule and further details, visit surflight.org or call 609-492-9477.
The Jacksons at Borgata
Who They Are: The Jacksons aren't the Jackson 5 anymore, since the legendary family's youngest brother and biggest star, Michael, died three years ago this week. But the other brothers are on a limited tour this summer, their first in 25-plus years, which includes a stop tonight in Borgata's Event Center.
What To Expect: Brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito are still doing some of the greatest hits of the Jackson 5 - among them "I'll Be There" and "ABC" - but with different Jacksons taking Michael's spot on lead vocals. The Jacksons also cover some of Michael's own solo tunes, and do a tribute to their late brother.
Event Info: The Motown music starts at 8 p.m. today at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City. Tickets are $95, $135 and $165, available at the box office or at pressofatlanticcity.com/
tickets. For more details, call
609-317-1000.
Casinos
Kozak the Magician, Tropicana, Comedy Stop, mature PG-14 material, 6:15 p.m. show,
5:15 p.m. dinner seating; $20 show only ($10 ages 11 and younger); $30 dinner and show. 609-348-0920.
"Believe - Divas In a Man's World," Resorts Casino Hotel, Screening Room, 10 p.m. $25. 800-322-SHOW.
Legends in Concert, Bally's, Palace Theater, 8 p.m. $32.50. 609-340-2709.
"Identity: An Exhibition of You," Franklin Institute traveling exhibit, Trump Plaza's East Tower, noon to 7 p.m., $12 adults, $8 ages 12 and younger. 609-441-6000.
Gordie Brown, Golden Nugget, The Showroom, 8 p.m. 800-777-8477.
The John Oates Band, Borgata, Music Box, 9 p.m. $39.50, $45. 609-677-1000.
Mary J Blige, Caesars, Circus Maximus Theater, 8 p.m. $100, $135. 800-677-SHOW.
Comedy
Steve Marshall, Orlando Baxter, Rob Magnotti, Borgata Comedy Club, The Music Box, 9 p.m., $20.
Harry Maurer, Dena Blizzard and Greg Vaccarello, Tropicana Comedy Stop, The Quarter, must be 18 or older,
9 and 11:15 p.m., $27, $25.
Nature
N.J. Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory, Research & Education Center, 600 Route 47, Middle Township, and Northwood Center on Lily Lake, Cape May Point, birding trip, $10 show and go: Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, 6:30 p.m., meet at lot, Sunset Boulevard. 609-861-0700.
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, guided birding and nature walks, 8 to 10 a.m., starting at visitor center, off Route 9, Oceanville in Galloway Township. 609-652-1665,
ext. 21.
Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor, salt-marsh film and trail walks, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; live animal program 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and seining for tidal life at 3:15 p.m., $4 adults, $3 ages 3 to 12, includes activities. 609-368-1211.
Events
Weekly Farmers Market, 5 to
8 p.m., along Central Avenue, Hammonton downtown section, opening night health fair, vendors, produce, live entertainment, art exhibits from Hammonton Art Center,
609-567-9014 or hammonton
Xtreme Hermit Crab Wrestling, 11 a.m., Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk, Ocean City, prizes awarded, free entry. 609-525-9300.
Independence 1 Mile Bay Swim/Half-Mile Bay Race,
6 p.m., Kennedy Park in Somers Point, entry fee $20, proceeds benefit Ocean City C-Cerpants Swim Team. 609-602-9716 or email macsandy@comcast.net
Music
Jim Crane and Atlantic City All Star Band, Rhythm in the Park concert series, 7 p.m., Tony Canale Park amphitheater, off Dogwood Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, free, bring blanket or chair.
Theater
"Man of LaMancha," starring John Davidson, 8 p.m., Ocean Professional Theatre Company, Bengal Auditorium, 180 Bengal Drive, Barnegat, $35 adults, $20 children 12 and younger. 609-312-8306 or oceantheatre.org
"God of Carnage," comedy,
8 p.m., Cape May Stage, Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank and Lafayette streets, Cape May, $35 adults $30 seniors, $15 students. 609-884-1341 or capemaystage.org
"Ruth Draper's Company of Characters," 8:30 p.m., East Lynne Theater Company, First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, $30 adults, $25 seniors, $15 students, free age 12 and younger. 609-884-5898 or
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," drama, 8 p.m., Collaborative Stage Productions, Eagle Theater, 208 Vine St., Hammonton, $22. 609-704-5012.
"1912," drama, dinner theater, 7:15 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. performance, followed by dessert and meet and greet with cast, Old Grange Restaurant with Cape Island Theatre Company, Historic Cold Spring Village, Route 9, Cape May, $37 adults, $30 age 12 and younger, dessert only shows $27 adults, $22 children. 609-408-6595 or capeislandtheatre.com
"It Had To Be You," comedy, 8 p.m., Ocean City Repertory Theater, 813 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, $15. 609-457-6686 or ocrep.org; dinner and show Nonna's Trattoria and Pizzeria, $30, 609-840-6440.
Nightlife
Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, 3400 Pacific Ave.: The Beach Bar, 609-340-4636 - Slamm,
5 p.m.; The Burger Bar, 609-340-4636 - Nathaniel Petersen, 9 p.m.; The Dizzy Dolphin, 609-340-4636 - Dr. Checko, 10 p.m.
Bally's Atlantic City, Park Place and Boardwalk: Blue Martini, 609-340-2000 - DJ Frank A, 11 p.m.; Harry's Oyster Bar & Seafood, 609-340-2000 - Live music, 7 p.m.; The Mountain Bar, 609-340-2000 - DJ K Spins, 9 p.m.; Shorty the Sheriff and The Vixens, 10 p.m.; Sammy's Beach Bar, 609-340-2000 - DJ Sonatra, 3 p.m.; Burnt Sienna and DJ Q Ball, 8 p.m.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa,
1 Borgata Way: Gypsy Bar, 609-317-1000 - Sleeveless Hearts, 7 p.m.; The Next,
11 p.m.; MIXX, 609-317-1000 - Questlove, 10 p.m.; mur.mur, 609-317-1000 - DJ, 10 p.m.
Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave.: Dusk, 609-345-3875 -DJ Kevin Brown, 10 p.m.; Mia, 609-348-4411 - DJ Lu'AP, 10 p.m.; Toga Bar, 609-348-4411 - DJ Kyle and Toga Dancers, 10 p.m.; Suite 7400 Roof-Top Pool, 609-348-4411 - DJ Ernesto DeSiro, 10 p.m.
Golden Nugget, Huron Avenue and Brigantine Boulevard:
Live Bar, 800-777-8477 - 2Twenty2, 10 p.m.; Rush Lounge, 800-777-8477 - Richie Balin, 6 p.m.; Dane Anthony, 8 p.m.; The Deck, 800-777-8477 -Hawkins Road, 7:20 p.m.; Big City, 8 p.m.
Harrah's Resort, 777 Harrah's Blvd.: Eden Lounge, 609-441-5165 - Brian Kirk and the Jerks, 8:15 p.m.; Lucky You, 12 a.m.; The Pool After Dark, 609-441-5165 - Friday Night Live Project X DVD Release Party Hosted by Kirby Blss Blanton DJ Vito G and Mazz, 10 p.m.; Xhibition Bar, 800-242-7724 - DJ K Styles, 11:30 p.m.
Resorts Casino Hotel, 1133 Boardwalk: 25 Hours, 800-336-6378 - Blanche, 4 p.m.; Night Fever, 800-336-6378 - DJ Dramadik, 10 p.m.; ProBar, 800-336-6378 - Music Videos, 8 p.m.; DJ Zathan, 10 p.m.; Gogo Boys, 11 p.m.; Whiskey Bar, 800-336-6378 - Kelly LaVigna, 9 p.m.
Revel, 500 Boardwalk: The Social, 609-572-6488 - Garden State Radio, 8 p.m.; Total Whiteout, 11 p.m.; Ivan Kane's Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub, 609-225-9898 - DJs, Classic Burlesque
11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.; Rock 'n Roll Burlesque 2 a.m.
Showboat Casino-Hotel, 801 Boardwalk: House of Blues Party Pit, 609-343-4000 - DJ Sonatra, 9 p.m.; Crazy in Stereo and Dancers, 10 p.m.
Tropicana Casino and Resort, 2831 Boardwalk: Anthem,
609-576-5206 - DJ Luap and DJ B Easy, 10 p.m.; Boogie Nights, 888-940-7080 - Lisa Lisa, 10 p.m.; Providence, The Quarter, 609-345-7800 - Goldfinger, 10 p.m.; Red Square, The Quarter, 609-344-9100 - Siberian Night with DJ Sean M., 11 p.m.; Ri-Ra, The Quarter, 609-348-8600 - DJ The Wild Man Mike, 11 a.m.; Rumba Lounge, The Quarter, 609-340-4000 - Dancers and Live DJs, 10 p.m.; Cuba Libre, The Quarter, 609-348-6700 - Late Night Latin Floorshow,
11 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and midnight; Firewaters, 609-344-6699 - DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.; Planet Rose Karaoke Lounge, The Quarter, 609-344-6565 - Karaoke, 8 p.m.; Tango's Lounge, 609-345-7800 - Faith, 7 p.m.; DJ Ralph D'Amelio, 11 p.m.
Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue: Ego, 609-449-5138 - Almost Angels and DJ Chris Rivera, 10:30 p.m.; Casbah, 609-449-5138 - DJ Dnial & DJ Johnny B, 10:30 p.m.; Trump Plaza Beach Bar, 609-449-5138 - DJ Eric, 4 p.m.; Pop Scene, 7 p.m.; DJ Freezie, 9 p.m.
Absecon
W.L.Goodfellows and Co.,
310 E. White Horse Pike, 609-652-1942 - Karaoke, 8 p.m.
Atlantic City
C5 At The Chelsea, Chelsea Hotel, 111 S. Chelsea Ave.,
800-548-3030 - Ed Smooth, 10 p.m.
Chelsea Prime, Chelsea Hotel, 111 S. Chelsea Ave., 800-548-3030 - Supper Club performances, 7 and 9 p.m.
Avalon
Bobby Dee's Rock'n Chair Restaurant, 2409 Dune Drive, 609-967-3300 - DJ Frank, 9:30 p.m.
Fuze Restaurant, Third Avenue and 79th Street, 609-368-1919 - Music Magic, 7 p.m.
Jack's Place, 3601 Ocean Drive, 609-967-5001 - LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous, 9 p.m.
The Princeton, 2008 Dune Drive, 215-725-8681 - Benderz, 10 p.m.
The Windrift, 80th Street and the Beach, 609-368-5175 - Darin MacDonald, 6 p.m.; DJ Will and DJ Walden, 10 p.m.
Barnegat
Lefty's Tavern, 547 North Main St., 609-607-0707 - Tony Mosco, 9 p.m.
Bridgeton
The Bridgewater Pub, 22 S. Laurel St., 856-455-9551 - DJs, 9 p.m.
Toad Fish Bar & Grill, 222 Bridgeton-Fairton Road, 856-455-1300 - Scott Seabock, 6 p.m.; DJ Arson, 9 p.m.
Cape May
Boiler Room, Congress Hall, 29 Perry St., 609-884-6507 - Back 2 Life, 9 p.m.
Brown Room, Congress Hall, 200 Congress Hall, 888-944-1816 - Gregg Carpenter, 8 p.m.
Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill, Beach and Decatur avenues, 609-884-4800 - Zack Goebbel, 4:30 p.m.; Sensamotion Band, 10 p.m.
Ebbitt Room, Congress Hall, 251 Beach Ave., 609-884-8421 - Paul Sottile, 6:30 p.m.
Hemingway's, Cape May Grand Hotel, Beach and Philadelphia avenues, 609-884-5611 - DJ, 9 p.m.
The Rusty Nail, 205 Beach Drive, 609-884-8421 - Carl Behrens, 4:30 p.m.; Tru Bruddahs, 9 p.m.
Mad Batter, 19 Jackson St., 609-884-5970 - Gordon Vincent, 7 p.m.
The Merion Inn, 106 Decatur St. at Columbia Avenue, 609-884-8363 - Matt Hayden on piano, 5:30 p.m.
The Pilot House, 142 Decatur St., on the Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 609-884-3449 - Karaoke hosted by Barry, 8 p.m.
SeaSalt, Ocean Club, 1035 Beach Ave., 609-884-7000 - Cintron, 9 p.m.
The Ugly Mug, 462 Washington St., 609-884-3459 - Live music, 9 p.m.
Corbin City
Buck Tavern, 621 Route 50, 609-628-3117 - Spencer Belz, 6 p.m.
Galloway Township
Bulldog's Bar and Grill, 743 White Horse Pike, 609-965-4433 - DJ Dance Party, 10 p.m.
Assaggio!, 500 W. White Horse Pike, 609-965-3303 - Live piano music, 7 p.m.
Hammonton
DiDonato's Bowling Center and Cocktail Lounge, 1151 White Horse Pike, 609-561-3040 - Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.
Long Beach Island
Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern, Beach Haven, 101 N. Bay Ave., 609-492-1065 - Northbound Train, 9:30 p.m.
Nardi's Tavern, 118th Street and The Boulevard, Haven Beach, 609-492-9538 - Elvis Show, 5 p.m.; Steamroller Picnic, 9 p.m.
The Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club, 10 S. Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven, 609-492-4611 - The Implusives, 3:30 p.m.; High in the Mid 80s, 10 p.m.
Margate
Steve and Cookie's By the Bay, Amherst Ave., 609-823-1163 - Lew London and Chris Sooy, 7 p.m.
Mays Landing
Cousin Mario's, 5401 Harding Highway, 609-625-2523 - Ben & Nancy, 7 p.m.
The Dockside Grille, The Inn at Sugar Hill, 5704 Mays Landing Road, 609-625-2226 - Local musicians Rock The Dock, 6 p.m.
Testa's Good Guys Pub, 5698 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, 609-625-1926 - DJ dance party, 10 p.m.
Millville
Bogart's Books, 210 N. High St., 856-327-3714 - Linda Bell, Ken Bell & Bob Evans, 7 p.m.
Bojo's Ale House, 222 North High St., 856-327-8011 - Kids Don't Bounce, 9 p.m.
Old Oar House Irish Pub, 123 N. High St., 856-293-1200 - Realcoolyeah, 9 p.m.
North Wildwood
Flip Flopz Beach Bar and Grill, 300 Olde New Jersey Ave., 609-522-3350 - DJ entertainment, 9 p.m.
Keenan's Irish Pub, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., 609-729-3344 - Double Trouble, 5 p.m.; Big House Band, 6 p.m.
Sea Isle City
Dead Dog Saloon, 39th Street and Landis Avenue, 609-263-7600 - Frankie Cervantes, 9 p.m.
Kix McNutley's Bar, 63rd Street and Landis Avenue, 609-263-7286 - Quizzo, 6 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.
La Costa Lounge, 40th Street and Landis Avenue, 609-263-3756 - The Rockets Trio, 5 p.m.; The Rockets, 10:30 p.m.
The Ocean Drive, 40th Street and Landis Avenue, 609-263-1000 - Stellar Mojo, 5 p.m.; Mr. Greengenes, 10 p.m.
Shenanigans, 3815 Landis Ave., 609-263-3900 - DJ April, 9 p.m.
Springfield Inn, 43rd Street and Pleasure Avenue, 609-263-4951 - Gregg Tripp & David Seilke, 4:30 p.m.; The Matt Santry Band, 10 p.m.
Somers Point
800 Bay Restaurant and Bar, 800 Bay Ave., 609-926-3500 - Shaun Ashley, 7 p.m.
Sandi Pointe Coastal Bistro, 908 Shore Road, 609-927-2759 - Jack & Yvonne, 7 p.m.
Upper Township
Levari's Seafood and American Grill, Route 50 and Tuckahoe Road, Petersburg, 609-628-2225 - Danny Eyer Band, 7 p.m.
Tuckahoe Inn, Route 9, Tuckahoe, 609-390-3322 - The Mighty Parrot Band, 7 p.m.
Yesterday's Tavern, 316 Roosevelt Blvd., 609-390-1757 - Live music, 9:30 p.m.
Vineland
Luna's Outdoor Grill at Merighi's Savoy Inn, 4940 Landis Ave., 856-691-8051 - Live entertainment on the deck, 8 p.m.
Wildwood
Dog Tooth Bar and Grill, 100 E. Taylor Ave., 609-522-8383 - Name the Tune, 9 p.m.
Good Night Irene's Brew Pub, 2708 Pacific Ave. 609-729-3861 - Justin Steere, 5 p.m.; DVDJ Mollo, 10 p.m.
Kelly's Cafe, 4400 Atlantic Ave., 609-522-6817 - Wesley Ochs, 8 p.m.
