Let there be hope
Astar-studded concert will be held Friday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m., to benefit The Valerie Fund Center at Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.

Bobby Bandiera

"The Hope Concert III" will feature Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera, Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, The Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue, Southside Johnny, Mark Pender & LaBamba and Gary U.S. Bonds.

Under the musical direction of Bandiera, The Hope Concert is an annual community benefit concert produced by the Count Basie Theatre with an all-star lineup of Jersey Shore musicians.

All the musicians volunteer their time, the theatre donates its venue and the theatre staff work for free so that as close to 100 percent of the proceeds as possible go to the charity.

This year's recipient is The Valerie Fund, a nonprofit providing support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.

Ticket Prices: $500, $350, $250 and $100 with a four ticket per person limit.

There are still a few tickets on sale at the Count Basie Theatre box office, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, (732) 842- 9000.

Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi at last year's Hope Concert

Tickets are on sale by phone or at the box office only, they are not available on the Basie's internet ticketing site.

At the time of purchase, ticket buyers will receive a receipt, which they will show at the door with photo ID on show night to claim their tickets.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. the Monmouth Conservatory of Music Youth and Children's Chorus will present a program of traditional holiday music from many cultures. The library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road in Middletown off Route 35. Get in the holiday swing at Middletown Main Library where children, families and adults will be treated to joyous music and song at two special holiday concerts. On Sunday at 3 p.m. the 40-member Chorus of the Atlantic will sing traditional holiday songs in classic barbershop close harmony. Free tickets are required for this concert; pick them up at the library or call (732) 671-3700, ext. 333.