Editor’s note: These items were submitted to Greater Media Newspapers by students at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, as part of course work.
Stingers site of fundraiser
At an event on April 14 at Stingers Night Club at 656 Ocean Ave in Long Branch, a group of students from Monmouth University will raise money for the NJ Sharing Network, which is a non-profit organization that recovers organs and tissues for people in New Jersey who need transplants.
In order to raise funds, on April 14 starting at 9:30 p.m., the students will be offering patrons the opportunity to donate a minimum of $2 to the NJ Sharing Network in exchange for a free drink ticket. The event will feature music by resident DJ Brandon Alex who has also been instrumental in planning the event. Guests must be 21 and over to enter.
Football camp planned at MU
The JR Smith Youth Foundation and the Monmouth University Football team are working together to serve as hosts to the first annual Youth Football Camp at Monmouth University.
All proceeds will go to the JR Smith Youth Foundation, which provides opportunities for underprivileged children. The event name is the Team Swish Football Clinic and will take place at Monmouth University’s Kessler Field. The clinic is open to all children ages 6 – 12.
The event date is Sunday, April 17. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the event starts at 10 a.m.. For more information, and to sign up for the football clinic at teamswishfootball.eventbrite.com.
Cause an effect
Make dinner a selfless act by joining students for a fundraiser to support Monmouth University and Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Come in to the Chipotle at 186 Route 35 South in Eatontown on Monday, April 18 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bring in a flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Monmouth University and Make-A-Wish New Jersey.
Student-run record label to release album April 20
Monmouth University offers students the unique opportunity to record original songs in a professional setting and feature those songs on a compilation CD as well as music streaming apps such as Spotify. The university’s student-run record label, Blue Hawk Records, has exciting things in store for this semester.
Monmouth University’s student run record label, Blue Hawk Records, is set to release its eighth compilation album on Wednesday, April 20.
The CD will feature six songs written and performed by Monmouth University students. The artists have been recording their original songs at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park. To promote the album, Blue Hawk Records will host a release show on the campus’s residential quad on April 20, where CDs will be sold. Featuring live performances, food, and the opportunity to tie-dye t-shirts, the event will be the most elaborate release concert to date.
Members of Blue Hawk Records are enthusiastic about the release of the new album and their involvement in the Blue Hawk Records program.
“Making the Blue Hawk record is an honor and a dream come true for me,” said artist Taylor Puzzio. “Coming to Monmouth, one of my biggest goals was to be on one of the compilation albums, and it’s surreal to me that it’s now a reality. I’m delighted to be given such an opportunity to share my passion for songwriting with others and to have my voice be heard. “
Taylor’s manager and fellow student, Kelli Misenheimer, said, “Being a part of the Blue Hawk Records program is one of the best experiences I’ve had. Be sure to get your copy of the album or stream it on Spotify on April 20. Until then, keep up with Blue Hawk Records on social media.
The label can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat. Simply search for Blue Hawk Records on any of those platforms to find the official Blue Hawk accounts. Blue Hawk Records also has a blog that can be found at bluehawkrecords.wordpress.com.
Monmouth rocks at Pollock April 21
Taylor Hope, professional violinist and honors student at Monmouth University, will host accomplished local musicians for a concert, “Rockin’ Through the Decades,” at Pollak Theatre on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Monmouth University Music and Theatre Department.
The core band consists of Hope along with Glen Burtnik, Joe Bellia, Joe LaFragola, and Bob Stasiak. Guests include Reagan Richards, Brielle Von Hugel, Jody Joseph, Bob Polding, John Hawken, Joe Rapolla, Sheri Gilmore, Eddie Testa, and others to be announced.
“Rockin’ Through the Decades” takes the audience on a journey through the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll from the groovy vibes of the 1960’s to the cutting edge styles of today.
Tickets are available via link on taylorhopemusic.com or by visiting or calling the Box Office at Monmouth University at (732) 263-6889. Tickets range from $20 to $35.
“Taylor’s idea to produce a show in addition to her senior recital with these great shore area musicians and have the proceeds benefit the University is an example of her commitment to the University, the local music scene, and her character,” said Joe Rapolla, chair of the Music Department at Monmouth University. “I’ve had the pleasure of performing with Taylor professionally. She is one of the best musicians to come out of the shore area. We were lucky to have such a gifted professional study at Monmouth.”
Hope is a senior at Monmouth University, double-majoring in math and music performance. She has been playing the violin since the age of five, with performances including a solo at Carnegie Hall and opening for national acts such as Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert.
To contact Hope or more information, visit her website at taylorhopemusic.com.
