IN THE ARTS

A salute to the giants of pre-war jazz and blues, featuring the acoustic guitars of Mike Barris and Jerry Topinka, the trumpet of Tom Bender, and the voice of Cheryl Parker, is on tap Friday, Aug. 31, as part of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation's "Reckless Steamy Nights" concert series at The Woman's Club of Red Bank.

The music will go on from 8-11 p.m. at the historic Anthony Reckless Estate, 164 Broad St., Red Bank. A donation of $10 is suggested, in support of scholarship programs sponsored by the Woman's Club and the JSJBF. For more information, e-mail mike@mikebarris.com or call (732) 222- 4237.

The Arcadian Chorale is auditioning prospective members through Aug. 31. Sing, learn and have fun with one of New Jersey's most dynamic and acclaimed ensembles. Auditions for all voice types are being held throughout the summer by appointment. Rehearsals start Sept. 4 at First Presbyterian Church, Route 34, Matawan For more information or an audition appointment, call (732) 583-4007.

Artists, musicians and vendors of all types are invited to submit information about their talents and services to Main Street New Egypt (MSNE) for a community database for MSNE sponsored events. Each year MSNE holds various events on Main Street. This year MSNE held New Egypt Day in May and will hold a Fall Festival on Nov. 4, and an Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 1. The events are held outdoors for the most part and are held rain or shine.

MSNE is also looking to create a summer-long program of events to be held next year. A farmer's market, concert series, art exhibits, street theater and other activities are being considered.

MSNE is a recognized Main Street organization pursuant to state and national guidelines. Its mission is to help with the comprehensive revitalization and management of Plumsted Township's New Egypt Main Street business district.

Details: (609) 758-7539 or (609) 758- 6990. To register, mail contact and background information to Peter Ylvisaker at Main Street New Egypt, 31 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533 or e-mail pylvisaker@mainstreetne.org.

Duke Ellington fans can take the A-Train, walk or run to the Strand Theatre, 400 Clifton Ave, Lakewood, to see a performance by the Duke Ellington Orchestra Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. The 16-piece orchestra, currently under the direction of Barry Lee Hall and overseen and endorsed by Paul Mercer Ellington, grandson of Duke, will perform many of Duke Ellington's hits including "Satin Doll," "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing," and of course, "Take the ATrain." Tickets are $20 and $25. Details and ticket purchase: (732) 367-7789 or www.strand.org.

Country music superstar Taylor Swift, with special guest star Kevin Sharp, will appear in concert at the historic Strand theater in Lakewood Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will benefit Red Bank-based Jason's Dreams for Kids, which helps families with children afflicted with catastrophic illnesses. Swift was nominated as the 2007 American Country Music Best Female Artist of the Year. The Strand is located at Fourth and Clifton avenues. Tickets are $32-$38. Tickets for Sharp's pre-show benefit dinner can be purchased by calling the box office at (732) 367-7789 or at www.strand.org.

Over the Rainbow Productions at The Eatontown Playhouse has been nominated for 15 Perry Awards by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters. The awards recognize achievement in the performance and production among 130 member community theater groups in New Jersey. Winners will be announced Sept. 16. The company was nominated in categories including: Outstanding Production of an Original Musical; Best Lead Actor and Actress; Featured Actress; Ensemble Actress; Outstanding Young Female and Young Male Performer; Best Director; Outstanding Lighting Design; Sound Design, Set Design; Outstanding Properties; Outstanding Stage Management. Eatontown Playhouse is located at 37-13 Route 35 north. For more information, call (732) 888-0339 or visit www.eatontownplayhouse.com.

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) has announced the opening of a first-ofits kind exhibition, "Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of American Comic Book Superheroes," on view until Jan. 13. The exhibition traces the way in which comic books have reflected an ever-evolving American culture through more than 150 original drawings, rare comic books and graphic novels from the Golden Age of Comics (1938-1946) to the present. Never-before-seen original drawings and other work from the private collection of area resident Michael Uslan, producer of "Batman" and "Batman Begins," will be the cornerstone of this exhibit, which unites seminal work of the genre from private collections around the country.

The Montclair Art Museum is located at 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair. Details: www.montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 746-5555. MAM is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Museum admission is free to members and children under 12; $8 nonmember adults, $6 senior citizens and students with identification. Admission is free to everyone on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Doo Wop show will be performed at the Strand Theatre, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. Scheduled to perform are Elsbeary Hobb's The Drifters, featuring current members Peter Lamarr, Patrick Alan, Rohan Delano Turney and Victor Bynoe; Arlene Smith's Chantels and Vito Picone and the Elegants.

The Drifters, the longest running band in pop history still performing live, have produced over 50 hits worldwide, including "There Goes My Baby," "Up on the Roof" and "Under the Boardwalk."

The Chantels were one of the first female R & B vocal groups to have nationwide success with their hits "He's Gone," "Maybe" and "Every Night (I Pray)."

The Elegants, led by original lead singer Vito Picone, will perform their No. 1 hit "Little Star." Details and tickets: (732) 367-7789 or www.strand.org.