IN THE ARTS

"Francis: paintings of a Life," the first solo exhibit of works by Francis Mesaros, is at Asher Neiman Gallery in Red Bank. Francis' paintings leap off the canvas, echoing qualities of Picasso and Dali. The exhibit runs through Oct. 17 at the gallery, located at Monmouth Street. For information, contact gallery director Emily A. Neiman at 732-530-4003, e-mail info@asherneiman. com or visit AsherNeimanGallery.com.

Brookdale Community College's Performing Art Center (PAC) Experimental Theater will swing with sizzling jazz improvisation by Art Deco Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. Brookdale's trio-in-residence features guitarist Doug Clark, bassist Gary Mazzaropi and trio founder and pianist, Joe Accurso. Tickets $17, $15 for seniors, BCC faculty and staff, and $5 for Brookdale students with valid ID. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 732-224-

2411.

Jason Mraz, an eclectic artist with varied stylistic influences, including pop, rock, folk, jazz and hip hop, will perform in concert on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Robert J. Collins Arena on the Brookdale Community College Lincroft campus. Doors open at 7 p.m. and special guest Lisa Hannigan will kickoff the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30, $20 for Brookdale students with valid ID. Tickets available online at www.brookdale.tickets.musictoday. com. Brookdale students can also purchase tickets at the Information Desk in the Warner Student Life Center.

The Shrewsbury Players Dessert Theatre will present "A Bad Year for Tomatoes," a wildly funny comedy by John Patrick. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10, 11 17, 18, 24 and 25 and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 at the Presbyterian Church House, 352 Sycamore Ave. in Shrewsbury. Tickets include dessert and are $20, $16 students and seniors (60+). For reservations, call 732- 224-8882 or 732-389-5648.

The Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank will present two free programs for the community in October. Faculty member Julia Muench will present "Creative Ventures in Piano," a special piano workshop and recital, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, designed for music students, teachers, and parents. On Saturday, Oct. 18, MCM Artistic Director Vladislav Kovalsky will give a solo piano recital at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Seats must be reserved for the piano workshop. Events held at the conservatory, 50 White St., Red Bank, in the Trinity Church building (White Street entrance.) For information, call 732-741-8880, e-mail mcmred bank@verizon.net, or visit www.monmouthconservatory.org.

Judy Garland Live!, starring Tommy Femia, will come to McLoone's Supper Club in Asbury Park at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. Femia has performed as Judy on national television, in two off-Broadway shows and at clubs, casinos and events around the world. Dinner available before and after the show, $20 entertainment charge. For more information or to make a reservation, call 732- 774-1400. The supper club is located at 1200 Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park.

Soar Productions in Union Beach will host an evening of one-act plays at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18. All seats are $15 and reservations are recommended. For tickets call: 732-471-8268. The company is temporarily located at 91 8th Street West Keansburg (Hazlet Township).

Compiled by

Gloria Stravelli

Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber