- published: 01 Apr 2016
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Rosario Isabel Dawson (born May 9, 1979) is an American actress, singer, and writer. She has appeared in films such as Kids, Men in Black II, 25th Hour, Sin City, Clerks II, Rent, Death Proof, The Rundown, Eagle Eye, Alexander, Seven Pounds, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and Unstoppable.
Dawson was born in New York City. Her mother, Isabel Celeste, is a writer and singer who is of Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban descent. Isabel was seventeen years old when Rosario was born; she never married Rosario's biological father, Patrick C. Harris. When Isabel was eighteen, she married Greg Dawson, a construction worker, who "loved and raised Rosario as his own daughter" (Dawson has stated that "He's always been my dad"). Dawson has a brother, Clay, who is four years younger. Her parents divorced in 2006.
At the age of 21, Isabel moved the family into an abandoned building squat on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she and her husband renovated an apartment and installed the plumbing and electrical wiring for the building, creating affordable housing where Rosario and Clay would grow up. Dawson has cited this part of her history when explaining how she learned that "If you wanted something better, you had to do it yourself."
MEADOWLANDS BATTLE FOR THE BEST BURGER
Not a seafood person? Then head to the Meadowlands for their Battle for the Best Burger competition. Fans can drop into the "Backyard" of The Meadowlands at 6 p.m. and sample the burgers being presented by the food trucks, restaurants, and home cookers. The winner will walk away with $1,000 if they impress the judges and spectators (entrants must pay a $100 entry fee to compete). Free (except for burger purchases). Saturday, 6 - 10 p.m. 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford. 201-THE-BIGM.
STEAMPUNK WORLD'S FAIR
Gentlemen get your mustaches waxed and top hats dusted off. The Steampunk World's Fair, one of the largest steampunk gatherings in the world, invades Piscataway Friday to Sunday. The festival will take place at two locations: The Radisson of Piscataway and The Embassy Suites of Piscataway. The weekend promises a wild display of costume and fashion, as well as dance, film, music and comedy. There will also be plenty of photo ops with costumed attendees and workers. $35-$100. Friday, 3 p.m. - 12 a.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Radisson, 21 Kingsbridge Rd, Piscataway. 732-980-0400. Embassy Suites, 121 Centennial Ave, Piscataway. 732-980-0500.
SUMMIT SPRING STREET FESTIVAL
The weather is finally nice enough for everyone to enjoy a good street fair. Summit's downtown will be lined with food vendors and artisans and crafts for fair-goers to browse and enjoy. There will also be music filling the air from local musicians, and the young ones can enjoy the games that'll be scattered about the grounds. Free. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 374 Springfield Avenue, Summit.
MONMOUTH PARK OPENS FOR 2016 SEASON
The New Jersey institution that is Monmouth Park will open for its new season on Saturday. The park will have live horse racing at starting 12:50 p.m. (with gates opening at 11:30 a.m.). One can also enter to win one of 50 VIP season and parking passes for the season. Outside of racing there will be a ton of events at the park this season including the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival (May 28-30), the 46th Annual Irish Festival (June 12), the Wine and Chocolate Festival (June 25-26), the Surf & Turf Seafood Festival (July 16-17), the Italian Festival (August 6), and the BBQ and Craft Beer Festival (September 3-5). Admission: $5-$7, Parking: $5-$10. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport. 732-571-5580.
ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK CON
The 'con' season never ends, and for good reason -- there are shows like the Atlantic City Boardwalk Con. The con, happening Friday May 13 to Sunday May 15, will presenting some seriously huge stars for panels including Rosario Dawson ("Daredevil"), "Teen Wolf's" Tyler Hoechlin, Edward James Olmos ("Battlestar Galactica," "Miami Vice"), "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" Ming Na Wen, and "The Flash's" Teddy Sears. "Breaking Bad" alum R.J. Mitte and Giancarlo Esposito will be taking part in a special panel dedicated to the seminal AMC series. Outside of appearances, there will a special Star Trek exhibit, a number of Wonder Woman exhibits, and -- natch -- cosplay. $13-$115. Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. 609-348-7000.
COMEDY AT THE CONVENTION HALL
OH! The Dice Man will perform in Asbury Park on Saturday as a part of the Monster Energy Outbreak Comedy Tour. 2016 has been a killer year for the comedian, having an integral part in the HBO series "Vinyl," and his Showtime series, aptly titled, "Dice." He will perform at the legendary Paramount Theatre, located in Convention Hall. $19.10-$97. Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. 732-897-6500.
A SOULFUL DANCE PARTY
If you aren't into comedy and are looking to dance, there's a great show across the way inside Convention Hall on Sunday. Remember Jones' Soul Revue and Dance Party will be having a record release party for the album, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Remember Jones." The show will feature a 20-piece soul orchestra, as well as cameos from Asbury luminaries such as Emily Grove, Rick Barry and Arlan Feiles. $15 (advance), $18 doors. Saturday, 8 p.m. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.
Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
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