By Carmen Marotta
Last weekend was Oktoberfest at Smithville Village with dozens of shops and displays. Chef Phil Gormley presented authentic Munich bockwurst made from veal, savory knockwurst with sauerkraut and German side dishes. Also featured were his signature chicken pot pie, prime rib with Yorkshire pudding and fall specialties, including rich pumpkin soup that tastes like “pumpkin pie in a bowl.”
Gregory’s will serve a special Oktoberfest menu every Friday through Monday throughout October, featuring fine German cuisine and a selection of domestic and authentic German beers.
Tony Mart celebrates Columbus Day on Sunday at the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, marking the 42nd anniversary of the filming of “Eddie and the Cruisers.”
John Cafferty, known as a top East Coast rock performer, was chosen by Kenny Vance and Marty Davidson to create the film’s soundtrack. On Saturday, Oct. 12, Cafferty and Beaver Brown will perform a two-hour concert featuring hits from the movie, including “Tender Years,” “On the Dark Side,” “Wild Summer Nights,” and “Boardwalk Angel.” Cafferty will also perform favorites like “Tough All Over” and “Hearts of Fire.”
A concert with one of America’s top bands is a great way to celebrate Columbus Day weekend at the Jersey Shore.
Jordan, the craft beer expert, recommends Southern Tier Pumpkin Ale for its smooth flavor. He also suggests Troeg’s and Victory Oktoberfest, as well as Shipyard Pumpkin. Classic Oktoberfest beers from Munich remain popular, and Circle Liquor Store features five of the seven original Munich breweries in its selection.
Circle Liquor Store also offers over 200 bourbons and an extensive selection of sparkling wines, Rieslings, and Gewürztraminer for Halloween, including Trimbach from Alsace Lorraine for $20.90 and various whites from Fetzer for $9.
Circle is featuring Silver Ghost, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, for $29.99 while supplies last. The Château de la Solitude from the Rhône Valley is available for about $15, or upgrade to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, now reduced to $50.
The list of wines at value prices continues. Wine expert Julia Reilly will join us to discuss options, including the best red Zinfandels for your Halloween party.
David Patrick Wilson, who played the drummer in “Eddie and the Cruisers” (named Kenny in the film) is also one of the stars of the “Where Eddie Lives – Somers Point” show with Billy Walton and Michael “Tunes” Antunes at the Gateway Playhouse on Oct.13.
For tickets to this celebration, which includes a meet and greet, Q&A and concert before the PBS screening of “Eddie and the Cruisers,” visit www.GatewayPlayhousebythebay.org.
Look for more information about pop-up shows and Conservatory Cannabis, a new force in South Jersey’s entertainment scene. They are open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12- 8 p.m. Visit www.conservatorycannabis.com for details and specials.
Tony Mart is planning its first concert event in the Atlantic City Orange Loop district early next year at the Anchor Rock Club. Other upcoming events include a Christmas party with a free concert at Josie Kelly’s on Dec. 12 in Somers Point and additional pop-up concerts. These are made possible by Conservatory Cannabis, to whom we owe tremendous respect and gratitude for helping us support the off-season music party.
In addition to these events, there are plans for weekly free concerts, thanks to the support of Conservatory Cannabis. With autumnal and Oktoberfest beers, a great selection of the finest wines at Circle Liquor, and numerous free and low-cost shows, we are rolling in the hay as a beautiful South Jersey fall season begins.
Let the Good Times Roll!
A special note:
More than just a good time party
By Carmen Marotta
The celebration of “Eddie and the Cruisers” being filmed in South Jersey 42 years ago, along with the coinciding filming of the PBS documentary, “Where Eddie Lives Somers Point,“ is going to be a unique experience. But it’s much more than just a party!
The event will include the PBS filming of a celebrity question and answer session and interviews before and during this show at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.
Even more importantly, donations from the event will help cover the cost of the AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point, helping us maintain its headliner status while not utilizing taxpayer money.
The $40 donation includes a comfortable seat for the meet and greet, question and answer with the stars and the concert with the Billy Walton Band starring Michael “Tunes” Antunes and David Patrick Allen, who played Kenny in the movie.
After hearing about it and speaking with the stars, there will be a celebrity screening of the movie for a full evening of fun.
It’s a classic win-win and we want everyone to be a part of it although there are only 200 seats.
Contact the Gateway Playhouse www.Gatewaybythebay.org to guarantee your part of the experience while doing the right thing: Rock ‘n’ roll for the right reasons and celebrate our legacy in Somers Point.
