In the Arts

Beatles fans are sure to be singing along at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. when The Smithereens and Glenn Burtnik and Friends perform all the songs from two of The Beatles' most popular albums.

The Smithereens will perform the songs on the "Meet the Beatles" album. The band, which is known for many hits in the 1980s, such as "Only a Memory" and "A Girl Like You," features three original members, Jim Babjak of Manalapan (lead guitar), Pat DiNizio (vocals and rhythm guitar), and Dennis Diken (drums), all from New Jersey, and Severo "Thrilla" Jornacion (bass), who was originally from Los Angeles. He has been with the band on and off for approximately 10 years.

According to Babjak, the band chose to record and perform the songs on this particular album because it was the first album that millions of people heard in the United States in 1964 and it created a revolution of Americans starting rock and roll bands.

"I think it was the most influential album ever," said Babjak. "It made a lot of kids go out and buy guitars and drums and start writing their own songs."

The Smithereens released their album "Meet The Smithereens" (Koch Records) in January of this year, 43 years after the release of the original album.

In addition, Glen Burtnik and Friends will perform the songs from the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. Hailing from New Jersey, Burtnik was an original cast member of the West Coast production of "Beatlemania" and a member of the band "Styx" for some time. He also co-wrote the song "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" in 1992 with Patty Smyth, which was performed by Smyth and Don Henley. He is well-known in the Asbury Park music scene, having played in local bands including Cats on a Smooth Surface.

This concert coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Tickets for the show are $5 and $35 and are available at the box office by calling (732) 246-7469 or online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org.

Asbury Fever will perform for Jackson Township's final free Concert Under the Stars of the season Aug. 22 (rain date Aug. 23), 7:30-9 p.m. at John F. Johnson Jr. Memorial Park.

Asbury Fever is an eight-piece band, complete with horns, that celebrates the music of Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Little Steven, Clarence Clemons, Bon Jovi, John Eddie and Gary U.S. Bonds. The concept of the band is to re-create the popular Jersey Shore sound of the '70s and '80s by covering the many artists that define that distinct sound. In addition to that, the band performs classics from Meatloaf, The Blues Brothers, John Cafferty, Elvis Costello, Elvis Presley and others.

The park, located at the intersection

of Cooks Bridge Road and Kierych Drive in Jackson, opens at 6 p.m. with food

vendors on site. Details: (732) 929-1200 or www.jacksontwpnj.net.