DRIVING JERSEY Returns to NJTV Tonight

Filmmakers Steve Rogers and Ryan Bott are back on the road as Driving Jersey returns to NJTV, New Jersey's public television network, with all new episodes this February. The gallivanting producers behind what's been called NJTV's "first big hit" continue their quest to showcase both the iconic and undiscovered parts of the Garden State. This month's episodes travel from the eastern shores of Monmouth County westward to Mercer County and the State's capital.

Driving Jersey will air as part of NJTV's NJmade Primetime local programming block on Wednesdays. Here's a look at what Rogers and Bott discovered their latest road trips:

TONIGHT February 19 at 8:30pm Asbury Park, Two Sides

In Asbury Park, Two Sides, the Driving Jersey team takes in a burlesque show at the Asbury Lanes bowling alley in Asbury Park. This venue is legendary in the area for its vintage bowling experience, art shows, outrageous show productions and live punk and rock music programs. As Asbury Lanes enters its 52nd year in business, the establishment is under threat to be taken over via eminent domain by waterfront redeveloper Asbury Partners. Asbury Lanes is just one of the seven properties that Asbury Partners has targeted for redevelopment in cooperation with the city.

February 26 at 8:30pm Driving Jersey: Angie Pontani

While investigating Asbury Lanes, Driving Jersey producers met Angie Pontani, a famed burlesque performer who was headlining one of the shows. She invited the producers back to the Chambersburg neighborhood of her youth. Once regarded as the "Italian section" of South Trenton. Then she recalls fond childhood memories and the experiences that shaped her career. Driving Jersey: Angie Pontani portrays Angie's Jersey, introducing the audience to the church where she received first Holy Communion, the front porch where she performed for the neighborhood kids, her cousin Larry's hole-in-the-wall hair salon, that needs to be seen to be believed, and the cast of colorful characters that still haunt the old neighborhood. The episode demonstrates the importance of a person's roots to who they become. Angie's background, family and love of music and dance, has influenced not only her choice in career but who she is today.

Stay tuned to NJTV in March for more Driving Jersey and NJmade local programming. Catch up with past episodes of Driving Jersey on the NJTV website, njtvonline.org.

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