First 'Thursdays' - Over The Moon July

First Fridays landed a little differently this month. Because of Independence Day, the event was moved to Thursday, July 3, which gave the whole thing a slightly unusual but fun energy. I was still coming off the heels of Garden State Comic Fest, so it felt good to shift gears and be back at the Asbury Park Transportation Center with something more relaxed and community focused. July always feels like the height of summer here, the point where all the energy on the boardwalk and in the city seems to gather in one place. Redhead Redemption, my friend’s band, was part of the lineup along with Francesca Fuentas and Bill Carter, and it was great seeing them perform in a space that already feels like a second home. Even though it rained on and off throughout the evening, people still showed up, umbrellas in hand, ready to enjoy the music and the atmosphere.

There is something about these First Friday events that always grounds me. They are small, simple, and full of familiar faces, and they remind me why I love being part of the creative scene in Asbury. The rain didn’t dampen the mood, and the mix of art, music, and community made the night feel warm despite the weather. July has a way of pulling everyone together, and this event captured that perfectly. It was a good way to start the holiday weekend and a nice reset after the intensity of the convention world.