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Former American Idol Finalist to Rock the Pollak

Antonella Barba, a Point Pleasant native, will be performing at Monmouth University this evening to benefit the men's tennis team.

WEST LONG BRANCH - It is not very often that people can say they saw a former American Idol finalist perform in an intimate setting, but many will have the opportunity to say that this evening, as Season 6 American Idol finalist Antonella Barba will be performing at Monmouth University's Pollak Theatre at 8 p.m. this evening, Dec. 16.

Along with American Idol, Barba has been featured on FOX Network's Good Day New York, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and Access Hollywood.

"An Evening with Antonella Barba and Friends," will not only feature Ms. Barba, but will also feature Don Guerrazzi and his band, along with back-up singers and dancers. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Monmouth University Men's Tennis Team.

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Ms. Barba, a native of Point Pleasant, will be performing holiday classics, as well as her hit song, "Jersey Girl." That single was released last May, and was co-written by Dan MacKenzie, who has also helped write songs for Joss Stone and Martin Sexton.

In addition to Ms. Barba, vocalist Patsy Palma will perform, as well as Ms. Barba's writing collaborator and pianist David Sherwood. Sherwood is currently a Monmouth University junior, and will be performing during the concert as well. Sherwood helped organize the entire show as part of a music class he is taking at Monmouth University, as he is currently a music major at the school. As he is also a member of the boy's tennis team, he decided it would be a huge benefit if the proceeds from the show could help pay for a portion of the travel expenses for the upcoming men's tennis team season as well.

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"Proceeds will help go toward the travel of the team," Sherwood noted.

He explained he met Barba several years ago, when he was in high school, he competed on a tennis team with Barba's brother.

"I was playing piano at his house, and the next thing I knew his sister just came downstairs and started singing with me," he recalled. "Ever since then we just clicked."

He added though Ms. Barba has performed in a myriad of locations, this will be one of her longest shows, and will also be one of her most intimate concerts as well.

"This is one of her first times doing a full two-hour concert, and it is in a very small and intimate location," he noted, adding that everyone involved is very much looking forward to perform this evening.

Mr. Sherwood added how excited he is for the show tonight, and one that he is looking forward to as well.

"I'm really looking forward to the show, just so excited to get underway," he said. "We hope it's a great and successful event, and it is definitely benefiting a good cause."

Tickets for the show are $17 for Monmouth University students and $20 for all others at the show. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8 p.m.

For more information on Ms. Barba, visit www.therealantonella.com. For more information on the show tonight, please contact the Monmouth University Box Office at 732-263-6889.

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