Count Basie Offers Free Tickets To Furloughed Federal Workers

RED BANK, NJ — Jon Bon Jovi. Rutgers University. Now even the Count Basie is lending a hand to help furloughed federal workers as the federal government shutdown enters its 35th day.

The Count Basie Center for the Arts announced Thursday night they are offering free tickets to the following shows to furloughed federal workers and their families.

"The Count Basie Center recognizes the importance of the arts in relieving stress and helping those face adversity," said the beloved longtime performing arts venue, located in Red Bank. "We hope the families of those affected will enjoy an uplifting performance at the historic Basie."

The seven shows offered are:

The Simon and Garfunkel Story on Jan. 30
Swan Lake on Feb. 1
An Evening with the Celebrity Housewives on Feb. 8
Disney’s DCappella on Feb. 12.
Black Violin on Feb. 13
Comedian Bobby Collins on Feb. 15
Dinosaur Zoo: Dinosaurs of the Deep on Feb. 17

You have to show proof of federal employment.

Rocker BonJovi offered free meals to federal workers at his SoulKitchen restaurants in Red Bank and Toms River this week. Rutgers is not collecting tuition from the children of federal workers. OceanFirst Bank and Provident Bank said they will delay mortgage payment collection. And many New Jersey hospitals across the state are waiving co-pays and deductibles for federal workers. Read those stories:

Bon Jovi Serving Furloughed Workers For Free

Rutgers Suspends Tuition For Furloughed Federal Employees

Marlboro Collecting Food For Furloughed Coast Guard Workers

For more information, call 732-842-9000 or visit www.thebasie.org.

Exterior of the Count Basie via Google Earth.