By Mary Ann Bourbeau
Ming Chen was an aimless college student when he first saw “Clerks,” the debut film by Highlands native Kevin Smith.
“I was fascinated, borderline obsessed,” said Chen. “Nothing really happens in the movie but it was the dialogue that really got me. They were having conversations like me and my friends did. I was pretty directionless too, which is why “Clerks” spoke to me.”
Around 1996, Chen created a fan website based on the movie with the goal of finding others “Clerks” fans around the world. Two months later, he received a call from Smith, praising him for the site. Smith asked him to create a website for his production company, View Askew Productions, and six years later the Michigan native moved to New Jersey to work for Smith full-time. Chen continues to work on many of Smith’s online projects and has ventured into other areas, most recently hosting a weekly podcast called “I Sell Comics!” on Smith’s podcast network. He is also known for the AMC TV reality show “Comic Book Men.”
“It definitely changed my life,” said Chen. “I had changed my major about 10 times. All I really wanted to do was read comic books, watch movies and play video games. I never thought anyone would pay me for that, but I wound up on a TV show talking about comic books and pop culture.”
Chen, who serves on the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and the Garden State Film Festival boards, will be honored by Monmouth Arts with the Maverick Award at a fundraising gala on Sept. 28. Monmouth Arts After Dark: The Art of the Impossible will recognize community leaders who have made a difference in the arts.
“I got to where I am because of the arts in Monmouth County, mainly Kevin Smith,” said Chen. “To be considered a maverick is a huge honor.”
The gala’s presenters are Remember Jones and Stephen Rubino. There will be fantastical trickery and sleight of hand by illusionist Jeanette Andrews and mentalist, pickpocket and magician Brandon Williams. Entertainment also includes video DJ artist Atom Worth and singer/songwriter Pamela Flores.
The Smoke & Mirrors VIP Cocktail Reception will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Guests will be treated to strolling illusionists, live music, raffles, an auction and an open wine and beer bar.
The Supernatural Dinner Celebration follows from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park. It features an astonishing illusionist performance, close-up sleight-of-hand, feats of magic plus video DJ entertainment, an open bar and dinner.
“We like to celebrate different art forms at our gala,” said Teresa Staub, executive director of Monmouth Arts.
Filmmaker/actor Kevin Smith will receive the Artistic Achievement Award for Excellence in the Arts. His film “Clerks” won awards at both the Cannes and Sundance film festivals and several of his subsequent films were set in New Jersey. Smith owns Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank, a comic book store which became the setting for “Comic Book Men.” Last year, he expanded his business empire by purchasing the Atlantic Highlands movie theater, now renamed Smodcastle Cinemas.
“Kevin has had a big impact on the arts in Monmouth County and continues to be a strong presence in the community,” said Staub.
Neptune native Pat Battle, the Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of NBC 4’s “Weekend Today in New York,” will receive the Journalism Award. She serves as the station’s senior New Jersey correspondent. Her reporting was a key component of the station’s COVID-19 coverage and was honored with the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.
Tim Donnelly, founding partner of Sea.Hear.Now. music and arts festival in Asbury Park, will receive the Illuminator Award. Donnelly worked on the inaugural Lollapalooza festival, was a writer for MTV, Surfing magazine and Relix magazine, and worked with Danny Clinch on several music documentaries, including films on Pearl Jam and Bonnaroo.
“The Sea.Hear.Now. festival attracts thousands of people and has had a big impact on Monmouth County’s economy,” said Staub.
The Wonder Bar manager Debbie DeLisa will receive the Business Leadership Award. She and her former boyfriend, local music legend Lance Larson, purchased the abandoned Wonder Bar building in 2002 and reopened it that same year. They later sold it, but DeLisa remains on as manager. She has been recognized for numerous charitable endeavors, including raising money for dog rescue organizations and creating the bar’s popular Yappy Hour 16 years ago.
“The Wonder Bar is such an iconic venue,” said Staub.“Debbie does so much philanthropic work with animals and offers opportunities for both upcoming and established artists to perform.”
Impact 100 Jersey Coast will receive the Community Service Award. The all-volunteer women’s collective funds nonprofits that address the unmet needs of underserved populations in Monmouth County. Since 2015, it has awarded more than $2.4 million to 28 local nonprofits.
The gala will feature a silent auction with prizes that include an overnight package at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Broadway show tickets, wine packages and more. The money raised helps support arts programs and services including the Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival, Senior Art Show, programs for underserved youth and art instruction in senior centers. For more information or tickets, visit monmoutharts.org.
This article originally appeared in the September 14 – 20, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
