Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Who says Atlantic City headliners in 2024 aren’t top notch? Take a look at some of the big names that have played our Jersey Shore lately – Stevie Nicks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Black Crowes, Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, just to name a few – and you can add one Bill Maher to that impressive list.
Maher, one of today’s top television personalities due in great part to his weekly “Real Time With Bill Maher” show, which airs Fridays on HBO, brings his WTF? Tour to the Borgata Event Center this Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m.
The Los Angeles-based comedian, writer, producer and actor has been a pioneering figure in American political humor for more than 25 years. His career includes hosting “Politically Incorrect” on Comedy Central and ABC from 1993 to 2002, and the aforementioned “Real Time” on HBO for the past two decades, earning him 41 Emmy nominations. Maher won his first Emmy in 2014 as an executive producer for the HBO series, “VICE.” He’s also earned multiple Emmy nominations for his stand-up specials on HBO which include titles like, “Be More Cynical,” “I’m Swiss,” “But I’m Not Wrong,” “Live From Oklahoma,” and most recently, “#Adulting” in 2022.
What makes Maher stand out is not only his quick wit and willingness to tackle almost any topic with fairness, but also his humorous regular segments like “New Rule,” where he pontificates on a chosen subject. He’s a special talent and if you are in South Jersey, he comes highly recommended.
Tickets for Bill Maher are $79-$494.75. Info: https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html.
La Scala’s Stepping Up The Entertainment: You might get pushback from some of Somers Point’s busy summer beach bars or even a few here in AC, but the coolest live music establishment this summer not in Atlantic City could well be La Scala’s Beach House in Brigantine, which since its 2023 opening has been bringing in some of the biggest names in the dance/rock/top 40 genre. Enjoy one of the best of them all, Mike LeCompt, this Saturday, May 18.
The Ocean Avenue, beach-side place was once the home of the Laguna Rum Bar, which, after being purchased in 2012 by the previous owners, booked national acts like Soul Asylum, Third World, G. Love, and Maxi Priest. The current La Scala definitely has their finger on the pulse of who’s popular, with such A-list dance/rock/tribute band acts as Goodman Fiske (May 16), Incognito (May 26), E Street Shuffle (June 9), Cheezy & The Crackers (June 13), and Fat Mezz (June 15), with more set to play La Scala’s this summer. Locals like eating there, so the food is good, too. Info: www.lascalasbeachhouse.com.
Beardfest Is Back: Hammonton hosts some pretty cool music, food, and crafts events each year, and the 12th Annual Beardfest, taking place June 13-16 at the Paradise Lakes Campground, is one of the best.
“Beardfest is a celebration of creative expression in all forms, from the musical lineup to the visual art to the classes and workshops,” Sam Gutman, Beardfest co-founder/director, said by email. “We try especially to make Beardfest a participatory experience, where attendees are encouraged to create and express themselves rather than simply spectating. This year is our 12th year, and I couldn’t be more excited for what we and our community will make happen.”
The rock/jam band friendly lineup includes Beardspace, Thumpasaurus, Ocean Avenue Stompers, and many more. Info: www.beardfest.net.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
