(BELMAR, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 5th, poets, musicians, and artists will band together to collect food for NJ families in need this coming holiday season. Organized by Soup Can Magazine, a New Jersey based art and poetry print publication, the event will take place at Belmar Arts Center, a cultural hub located right at the Jersey Shore.  The event begins at 6:00pm.

This will not be the first time Soup Can Magazine collects food for their neighbors. In April, they hosted their “One Year Canniversary” at one of the state’s most historic venues, The Strand Theater in Lakewood, collecting goods for the family of a local poet. In July, they partnered with Food Not Bombs to collect food at ParkFest, a free music festival in Bradley Beach. This time, their collaboration is with the Belmar Arts Council, who have been fervently supporting the arts and poetry scenes in Monmouth County for almost twenty years.

The scheduled lineup of talent for the evening is comprised exclusively of Soup Can alumni and contributors. As an added feature, after the spotlight performers have finished taking the stage for the night, the soapbox will open up to the attendees with a poetry open mic, an ongoing practice of finding the future talent to publish in Soup Can.

“I'm always excited to hear from Soup Can poets,” reflects Matthew Trice, Coordinator of Music Events at Belmar Arts Center. “Their words are always raw, honest, and playful. It's exciting to see such a positive force created by a group of strangers turned friends.”

The lineup includes: Blush Ellis, Chris Rockwell Collective, Damian Rucci, Izzy Miz, Lake Champagne, Mychal Mills, Tyler Clark, and a poetry open mic.

Attendees are invited to enjoy live music, poetry, a pop-up art show, and the latest issue of Soup Can Magazine. Organizers are asking for non-perishable foods as well as can openers, pet food, and feminine hygiene products to be donated for distribution throughout the community.

To reserve your spot, free tickets are available here.  All are welcome and invited to attend.

Belmar Arts Center is located at 608 River Road in Belmar, New Jersey.

Photos by Kevin Andrade