Bruce at Clearwater (continued from page 1)
His voice rang from the crystal clear PA and through Asbury's boardwalks.  Some stood around the Festival's fences trying to figure out if the voice they heard was his. He sang 'Land of Hopes and Dreams' and 'My City of Ruins' as if he was speaking directly to the city calling the latter 'a prayer for my city.' The Boss left the stage singing a chorus of these five important words, 'Come on and rise up.'

The Jersey band, The Wag's, set was pushed back because of the appearance. After Springsteen left the stage, Wag keyboardist Alicia Van Sant gave him a CD and asked him if he would stay for their set.  Springsteen toured the festival and returned for the Wag's 40-minute set. After sitting with Clearwater performers Tony Amato and Steve Schreager of Bocciagalupe and the Bad Boys and bopping his head and tapping his feet to the Wag's music, he went back stage to meet talk to the band.  'He gave us some advice that went like this,' said Ostering.  ' 'Be persistent, keep plugging away. It took me ten years to get a recording contract.  Your stuff is good, so keep playing it out.''

The Clearwater Festival was created in 1975. Folk legend and one of Springsteen's heroes, Pete Seeger, formed the original Clearwater sloop in the Hudson River region 26 years ago. He and a handful of friends decided to build a replica of a 19th century sloop and sail from town to town on the Hudson River, promoting environmental causes. This years Clearwater theme was 'Revive-Restore- Renew.' The two-day family-oriented event featured bands, puppeteers, storytelling, crafts, clowns and games.  It is considered the largest eco-festival in New Jersey and was sponsored by the Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater. As per their press release, the group is 'dedicated to environmental education, advocacy and action.' --Josh Davidson

Poetry in Brick
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Township's Cultural Arts Center and director of the "Poetry in the Park" series. Four folk singers and 10 poets are slated to perform, including flutist Kenneth Little Hawk, New York poet Joe Weil and folk singer Spook Handy. The event is expected to draw many, some of whom will be scheduled entertainment and others who can provide their own impromptu. Plus, an open reading for anyone who wishes to present their work is available.

The festival will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the bandstand area at Windward Beach Park. Food will be on hand, and the event is free of charge. If Brick's other successful cultural programs -- Poets' Circle, the Writers' Block and the Playwrights' Corner -- are any indication, the Folk Music and Poetry Festival should be a hit, too. And with Fall upon us, this is one of the last outdoor events in that area before the weather cools. For more info, call (732) 262-1088. --Catherine E. Galioto