(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Longtime Asbury Park Press features and editorial editor page editor and community theater talent Rick Makin is remembered throughout the Jersey Shore as a kind, colorful Renaissance man, someone who could write, teach, sing, dance and act with great ability. In keeping with those diverse talents, the Rick Makin Memorial Scholarship for Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University will be awarded to students of journalism, music, theater, literature, and history, all of which were Makin’s great passions. 

To help raise funds for a $25,000 endowment, Musicians on a Mission, the Jersey Shore-based charity of volunteer performers, will present a benefit concert at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 20 at Transparent Clinch Gallery, 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park. Two rounds of songs and storytelling will feature the rich talents of Dave Vargo, Sharon Lasher, and Arlan Feiles, and Bobby Mahoney, Taylor Tote, and George Wirth. 

Makin was the Panorama editor of the Asbury Park Press throughout the 1970s assigning stories, interviews and reviews as Bruce Springsteen rose from local artist to international superstar. Meanwhile under Makin’s leadership, the Press covered the Sounds of Asbury Park as it gained stature as an internationally recognized rock music scene. The Asbury Park Press then named Makin editor of the editorial page, where his work was recognized with New Jersey Press Association Awards. He worked at the Press for 38 years, retiring in 2002.

For 50 years, Makin also was a sought-after performer within Jersey Shore community theater. His rich baritone vocals and strong acting were featured at The Barn, Red Music Theatre, Metro Lyric Opera, First Avenue Playhouse and more. A strong lineup of musicians has banded together to honor him. 

2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year, Dave Vargo will perform songs from two acclaimed albums, as well a third LP to be released soon. An award-winning musician and songwriter who has worked with The Band, Shannon McNally, Dave Grohl and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Producer Tom Dowd, Arlan Feiles has made his way across America playing his soulful blend of Americana music. Vargo and Feiles also will accompany Sharon Lasher, a Jersey Shore legend who passionately interprets great songwriters, such as Springsteen and Bob Dylan. 

An alternative rock singer-songwriter-guitarist whose energetic stagecraft was forged in New Brunswick basements and Asbury Park bars, Bobby Mahoney will be performing solo acoustic but also can be enjoyed with his band, the Seventh Son. The 2021 Makin Waves Female Artist of the Year, Taylor Tote also has been recognized by the Asbury Park Press and Star-Ledger as one of New Jersey’s best music talents. George Wirth’s vivid portrayals of the human condition won him the 2010 Asbury Park Music Award for Best Male Performer, as well as the 2009 Best Male Songwriter and Best Album Release. 

Rick Makin Memorial Scholarship Fund is an IRS 501c3 nonprofit. The suggested minimum donation for the Feb. 20 fundraiser is $20 at the door. Those who cannot attend the event can make a donation to the scholarship fund at https://gofund.me/e0e3ded4 or with a check made out to Rick Makin Memorial Scholarship Fund sent to 7 Hillsdale Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. 

Transparent Clinch Gallery is an immersive art gallery located in Asbury Park featuring Danny Clinch prints, books, apparel and more. Danny Clinch’s gallery space also serves as a nurturing haven for the local music scene with a vibe best described as part gallery, part music venue and part local living room. The Transparent Clinch Gallery recently was featured on PBS’ “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” A few days later, the gallery was visited by Springsteen, whose life-size Clinch portrait often is depicted in photos with fans visiting from all over the world. 

Musicians on a Mission creates connections and inspires giving by raising awareness and funds for local charitable organizations through planned musical events showcasing New Jersey performers. MOAM believes that the ability to create music is not only a gift to the performer and the listener but also a tool to make a difference in the world, starting with the most needy.

The gallery will be open at 11:00am. Media sponsors for the event are New Jersey Stage, The Aquarian Weekly, and Makin Waves.