Habitat For Humanity Benefit Show For the Bayshore Area

My name is Elizabeth. I am a lifelong resident of Union Beach (along with both of my parents, my sister and my nephew). About 2 years ago I became very involved in the local music scene in Asbury Park with my band Elevator Art. When the storm hit, I was always reaching to find my role in my town's recovery. I've gutted houses, helped other people with their projects in town and tried to spread as much information as possible about donations; where to eat and who needs what help. However,  was still trying to find my own place in terms of what I could bring to the town.

That is when I teamed up with a friend of mine, Matt, who happens to be an event planner and show booker for a certain, very famous venue in Asbury Park.  Together we have created a huge benefit show FOR the Bayshore, IN the Bayshore. The goal is to put on a great show that people in the area can get to even if they don't have a car anymore. With all the places we could have used in Union Beach taking severe damage from the storm, McDonagh’s Pub in Keyport was very excited to jump on board. They have been so wonderful to the area, serving the community soon after the storm even though some of their own staff have lost houses.

But, let's talk about the fun part instead.. THE SHOW: The set up will be similar to their St Patrick's Day set up at McDonagh's. There will be a big heated tent and beer served outside with some of the best bands from the Asbury scene (11 total!) coming to show their support and play for free. We will have bands inside and outside playing back to back. When a band inside finishes, the band outside starts right away and vice versa, so there will always be a live band playing at all times from 5pm to close. The dining room inside will remain open, as to not deprive anyone of their reubens or McDonagh's chips. (Which are awesome, by the way.)

100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to Habitat For Humanity. We are raising money by donation ONLY. There is NO cover charge because some people from the area who deserve a night out might not be able to afford it. Pay whatever you can or don't pay at all if you can't. Everyone is still welcome to come be with their friends, family and community.

Not only are we raising money, but we will have sign-ups AT the show for anyone who wishes to volunteer with Habitat For Humanity and actually go out and help build houses.We have also invited Matawan PBA's "Restore the Bayshore" fund raiser to set up a table at the event.  They have tee-shirts, hoodies and bumper stickers for sale and nothing is overpriced or too expensive. They donate 100 percent of their proceeds to the rebuilding effort in the area.

My main goal for the evening is to bring the experiences and friends I have made through the music scene in Asbury in the past 2 years back home with me to do whatever we can to help. And boy has the scene stepped up with support. I was very specific with the bands I chose because I think the people who have been gutting their own houses or watching them be knocked down deserve a night with good, entertaining music at a wonderful venue with all of their friends in the greatest area in the world (as far as I'm concerned at least) the Bayshore.

The event is January 5th at 5pm. There will be $2.50 beer bottles served outside in the tent along with the inside bar operating as usual. We hope to see you all there!

Please visit our event page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/438123689570363