(RED BANK, NJ) -- Monmouth Arts will honor award-winning rocker and co-founder of Light of Day Foundation Joe Grushecky; multi-disciplinary artist Michael "Porkchop" LaVallee; restaurateurs and philanthropists Tim and Beth McLoone; and arts advocate Joe Barris at Monmouth Arts L'art du Cirque on Friday, September 27, 2024. The event takes place at The Johnny and June room in the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and Tim McLoone's Supper Club in Asbury Park.
Guests will be amazed by the incredible cirque performances at the event. Keith Nelson will showcase his awe-inspiring sword swallowing. Kylie Rose Webb will display her incredible agility and balance as she walks across a row of champagne bottles. Tori Kubick's intricate poses and fluidity as a hand-balance contortionist will astonish guests.
Past gala honorees include Kevin Smith, Pat Battle, Tim Donnelly, Ming Chen, Max Weinberg, Blondie, David Bryan, Vincent Pastore, Maureen Van Zandt, Bobby Bandiera, Jake Clemons, Chef David Burke, Jenn Hampton, Danny Clinch, Marilyn Schlossbach and Diane Turton.
As the largest fundraiser for Monmouth Arts, the annual gala supports programs and services that enrich the local arts community, including grant opportunities, marketing support, art exhibitions, professional workshops, and programs like the Monmouth County Senior Art Show, Monmouth Arts Teen Arts Festival, and Creative Expressions Arts and Wellness program.
"We are thrilled to honor prominent community leaders who have positively impacted the arts in Monmouth County," said Teresa Staub, Executive Director of Monmouth Arts. "Their many years of commitment to the arts deserve recognition. We look forward to honoring each of them on September 27th. L’art du Cirque will be more than a night of entertainment; it's a celebration of the artistic spirit that unites and inspires our community."
L’Art du Cirque Honorees:
Joe Grushecky: Artistic Achievement Award in Music - Joe Grushecky is known for crafting American blue-collar rock since the late 1970s. Rock legends have recognized his music, a fusion of classic rock, Memphis soul, folk, electric blues, and punk. Collaborating with Springsteen, his song "Code of Silence" won a Grammy. Joe is also involved with the Light of Day Foundation, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's and related diseases.
Michael “Porkchop” LaVallee: Artistic Achievement Award in Visual Arts - Michael LaVallee, also known as Porkchop, is a highly accomplished multi-disciplinary artist. He works across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, acrylic, graffiti, and mural painting. He is passionate about creating large-scale installations and has established himself as a prominent figure in the artistic community of Asbury Park. His work has been featured in numerous galleries and museums, such as the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art.
Tim and Beth McLoone: Community Service Award - Tim and Beth McLoone are well-known in the Jersey Shore community. Tim had a successful running career at Harvard University and later became the Executive Director of the US Men’s Olympic Trials in 1988. He also has a passion for music and owns multiple restaurants. In 1993, he established Holiday Express, a charity dedicated to ensuring no one is alone during the holidays. Tim was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2018. Beth initially worked as a teacher before managing the family's restaurants and serving on the board of directors for Holiday Express.
Joe Barris: Arts Advocate Award - Joe serves as the Monmouth County Director of the Department of Planning and Community Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University. Joe is involved in various community organizations and has contributed to integrating arts into the County’s Comprehensive Master Plan and securing funding for arts organizations. Joe is a founding member of the Freehold Borough Arts Council and a former board member and President of Monmouth Arts. He also serves on several boards and committees related to conservation, floodplain management, and community development.
Two ticket tiers offer various levels of access to the event, including a VIP gala experience that includes a Ringmaster VIP Cocktail Reception at 5:30pm and a Center Ring Dinner Celebration at 6:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling 732-212-1890 ext. 106.
Interested in sponsorship, advertising, or auction donations? Contact Development Manager, Stacy Cannamela at Stacy@monmoutharts.org.
Monmouth Arts is a leading, independent 501c(3) arts advocacy organization that delivers needed programs and services to artists, member organizations, and arts affiliates to ensure the arts thrive in and throughout Monmouth County. As Monmouth County’s official county arts agency, its mission is to enrich the community by inspiring and fostering the arts. Monmouth Arts's programs are made possible in part through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Commissioners, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
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