What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 7/12/17
The Ocean City Pops Orchestra will lead a musical voyage through the history of the USO in a concert Sunday on the Ocean City Music Pier. The Pops will be joined by the USO Show Troupe performing songs made popular by the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and many more.
The USO Show Troupe is part of an American tradition that dates back to its beginnings in the muddy camp shows of the South Pacific during World War II. With more than 350 live annual performances, the Troupe entertains approximately 600,000 service members and their families worldwide as well as nationally televised audiences.
The show will begin with music from the 1940s and 1950s and promises a “sentimental trip down memory lane.” The Troupe’s performances offer “something for everyone” with songs ranging from the standards of the swing era to patriotic songs to contemporary hits.
Tickets are $25/$15 and available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, 609-399-6111, or the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
The Hooters will make their Ocean City debut with shows on Monday and Tuesday (July 17 and 18) on the Music Pier.
The band burst onto the Philadelphia and Jersey Shore music scene in 1980 with hits like “And We Danced” and “All You Zombies.” Their songwriting led to fellow artists’ hits like “Time After Time” (Cyndi Lauper) and “One Of Us” (Joan Osborne).
The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $59. The shows are nearly sold out. To check for ticket availability, visit www.ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or stop by the Ocean City Music Pier box office.
ALSO THIS WEEK
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (July 11-14): Presented by the City of Ocean City, the Ocean City Pops and the Ocean City Theatre Company, the classic musical will be performed four times at the Hughes Performing Arts Center (within Ocean City High School on the beach block of Sixth Street). Show times are 7:30 p.m. July 11, 12 and 14, and 2 p.m. July 13. Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for kids (12 years and under), and $25 for groups of 20 or more. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or call 609-399-6111.
WACKY WEDNESDAY (July 12): Use your creativity to shape and sculpt French fries into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free. Open to all ages. Start time: 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For more information, call 609-399-611.
FRECKLE CONTEST (July 12): Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier. Contest starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call 609-399-6111.
MEET THE ARTIST – MARIE NATALE (July 14): The Ocean City Arts Center will be host to a “Meet the Artist” reception with watercolor artist Marie Natale, whose collection will be on display through the month of July at the Arts Center. The reception is free and open to the public at 7 p.m. Friday at the Arts Center (1735 Simpson Avenue). Call 609-399-7628 for more information.
38th ANNUAL T. JOHN CAREY MASTERS SWIM (July 15): Registration 8 a.m. at 34th Street and the beach. The race will start at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit lmsports.com.
CURIOUS GEORGE: THE GOLDEN MEATBALL (July 18): Join Curious George, the inquisitive, lovable monkey-star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show in a brand new Ocean City Theatre Company musical. Show is 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. All Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
COMING UP IN JULY
WACKY WEDNESDAY (July 19): Use your creativity to shape and sculpt paper clips into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free. Open to all ages. Start time: 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For more information, call 609-399-6111.
SUPERHEROES IN LOVE – A BROADWAY CABARET (July 19): The Friends of the Ocean City Pops present an evening of song and dance with Broadway’s super couple, Desiree' Davar and Nicolas Dromard. Having starred in “Jersey Boys,” “Mary Poppins,” “West Side Story” and “Wicked,” this dynamic duo can do it all. This 8 p.m. program is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Cape May County County Culture and Heritage Commission from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Table seating can be reserved by calling Donna Schmitt at 609-525-9295. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) for other tickets.
OCEAN CITY FISHING CLUB OPEN HOUSE (July 20): Ocean City’s historic fishing club welcomes the public to visit the 14th Street Pier from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Along with Aug. 3, this is one of two days a year when the Pier is open to non-members. For more information, call 609-398-0534.
O-TOWN AND RYAN CABRERA (July 21): The kickoff to Ocean City’s 2017 Night in Venice “Rockin’ Through the Decades” Weekend includes a concert by the popular boy bands. In 1999, ABC began airing one of the first reality shows in major network history, “Making the Band,” which chronicled the rise of O-Town. Cabrera is the platinum-selling singer and songwriter with smashes such as “On the Way Down,” “True” and “Shine On.” Tickets for this 8 p.m. dance concert are $30 per person. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
MEET AND GREET WITH ALFONSO RIBEIRO (July 22): A limited number of tickets ($15) are on sale now for a meet-and-greet with Night in Venice grand marshal Alfsonso Ribeiro from 11 a.m. to noon July 22 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Ribeiro is the new host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos ” and created the memorable character of Carlton Banks opposite Will Smith in “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
MEET AND GREET WITH O-TOWN AND RYAN CABRERA (July 22): Join O-Town and Cabrera for a meet-and-greet at noon Saturday at the Ocean City Music Pier. You can bring one item to autograph and take a photo with your device. The performers also will be riding in the NIV Boat Parade that evening. Meet-and-greet tickets are $15 per person. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
ESA SOUTH JERSEY DISTRICT SURF CONTEST (July 22): Sign-ups 7 a.m. at Seventh Street Beach. First heat in the water at 8 a.m. If your membership is expired or if you are a new member, you may renew or join on the beach. No wave date: July 29. For more information, call 609-884-5277.
NIGHT IN VENICE (July 22): Ocean City’s Night in Venice celebration will be “Rockin’ Through the Decades” this year on July 22, and entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the 63rd annual bayfront celebration. The optional theme will be “Rockin’ Through the Decades,” a celebration of music, fashion and culture on the rolling waters of the bay. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111. The boat parade will start at 6 p.m. and run along Ocean City’s bayfront and lagoons from the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge to Tennessee Avenue. Public viewing areas will be set up at street ends, and free shuttle transportation from remote parking areas will be available. A fireworks display will follow the parade at approximately 9 p.m.
GLORIA GAYNOR WITH THE OCEAN CITY POPS (July 23): Ocean City’s Night in Venice “Rockin’ Through the Decades” Weekend ends with Gloria Gaynor teaming up with the Ocean City Pops. Gaynor will perform the hit song “I Will Survive” and others, such as “Never Can Say Good-Bye” and “I Am What I Am.” The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Ticket prices are $35 for the auditorium or $30 for the solarium. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).
WEEKLY EVENTS
Starting in July and running through the end of August, Ocean City's boardwalk and downtown will be host to a series of weekly events:
- Character Nights: 6 p.m. Sundays on the boardwalk (ends Aug. 6). Mascots for Ocean City Boardwalk businesses will sign autographs at the Music Pier. Sponsored by Manco & Manco Pizza, Surf Mall and Jilly's.
- Funtastic Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on downtown Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors and more.
- Mummers Nights: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays on the boardwalk (starting July 11). String bands strut the boards between Sixth Street and 14th Street. Sponsored by: Shirt Shack, Preps, Ocean Treasures, Henry's Fine Jewelry.
- Beach Walks: South end location at 59th Street and Central Avenue (entrance to Corson's Inlet State Park) Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. North end location at OC/Longport Bridge parking lot Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m, Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Tickets may be purchased on-site. Adults $1, children 50 cents.
- Farmers & Crafters Market: Ocean City's popular weekly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle on the 500 block of Asbury Avenue. Crafters set up on the street adjacent to the Farmers Market.
- Wacky Wednesdays: This year, the traditional "July Jubilee" and "Weird Week" contests will be held weekly on Wednesdays throughout the summer with a different theme each week.The contest is free and open to all ages. Start time is 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace. Sponsored by Shriver's Salt Water Taffy.
- Market Days: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays on downtown Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors and more.
- Family Nights: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays on the boardwalk. Different bands and entertainers set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street. Sponsored by: Shriver's, Playland's Castaway Cove, Johnson's Popcorn, Gillian's Wonderland Pier.
- Historic Tours: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Pick-up at 7th Street and Central Avenue.
