Atlantic City Weekly

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Appel Farm Fest June 2


Every June starts off with a special outdoor festival (rain or shine) in southern New Jersey, an event that has brought the best of the best folk, singer-songwriter and blues artists to the region for more than 20 years. In Elmer (about 45 minutes from Atlantic City down Route 40), this year’s Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival (Sat., June 2, 11:30am-8:30pm, $40-$45) boasts a beer and wine tent, a children’s village and a juried craft fair, along with a variety of food offerings and a musical line-up (on two stages) that is as diverse as it is full of talent. Headlining this year’s festival is the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dawes and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Also on the bill are Jukebox the Ghost, Rodney Crowell, Cheryl Wheeler, Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek fame), Mason Porter and more. The Chocolate Drops, who we caught (and interviewed) at last summer’s Dave Matthews Band Caravan festival in Atlantic City, are worth the price of admission alone. The old-timey band, Grammy-winning group plays rare get-up-and-dance songs from the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as tender ballads such as the new track, written by a friend of the band and the title of the Drops’ latest album, Leaving Eden. Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found at appelfarm.org. — Jeff Schwachter 


Atlantic Cape Community College 
to Host ‘The Wiz’


Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow will all be on Atlantic Cape Community College’s campus on Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, when the college presents three performances of The Wiz. Originally cast with Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Nipsy Russell in 1978, The Wiz is a hit movie that also found theatrical success on Broadway. The non-profit company Just Right Productions will present this musical classic, with local actors who will combine choreography and musical numbers reminiscent of the original American fantasy film The Wizard of Oz. Songs such as “Ease On Down the Road” and “You Can’t Win” are among The Wiz’s biggest hits. “The Wiz is an important part of the American experience,” says director and choreographer Travis Love. “I think the message of the musical is relevant to young and mature audiences alike.” The Wiz is scheduled for Friday, June 8, at 2pm and 5pm, and Saturday, June 9, at 7pm at Atlantic Cape’s Performing Arts Center, (5100 Black Horse Pike). Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children and senior tickets are $10. Group discounts will be available. For more information call 553-2381. 
(Photo by Nastassia Davis)

— Shana Vanegas


Walk, Swim, Run, Row (or Fish) 
for the Donny Fund


Like the young man who inspired its creation, the Donny Fund’s dual mission is to promote a positive outlook while assisting local families affected by catastrophic illness. Donald Sykes, who passed away several years ago, was well known for his upbeat personality and positive demeanor despite a debilitating condition. The Donny Fund was created as an offshoot of the John and Nancy Sykes Foundation in 1993 to honor his memory, and on Sunday, June 3, the Donny Fun Day will return to the Yacht Club of Pleasantville (344 East Bayview Ave., on the shore of Lakes Bay, Pleasantville). Donny Fun Day is an open challenge for rowers, swimmers, paddle boarders, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. It goes from 8am-noon, and participants can row or swim a 2.5-mile course for a $25 donation, or run or walk a 5K course along the bay for $15. A T-shirt and brunch will be provided to all participants, or you may attend the brunch only for a $6 donation. Call 641-8666, go to thedonnyfund.org or e-mail esykes01@hotmail.com for more information. Additionally, the Greater Atlantic Bluefish Tournament (GABT) will be held the same weekend (fishing on Saturday, June 2, and an awards banquet 6pm Sunday, June 3, at the Brigantine Elks Lodge) to benefit the Donny Fund and other charities. The tournament is in its 25th year and has assisted hundreds of families from seven southern New Jersey counties since becoming a non-profit organization eight years ago. See gabt.com for more. — Ray Schweibert

Drew Toonz