🏖️ Jersey Shore Throwback: On July 2, 1985, actress Ashley Tisdale was born in West Deal. She rose to global prominence for her iconic roles as Maddie Fitzpatrick on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Sharpay Evans in the High School Musical franchise.

If your youth was anything like our crew’s, it included lawn seats at the Arts Center in Holmdel. Our Top Story today tips its hat to the venue where we saw Frank Sinatra, Liberace, The Beach Boys, James Taylor, and Hootie & the Blowfish, just to name a few. Do you have Arts Center memories? Reply and share them with us.

It’s not our usual “hot summer day.” Heat warnings and life-threatening heat are in the forecast. Get Cup A Joe’s latest for Monmouth County.
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The PNC Arts Center in Holmdel was voted among the top 10 amphitheaters in the U.S. by readers of USA Today in its annual 10Best series for 2026. See the full list here.

Ranking No. 4, and the only New Jersey location on the list, the PNC was chosen by an expert panel which nominated their top amphitheaters across the country. Readers then voted to crown the winners.

Built in 1968 as part of a legislative mandate to include recreational facilities along the Parkway, the PNC Arts Center was originally the Garden State Arts Center and was designed by modernist architect Edward Durell Stone. It is operated today by Live Nation.

The historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, The Pavilion at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in the Catskills in New York, snagged the No. 1 spot.

365> Monmouth County: Historic heat is in the forecast, with today being a warm-up day. Record heat is forecasted for Friday through Saturday, with temps expected in the 102F-106F range. (More)

365> Freehold Township: Due to extreme heat, Friday’s concert featuring Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul at ParkStage at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds has been postponed until Friday, July 17 at 5 pm. (More)

365> Oceanport: Due to extreme heat, Friday’s races at Monmouth Park are cancelled. Admission will be free to all on Saturday and Sunday. (More)

365> Eatontown: Monmouth County's newest Whole Foods at 180 Rt. 35 south announced its opening date will be July 29. (More)

365> Long Branch: The Recreation Department is collecting donations of new swimsuits and goggles in all youth sizes to make the summer fun and safe for all. Items can be dropped at the center at 231 Wilbur Ray Ave. (More)

365> Monmouth County: Small businesses planning to open or celebrate a milestone can call on Monmouth County Commissioners for participation and support thanks to a new county-wide initiative to maximize visibility and promotion of new or expanding businesses, launched by Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. (More)

365> Liv Like a Unicorn, a Freehold-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer, has been honored with the 2026 Philanthropy Award. The organization was started after Liv Lipnicky passed away from pediatric brain cancer at eight years old. (More)

365> The New Jersey Clean Communities Council announced the student winners of the third-annual Single Use Plastics Video PSA contest: Keoni Baheti, Holmdel High School, took second place in category 1; Grace Hilliard, Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Highlands, tied for third place in category 2. (More)

365> Avery Garr of Aberdeen was recognized by the The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County for her exceptional leadership in organizing and executing a comprehensive Voting Simulation program. (More)

365> Second Life Bikes, Asbury Park: On Friday from 5-7 pm, on Pine Street between 2nd and 3rd, there will be an Americana Bicycle Decorating Party. Free event, all ages, supplies provided. (More)

365> The Stone Pony, Asbury Park: WinslowEaglesTribute performs the Eagles classics on Friday. Doors open at 7 pm with fireworks at 9 pm. (More)

365> Middletown Night at Jersey Shore Blueclaws: Friday, July 24 at 7 pm at Shoretown Balllpark in Lakewood. $23.50 ticket includes admission, hot dog, soda, ice cream, and boardwalk games. (Tickets)

365> Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden, NY: The band begins its Forever Tour residency at the Garden on July 7 for nine shows through July 26. (More)

365> Mary Chase’s Harvey: July 10-25 at First Avenue Playhouse, Atlantic Highlands. $30 per ticket. (More)

365> Spring Awakening: July 31 - August 16 at the Holmdel Theatre Company. (More)

365> Driving Miss Daisy: August 7-23 at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. Save 20% on your total ticket purchase now through July 20 with promo code DMD20. (Tickets)

365> Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical: August 8-16 at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. (More)

365> Bye Bye Birdie: August 12-23 at Spring Lake Theatre. (More)

What’s your favorite song about America?

America the Beautiful: 30%
Star-Spangled Banner: 21%
Surfin’ USA: 15%
Other: 14%
God Bless the USA: 10%
Born in the USA: 10%