Altrok Weekend: Upstage Benefit, Twisted Faire, Guitar Show

Looks like there's a few notable things happening in New Jersey in the dead of winter...maybe not so surprising considering how non-dead this winter has been.

Upstage Magazine is a tireless supporter of Asbury Park's rock scene, and as one of its primary voices, nobody wins when it's silent. That's what happened when a small fire disabled part of their operation, so a fine collection of artists has been assembled to give them a hand - notable among them, Altrok faves Val Emmich and Meagan Brothers. The benefit will take place starting 5pm Saturday at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park; there's lots more info and a full line-up behind this link to Upstage's announcement.

Bizarre chuckleheads A Halo Called Fred will be doing a set at the Wicked Renaissance Faire, which itself promises to be a bizarre collection of happenings in general. (A hint: folks under 15 are strongly discouraged from participating.) Looks like Voltaire's involved, too - always a good indicator that weirdness is on the way. All of that happens Saturday inside (yes, inside - they may be bizarre, but they ain't crazy) the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison.

Next Sunday (Feb. 19) brings the Brookdale Guitar Show, now in its ninth year. It'll be at the Student Life Center at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, and to say it will provide an immersive environment for all things musical would be an understatement. Performances will be provided by Charles Bissell of The Wrens and Sonny Kenn, among many others - what, you thought with all those guitars lying around, someone wouldn't want to pick one up and play it?