The next dates are:

Friday, April 27 - The Bell House, Brooklyn
Saturday, April 28 - Club Helsinki, Hudson, NY

Here Before was recorded at Water Music in Hoboken, New Jersey produced by Feelies founders Glenn Mercer and Bill Million. Besides Glenn on rhythm/lead guitar and lead vocals, and Bill on guitar and vocals, the album features Feelies mainstays Brenda Sauter (bass, vocals), Stanley Demeski (drums), and Dave Weckerman (percussion).

The Feelies quickly became one of the most zealously touted acts on the highly competitive late 70s New York scene and underground heroes in their native New Jersey. They were signed to the trendsetting British label Stiff and released their debut album Crazy Rhythms in 1980. Rolling Stone, Spin and countless other magazines would eventually declare the album one of the greatest of that era but it was not a commercial success upon its initial release. The Feelies soon felt stifled by their dealings with Stiff and took a six year "hiatus" from recording while its members continued to write, record and perform together and in collaboration with friends and neighbors under names like "the Trypes," "Yung Wu" and "the Willies." Feelies' music wound up in a number of films including Smithereens and Jonathan Demme's Something Wild.

The Feelies proper re-emerged with a new rhythm section (the line-up they've had ever since and that appears on Here Before) in 1984 and
recorded The Good Earth, co-produced by Million, Mercer and REM's Peter Buck). The album was released 1986 on the Coyote label (run by Steve
Fallon, owner of Hoboken, NJ's Maxwells, and the group's manager for a spell), followed by two further releases on Coyote through Twin/Tone/A&M: Only Life (1988) and Time For A Witness (1991). The band shared bills with Patti Smith, LouReed, REM and Bob Dylan during this period and toured nationally.

In 1992 Bill Million left the music business, moving his family to Florida and effectively putting the band on what turned out to be a very long hiatus. Meanwhile, Glenn and Dave continued playing together in Wake Ooloo, Stanley was a founding member of the band Luna and Brenda played in a number of groups including her own Wild Carnations. Glenn Mercer put out his first solo album in 2007.

In 2008, the Feelies re-united to open for long time admirers Sonic Youth at Battery Park and then resurrected their tradition of playing low key gigs around national holidays (many at their old home base, Maxwell's) rather than doing lengthy tours. In 2009 Bar/None re-issued Crazy Rhythms and The Good Earth, this being the first band-sanctioned CD release of the former; both titles were also issued on heavyweight vinyl and with download cards for access to bonus tracks. A highlight of the All Tomorrows Parties festival in New York state that year was the Feelies playing Crazy Rhythms in its entirety for the very first time. They also introduced new songs written by Mercer and Million raising fans' hopes for a new album eventually materializing.

In 2010, using the basement studio in Mercer's New Jersey home, Glenn and Bill resumed writing songs and working out arrangements for new Feelies songs in the midst of rehearsals for live shows in Boston, Philadelphia and D.C. with Bill commuting back and forth from Florida for this. By Fall that year, the band had worked up 13 songs. Basic tracks were cut at Water Music in October with the classic Feelies line-up of Mercer, Million, Demeski, Sauter and Weckerman; tracking dates were engineered by Sean Kelly who also helped out with overdubbing sessions in November and mixing in December. In addition to their main instruments Brenda played violin and sang backup vocals, Glenn contributed keyboards and Bill, Stan, Glenn and Dave all pitched in on percussion.

Many of their fans probably didn't think they would ever get a chance to see the Feelies perform again let alone have a new album in their hands. Here Before adds a solid fifth album to the Feelies discography. The album has been released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl with a download card.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/thefeelies or http://www.thefeeliesweb.com

SUCH AS US HAS THREE UPCOMING NYC SHOWS

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:08:08

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Such As Us, an alternative rock band based in the New York/New Jersey area, has three upcoming shows in New York City. The band will be performing at the Alphabet Lounge on Friday, February 3; Connolly's Klub 45 on Friday, February 24; and Bar East Ale House on Thursday, March 8.

The band is touring in support of their first full-length CD, "...In This One Cold Blink Of Time..." which was released last August. The CD has 15 original songs that are melodic and poetic. The lyrics cover a wide range of progressive issues faced in modern times such as justice, peace and love, etc.

Such As Us has a sound reminiscent of The Mamas & The Papas but with a modern twist. They address important issues- justice, peace, love, the environment and so on. And they are unapologetic activists in New York Friends of Clearwater, an organization founded by folk icon, Pete Seeger. They also have joined the protesters in the Occupy Wall Street movement.

The band is comprised of Melissa Connell (Missy) on Bass, Vocals; Chris Kitlan Burns on Guitar, Vocals; Vivian Stoll (Viv) on Drums; Gina Tlamsa on Flute, Violin, Mandolin and Vocals; Carl Fortunato on Keyboards and Vocals; Michael Lengyel on Percussion; and Joni Note on Percussion.

Among their fans is Sid Bernstein, the famous promoter who used to work with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Here are the details for the three shows:

1. The Alphabet Lounge
Friday, Feb 3, 2012
9:30 p.m.
104 Avenue C (at the corner of 7th Street)
Admission: $10
21 & over

2. Connollys Klub 45
Friday, Feb. 24th, 2012
9 p.m.
121 West 45th Street (between 6th Avenue and Bway.)
third floor
Admission: $10
21 & over

3. Bar East Ale House
Thursday, March 8 2012
7:45 p.m.
1733 1st Avenue at 90th Street.
Admission: $10
21 & over

4TH ANNUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FROM SKYLINE THEATRE COMPANY FOR BERGEN COUNTY STUDENTS

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:08:02

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(BERGEN COUNTY, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company is continuing to give back high school seniors in Bergen County in 2012. For the 4th year in a row, Skyline is offering a $1000.00 cash scholarship to support Bergen County students who will be furthering their education in theatre, television, film, or communications. The Harry K. Berkheiser Jr. Scholarship, named for New Jersey educator and founding STC member Harry K. Berkheiser Jr., has been awarded yearly to a Bergen County High School senior who has a true passion for and will be furthering their higher education in one of these art forms. Any Bergen County high school senior who will be entering college majoring in theatre, television, film or communications may submit an application, found on the STC web site www.skylinetheatrecompany.org/Education.html click Scholarships). The deadline for all applications is March 15, 2012.

"This scholarship is truly part of Harry's legacy." says Sam Scalamoni, Skyline's Artistic Director. "We at Skyline are so proud to be able to extend this scholarship for young people who show a true commitment and dedication to these branches of the arts." Mr. Berkheiser passed away on October 9, 2007. The cash scholarship will be awarded to the winner at this year's Skyline gala "Concert of Stars" on April 22nd at the Saddlebrook Marriott.

Applications for the Harry K. Berkheiser Scholarship must be returned to The Skyline Theatre Company via US mail, postmarked no later than March 15, 2012, addressed to Scholarship Committee, Skyline Theatre Company, PO Box 1115, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-8115. Applications are reviewed and awarded by a committee of the STC Board of Trustees consisting of professional artists and educators. Continued tax deductible contributions to secure the longevity of this valuable scholarship may be sent to Skyline at the same address.

Skyline Theatre Company is a Bergen County professional theatre company that brings artists together from the tri-state area, producing plays and musicals at The George Frey Center for Arts and Recreation in Fair Lawn. Its Artists in Focus series brings professionals from the entertainment industry into the classroom to teach workshops and seminars in theatre, film, and television.

Skyline Theatre Company is a proud associate member of the prestigious New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and is comprised of a diverse group of artists, business people and educators who are committed to bringing high quality theatre and arts programs to Bergen County.

ROWAN FACULTY 'SLICE THE AIR' IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH PERFORMANCE

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:05:05

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(GLASSBORO, NJ) - As part of Rowan University's African-American History Month observance, the College of Fine & Performing Arts Faculty Spotlight Series presents "They Slice The Air: An Evening of African-American Spirituals, Slave Narratives and Poetry" on Thursday, February 2 at 8 pm in Pfleeger Concert Hall.

Baritone Lourin Plant, dancer Paule Turner and pianist Alexander Timofeev, members of the FPA faculty, collaborate on a program that includes spirituals (arranged by Johnson, Burleigh and Bonds), reflective dance and recitations of historic slave writings. Guest artists James Osby and David Bollar are readers for the evening.

Plant's presentations on African-American spirituals have been featured in state, regional and international conferences, including a tour of Ukraine. He has performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Opera, Dayton Opera, Amherst Early Music Festival, Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Philadelphia Ancient Voices, Voces Novae et Antiquae and in touring ensembles for Michael Crawford, Russell Watkins and Barbra Streisand. At Rowan, he has served as coordinator of the vocal division and conductor of the Chamber and Concert choirs and Collegium Musicum early music ensemble.

Turner has been a highly visible and active member of the Philadelphia dance community, named among the "Top 25 to Watch" by Dance Magazine in 2000 and hailed as Philly's most madcap movement artist. As a choreographer and performer, he has created "dance dramas" that are at once entertaining, compelling and humorous, while also confronting politics full force He earned a B.F.A. in Dance from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.F.A. in Dance from Temple. Turner serves as Dance Coordinator and Advisor/Artistic Director of Dance Extensions in the Department of Theatre & Dance.

Timofeev is an acclaimed pianist, winning the Eastman School Concerto Competition, Niss Piano Competition in Serbia and Margaret Guthman Piano Competition in Atlanta. As a composer, his work has earned top prizes in competitions and festivals in England, Russia, Slovakia, Belarus, Romania, Moldova and the United States. He made his debut as a conductor with the National Chamber Orchestra of Moldova and has conducted Britten's opera Noye's Fludde and the Concerto Winners Concert at the 2008 Northern Lights Music Festival. He has degrees from Rowan and Eastman School of Music.

Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Pfleeger Concert Hall is located in Wilson Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ. For directions and information, contact the box office at (856) 256-4545, email arts@rowan.edu or visit www.rowan.edu/fpa.

GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL CITED FOR TOURISM GENERATION

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:02:09

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(Asbury Park, NJ) -- The Garden State Film Festival has been selected to receive the 2012 Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) Tourism Achievement Award in recognition for its significant contribution to improving the economy of the bi-county area through tourism. The award will be presented at the MODC's Silver Gull Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune.

"This wonderful honor coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Garden State Film Festival," notes Festival Co-Founder and Executive Director, Diane Raver. "We are thrilled our ten years of hard work and community involvement are being recognized in this fashion. It means so much to the hundreds of volunteers and filmmakers who are part of our growing festival family." This year's Festival will take place March 22-25, 2012 and include enhanced anniversary-related festivities. Asbury Park's historic boardwalk attractions The Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall remain the hub of Festival activities along with a number of other area venues.

The Silver Gull Tourism Achievement Award recognizes the significant impact GSFF has had on Asbury Park and the greater shore region. Over 30,000 people attend Festival related events annually; and according to Asbury Park officials $400,000 is driven into the local economy by the Festival each year.

"We had a large number of nominations this year and the competition was very keen. We are delighted that the Garden State Film Festival has been chosen to receive the coveted Silver Gull Award," explains MODC Executive Director Benjamin J. Waldron. The MODC is a consortium of business and civic leaders committed to the economic health and growth of the bi-county region. Members serve on a number committees dedicated to the betterment of the area including: business growth and development; economic development; government relations; energy and the environment; and marketing.

WAKAH CHAN CD RELEASE PARTY & MASQUERADE BALL

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:05:00

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(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Trinity & The Pope's Voodoo Lounge is proud to present 2011 Asbury Music Award Top Jam/Groove band, Wakah Chan, in concert on Saturday, January 28th 2011 at 9:30pm. The concert will be held at Trinity & The Pope's upstairs Voodoo Lounge 649 Mattison Ave. Asbury Park NJ 07712. The show is all age, 21 to drink and admission is Free. Also performing; Thomas Wesley Stern and Accidental Seabirds.

There is nothing quite like Wakah Chan; soulful, moody and evocative music, where each member shines and brings their totality to the table. They have won over the most diverse of crowds; from playing high end lounges, to dive bars and everything in between. Young and old alike, they have never found a crowd that did not resonate with their sound. One fan said If ya cant groove to that, you ain't got no soul."

In a short time Wakah Chan has captivated the Tri-state music scene with a style all their own. They have played some of the finest venues in the area and have great plans for the future including the upcoming release of their debut studio EP, "The Art Of Compromise". Wakah Chan also gives as much as they are given, playing benefits and fundraisers for the Monmouth SPCA, Light Of Day Foundation, and Relay For Life among other causes close to their hearts.

"Wakah Chan rubs the funk on a brand of Bluesified Jazz-Rock that has captivated Asbury audiences up and down the boardwalk for decades it seems... the not so free form four-piece does recall a time when the gin-swigging speakeasies of the underground were the preferred music venue of choice..." CHRIS ROTOLO, SPEAK INTO MY GOOD EYE

"Wakah Chan is based in Asbury Park but they call the whole Tri-State area their playground, performing at festivals, clubs and just about any venue that craves their colorful sounds including fundraisers and benefits for charities such as Relay For Life, Strangers Helping Strangers and the Monmouth County SPCA. With a constant impetus to uplift and play to the crowd, Wakah Chan continue to hone their fun and quirky sound while creating an interactive and positive energy exchange on the music scene and dance floors everywhere." JOHN PFEIFFER -- THE AQUARIAN

This show is to celebrate the release of our debut EP, "The Art Of Compromise". This is a Masquerade Ball as well, so dress as wild as you want, there will also be a free raffle for great gift baskets we have made.

Please visit the Wakah Chan website at http://www.wakahchanmusic.com for more information.

LIBERTY HALL MUSEUM CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS IN FEBRUARY

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:02:04

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(Union, NJ) Love and romance are the themes for Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University with special Valentine's events during February. Visitors can enjoy several opportunities to celebrate with their significant others and take in the museum's impressive collection of artifacts in the historic Victorian mansion.

Liberty Hall hosts the Sweetheart Valentine's Tea on Wednesday, February 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A menu of finger sandwiches, herbal teas and dessert is offered in the glass enclosed porch overlooking formal English gardens, picturesque even during the winter months. A guided tour of the museum accompanies the luncheon. On Saturday, February 11 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Liberty Hall opens its doors for couples to share a unique evening. Wine and cheese is served and a romantic move is shown during Liberty Hall's Valentine's Day Date Night.

The Annual Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea will be held on Sunday, February 12 from noon to 3:00 pm, offering something special for that someone special. Guests will enjoy a Valentine's repast while being entertained by a presentation on the history and traditions of Valentine's Day. The afternoon includes a fashion show of period garments worn by historic couples.

Reservations are required for all events and can be made by calling 908-527.0400. The program fee for the Sweetheart's Valentine's Tea is $40 per person; the fees for the Annual Afternoon Tea and the Date Night are both $55 per couple.

The museum is an entertainment destination not only for couples, but also for history aficionados, families, seniors and student groups The ongoing exhibit during 2012 is The Weary and the Wounded: 72 Hours in the Life of a Civil War Nurse. This exhibit commemorates Christine Kean Griffin's service, and the service of all Civil War nurses. Admission to this exhibit is free; a fee applies for a tour of Liberty Hall.

Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University was the one-time home of New Jersey's first elected governor, William Livingston. Chronicling more than 200 years of American history, the museum and its grounds are a treasure trove of significant riches. Along with forgotten letters from Thomas Jefferson, Liberty Hall also houses extensive collections of antique furniture, ceramics, textiles, toys and tools owned by seven generations of the Livingston and Kean families. The property boasts manicured gardens and fruitful orchards and vegetable fields. The Firehouse is the latest addition to the Museum's complex housing antique fire engines and a collection of fire memorabilia.

General admission to the museum for regular visits is $10 for adults, $8 for Kean University alumni, $6 for students (ages 3 17) and free to children under three, Liberty Hall Museum members and Kean University students, faculty and staff. Liberty Hall is located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, e-mail libertyhall@kean.edu or visit www.kean.edu/libertyhall.

HELLO STRANGERS WINS AIRPLAY DIRECT "WIN AN AMERICANA RECORD DEAL" CONTEST

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originally published: 2012-01-21 00:09:06

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AirPlay Direct is proud to announce that "The Hello Strangers" have taken home the grand prize package for the "APD Win an Americana Record Deal" contest.

"It is hard to describe how it feels to win an Americana record deal after years of gigging and self-promotion at the grassroots level," says Larissa of The Hello Strangers. "Just being in the Top 5 with the caliber of artists we were paired with was an honor alone. We feel we have just won the contest of our lives, and are incredibly grateful and excited to work with the team that AirPlay Direct has assembled for us."

"The Hello Strangers have such a unique sound that cuts right at the roots of the Americana genre. Fresh, innovative structures with unforgettable vocals," says Robert Weingartz, Chairman and CEO of AirPlay Direct.

To discover broadcast quality recordings of their independent project, visit http://www.airplaydirect.com/thehellostrangers.

The grand prize package features all the tools to successfully create, produce and distribute a record out to the global music community. The full prize package includes the following:

IMI Records recording contract.

12 song studio recording, musicians, mixing, artwork & retail distribution.
Visit www.imimusic.com for additional information on the label.

AirPlay Direct & Direct Buzz global radio distribution and marketing package.

Hard Rock Nashville: 2 live performances or opening act slots.

Songlines LTD. Americana radio promotion campaign to the AMA airplay chart.

Western Heart Promotions global radio promotion and reporting package.

PLA Media public relations consulting package.

Street Gypsy/ L.A. Consulting image and performance consultations.

Radio Mavens global internet radio promotion package.
For additional information, visit www.AirPlayDirect.com .

About AirPlay Direct:
AirPlay Direct is a global digital music delivery system servicing radio and the entertainment industry with downloadable content from some of the biggest names in music, alongside rising independent artists. AirPlay Directs web-based artist marketing, promotion, education and advocacy platform allows artists, record labels, and music publishers to securely deliver broadcast-quality music and digital press kits to industry professionals worldwide. Our system allows media programmers and film/TV music supervisors to connect to new music, create music calls, browse top downloaded artists, and immediately download music and related artist information. AirPlay Direct recently introduced our genre-based APD Global Radio Indicator Charts which track the download activity that our members music receives from our world-wide radio panel. AirPlay Direct also publishes the digital/interactive publication, the Direct Buzz.

SWEET DREAMS: DREAMCATCHER PRESENTS VALENTINE'S DAY DESSERT CABARET

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originally published: 2012-01-20 23:44:29

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(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Celebrate the romantic fun of Valentines Day with the Dreamcatcher Company at the dessert cabaret SWEET DREAMS on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 pm. Presented in caf style on the first floor of the Baird Center at 5 Mead Street in South Orange, the cabaret will feature songs both familiar and fresh sung by company members and their guests. Throughout the evening, the audience can help themselves to a delicious dessert and coffee buffet.

The Dreamcatcher Resident Acting Company will entertain with songs that consider love from many angles, singing selections from musicals such as NEXT TO NORMAL and RAGTIME, as well as popular songs from writers like Bob Dylan and Dar Williams. The evening promises to be a convivial gathering, intimate and warm, whether you are celebrating Valentines Day with friends or with a special someone. SWEET DREAMS features Dreamcatcher Company members Clark Carmichael, Harry Patrick Christian, Laura Ekstrand, Scott McGowan, and Janet Sales, as well as some special guests.

SWEET DREAMS, a unique way to celebrate Valentines Day, will take place at Dreamcatcher on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and can be purchased in advance at www.dreamcatcherrep.org , or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006. The performance is on the first floor at The Baird, located at 5 Mead Street in Meadowland Park, a few blocks from the center of downtown South Orange. For information and tickets for any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, please contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at The Baird, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079, 973-378-7754, ext. 2228, www.DreamcatcherRep.org .

A LOOK AT EAST LYNNE THEATER COMPANY'S 2012 SEASON

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originally published: 2012-01-20 23:38:53

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(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company has its usual theater season filled with classic gems, a world premiere, and a radio show.

In March and November, ELTC's popular radio-style adventures returns: "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder," complete with live sound effects and commercials. The evidence points to a young lawyer as a murderer. Is he being set up? An exciting puzzle for Holmes and Watson.

From June 13 to July 21, it's "Ruth Draper's Company of Characters." Before the solo shows of Lily Tomlin and Whoopi Goldberg, there was the originator of the character monologue, Ruth Draper. ELTC is only the second production company to be allowed to produce this incredible material since Draper's death. Performers are Karen Case Cook and Suzanne Dawson.

Next up is "The Poe Mysteries," from July 25 to September 1, a World Premiere, adapted by James Rana based on "Murders of the Rue Morgue," "The Mystery of Marie Roget," and "The Purloined Letter." Follow the adventures of Auguste Dupin as he solves macabre mysteries in Paris of the 1840s, as created by Edgar Allan Poe. A cast of 6 portray 50 characters in these haunting tales. From Oct. 24-28, the show goes to newly formed 600-seat Ocean Professional Theatre in Barnegat.

Then it's the screwball comedy, "It Pays to Advertise," running from September 19 to October 13. Written by Roi Cooper Mergue and Walter C. Hackett, it was a Broadway hit in 1914, and made into a film with Carole Lombard. The premise and promise that anything can be sold in America is at its core, but it also examines the very nature and romance of advertising and its influence. All it takes is one adventurous young man to announce, "Advertising is responsible for everything!" and he and his two friends are off and running in this delightfully sly farce, with a cast of ten.

For the holidays, from November 23 through December 14, it's "Louisa May Alcott's Christmas." Three of Alcott's tales, including the opening of "Little Women" are beautifully brought to life in storytelling fashion by Gayle Stahlhuth. A holiday treat for the whole family.

ELTC's Student Workshop production, "Storybook Theater: An Evening of Fables," is Monday, July 2. Already students are signing up to perform.

Special events are scattered throughout the year and include a playwriting workshop, murder mysteries, a free acting class with Tom Byrn, a silent film festival with live organ accompaniment, and a Grand Ol' Opry evening. With funding through New Jersey Theatre Alliance, ELTC is even bringing the Pushcart Players musical, "Cuentos Del Arbol," to Cape May, admission-free, on Sunday, March 11. Also in March, ELTC is conducting in-school residencies at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School in Wildwood and West Cape May Elementary School.

Season Tickets are available: four tickets for $80.00. Patrons may see four different productions, or bring friends to see one or two shows, use all four for one show, or give tickets to friends! Prices in 2012 are still $30 for general admission; $25 for senior citizens; and $15 for full-time students. To encourage whole families to attend, anyone age 12 and under is still free.

New this year, ELTC is offering Gift Certificates for $25. Certificates may go towards the purchase of a ticket for one of our exciting Mainstage Productions.

Season Tickets and Gift Certificates may be purchased by sending a check to ELTC's office at 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204 and through ELTC's website at www.eastlynnetheater.org . For questions, call 609-884-5898.

Throughout the year, ELTC has shows-on-the-road and educational outreach. Anyone interested in placing an ad in next season's playbill or being a Season or Show Sponsor, or volunteering, let the company know. And, being a nonprofit cultural organization, tax-deductible donations are always appreciated.