Madonna Carter Jackson Book Signing

The long-awaited sequel to Madonna Carter Jackson's “Asbury Park: A West Side Story” has arrived and the new book, “Westside Story: Second Edition,” will make its local debut during two book-signings on Saturday, July 2- both at the oceanfront and downtown Asbury Park.

Jackson will be signing copies of her new book at the Asbury Galleria, located in Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade, from 4 to 6 p.m., and then at the Asbury Park Historical Society Museum, 685 Cookman Avenue, from 7 to 9 p.m. The museum is located in the lower level of the Shoppes at the Arcade (the old Woolworth building). The book will be available for purchase ($29.95) at both locations.

“Come meet Madonna and talk about Asbury Park’s unique history,” Asbury Galleria owner Kay Harris said. The Asbury Galleria, at the southern end of the Arcade, is well-known for its display and merchandising of Asbury Park memorabilia and the Historical Society museum currently has an extensive exhibit on the musical heritage of Asbury Park, from Arthur Pryor to Bruce Springsteen. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Jackson, once again, uses the vast collection of her father's photography to create the second volume. Volume one was released to much success in 2007. Madonna’s father, Joseph Carter, was a photographer from the 1940s to the 70s. He lived and worked in Asbury Park and took many photographs of the city’s West Side. “Without these books I am not quite sure what would have been preserved from the West Side. This kind of historic material by Carter is a true Asbury Park treasure,” Historical Society President Don Stine said. Part of the museum’s musical heritage exhibit pays homage to Carter and his works.

The new second edition focuses on the music scene on the city's West Side, with a good sprinkling of photos at the Asbury Park beach and of the West Side's social scene. For more information, contact Kay Harris of the Asbury Galleria 732-775-4100, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Historical Society President Don Stine at 732-774-4590 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About the Asbury Park Boardwalk in NJ

The boardwalk in Asbury Park is in the process of revitalization and has recently been connected to the neighboring town of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Asbury Park boasts a one mile long Boardwalk which is located 60 miles south of New York City, and about 90 minutes north of Atlantic City.

Asbury Park is the birth home of Bruce Springsteen, Danny Devito and Jack Nicholson. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, Asbury Park is in the middle of a major redevelopment project right now. The Queen of the northern Jersey Shore is about to return to its former place of glory! Once known as the "Crown Jewel" of the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park is really going to try to make a comeback, and should be near finished by 2009. Try to catch it while the old buildings still exist, like “Madame Marie’s” brightly painted fortune telling booth made famous by Bruce Springsteen. The old Casino Pier is closed. It once contained a skating rink, roller derby, and amusements. The Casino has been a backdrop for the “Soprano’s” TV show and in the movie “City by the Sea.” In the next few years, the city promises shops, arcades, and goodie stands. 2007 brings new excitement as the boardwalk undergoes refurbishing. Several entrepreneurs have already opened new shops on the boardwalk, taking advantage of rent concessions to move into the old pavilions lining the boardwalk. On the first Saturday of every month, Asbury Park's downtown art galleries, home design studios, restaurants, antique shops, and clothing boutiques remain open throughout the evening, serving Hors d’œuvres and offering entertainment, to showcase the city's residential and commercial resurgence.