Key Highlights
- Charlie Puth highlights Monmouth County in his TikTok interview.
- Three contestants from Monmouth County are on “American Idol.”
- New Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth to boost local talent opportunities.
The Monmouth Moment: A Local Spotlight on the Entertainment Stage
Ashamed? Not a bit. The spotlight is shining brightly on Monmouth County, and it’s well-deserved.
Last year alone, the area saw its fair share of pop culture moments. From the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” which brought film crews to Freehold and Asbury Park, to the current season of “American Idol” where local talents are making waves.
Let’s start with the contestants. Jake Thistle, a regular on the Asbury Park music scene; Jacquie Lee of Colts Neck; and Julia Sienna Santiago of Freehold all made it to Hollywood Week with much acclaim.
Judge Lionel Richie himself praised Jake Thistle, calling him “The best area in New Jersey.” Meanwhile, Julia Sienna Santiago’s arrest-themed audition was a highlight, with judge Luke Bryan being “cuffed” by her because he criticized other contestants.
But Monmouth County isn’t just about the young hopefuls. Charlie Puth, a native of Rumson, has been doing his part to put the county on the map. Two weeks after his star-turning rendition of the National Anthem before Super Bowl 60, Puth was interviewed by Isaac Hindin-Miller for his TikTok feature “Isaac Likes.” Puth was asked where the best area in New Jersey is, and without hesitation, he said, “Monmouth County.”
The interview continued with Puth listing his favorite restaurants (Ajelica’s in Sea Bright), bars (Wonder Bar and Stone Pony in Asbury Park, and now-closed Briody’s Irish Pub in Rumson), music venues (PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank), and record store (Jack’s Music Shoppe in Red Bank). “This is awesome,” posted Jack’s staff on social media. “Charlie Puth, thank you so much for the kind words!
Also mentioned are a lot of places that are near and dear to us and our area :)”
The entertainment industry isn’t stopping there. With new Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth set to create opportunities for local talent, the future looks bright. Ali Wong, Pete Davidson, and Tracy Morgan have already filmed Netflix specials at the Basie Center, setting a precedent for more to come.
Local Love: A Personal Connection
It’s not just about the fame; it’s about the connection. Monmouth County is where Charlie Puth grew up, and his love for the area shines through in every interview. “This is awesome,” he added, listing all those places that are close to his heart.
“A lot of people moving in tied to Netflix are kind of drawn to Asbury so it’ll be interesting to see when they become residents here and they get to know it,” said Jim Lenskold from the Asbury Park Music Foundation. The bureau of tourism couldn’t have done a better job promoting the county, but the local love goes beyond just marketing spin.
The Future: Opportunities for Local Talent
With more movies being filmed in the area and new opportunities at Netflix Studios, Monmouth County is poised to become a significant player in the entertainment industry. The establishment of these facilities will create a pipeline for local talent, providing them with the exposure they need to break into the big leagues.
So, if you’re ever in Monmouth County, be sure to check out some Italian food at Ajelica’s, catch a show at the Wonder Bar or Stone Pony, and maybe even visit Jack’s Music Shoppe. Who knows? You might just see your next favorite celebrity there!
