Category Archives: Neighborhoods

A Love Letter From Red Bank to Count Basie

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In homage to “The Kid from Red Bank”, T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is hosting an exhibit titled A Love Letter to Count Basie: From the Great Migration to the Harlem Renaissance through June 2021. Born in 1904, William James Basie honed his piano chops at vaudeville theaters and clubs in Red Bank and Asbury Park before heading north to Harlem. From there, Basie went on to become one of the most influential and famous jazz musicians of the swing era.

Exhibit on view at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center

Red Bank once claimed to be among the largest communities of African American professionals in New Jersey. With its roots in the great migration of people fleeing the Jim Crow South, Red Bank’s well-established Black community was home to two notable African Americans in the early 20th Century: journalist T. Thomas Fortune and jazz great William “Count” Basie.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, Fortune’s former home is now the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center dedicated to celebrating the rich history of Red Bank and promoting the social justice mission of it’s original owner.

The exhibit is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 pm  Please call ahead to register at (732) 383-5483 or email info@ttfcc.org  Suggested donation: $15 for adults, $5 for children and seniors.  

Visit www.tthomasfortuneculturalcenter.org for more information.

Keyport: Gateway to Bayshore Antiques

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You may be familiar with the water tower emblazoned with the name of this small historic town as you leave the Parkway at Exit 117.  Most of us just hurry on by as we choose to follow Routes 35 or 36 to other places. But by taking the time to actually visit Keyport, you may be surprised to find a number of antique shops and eateries adjacent to a revitalized waterfront.

Organized as a town in 1870, Keyport was once famous for its oyster industry and a walk through town is a reminder of a rich maritime history.  Since 2011, the municipal government and the Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative have created a promenade on the water and encouraged new businesses and music venues.

Keyport is definitely worth a visit.  If antiquing isn’t your thing, come for the music or the food.  McDonagh’s Pub, the Keyport Fishery, and the award-winning Broad Street Diner won’t disappoint you.

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Is that your grandma’s coat?

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Who knew?  Upscale Manasquan is a haven for consignment and thrift shop fashionistas right on Main Street.  Shoes, designer bags, evening and children’s wear, and home furnishings are there for avid shoppers willing to invest time for the search.

Check out Manasquan’s Street Scene…