Holiday Express To Perform Two Fundraising Concerts In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Now in its 30th season, the Holiday Express nonprofit will perform at two benefit concerts Dec. 19 and 20 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.

Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone of Little Silver is a philanthropist, restaurant entrepreneur and musical talent. And Holiday Express brings music, gifts and kindness to those who may be forgotten during the holidays.

Holiday Express is marking its 30th season with 100 performances in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Those who want to support Holiday Express’ mission to “share the gift of human kindness” are invited to attend the upcoming benefit concerts at the Basie, the organization says.

“We’re glad to be back in person at the Basie after the pandemic put us on hold for two years,” said McLoone, who will lead the band of 50 professional musicians and singers on stage as they perform a mix of traditional, gospel and "rock’n soul" holiday music.

McLoone said Jersey Shore guitarist and singer Jim Celestino will be back, as well as Dr. Elmo, best known for his Christmas novelty song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

The concerts will also feature guest appearances by costumed characters and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

McLoone, a musician and restaurateur, created Holiday Express in 1993 to help brighten the holidays for children and adults facing mental and physical challenges, serious illness, homelessness, isolation, and other struggles.

The nonprofit is delivering its interactive holiday party to many locations, including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and special needs programs, with a troupe of volunteer musicians and singers, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, their elves and costumed characters.

In addition to live music and the entertaining characters, each party includes meals, festive activities and gift bags filled with warm socks, hats, gloves, toiletries and other essential items - all donated. Holiday Express is also providing organizations still impacted by the pandemic taped concerts and food and gift drop-offs.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 30th season of delivering the gift of human kindness to nearly 30,000 people,” said Eileen Higgins, newly appointed executive director of Holiday Express, based in Eatontown, and a 20-year member of the volunteer Board of Directors.

Higgins said the nonprofit relies on 2,500 volunteers and the generosity of donors to make the holidays special for the most vulnerable in the tri-state region.

The pair of holiday shows at the Basie Center, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20 are an important fundraiser for Holiday Express.

Dubbed the “ultimate holiday shows,” the benefit concerts are presented by Stillwell-Hansen Inc. and Investors Bank.

Tickets are available at the Basie Center Box Office, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or by calling the box office at 732-842-9000. See the Basie website for more information.

To learn more about volunteering or supporting Holiday Express visit www.holidayexpress.org.

Local residents just experienced the organization’s festive holiday show at the Red Bank Town Lighting on Friday, Nov. 25, on Broad Street.