“ Surfing Santas hangs 10 this year, marking decade of Cocoa Beach Christmas Eve tradition” - Emilee Speck

“NAMM @ Night Events Events happening on the NAMM Show campus after trade show hours https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/events/namm-at-night Sam Sims Band 10:00 pm to 10:40 pm Artist Event Anaheim Stages, NAMM Hilton Stage ”

“ Local Favorites The Sam Sims Band Plays at the Global NAMM Anaheim Convention Center Trade Show! The trade show included 115,000 people from 140 Countries February 18, 2018       Recently local favorites The Sam Sims Band had the opportunity to perform at NAMM on January 26, 2018!  They were selected amongst many other Global bands to perform at this amazing trade show which included 140 countries, with over 115,000 attendees. The big surprise for all attendees was the performance by global powerhouse band U2. Wow!   The Sam Sims Band says "Big thanks to NAMM, the Anaheim Convention Center Hilton, and the amazing Stage Director for creating a spectacular sound mix of their original music.   Check out the Sam Sims Band http://samsimsmusic.com for upcoming shows around our area!   A big thank you to Estelle with CouCou Photography for taking these great pics of the band at NAMM   Red Hot Magazine is the best local entertainment magazine in Red Bank and the surrounding shore towns. We are musicians, but make no mistake, RedHotMagazine rocks our community and highlights well "what to do in our amazing neighboring shore towns". Thanks for being there for the communities, and for us"-Dimitris Kulaga, The Sam Sims Band   ”

“The Light of Day festival has been announcing new details about the lineups of its shows slowly, over the last several weeks, and most of the lineups are now known. LaBamba’s Big Band and Friends will headline the main concert, Jan. 13 at the Paramount Theatre. The festival will begin with a show at Montclair’s Outpost in the Burbs, Jan. 5, featuring Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D’Urso and others. Willie Nile will be on that bill, too, and will perform at at least three other shows, as well. The Verve Pipe — known for ’90s hits such as “The Freshmen,” “Villains,” “Photograph” and “Hero” — will be part of the “Asbury Angels Induction” concert at the Stone Pony, Jan. 12. And Quincy Mumford & the Reason Why will present a Prince tribute at House of Independents, Jan. 13. Here are the shows and the lineups that are currently known. All events are in Asbury Park unless otherwise noted. I will update this page as more lineups are announced. JAN. 58 p.m.: “Light of Day North Jersey” at Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair. With Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D’Urso, Emily Grove, Isabella Rose, Jon Caspi, Adam Falcon. JAN. 67 p.m.: “Light of Day Philadelphia” at The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia. With Willie Nile & Band, Joe Gruschecky & the Houserockers, Remember Jones, Ben Arnold Band, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan; Jim Boggia, Graham Alexander, John Byrne, Nalani & Sarina, Vini Lopez, Isabella Rose, Lisa Bouchelle. JAN. 71 p.m.: “Cover Me: Best of the Jersey Bar Bands” at Stone Pony. With Marc Ribler and Friends (The Best of George Harrison – The Beatles, Bangladesh & Beyond), Eddie Testa, Light My Fire, Soul Cruisers, Guilty Pleasure, Rockinon, Pat Guadagno & Tired Horses. JAN. 8Time TBA: “Happy Mondays” at Wonder Bar. JAN. 107 p.m.: “Light of Day NYC” at The Cutting Room, New York. With Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Jonny Pi’s Punk Rock Pizzeria, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings The Boss. JAN. 117 p.m.: “Winterfest 2018 Kick-Off” at House of Independents. With Bobby Bandiera’s Tribute to Tom Petty, Dramarama, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings the Boss.7 p.m.: “First Note” at The Saint. With Dentist, The Lemats, Zaritza, JAHK.7 p.m.: “Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam Deluxe” at Wonder Bar. With Karmic Juggernaut, Waiting on Mongo, Secret Sound, Predator Dub Assassins, Keith Kenny, Joe Miller, Strumberry Pie, Juggling Suns (acoustic), Stu Coogan.8 p.m.: “Monmouth University’s Blue Hawk Records Presents” at Langosta Lounge. With Vini (Mad Dog) Lopez, Bobby Mahoney and Zack Sandler, Dan Amato & the Sentimental Gentlemen, Ernest, Nicole Govel, Antonio Gonzalez, Olivia Rohlfs. JAN. 126 p.m.: “Open Mic” at Wonder Bar.6:30 p.m.: “Asbury Angels Induction” at Stone Pony. With The Verve Pipe, Willie Nile, Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys, Bobby Mahoney, Laura Crisci, Pat Toner, Bob Polding, Miss Emily, Mad Kings, Peter Hogklint, Mike Rocket.7 p.m.: “Rock Heavy” at The Saint. With Uncrafted, Everything Falls, Lower the Veil, Dead Fish Handshake, Ropetree, The Walk Arounds.7:30 p.m.: “Cover Band Night” at Silverball Museum Arcade. With Moroccan Sheepherders, Billy’s Fault, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Tim O’Donohue & TMU Band.8 p.m.: Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute), Colossal Street Jam, Bitter Crush at House of Independents.8 p.m.: Albert Lee Band, Bobby Bandiera and Band at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.8:30 p.m.: “Acoustic Carousel” at Langosta Lounge. With Williams Honor, Peter Scherer, Ray Andersen, Colton Kayser, Renee Maskin, Eryn and Matt O’Ree, Paul Whistler, Helen O’Shea, The May Darlings, Sofia Khorosh (SØF), Rick Winowski, George Wirth, Caisy Falzone, Dana Rae, Ashley DeLima, Lauren Patti & Kyle Ward.9 p.m.: Dark City Strings, Sam Sims Band, Ashley McKinley and an acoustic jam hosted by Bobby Mahoney at Asbury Hotel Soundbooth.9 p.m.: Cranston Dean Band, Jessie Lee Herdman and American Trappist (featuring Joe Michelini) at Asbury Park Yacht Club. JAN. 13Noon: “Asbury Blues” at Wonder Bar. Billy Walton Band, Karen Phillips, Tony Tedesco & Full Fathom 5, James Dalton, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Norman Seldin (Fats Domino tribute), Joe Whyte, RB3, String Bean, Papa John Bug & The Jam Band.Noon: “Women of Song” at The Saint. With Layonne Holmes, Tara Elliott, Maureen McCrink, Rosemary Conte, Jo Wymer, Pam McCoy, Debbie Gangemi.Noon to 7 p.m.: “Asbury Underground” at various venues.6 p.m.: “Bob’s Birthday Bash” at Paramount Theatre. LaBamba’s Big Band and Friends (with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds), Willie Nile Band, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, James Maddock & Band, Garland Jeffreys, Remember Jones, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Greg Kihn, Luke Elliot, Isabella Rose, Rob Dye.6:20 p.m.: “Full Tilt Boogie Bash” at Wonder Bar. With Billy Hector, Laura Crisci, Christine Martucci, Colton Kayser, Mike Miz, Slyders, Sharon Lasher, Dawg Whistle, Strumberry Pie.7 p.m.: Guitar Army with John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson at The Saint.7 p.m.: Quincy Mumford & the Reason Why (Prince tribute) at House of Independents.7:30 p.m.: Greg Kihn, Ben Arnold Band at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.8 p.m.: “Women Who Rock” at Asbury Park Yacht Club. With Renee Maskin, Tara Dente, Mack, Pamela Flores, Lauren Patti.9 p.m.: “Late Night Live” at Langosta Lounge. With The Doughboys. JAN. 14Noon: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Watermark. With Luke Elliot, Rachel Dobson, Arlon Bennett, Hans Ludviggson, David Vargo, Taylor Tote, John Sonntag.Noon: “Kids Rock” at Stone Pony. With Rockit Music (Count Basie Theatre), Rock’N Music Academy (Middletown), Lakehouse Music (Asbury Park), School of Rock (Red Bank), Sonic Blume, Marel Hidalgo, RadioActive, Radioactive duo, Amanda Conti, Indigo Mane, Calling Avery.Noon: “Musicians on a Mission” at The Saint. With Ty Mares & the Running Dog Band, Nick Ryan Band, Downstream, The Cucumbers, The Wag.3 p.m.: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Langosta Lounge. Bruce Tunkel, Karen Mansfield, Pat Guadagno, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi,Joshua, Scott Elk.6 p.m.: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. With James Maddock, Joe Grushecky, Joe D’Urso, John Easdale, Peter Elkas, Emily Grove, Joe Rapolla, Williams Honor, Ben Arnold.7:30 p.m.: “Last Note” at The Saint. With Random Test, Funktion. JAN. 1510:30 a.m.: “Goodbye Brunch” at Robinson Ale House.” - JAY LUSTIG

“10/05/17, Red Bank Was Abuzz With 8th Annual Guinness Oysterfest, White Street Parking Lot, Red Bank, NJ, Dimitris Kulaga, John O’Neill, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Aaron Manzo”

“SAM SIMS BAND – EAST STAGE – 3PM – 4:30 Sam Sims Band has organically grown into a vibrant, yet laid-back melodic sound. The music has island feel and is rooted mostly in folk-rock, reggae and blues. Sam has been writing songs for over twenty years. The band plays both originals & covers and features first class musicians including: Kyle Ward, a guitar genius and soon to be graduate of Berklee College of Music; Dimitris Kulaga, life-long percussionist in Latin, rock, and folk music styles; Aaron Manzo, an outstanding bass player, guitar player and songwriter with a natural sense of rhythm.  Sam’s songs have been featured on prime-time television shows (CBS’ Hawaii 5-0 aired Sam’s Hawaiian Christmas Song in 2013 and 2014). With four full-length albums and a single to date, Sam’s heartfelt music encompasses melodically-voiced acoustic guitar, ukulele, exquisite lyrics, and soulful vocals. Kyle Ward is looked at by many as one of the best guitarists around the Jersey Shore, having won many awards at the young age of only 21. Dimitris Kulaga is always an entertaining performer who plays many different percussion instruments from all over the world. Lastly, Aaron Manzo brings in nice sounding low-frequency with his graceful, extremely tasteful bass guitar style. The band has shared stages with well-respected acts such as the Legendary Wailers, Willie Nile, Steve Forbert and Rob Machado. The group has been recording, working with Bruce Springsteen’s producer; they plan to release a full-length album in 2017.        SAMSIMSMUSIC.COM” - Red Bank Guinness Oysterfest

“Rock the Farm Festival Paves the Road to Recovery  ” - Jen Rubino

“CFC Loud N Clear Foundation "Rock The Farm" Music and Food Festival Event Date: August 27, 2016 Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno joins CFC Loud N Clear Foundation's "Rock The Farm" Music and Food Festival at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The benefit raises funds in support of the Foundation's mission - Rebuilding Lives, Healing Families and Supporting Recovery. (NJ Office of Information Technology) ” - State of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

“ Highlands Annual Clamfest opens Aug. 4   Friday, July 22, 2016 HIGHLANDS (July 25, 2016) – Food and music lovers will fill the streets at the Highlands Business Partnership’s 22nd Annual Clam Fest from Aug. 4 to Aug. 7 at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch avenues.The famous Clam Fest is a four-day spectacular event featuring a 120’ seafood court serving the freshest food from many of Highlands’ restaurants. Other festival favorites include the Lions Club Funnel Cakes and the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent.Admission and parking is free, and the event takes place rain or shine.The 22nd Annual Clam Fest will feature a huge Beer and Wine Garden on the corner of Waterwitch and Bay avenues sponsored by Shore Point Distributing Company, Lil John’s Construction and Frank Rahm Landscaping. Blue-sky Amusements will set up the midway with portions of Waterwitch and Bay avenues closed to street traffic to accommodate the thrill rides, games of chance, specialty vendors and the succulent food court.On Thursday, Aug. 4, the action takes place from 6 - 10 p.m. Opening night is “Pay-One-Price Bracelet Night,” when visitors can enjoy the amusement rides all night from 6 - 10 p.m. for $30. Local favorite, Brian Kirk and the Jirks will perform from 7 - 10 p.m. and DJ Johnny Jonze will emcee the festival.Clam Fest hours are 6 - 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, with entertainment by The Moroccan Sheepherders, performing from 7 – 11 p.m.On Saturday, Aug. 6th, the festival begins at noon, with the Highlands Community Singers featuring their hit, “Happy As A Clam,” followed by the Phil Engel Band from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. The Josh Zuckerman Band takes the stage from 4 - 7:30 p.m. finishing with the Jonzes who will perform until 11 p.m.Clam Fest hours on Sunday, Aug. 7 are 12 - 8 p.m. with Pay-OnePrice ride bracelets available for $30. The Sam Sims Band will be performing on the stage from 12 - 3 p.m. The popular Baby Costume Contest, “A Day at the Shore,” directed by the Highlands Department of Recreation takes place at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Huddy Park.The Clam Fest’s world-class clam-shucking competition kicks off at 3 p.m. sponsored by Lusty Lobster and has first-, second- and third-place prizes to the fastest clam shuckers. The famous All You Can Eat Clam Contest sponsored by the Highlands Business Partnership will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. This is also first-, second- and third-place contest to the person who can eat themost clams in five five minutes. The All You Can Eat Clam Contest will be limited to 20 entries. Registration for all Contests begins at noon.Steel Rail Blues will perform from 4 - 8 p.m.The Highlands Business Partnership’s “King of the Clam” super 50/50 raffle will be drawn on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 9 p.m. Also, purchase a chance to win a getaway to the Cayman Islands; chances are $5 and include eight nights, airfare, transfer fees, attractions and more. Proceeds to benefit the Highlands PoliceExplorer’s Learning For Life Program. Cayman Airways, Marriott Resort-Grand Cayman and Sunshine Suites-Resort Grand Cayman make this spectacular getaway for two possible.Clam Fest 2016 is made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including Seastreak, Cayman Island Tourism, Comcast NBC Universal, WRAT 95, Hufnagel Tree Experts, T&M Associates, Shore Point Distributing Company, Bayshore/Montecalvo Family of Companies and TriBar Services.For more information on the Highlands Business Partnership’s events or programs, please call 732-291-4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com. ” - Heidi Hackett

“ FilmOneFest sees 1,000 patrons show up on Sunday rain date FilmOneFest Event emcee and judge Jon Crowley (from left), judge Joan Ellis, Director’s Choice Award winners Rich Elliot and Ryan Barry, FilmOneFest Managing Director Corinna Thuss and judge Victor Zak congratulated the filmmakers for their winning film, “Bridge The Gap.” Photo courtesy Sally Stopper • StopSallyStop Photography Friday, July 22, 2016 By Heidi HackettATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — (July 22, 2016) - Saturday’s rain did not dampen the spirits of organizers of Atlantic Highlands’ popular festival of supershort films — FilmOneFest. Even though it forced postponement of the event until Sunday, nearly 1,000 viewers still journeyed to Atlantic Highlands Marina Park to experience New Jersey’s unique film festival that celebrates films under two minutes in length from all over the world. These guests were rewarded with a great evening, not just of film, but also of music, food, drink, art and socializing under the sun and stars. “FilmOneFest is our favorite local event,” said resident Sarah Chiles, whose family had arrived early for choice seating on the great lawn. “Even though there is so much going on, it’s also relaxing to sit here in the park, by the water, and watch these amazing films. We never miss it.” This year, some viewers opted to watch the program from their cars, at FilmOneFest’s new drive-in area, a nod to a New Jersey invention.  Event co-founder Robert O’Connor said, “Viewers, young and old, relived a classic American experience.”Drive-in Chair and Emcee Jon Crowley added, “We are so happy about the enthusiastic response we received.”By the 5 p.m. opening Sunday, the afternoon sun had erased any memories of the Saturday storm. Arriving guests staked out comfortable viewing spots on great lawn, and then strolled the area, visiting craft vendors and local food stands offering Thai, Mexican and other cuisines. Many guests enjoyed the stilt walker, face-painters and clowns, while others settled in with friends, family, food and drink to enjoy the early program. The popular, local Sam Sims Band opened the event with laid-back, reggae-infused folk rock that blended well with the warm afternoon sun and breezes. Event Emcees Marie Jackson and Jon Crowley then introduced ‘FilmYoungFest,’ an impressive program of films submitted by filmmakers under 18. Award-winning blues vocalist Regina Bonelli followed, delivering on a mix of original and classic blues songs. The evening’s musical lineup was capped by a return appearance of Working Class Hussys, a Southern-flavored, NJ alternative rock band that got some in the crowd, even the stilt-walker, up and dancing. At 9 p.m., the main screening of the 44 selected supershort films began. Judges’ top picks were announced, and the Audience Choice award was selected in real time by the audience. The winning films were:Special AwardsFilmYoungFest Award: “Spliced” (Canada).Director’s Choice Award: “Bridge The Gap” (USA).Gartenberg Award for Excellence: “One Minute” (Russia).Best Animation: “If the Cuckoo Don’t Crow” (UK).Audience Choice Award: “Where’d You Go, Boy?” (USA).Jury Awards“I’ve Grown Up” (France).“Success” (UK).“Cool Unicorn Bruv” (UK).“Class” (Iran).FilmOneFest has grown in size and prestige over the last eight years, becoming an important festival stop for supershort filmmakers. Even with this growth, however, it is a non-profit organization, committed to “free access to the arts at the community level,” said O’Connor.  It takes multiple fundraisers, and the generous help of supporters, to bring FilmOneFest to life each year. All proceeds are donated to Monmouth County Foodbank, Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry and the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC). The AHAC holds a series of fundraising events throughout the year: a benefit dinner, Sony Pictures Classics movie premieres, and a launch party. This year’s launch party, held at A.J. Dillon Gallery in Atlantic Highlands, honored Dido and Sark Krikorian, local business owners (Blue Bay Inn, Copper Canyon and Gaslight restaurants) and long-time supporters, with the Community Leadership Award. “Even with all these events, though, we still could not do it without our amazing sponsors,” said Managing Director Corinna Thuss. “Thank you to our distinguished panel of judges, our media sponsors Wells Fargo, Thomas Paine House and Valkyrie Squash Club, local sponsors and advertisers, Tom Bernard of Sony Pictures Classics for providing us with world-class films for our benefit premiere screenings, the Monmouth County Arts Council for their continued belief in our vision, Fred and Mickey Rast and Atlantic Cinemas, Mayor Randi LeGrice, Borough Administrator Adam Hubeny, Harbor Commissioner Frank McDonald, Harbor Master John Amici and the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission, and the business community and residents of Atlantic Highlands for supporting this festival.”She also thanks PepsiCo, Sickles Market and ZOOP! catering for donating wonderful hospitality tent and VIP foods, and Whole Foods for FilmOneFest’s celebratory cake and assorted donated food to the public, including fruit, smoothies and desserts. Leftover fruit was donated to the food pantry. FilmOneFest is a project of AHAC, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Its mission is to strengthen community through the arts. For information, visit www.aharts.org. FilmOneFest is made possible in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The New Jersey State Council on the Arts. ” - Heidi Hackett