In the Arts

Billed as "The Petite Picasso," Alexandra Nechita returns to Stone Harbor for a second consecutive summer show, "Quest for Peace," Aug. 3-5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The young artist from Romania began drawing at the age of 2 and was recognized as a child prodigy before she was 10 years old. Her talent has attracted the attention of art critics and media throughout the world. In 2001, at the age of 15, the World Federation of United Nations named Alexandra the "Ambassador of Peace Through Art." This appointment, along with the tragic events of 9/11, inspired her to launch a global peace initiative. After three years of dedicated work, Nechita finished a monument that expresses her commitment to world peace. In June 2005, she presented her massive 10-foot-tall bronze monument titled "Let There Be Peace" to the president and people of The Republic of Singapore. She is creating seven monuments in all - one for each continent on earth.

Receptions with the artist will be held 7-10 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4 and noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 5. Details: (609) 264-8004.

The following concerts will take place at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Ave., as part of the Ocean County Carousel of Musi c, presented to the public free of charge, by the Ocean County Board of Freeholders and the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation:

July 26, 7:30 p.m., The Briartones

July 27, 7:30 p.m., The Toms River Municipal Band

July 29, 7:30 p.m., Deuces Wild, featuring Paul Hoffman

Aug. 3, 7 p.m., Ocean County Youth Band

Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Sentimental Journey: A Salute to Glenn Miller

Aug. 5, 7 p.m., Ocean County String Band

Aug. 11, 7 p.m., Next Generation Band

For details, contact (877) OC-PARKS or (732) 349-6200.

The SummerFest concert series hosted by radio station WJRZ 100.1, a Greater Media radio station, is continuing to draw more than 8,000 people to a free evening of musical entertainment at Windward Beach, Princeton Avenue, Brick.

The concerts scheduled for August include Jazz Night with Keiko Matsui, Aug. 2; Classic Rock Night featuring The Nerds and Yasgur's Farm, Aug. 16; and Country Night with Marty Stuart, Aug. 30. All concerts begin at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is free. Details: (732) 262-1075.

This month, The Premier Theatre Company rounds out its 22nd summer season of live entertainment at the Henderson Theater, 850 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Broadway opening of another all-time classic musical, "The Music Man."

"The Music Man" tells the story of traveling salesman Harold Hill (portrayed in this production by DJ Brown, originally from Middletown), and his visit to a small Iowa town in 1912, where he meets and falls in love with the willful spinster librarian Marian Paroo (Deborah Murad of Red Bank).

The Premier Theater Company will present 10 performances of "The Music Man" through July 29.

Tickets are: $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, $16 for students (with ID) and $13 for ages 13 and younger. Group discounts are also available.

Details and tickets: (732) 774-STAR (7827) or www.premiertheatre.com.

Calling all young artists! The Monmouth County Park System will host several sessions of Kids' Art at the Park throughout July. Youngsters are invited to create both representational and fantasy artwork inspired by nature. Students will focus on elements of design such as line, color, value, shape, texture and space. Classes will be held both indoors and outdoors on the following days and locations from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.: July 23-27 (ages 8-14). The cost for each session is $205 per person plus a $7 supply fee. Details and registration: (732) 842-4000. (TTY/TDD number is 711).