POP! A Night at the Lanes​
​
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | Asbury Park, NJ
​
“Sip Like Andy” VIP Cocktail Reception
5:30 – 6:30 PM
The Asbury Hotel – Soundbooth
210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
​
“POP! ‘til You Drop” Celebration & Dinner
6:30 – 9:30 PM
Asbury Lanes
209 4th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Wear your most iconic, ironic, and fabulous bright and bold attire.
​
​​
​
​​Get ready to step into a technicolor dream inspired by the bold, rebellious spirit of Pop Art! On Thursday, October 23, Monmouth Arts will transform The Asbury’s Soundbooth and Asbury Lanes into a vibrant world of color, creativity, and high-energy celebration, where art, music, and imagination come together in true Pop Art style.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the "Sip Like Andy" VIP Cocktail Party at the Soundbooth at The Asbury, featuring velvet-rope vibes and a splash of Warhol-inspired glamour.Then at 6:30 PM, the scene shifts to Asbury Lanes for the "POP 'Til You Drop" Dinner Celebration packed with comic book color, retro flair, and music by DJ Pepe Loco. Expect bold visuals, surprise moments, and a crowd that’s anything but ordinary, a true Pop Art happening, where creativity and cool collide.
Throughout this unforgettable evening, we’ll celebrate this year’s honorees: Darlene Love, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award-winning vocalist, and Rolling Stone‘s pick for “the greatest singer of all time,” presented by Tim McLoone and Little Steven Van Zandt. We'll also celebrate Val Emmich, the multi-talented singer-songwriter, actor, and author of Dear Evan Hansen; Eileen Chapman, the passionate arts champion and live music curator who helped bring the Bruce Springsteen Archives to life; Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C., steadfast civic and legal advocates powering the local arts scene; and Knowledge Bennett, acclaimed contemporary artist known for his bold, thought-provoking work that bridges pop culture and social commentary.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in the silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind gifts and exclusive experiences. Every bid supports Monmouth Arts’ mission to ignite creativity and keep arts programming vibrant and accessible throughout our community.
This isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of imagination, energy, and artistic expression that brings us all together. So come ready to be dazzled, surprised, and inspired as we bring the dynamic, playful spirit of Pop Art to life at the Asbury Lanes!
.png)
.png)
Honorees
DARLENE LOVE
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC AWARD
​
​
Darlene Love is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award-winning vocalist, and Rolling Stone‘s pick for “the greatest singer of all time.” Often called the “Golden Voice of the 1960s,” Darlene was discovered by legendary producer Phil Spector, who catapulted her to fame with timeless hits like “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Her influence on music history is immense—in a recent interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Cher credited Darlene, saying, “There would be no Cher without Darlene Love.” It was a fateful moment when Darlene’s car broke down on the way to a recording session, and Spector asked Cher to fill in on background vocals, sparking the start of Cher’s iconic career.
Darlene has performed with a legendary roster of artists including Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt, Sonny and Cher, Bill Medley, Tom Jones, Sam Cooke, and The Beach Boys. She also sang with groups like The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, and her own vocal group, The Blossoms.
A highlight of Darlene’s illustrious career was being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 by Bette Midler, an honor she credits to her dear friend Bruce Springsteen for making it happen. In 2013, Darlene starred in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which celebrated the immense contributions of backup singers. Her unforgettable presence earned her a standing ovation when she accepted the Academy Award, a defining moment in her career.
Darlene’s legacy as the “Queen of Christmas” is undisputed, with Mariah Carey herself officially endorsing her. She has performed “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” for 28 consecutive years on The Late Show with David Letterman and will once again perform her holiday classic on The View this December for the ninth year in a row.
2023 has been a banner year for Darlene, with a standout performance at Christmas at Rockefeller Center alongside her dear friend Cher. That same year, Bruce Springsteen presented her with an RIAA Platinum Album plaque for “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” solidifying its status as a timeless holiday anthem.
A few years ago, Darlene released the critically acclaimed album Introducing Darlene Love, produced by Steven Van Zandt, continuing to showcase her unparalleled talent. From her early days with Phil Spector to her current success selling out concerts worldwide, Darlene Love remains a true music icon, whose voice and influence have shaped the landscape of popular music for over six decades.
ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD
​
Ansell Grimm & Aaron is a premier full-service law firm rooted in New Jersey, proudly serving clients since 1929. With offices in Ocean, Woodland Park, and Philadelphia, the firm provides comprehensive legal representation in various areas, including litigation, real estate, commercial transactions, personal injury, and estate planning. Its team of seasoned attorneys is known for a strategic, client-centered approach and a strong track record of success.
​
The firm’s mission extends beyond legal excellence. Ansell Grimm & Aaron is deeply invested in giving back to the communities it serves. The firm actively supports a wide range of charitable causes, including veterans’ services, healthcare initiatives, and educational programs for underserved youth.
​
Additionally, Ansell Grimm & Aaron have been strong advocates for the arts. The firm has provided sponsorships, pro bono legal support, and fundraising assistance to regional arts organizations, community theaters, and cultural programs. By championing local artists and creative initiatives, the firm helps enrich the cultural fabric of the communities where its attorneys live and work.
​
This blend of legal expertise and civic commitment defines Ansell Grimm & Aaron as a firm that not only serves its clients but also strengthens the communities it serves.
KNOWLEDGE BENNETT
ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL ARTS
Knowledge Bennett is a self-taught, interdisciplinary contemporary artist renowned for his large-scale silkscreen paintings that blend pop culture iconography with historical and political narratives. Born in Asbury Park, Knowledge's artistic journey began in his hometown, where he was recognized as an all-state athlete in track and served as head captain of the football team at Asbury Park High School.
​
After briefly attending The College of New Jersey, Bennett left to focus on entrepreneurship, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 2014. There, he established himself in the fine arts scene, founding The KNOW Contemporary gallery in 2018. His work has been featured in major exhibitions, including Art Basel and the Smithsonian's "Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth." tour.
​
Bennett's art often addresses themes of race, identity, and systemic injustice. Notable series include "Obama Cowboy," "Cojones," and "Orange is the New Black," which recontextualize historical and cultural imagery to provoke dialogue on American societal issues. His recent "Black Paintings" series adopts a minimalist approach, utilizing geometric shapes and black diamond dust to explore themes of spirituality and introspection. His next exhibition will feature work in photography as well as motion picture.
​
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Bennett has appeared in Netflix's "#blackAF" and is developing a docuseries through his production company. He is also committed to philanthropy, supporting youth programs in his hometown and mentoring aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
EILEEN CHAPMAN
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
​
Eileen Chapman is the Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University. She played a pivotal role in bringing the collection to the University, transforming it from a grassroots fan project into a significant cultural and educational institution. Eileen has a long-standing connection to the Jersey Shore music scene. She was the founding member of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation and served as the Entertainment Director for the Clearwater Festival. Additionally, she was the General Manager of iconic venues such as the Stone Pony and McLoone’s Rum Runner. She also opened and operated New Jersey's first CD music store, Almost Live CD Center, in Belmar from 1986 to 2000
​
Beyond her professional achievements, Eileen has been deeply involved in her community. She has served on various boards, including the Asbury Park Historical Society and the Asbury Park Music Foundation, and was appointed to the Asbury Park City Council. Her dedication to both the arts and her community underscores her commitment to preserving and promoting New Jersey's cultural heritage.
VAL EMMICH
EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD
​
Val Emmich is a novelist, singer-songwriter, and actor. He is the author of three novels, including the New York Times bestseller Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel, based on the hit Broadway show, and The Reminders, which was a Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers selection. His career as a singer-songwriter spans over two decades and includes more than a dozen full-length albums. As an actor, he has appeared on numerous TV shows, including 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, and Vinyl, and has been featured in numerous commercials. A native of Monmouth County, he currently lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his wife and two daughters.
Entertainment
Remember Jones
Live Auction Host
Steven Rubino
Emcee
Pepe Loco
DJ