The Brighton Bar Hosts Sharky’s Machine, A Benefit For Jacko – Dec. 20
As most Shoreworld readers are aware of by now, New Jersey musician and longtime promoter Jack “Jacko” Monahan fell victim to necrotizing fasciitis, a debilitating illness that has resulted in the amputation of his leg. Bands and music scene friends immediately came to his aid, raising money for medical costs to help him move ahead with life. But as we all know, the insurance and medical professions make barely surviving a daunting task and more is needed.
Monahan is best known from his role as frontman for Dirge, Mau Mau Tsunami and Fatal Rage, diverse, attitude-laden bands that helped put hardcore on the Garden State map. But he was also a promotion staple at the Brighton Bar door from the early ’80s up until the ’00s. A myriad of Brighton Bar “Wall of Fame” alumni owe a direct debt of gratitude for the many years that Monahan gave to music, art and poetry, and I’ve read dozens of record credit dedications hailing Monahan’s efforts.
I can remember playing shows at the Brighton and then afterward, we would all go to Jacko’s place or the Hot Dog House for a bizarre concoction of intellectual conversation, poetry, music, beer and a wrap-up of the night. It was a time when art and music were truly coming into their own voice, and Jacko was a passionate linchpin in the budding scene. His encouragement not only fine-tuned many a player, but it left them with a sense of worth in an industry that wants to use and discard.
Many musicians give a solid nod to Jack as the instrumental motivator in their young careers. Bands such as Daisy Cutter and Monster Magnet acknowledge Monahan as a guiding force that led to much bigger things. Monahan was responsible for several musical destinies that may not have happened without his tough love and straightforward honesty concerning musical direction and risk-taking art. Jack Monahan has never been a sugarcoated commentator and continues to be extremely vocal about honesty, dedication, and anti-commercialism when it comes to performance art, spoken word and music in general.
So in an ongoing effort to help one of our own, the Brighton Bar, in conjunction with Greg Macolino and the guys from Sharky’s Machine, will host a benefit this Saturday night to raise funds for Monahan’s ongoing care.
Sharky’s Machine, A Benefit For Jacko kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and will include Sharky’s Machine, Graveyard School, Ashes Of Your Enemy, Oblivian, Old Wounds, Stress Fracture and Astronaut Jones.
Donations are $10, with all proceeds going to Monahan directly. This is an extremely small price to pay considering that it’s going to help a man that has probably at one time or another helped you and your band rise above the generic matrix of monotony.
The guys from Sharky’s Machine say it best: “Sharky’s Machine would not have prospered to the extent it had without Jacko. Our first shows were at the Brighton Bar over 20 years ago and it was there that we grew our fan base and connections to the area’s greatest bands. Jack and the Brighton opened the door for us and kept it open. No matter where we were touring or what we were doing, when Jacko called to say he needed us to play, we were there.”
So come join us at New Jersey’s premier original music house as we give unlimited support to one of our very own original voices. Doors open at 6:30 and bands take the stage shortly thereafter.
The Brighton Bar is located at 121 Brighton Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey. For more information, contact the club at brightonbar.com.
Alex Biese And Somewhat Relative Present: The Second Annual Monmouth And Ocean County FoodBank Benefit – Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park – Dec. 18
As we continue with our holiday time frame of giving aid to others, Monmouth County acoustic trio Somewhat Relative kick off their second foray into attentive assistance for Monmouth and Ocean County individuals requiring aid. When it comes to the FoodBank and the role they play, group spokesperson Alex Biese explains their simple involvement: “I don’t need to tell all of you about the need served by the FoodBank all year long, and especially during the holidays. That’s why, one week before Christmas, a group of musicians assembles to do our part to help out.”
And help they shall. Along with the acoustic jam flavorings of Alex Biese and Somewhat Relative, other groups kicking in to lend a hand include Angie Sugrim and Dan Astorri of the bombastic punk band The Obvious, as well as the mysterious Remember Jones. You may “remember” this individual as one Anthony D’Amato who is unveiling his new moniker at the shore event tomorrow night.
Parlor Gallery has long been a Cookman Avenue ally in the art of presenting smart and effective shows that get the message across while providing a great space to mingle and listen to unique area bands. This eclectic lineup ensures a very interesting night of diversity and musical talent that this area is now famous for.
The event organizers will be collecting donations and food for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties throughout the night. Suggested donation at the door is a mere $5 and well worth the night of entertainment and hesitance that it will bring.
Parlor gallery is located at 717 Cookman Avenue in beautiful downtown Asbury Park. Doors are at 7 p.m. and the musical entertainment will commence at 8 p.m.
For further information, visit the event page over at facebook.com/events/358051524353211.
