This week at the Jersey Shore, it’s all about girl power as world-class violin virtuoso Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy arrives to perform alongside Patty Balbo and the Tony Mart Allstars.
Hardy will take the stage on Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m. as part of the Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point — recently named the No. 1 outdoor concert venue in the country. She will join members of the band Red and the Tony Mart Allstars before Patty Balbo takes over with her acclaimed tribute to iconic female rock stars.
Balbo’s 90-minute performance features songs from Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde, Patti Smith, Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani and more. The full set list will be posted at tonymart.com/facebook.
Hardy returns on Monday, July 21, to direct and perform in Fiddles, Guitars and Squeezebox, a Louisiana music showcase from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. at The Point, as part of the Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Music Festival. She’ll be joined by Denny Shiffler of the Twisted Livin’ Band, Billy Walton, and newly announced guest Waynard Scheller — keyboardist and vocalist from Dead Zep and the Bob Weir Band — performing Louisiana music and Americana classics.
Gumbo tasting and judging will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
List of Featured Chefs and Judges for the Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off
Chefs
- David Goldstein – 2023 Gumbo Chef King
- Bruce Johns
- Larry Alexander
- American Culinary Federation Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey
- Executive Chef Philip Gormley – Smithville Inn
- Executive Chef Robert Levenson – 2024 Gumbo Chef King
- Chef David Wong – Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City
- Chef Niko Karamanis – 2024 People’s Choice Winner, Galloway Casual Dining
- Executive Chef Dan Luber – 2024 People’s Choice Winner, Greate Bay Country Club
- Chef Joseph Sheridan – Atlantic Cape Community College Academy of Culinary Arts
- Chef Mohammad – Golden Pyramid Restaurant
- Walter and Paul Gregory – 2023 People’s Choice Winners, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar
- PJ Buckets – Ocean City & Ventnor Seafood Boil Specialists
Judges
- Jeannette Ginza – First Lady of Circle Liquor Store
- Robert Fertsch – Publisher, Shore Local Newsmagazine
- Chef Stephen Johnson – Dock’s Oyster House, Atlantic City
- Chef Michael Buckley – Il Verde Restaurant, Tropicana Atlantic City
- Dr. Ken Jagger
