(OCTOBER 22, 2016 – RED BANK) Bobby Bandiera & Friends return to the Count Basie Theatre on Friday, December 23, 2016 for HOPE CONCERT 9, slated this year to benefit The Foodbank Of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and the Latino outreach programs at Red Bank’s Two River Theater.

In addition, $10 from every ticket sold will go towards the Basie’s arts initiative in collaboration with Red Bank Borough Middle School to bring the arts to every child.
Tickets, priced from $50 to $500, go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 7th at noon through www.TheBASIE.org, theater phone charge at 732-842-9000 and the Basie box office, located onsite at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank.

“Every year, we get together at the Basie in the name of HOPE to raise awareness and money for worthwhile organizations that make a difference in our community,” said longtime HOPE concert organizer Bobby Bandiera. “This year, I couldn’t be more pleased that we’ll be helping the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and the Latino programming and outreach efforts at the Two River Theater.”

“The FoodBank’s mission is to ensure that Hunger Won’t Win Here,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. “Proceeds from HOPE 9 will go directly toward food and programs that feed the hungry in this community. The FoodBank has 300 feeding programs in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and approximately 70 of them are within 10 miles of Red Bank. Our partners include pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and group homes, and our goal is always to ensure that all families have access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life.”

“The promise of hope is essential to the art of theater,” says Two River Theater Artistic Director John Dias. “We strive not only to reflect the world in which we live but also to show people what’s possible.

Two River’s Latino outreach programs are geared toward making the experience of theater, and our work here in Red Bank, accessible to all audiences. We give to those who don’t always see themselves reflected in mainstream popular culture, a mirror in which to see themselves on stage. We are grateful to be a beneficiary of the annual HOPE 9, which will help Two River continue our work of producing plays by Latino writers; hosting free public events, including activities for families; and making available free tickets to mainstage performances through our community outreach partnerships.”

Past HOPE concert performers have included Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Deborah Harry of Blondie, Southside Johnny, Nicole Atkins, Gary U.S. Bonds, John Cafferty, Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, Brian Fallon and the late Ben E. King. As is tradition, Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone and his band, The Shirleys, will open the show with a set of holiday favorites.

“Bobby and his friends continue to demonstrate the art of generosity by bringing hope to much needed organizations,” said Count Basie Theatre President and CEO, Adam Philipson. “The Hope concerts are a staple of the Basie’s benefit shows. This year’s recipients are two extremely deserving organizations.”