All Branches of Ocean County Library Closed Friday

In-staff training shutters all branches for the day.

All 21 locations of the Ocean County System will be closed on Friday, May 18 for staff in service training. The library system will reopen normal business hours on Saturday, May 19. The Ocean County Library website services are still in operation. For the Toms River Branch, Saturday's hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the Waretown branch is closed until further notice due to structural damage occurring as a result of an automobile accident on May 4. The Brick branch will open a temporary location on May 21 in the Town Hall Shoppes (990 Cedar Bridge Avenue). The Chambersbridge Road branch closed for interior renovation May 17. The temporary location opens May 21 and the hours of operation are Monday through Thursday (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.), …

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Ana Egge to Perform at Brick's 'Rosie's Cafe'

The singer-songwriter will perform songs from all seven of her records

'Rosie's Cafe' is a series of concerts in Brick hosted at the home of a township resident. On Sunday, singer-songwriter Ana Egge will perform at Rosie’s Cafe as part of her spring and summer tour. Brick Patch had a chance to talk to her about her newest album and what people can expect from her performance in Brick. Patch: For our readers who have not yet heard about you and your music, please tell us a little about yourself. Ana Egge: I’m a singer/song writer living in New York. I grew up out west. I have seven records out now and have been on tour for the past few years of my life. Patch: I’ve had a chance to listen to some of your music. It sounds great! How would you classify your musical style and what you perform? AE: Thank you. Folk…

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Just Kait: Not Your Average Girl

Toms River's 19-year-old musician Kait DiBendetto manages growing up while realizing her dream

Many people may never know the name of Kait DiBenedetto. However, this 19-year-old local music prodigy from Toms River has gained a large following as “Just Kait.” She has gained success and fame some only imagine, especially given her young age. Kait has dedicated her life to music. Even with the amount of success she's found, she has remained true to who she's always been. She's followed her heart and made her dreams a reality.  Dolla Bil Facciponte: Have you always had an interest in making music?  Kait DiBenedetto: Definitely. When I was little, I would pretend baseball bats were guitars so I think I've always had a love for it.  DB: What was your inspiration for getting into music? KD: My dad was a big part of it. When I was growing …

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Brielle Native And Former Brick-Based "Metaler" Leads Band's Revival

Mark Tornillo, a Manasquan High School alumnus, was working as a union electrician when a friend asked him in 2009 to join a jam session with the heavy metal band Accept

The successful and surprising comeback of veteran German heavy metal band Accept ranks among the more noteworthy stories in the genre over the past three years. Even more unlikely is the critical role that Brielle native and singer Mark Tornillo has played in the Teutonic thrashers’ resurrection. Prior to joining Accept, Tornillo was best-known as the frontman for T.T. Quick, the Brick-based metalers who released two albums in the mid-80s and were a staple on the New Jersey and New York club scene. This past Tuesday, April 10, Accept released “Stalingrad,” the band’s highly-anticipated second album to feature the Jersey shore-bred vocalist. Tornillo’s Accept debut, “Blood of the Nations,” was hailed by many fans and critics as 2010’s heavy…

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Band With Brick Roots Celebrates St. Patrick's Day at the Shore

The Snakes proudly sing, "I Love St. Patrick's Day on the Jersey Shore."

Lots of folks know that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, pushing them into the sea – and leaving the Emerald Isle "snakeless" to this day. Apparently, a few slithered to our own shores and gave rise to the latest Irish folk/rock band, the Snakes, aimed at spreadin’ a little good cheer. While that may be a bit o’ blarney, ‘tis true that on one recent Saturday night, the Snakes slithered in to their frequent haunt, St. Stephen’s Green Publick House in Spring Lake Heights, and proved why they may be the perfect antidote for the late winter blahs. Like a blustery gust of fresh air, the Snakes have managed to breathe fresh life into a genre that can be as musty as a damp Irish wool sweater and as ubiquitous as corned beef and …

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Kudos

St. Patrick's Day Events Fueling Charity Fundraisers

Corned beef dinners, dances all on the lineup

Still revved up from the weekend's parade in Seaside Heights? You've got lots of choices to prolong the leprechaun magic, at St. Patrick's Day events in the Toms River area. Many of them are fundraisers for nonprofits. So grab some corned beef, and check out our list of what's going on: March 15: Open Arms is hosting the 18th Annual St. Patty's Day Fundraiser. Corned beef sandwich lunch for $10 includes coleslaw and dessert. Orders of 10 or more can be delivered by volunteers upon request in Toms River and surrounding areas. Otherwise, sandwiches can be picked up at thePresbyterian Church, 1070 Hooper Ave., Toms River (corner of Chestnut & Hooper Ave.) All proceeds benefit CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties (24/7 crisis hotline) and …

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Is the Best Young Singer in America from New Jersey?

Three singers who grew up in the Garden State are among the finalists on 'The Voice' and 'American Idol.'

Is the best young singer in the nation from New Jersey? Three Garden State natives are among the finalists competing nationally on two separate singing competitions, NBC's The Voice and Fox's American Idol. Former Kinnelon resident Elise Testone came close to elimination Thursday night on American Idol, finishing in the bottom two slots when all of the votes from viewers of the program were tallied. But the three Idol judges, singers Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler and music producer Randy Jackson, decided to keep her on the show and send fellow contestant Jeremy Rosado home. Testone is a 2001 graduate of Kinnelon High School who went to college in North Carolina and remained there after graduation. Although she's been forbidden from …

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St. Patrick's Day Events in Toms River Area

Corned Beef, Celtic Music, parades and special events o'plenty

Looking for where to best celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? It's weeks of Irish-themed events in the Toms River area. Here are a few ideas. March 8: Irish Night at Jack Baker's Water Street Bar & Grille, 5 p.m. March 8 Irish menu specials begin. Phil Engel Duo performs 8 to midnight. March 10: Ocean County Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Seaside Heights, events all day. The 28th annual parade begins at noon. The parade this year is dedicated to “Honor and Remember” a Flag, recognizing the sacrifice of all our fallen military heroes. Join in after the parade to present personalized flags to local Gold Star families who lost loved ones in service . You can also make a donation to help make sure all families get a personalized "Honor and Remember" …

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Celebrating Black History Month: Local Events

Head to your local library or community center for events honoring African-American heritage

Local libraries and other venues have scheduled a host of events celebrating and honoring African-American history and culture in recognition of Black History Month. Check out these offerings in Ocean County. Quilting for Freedom-Drop In Craft: Ocean County Library-Berkeley Branch. Stop in anytime this month to make a drop-in craft. Create a paper quilt square displaying your family name, to be added to our community quilt honoring Black History Month. Learn about freedom quilts and the Underground Railroad. All ages.  Black History Month Karaoke Celebration: Feb. 28, 6 p.m. Ocean County Library-Berkeley Branch. Sing along with the famous black singers from the ages in a celebration of diversity in music.  Please contact YA Librarian …

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