Who is ready to go to space?
A one-of-a-kind presence in the world of modern jam bands, Circles Around the Sun will hit Asbury Park’s Wonder Bar on Friday night.
The band was created by Denville native guitarist Neil Casal to represent the Grateful Dead-inspired instrumental piece played during the set break of The Dead’s 2015 Fair the Well Stadium concert. Made.
Since then, Circles Around the Sun have explored new sonic territory and have continued to do so even after Khazal’s death in 2019.

The band last year released two great singles, the live album Live at the Charleston Pour House 11/12/21, the enveloping “Outer Boroughs” featuring harpist Michaela Davis and the rich, expansive “Language.” has been released.
“Language” is also the title of the band’s fourth album due for release in the spring.
Nectar’s Presents welcomes Circles Around the Sun — guitarist John Lee Shannon, bassist Dan Horn, keyboardist Adam McDougal and drummer Mark Levy — backed by Rich Ruth. This is the sonic journey you want to take.
go: Circling the sun with Rich Ruth on Friday at 7pm at Wonder Bar, Fifth Avenue and Ocean Avenue. wonderbarasburypark.com.
Long Beach Island Bites Winter Restaurant Week

During the summer when Long Beach Island is bustling with tourists, it becomes difficult to get into restaurants.
But there are plenty of tables at this time of year, with about 20 eateries on and off the island participating in Long Beach Island Bites Winter Restaurant Week. From Friday he runs through Sunday, February 5th, the restaurant offers set meals for lunch, dinner, or both.
Among many other dishes, Ship Bottom’s Salt Kitchen & Bar has short rib pappardelle. Oyster BLT from The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House in Stafford. Shipbottom’s LBI Pancake House French toast with lemon curd and blueberry compote. Chicken pot pie from Buckalew’s Restaurant and Tavern in Beach Haven.
go: Winter Restaurant Week on Long Beach Island from January 27th to February 5th. For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, search Long Beach Island Bites on Facebook.
Bell Works beer and snacks

Holmdel’s Bell Works Complex brings back Brews + Bites, a tap takeover series showcasing local craft breweries, on Thursday. Alternate Ending Beer Co. of Aberdeen visits Bell Works.
Alternate endings offer a variety of specialty beers and seasonal creations to accompany your food. Each $45 ticket includes four beer samples, each paired with food.
go: Brews + Bites, Thursdays at 5pm, Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, $45. bell.works/events/brews-bites.
read with pride
The monthly Pride Adult Book Club meets on Thursdays from 7-8 pm at the Toms River Chapter of the Ocean County Library.
Each month will feature a different theme and focus on books featuring prominent LGBTQ+ characters. This month’s theme is Young Adult Literature. Recommended books are “Aristotle and Dante, discovering the secrets of the universe” by Benjamin Arile Saenz and “They die in the end” by Adam Silbera.
The books are available on the apps Libby and Hoopla and are printed at the library. This book discussion is for those who identify as LGBTQ or simply want to learn more about LGBTQ+ stories, stories and experiences.
Everyone is welcome.
go: Read with Pride, Adult Book Club, Thursdays at 7 p.m., Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River. 732-349-6200 or oceancountylibrary.org.
Broadway Rave at the Independent’s House
Want to party hard at some of Broadway’s most eye-catching jams? That’s not an impossible dream at Asbury Park.
Broadway Rave: Saturday night, a musical theater dance party at an independent house. A dance floor extravaganza of musical theater, the Tour’s spectacular show is sure to create a one-of-a-kind sensation.
Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters. Also, a special surprise guest may appear at any time. Get ready for some pretty dazzling dazzle, folks.
go: Broadway Rave: The Musical Theater Dance Party, Saturday, 9 pm, House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave., $15-$20. https://houseofindependents.com.
stand-up science showroom

You know Beakman and Bill Nye, but now let’s meet Ben Miller.
The New York City-based scientist-turned-comedian is a stand-up science star. This is a humorous piece of edutainment that has toured the country and played at the Edinburgh He Fringe Festival in Scotland.
Miller will host his multimedia event Saturday night at Asbury Park’s ShowRoom Cinema.
go: Ben Miller’s Stand-Up Science, Saturday at 7:30 pm, ShowRoom Cinema, 707 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park. showroomcinemas.com.
Asbury Park’s low-key social
In the alcohol-free spirit of Dry January, Asbury Park’s Over the Moon Art Studio will host the first installment of its Sober Social series on Saturday night.
Gatherings include live paintings, oracle readings, onsite vendors, handcrafted mocktails and snacks, and music from DJ Spicy Brown.
go: Sober Social, Saturday 9pm, Over the Moon Art Studio, 808 Springwood Ave., Asbury Park, $15. overthemoonartstudios.com.
Sarah Griesemer contributed to this story.