Friday, September 27, 2024
VIP RINGMASTER RECEPTION
5:30 - 6:30 PM
JOHNNY & JUNE’S AT THE BERKELEY OCEANFRONT HOTEL
1401 OCEAN AVE. | ASBURY PARK
CENTER RING CELEBRATION AND DINNER
6:30 - 9:30 PM
TIM MCLOONE'S SUPPER CLUB
1200 OCEAN AVE. | ASBURY PARK
Step right up and enter the enchanting world of Monmouth Arts’ L'art du Cirque! Here, the bounds of the imagination are limitless. This dazzling spectacle will lead you on a mesmerizing journey with wonder and amazement. The event will be held on Friday, September 27 in Asbury Park. Join us for the Ringmaster VIP Reception at Johnny and June’s in The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel followed by the Center Ring Celebration at McLoone’s Supper Club from 6:30-9:30pm.
Throughout this incredible evening, we will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of musician Joe Grushecky, artist Michael “Porkchop” LaVallee, restaurateur and philanthropists Tim & Beth McLoone, and arts advocate and community leader Joe Barris. Join us in honoring these community leaders who have made a difference in the arts!
Prepare to catch your breath as you witness Keith Nelson in his awe-inspiring sword swallowing, and be astonished by Kylie Rose Webb and her incredible agility and balance as she walks across a row of champagne bottles. Tori Kubick, a hand-balance contortionist, will amaze you with her intricate poses and fluidity.
As you marvel at the talent on stage, they'll also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring an array of unique items and experiences. The event will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts. By attending and supporting L'art du Cirque, you directly contribute to Monmouth Arts' mission to foster creativity and provide accessible arts programming for all.
This is more than just a night of entertainment; it's a celebration of the artistic spirit that unites and inspires our community. So come and immerse yourself in the magical, unexpected, and the exhilarating as we embrace the spirit of the circus at L'art du Cirque!
Meet the Honorees
Joe Grushecky is known for crafting American blue-collar rock since the late 1970s. Rock legends have recognized his music, a fusion of classic rock, Memphis soul, folk, electric blues, and punk. Collaborating with Springsteen, his song "Code of Silence" won a Grammy. Joe is also involved with the Light of Day Foundation, raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's and related diseases.
Joe Grushecky
Artistic Achievement Award in Music
Michael LaVallee, also known as Porkchop, is a highly accomplished multi-disciplinary artist. He works across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, acrylic, graffiti, and mural painting. He is passionate about creating large-scale installations and has established himself as a prominent figure in the artistic community of Asbury Park. His work has been featured in numerous galleries and museums, such as the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art.
Michael “Porkchop” LaVallee
Artistic Achievement Award in Visual Arts
Tim and Beth McLoone are well-known in the Jersey Shore community. Tim had a successful running career at Harvard University and later became the Executive Director of the US Men’s Olympic Trials in 1988. He also has a passion for music and owns multiple restaurants. In 1993, he established Holiday Express, a charity dedicated to ensuring no one is alone during the holidays. Tim was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2018. Beth initially worked as a teacher before managing the family's restaurants and serving on the board of directors for Holiday Express.
Tim & Beth McLoone
Community Service Award
Joe serves as the Monmouth County Director of the Department of Planning and Community Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University. Joe is involved in various community organizations and has contributed to integrating arts into the County’s Comprehensive Master Plan and securing funding for arts organizations. Joe is a founding member of the Freehold Borough Arts Council and a former board member and President of Monmouth Arts. He also serves on several boards and committees related to conservation, floodplain management, and community development.
Joe Barris
Arts Advocate Award
Meet the Presenter
Stephen Rubino
Ringmaster Emcee
Entertainment
Kylie Rose Webb
Bottle Walker
Kylie Rose Webb has followed the circus arts from the West Coast all the way to the stages of New York City. Her specialty skill sets range from high-flying aerial to precision ground routines. She is perhaps best known for her signature champagne bottle-walking performances. She considers herself lucky in sharing creativity and energy with fellow performers and audiences alike.
Tori Kubick
Hand Balancing
Contortionist
Tori Kubick is a Guinness world record holding contortionist, aerialist, and foot archer. Growing up with a dance and gymnastics background, she later found her true love, the antiquated art form of Mongolian style contortion. After rigorous training, she was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or NOT, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, opened for Miley Cyrus, toured with Cirque du Soleil, and delivered a TEDx talk. Tori loves creating unique entertainment, collaborating, and does speaking engagements about cultivating calmness and agility. She bends people into shape mentally and physically.
Keith Nelson
Sword Swallower
Keith Nelson learned to juggle and eat fire at Hampshire College in 1989. He moved to New York City and almost instantly devoted his life to circus. Keith swallows swords, spins tops, juggles plates, balances glasses, and manipulates just about anything. Keith has been featured on Late Night with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and OZ (season one). He is a circus arts professor and has helped thousands be amazing. His newest focus is a rolling free circus show playing to neighborhoods across New York in hopes to inspire the next generation of circus performers.
